Mary Catherine Rowsell facts for kids

Mary Catherine Rowsell (born December 29, 1839 – died June 15, 1921) was an English writer. She wrote many novels, especially for children, and also plays. Mary studied in Belgium and Germany. This helped her write books based on German folk tales and stories about famous French people. Many of her children's books were set during important historical events.

Mary Rowsell's Early Life and Learning

Mary Catherine Rowsell was born on December 29, 1839, in London, England. Her father, Charles John Rowsell, was an accountant. He even invented ways to improve a device called a Graphoscope, which was used to view pictures. Her mother was Sarah Lewis.

Mary had some famous relatives too! Her aunt, Sarah Rowsell, was married to a well-known architect named Sir Charles Barry. Her uncle, Thomas James Rowsell, was a popular speaker.

Mary went to Queen's College, London, a school in Harley Street. She also studied in Brussels, Belgium, and Bonn, Germany. Learning in these places helped her write stories inspired by German folk tales and French history.

Mary Rowsell's Writing Career

Mary Catherine Rowsell wrote different kinds of stories:

• Books for children, often based on folk tales or history.
• Novels for adults.
• Plays for the stage.
• Shorter stories.

Her first book, The Spirit of the Giant Mountains, was published when she was in her mid-twenties. It was a collection of forty German fairy tales. People really liked it! Reviewers said it was "charming" and "entertaining." Publishers even released a special edition for Christmas gifts.

After this first success, Mary didn't publish another book for a while. Her next book, Abbots' Crag, came out in 1872. This time, her name, M. C. Rowsell, was clearly shown as the author.

Popular Books and Plays by Mary Rowsell

Mary Rowsell wrote many interesting books and plays. Here are some of her notable works:

• Plays for Home Performance (1874): This book included plays like Thornrose and Sparkledor. One of her plays, Prince Riquet with the Tuft, was even performed by amateur actors.
• Saint Nicolas' Eve, and Other Tales (1876): A collection of six stories, mostly set in France.
• Love Loyal (1878): This was her first "three-volume novel," which was a common way to publish long stories back then.
• Tales of Filial Devotion (1883): This book shared six stories of brave young girls from French history. Mary hoped these examples of self-sacrifice would inspire her readers.
• Traitor or Patriot? A Tale of the Rye-House Plot (1884): This exciting story was set around the Rye House Plot, a real historical event where people tried to assassinate King Charles II of England.
• The Pedlar and His Dog (1885): Set in the time of Queen Elizabeth I, this story is about a pedlar who dreams of becoming successful.
• Fisherman Grim (1886): This children's book retells the legend of Fisherman Grim, who is said to have founded the town of Grimsby.
• Sepperl the Drummer-Boy (1886): A children's story about the early life of the famous musician Josef Haydn.
• Hans the Painter (1887): This book tells the story of how Hans Holbein the Younger, a famous painter, came to London and worked for King Henry VIII.
• The Red House (1888): This novel was so popular it was even turned into a play!
• The Story of a Queen (1890): A children's retelling of the life of Marie of Brabant, a queen of France.
• Thorndyke Manor (1890): An exciting historical novel about a squire wrongly accused in a plot against the king.
• The Friend of the People (1894): A novel set during the scary time of the Reign of Terror in France. This book was also made into a play.
• France: The Children's' Study (1897): A history book for children that made learning about France fun by adding personal stories and romances.
• Dick of Temple Bar (1900): The hero, Dick, is a bank clerk who saves his bank from a robbery.
• The Life-Story of Charlotte de la Trémoille (1905): This book tells the true story of the Countess of Derby and how she bravely defended her home during the English Civil War.
• Monsieur de Paris (1907): A fictional story about Madame Du Barry, a famous figure in French history.

Shorter Stories and Magazine Work

Mary Rowsell also wrote many shorter stories and serials (stories published in parts). She even edited a magazine called St. Paul's Magazine for a short time in 1889.

Some of her shorter works include:

• The Secret of the Ivory Room
• Uncle Will's Wager
• The Heir of Willowcote
• Monksford Ferry
• Paul Stormont's First Wife

These stories appeared in various newspapers and magazines, reaching many readers.

Later Years

Mary Catherine Rowsell continued to write for many years. She passed away on June 15, 1921, at the age of 81.