Mary Collyer facts for kids

Mary Collyer (born Mitchell) was an English writer and translator. She lived from about 1716 to 1763. She was known for her popular translations of famous books.

About Mary Collyer

Mary Mitchell married Joseph Collyer. They had a son also named Joseph. Their son became an engraver. He even drew pictures for one of his mother's books. It was her translation of Death of Abel.

Her Most Famous Translation: Death of Abel

Mary Collyer is best known for translating a book called Death of Abel. The original book was written by Salomon Gessner in 1758. Mary Collyer's English version came out in 1761.

This book became a huge hit! It was as popular as Pilgrim's Progress and Robinson Crusoe. Between 1762 and 1800, it was printed over 40 times. By 1830, there were 70 different versions. People in England, Scotland, Ireland, and North America loved it.

The story was based on a Bible story. It had strong feelings and religious ideas. Mary Collyer's translation made these feelings even stronger. Many everyday people enjoyed reading it.

Other Books and Translations

Mary Collyer also wrote her own novel. It was called Felicia to Charlotte. This book was published in 1750. Important writers like Mrs. Montague and Mrs. Carter noticed her work. Mrs. Carter once said Mary Collyer was "writing for the support of her family." She thought this was a good thing to do.

Mary Collyer also started translating another big book. It was called The Messiah by Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock. But she passed away in 1763 before finishing it. Her husband, Joseph, completed the translation. He published the rest of the book later that year.

List of Mary Collyer's Works

Here are some of the books Mary Collyer wrote or translated:

• The Virtuous Orphan (1743) – This was a translation of a French book.
• Memoirs of the Countess de Bressol (1743) – Another translation from French.
• Felicia to Charlotte (1744–1749) – This was Mary Collyer's own novel. It was about a young lady's letters. The book shared moral lessons.
• The Christmas Box (1748–1749)
• Death of Abel (1761) – Her famous translation of Salomon Gessner's book.
• The Messiah (1763) – A translation of Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock's work. Her husband finished and published it.