Mary Masters facts for kids
Mary Masters (born around 1694, died around 1759) was an English writer from the 1700s. She wrote poems and letters. People remember her partly because she knew a famous writer named Samuel Johnson. Many also admire her for helping to change ideas about women's roles in society through her writings.
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About Mary Masters
Mary Masters was known by many important writers of her time. Their names were even listed as people who supported her two books of poems.
Friends and Mentors
James Boswell, who wrote a famous book about Samuel Johnson, said that Dr. Johnson sometimes helped Mary Masters with her books. He "illuminated them here and there with a ray of his own genius," meaning he made her writing even better with his brilliant ideas. This connection to Dr. Johnson helped make Mary Masters' name known in history.
She also knew Edward Cave, who was the editor of a popular magazine called the Gentleman's Magazine. When Mary visited London, she sometimes stayed at his house.
Her Famous Hymn
In 1755, Mary Masters published a book called Familiar Letters and Poems upon several Occasions. This book included a very well-known hymn that starts with the words 'Tis religion that can give Sweetest pleasures while we live. This hymn became so popular that it was added to many church songbooks.
Originally, the hymn had only six lines. Later, two more lines were added, and it was divided into two parts. This is how the hymn is still known today. People at the time described her writing as "chaste, moral, and religious," and said she was a "pleasant and clever writer."
Her Letters
Mary Masters was also known for her letters. In these letters, she shared strong opinions about the role of women in society, which were quite advanced for her time.
She is believed to have died around the year 1759.
Mary Masters' Books
Mary Masters published two books of poetry. Both were sold by subscription, meaning people paid for them in advance before they were printed.
- Poems on several occasions (published in 1733)
- Familiar Letters and Poems on Several Occasions (published in 1755)
See also
- List of 18th-century British working-class writers
