Susanna Dorothy (Forster) Dixon facts for kids
Susanna Dorothy Dixon (1757–1822) was an English writer. She is known for translating a book called Letters on Iceland from German. This book was published in 1780.
Her Life Story
Susanna Dorothy Dixon was born in London on August 1, 1757. She was the oldest of seven children. Her parents were Edward Forster the elder and Susanna.
In 1764, her family moved to Walthamstow. Susanna was educated there with her brothers. Some of her brothers, like Thomas Furly Forster and Edward Forster the Younger, became well-known. She also had famous relatives, including her uncle Benjamin Forster and her nephew Thomas Ignatius Maria Forster.
In 1798, Susanna married Reverend Francis Dixon. He was a church leader and lived in Henham, Essex. Sadly, her husband died early in 1801.
After his death, Susanna moved back to her family home in Walthamstow. She continued her good work in Henham. She helped poor people there. She even left money in her will to provide food for them at Christmas.
Susanna Dorothy Dixon passed away in Walthamstow on October 9, 1822. She was 65 years old. She was buried next to her husband in Henham.
Her Published Work
Susanna's father was a successful businessman. He also enjoyed hobbies like history and poetry. He was friends with important people, including Thomas Gray and Richard Gough.
When Susanna was in her early twenties, she started a big project. She decided to translate a book called Letters on Iceland. The original book was written in Swedish by a bishop named Uno von Troil. It was then translated into German.
Susanna's English translation was published in 1780. The full title was Letters on Iceland: containing observations on the civil, literary, ecclesiastical, and natural history; antiquities, volcanos, basaltes, hot springs; customs, dress, manners of the inhabitants, &c. &c. made, during a voyage undertaken in the year 1772, by Joseph Banks, assisted by Dr. Solander, Dr. J. Lind, Dr. Uno von Troil, and several other literary and ingenious gentlemen.
This book was very popular. It was published three times. The famous explorer Joseph Banks, a friend of her family, was also involved in the original letters.
It is not clear if this was the only book Susanna ever translated or wrote.
