Frances Hodgson Burnett

Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) was born in Manchester, England. Following her father's demise in 1953, her mother struggled to sustain his business. Around 1865, when Frances was approximately sixteen years old, her family relocated to the United States, settling in rural Tennessee under the care of her mother's brother. Seeking solace in her vivid imagination, she began writing at nineteen. Her breakthrough came with Godey's Lady's Book in 1868, leading to regular publications in prestigious magazines. Her first story was published in Godey's Lady's Book in 1868. Soon after, she was being published regularly in Godey's Lady's Book, Scribner's Monthly, Peterson's Magazine and Harper's Bazaar. That Lass o' Lowrie's, her first full-length novel, was published in 1877. A memorial sculpture in Central Park's Conservatory Garden honours her, depicting characters from her famous work, The Secret Garden. Burnett's ability to weave tales of resilience, hope, and imagination has made her a cherished author, captivating readers across generations.