Mrs. Henry Wood: In Memoriam (Dodo Press)

Biography of Ellen Wood (nee Price) (January 17, 1814 - February 10, 1887), an English novelist, better known as Mrs. Henry Wood. Ellen Price was born in Worcester. In 1836 she married Henry Wood who worked in the banking and shipping trade in Dauphine in the South of France, where they lived for 20 years. On the failure of Wood's business, the family (including four children) returned to England, settling in Norwood in London, and Ellen Wood turned to writing. This supported the family (Henry Wood died in 1866). She wrote over 30 novels, many of which (especially East Lynne), enjoyed remarkable popularity. Among the best known of her stories are Danesbury House, Oswald Cray, Mrs. Halliburton's Troubles, The Channings, Lord Oakburn's Daughters and The Shadow of Ashlydyat. In 1867, Wood purchased the English magazine Argosy, which was founded by Alexander Strahan in 1865. She worked as its editor until June 1887. At her death (caused by bronchitis) her estate was valued at over £36,000, then a very considerable sum. Her works were translated into many languages.