Biography
Very little is known of Ann Radcliffe's life. The Edinburgh Review, published in 1823 (the year of her death) said of her: 'She never appeared in public, nor mingled in private society, but kept herself apart, like the sweet bird that sings its solitary notes, shrouded and unseen.‘ Christina Rossetti attempted to write a biography about her life, but abandoned it for lack of information.
As far as is known, there are no images available of Ann Radcliffe. According to Ruth Facer: "Physically, she was said to be 'exquisitely proportioned' – quite short, complexion beautiful 'as was her whole countenance, especially her eyes, eyebrows and mouth.'"
Radcliffe was born as Ann Ward in Holborn, London on 9 July 1764. Her father was William Ward, a haberdasher (who later moved to Bath to manage a China shop); her mother was Ann Oates. In 1787, she married Oxford graduate and journalist William Radcliffe, part-owner and editor of the English Chronicle. He often came home late, and to occupy her time she began to write and read her work to him when he returned home. They had a childless, but seemingly happy marriage. Ann called him her 'nearest relative and friend.' Later they traveled together, along with their dog, Chance, using profits from her novels. When Ann died on 7 February 1823, there were some reports that she was insane. However, her husband adamantly claimed that she had died of an asthma attack.
Read more about this topic: Ann Radcliffe
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