Charlotte Yonge is one of the most influential and important of Victorian women writers; but study of her work has been handicapped by a tendency to patronise both her and her writing, by the vast number of her publications and by a shortage of information about her professional career. Scholars have had to depend mainly on the work of her first biographer, a loyal disciple, a situation which has long been felt to be unsatisfactory. We hope that this edition of her correspondence will provide for the first time a substantial foundation of facts for the study of her fiction, her historical and educational writing and her journalism, and help to illuminate her biography and also her significance in the cultural and religious history of the Victorian age.


Featured Letters...

To an Unknown Woman
Elderfield, Otterbourne, Winchester.
May 26th 1882

Dear Madam

I am afraid your paper is too outspoken for the atmosphere of the Monthly Packet - which has to be guarded for young readers.

I should think there was every chance of the SPCK being glad to take your papers.

I do not know Cornwall at all, but is it not too strong to say that Adultery as such is not viewed as a sin - even by very neglected people

The other sin is - ... continue reading

To George Lillie Craik
Elderfield
June 9th1890

Dear Mr Craik I have just finished a story called ‘Two Penniless Princesses’ about the two daughters of James I of Scotland who went to visit their sister, the wife of the future Louis XI, and found her just dead. It is in 12 chapters, each taking from 12 to 16 pp of the Monthly Packet, where half has appeared. It is to be finished there in December. Is it well to take any steps ... continue reading

To Christabel Rose Coleridge
The Old House Dorking
Aug 12 [1899]

My dear C C I am glad there are some signs of life or of decay more properly of poor A D I- ! I do think there are more and more signs that a 6d phoenix would be welcomed.

I find the booksellers make all sorts of excuses for not having got it – The Authors Soc want to see my agreement before advising me. I could not find it easily before I ... continue reading

To an unknown bishop
Oct 21st [after 1875]

My dear Bishop

I find the apples are come but the arrival was not notified to me - and I had been blaming the rail way! Please tell me what there is to pay for them as I do not think my account came with them I suppose 8/ altogether but I am not sure

A busy week is coming between Diocesan Conference and G F S. How surpassingly lovely are the Autumn tints I gathered 86 ... continue reading