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...

Elderfield, Otterbourne, Winchester.
Oct 8th [1883]
Dear Charles,   I send you the M S of the story of Burrs hoping that it may help your Christmas number, and not be too youthful Thank you for the Magazine Yours truly C M Yonge Some of the pencil numbers are missing but the arrangement is all right ... continue reading
Dec 6th [1866]

My dear Anne Mrs Keble has just returned me this, it had no end to it and I hope it ought not. How very interesting it is and how heart stirring Miss Arthur’s letter, which I am sending to Mrs T Keble. Our Nets are not come yet. I forgot to tell you of Miss Parkes’ Vignettes to order. I think you would find much to interest you

Your most affectionate C M Yonge

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Elderfield, Otterbourne, Winchester.
Aug 16th [1867]

My dear Mrs Donkin, As soon as may be I will get the Summer Vacation sent to the press, but it cannot be before October at soonest that I send it - as all these remarkable events have thrown other M S back. I have a Naval Review just come, to complete the series you began.

By the by, it was a Woolwich cadet’s uniform that prince Arthur wore - as the daughter of the late commandant ... continue reading

Elderfield
Jany 31st 1889

Dear Mr Craik

I am very glad you approve of ‘the Reputed Changeling’ for a name.

He shall come on the 18th or 19th as soon as I have read him to an old friend and critic with whom I am going to stay on the 11th - when I shall put some last touches and corrections.

Yours truly C M Yonge

... continue reading