Risultati di "Anna Cora Mowatt Ritchie" in Tutte le categorie

This satirical text was a response to the drubbing the fledgling poet received at the hands of the critics to her debut work, “Pelayo, or the Cavern of Covadonga.” The poem stages a humorous trial of her reviewers, lambasting them as pitilessly for their shortcomings as she believed she was called out for hers. Ironically, “Reviewers Reviewed” received many positive notices from critics who found her portraits of their peers hilariously creative and mercilessly on target. - Summary by Kelly Taylor

A mix of short works written by Anna Cora Mowatt Ritchie during her residence in Florence from 1864-65, this collection was edited and prepared for publication by her sister, Mary Thompson, wife of artist, Cephas Giovanni Thompson, after her death. It contains short stories, legends, historical sketches, profiles of noted Italian performers and foreign literati, and even an account of a devastating flood of the Arno that the author witnessed. - Summary by Kelly S. Taylor

Mowatt wrote The Fortune Hunter to be submitted to a contest held by the New World newspaper. (The novel won the $100 prize.) Contest rules dictated that the title of the work, that the setting had to be New York, and that the text had to be completed within six months. So, recycling a few characters from short stories written under the pen name “Helen Berkeley,” Mowatt quickly created a tale that started with two fashionable fellows in search of wealthy wives -- Brainard and Ellery. They, in turn, are pursued by the inexorable debt collector, Mr. Badger. Then the reader is introduced to ...

This epic poem tells the dramatic story of King Pelayo, an Asturian ruler in Northern Spain who lead his people to a hard-fought victory over the Moors in 722. The young poet was greatly inspired by the works of Lord Byron. Her heroically emotive style reflects trends popular with Byron and other writers associated with Romantic Literature. - Summary by Kelly Taylor

In the heart of Paris circa 1847, Sylvie de la Roche, the daughter of a once-prominent nobleman now living in poverty, discovers a world of music and ambition. Her extraordinary contralto voice catches the attention of the grumpy yet talented old musician, Maître Beaujeu, who becomes her mentor. Just as she is poised to take the stage alongside the illustrious tenor Lablanche, a twist of fate leaves her voice silenced. As she grapples with the loss of her greatest gift, will Sylvie find a way to reclaim her dreams amidst the glittering allure of aristocratic patrons and an enigmatic young ...

In her captivating novel, The Fortune Hunter, Mowatt crafted a delightful tale to enter a contest hosted by the New World newspaper, ultimately winning the $100 prize. With the stipulation that the story must unfold in New York and be completed within six months, Mowatt cleverly recycled characters from her earlier works under the pen name “Helen Berkeley.” The narrative begins with two dapper gentlemen, Brainard and Ellery, on the hunt for affluent brides, only to be shadowed by the relentless debt collector, Mr. Badger. Enter the Clinton sisters, the targets of these fortune hunters ...

Anna Cora Mowatt made history as the first woman to pen a Broadway comedy hit with her 1845 play, Fashion, which continues to entertain audiences today. She was also the pioneer of solo public readings of literature by women in the United States. In the vibrant landscape of pre-Civil War America, she established herself as a beloved novelist, poet, playwright, essayist, and correspondent. Autobiography of an Actress chronicles the riveting tale of her life, detailing her relentless fight against the anti-theatrical sentiments of her time. - Summary by Kelly S. Taylor

Step into the enchanting world of the Victorian theater with Mimic Life; or Before and Behind the Curtain, a captivating collection of three narratives inspired by Mowatt’s own experiences on stage. In the stories Stella, The Prompter’s Daughter, and The Unknown Tragedian, we uncover the daily struggles faced by theatrical workers of the time and challenge the enduring prejudices against this vibrant profession. Join us for a journey that sheds light on the artistry and resilience behind the curtain. - Summary by Kelly S. Taylor

In the opulent world of 1850s France, Madelaine is the underappreciated cousin of the esteemed de Gramont family. Though adored by the enchanting Bertha and secretly loved by the dashing Maurice, she is little more than an inconvenience to the proud old countess. When her uncles devious plans create a deep divide within the family, Madelaine must harness her extraordinary talent as a seamstress, transforming into the sought-after couturier “Mademoiselle Melanie” in Washington, D.C. With her newfound success, she seizes the chance to rescue the financially struggling de Gramonts. - Summary ...

Though largely forgotten today, this romantic melodrama was a significant triumph for actress and playwright Anna Cora Mowatt, even outshining her groundbreaking comedy Fashion (1845). Capitalizing on the fervor surrounding the characters and settings popularized by Alexander Dumas’ Musketeer novels, this captivating drama follows the enchanting peasant maiden Blanche as she uncovers her potential lineage as the illegitimate daughter of the cunning Duke de Richelieu. Meanwhile, her devoted sweetheart, the noble Armand, must demonstrate his cleverness, bravery, and valor to defend her ...

“Gulzara, The Persian Slave” is a captivating glimpse into a Victorian melodrama crafted for private performance, intended to be acted out by a small group of amateur women in the intimate setting of a home or school. Uniquely penned by a female playwright, this play features a cast of women, with the sole male character, Amurath, portrayed by a young girl in a breeches role. Set against the backdrop of a harem in Constantinople, the narrative weaves a tale of intrigue surrounding the abduction of Sultan Suliman’s son, while also providing a fascinating insight into the lives of young ...

Evelyn is a captivating two-volume novel presented in an epistolary format, weaving together letters from a trusted, unmarried friend of the young, naive heroine and those of a charming yet irresponsible adventurer intent on seducing the beautiful Evelyn. Written by the talented actress, novelist, and playwright Anna Cora Mowatt, this narrative draws inspiration from the works of early feminist author Fredericka Bremer, often referred to as the Swedish Jane Austen. While Mowatts acclaimed comedy Fashion explores the comedic trials of a nouveau riche family navigating New York society in the ...

This captivating epic poem unfolds the heroic tale of King Pelayo, an Asturian leader in Northern Spain who led his people to a hard-won victory over the Moors in 722. Inspired by the works of Lord Byron, the young poets emotive style resonates with the themes prevalent in Romantic Literature, evoking the struggles and triumphs of a defining moment in history. - Summary by Kelly Taylor