Lifespan: 1798-1845
Nationality: English
Types of Work: Novels (mostly directed towards the young), Poetry
Bio:
Catherine Grace Garnett was born on Christmas Day, 25 December, 1798 in Glasgow, Scotland, the youngest daughter of Dr. Thomas Garnett (1766-1802), an eminent physician and writer and an unnamed mother, who tragically died at her birth. Her father died just four years later, and Catherine and her older sister were brought up by her mother's friend. Miss Worboys at Barbon, Kirby Lonsdale, Westmoreland. Her first volume, "The Night Before the Bridal", a collection of poems, was highly praised, attracted the attention of William Wordsworth, who honored her with much praise. She corresponded with the poet frequently. The same year that her first volume was published (1824) she married Thomas Godwin, who had served in the East India Company.
Though Mrs. Godwin wrote several novels, she is most famous for her works of poetry. She also became an accomplished painter.
Following the death of her sister in 1832, Mrs. Godwin's heath began to decline, as did her writing. Failing to regain her health, she died in May of 1845 following a continental tour with her husband.
Mrs. Godwin was described by her friends and peers as "persevering, discriminating, and endowed with a keen sense of the ludicrous".
Novels:
Alicia Grey, or, To be Useful is to Be Happy
Louisa Seymour, or, Hasty Impressions
Reine Canziani
Josephine, or, Early Trials
The Reproving Angel: A Vision
Esther More, or, Truth is Wisdom
Basil Harlow, or Prodigality is not Generosity
Cousin Kate, or the Punishment of Pride
Scheming, A Tale