Background
Ellen Price was born in Worcester in 1814.
Ellen Price was born in Worcester in 1814.
She is perhaps remembered most for her 1861 novel East Lynne, but many of her books became international best-sellers, being widely received in the United States and surpassing Charles Dickens" fame in Australia. On the failure of Wood"s business, the family (including four children) returned to England and settled in Upper Norwood near London, where Ellen Wood turned to writing. This supported the family (Henry Wood died in 1866).
She wrote over 30 novels, many of which (especially East Lynne) enjoyed remarkable popularity.
Among the best known are Danesbury House, Oswald Cray, Mistress Halliburton"s Troubles, The Channings, Lord Oakburn"s Daughters and The Shadow of Ashlydyat.
In 1867, Wood purchased the English magazine Argosy, which had been founded by Alexander Strahan in 1865. Her writing tone would be described as "conservative and Christian," occasionally expressing religious rhetoric.
She wrote much of the magazine herself, but other contributors included Hesba Stretton, Julia Kavanagh, Christina Rossetti, Sarah Doudney and Rosa Nouchette Carey.
Wood"s works were translated into many languages, including Russian. Wood wrote several works of supernatural fiction, including "The Ghost" (1862) and the often anthologized "Reality or Delusion?" (1868). At her death (caused by bronchitis) her estate was valued at over £36,000, then a very considerable sum.
She was buried in Highgate Cemetery, London.
A monument to her was unveiled in Worcester Cathedral in 1916.