Martha Finley

Full Name: Martha Finley (pen name: Martha Farquharson)

Lifespan: April 26, 1828 – January 30, 1909 (age 80)

Occupation: Teacher, Author

Nationality: American

Genre: Children's literature

Famous Works:

• Elsie Dinsmore Series (28 volumes): This long-running series is Finley's most well-known work. It follows the life of Elsie Dinsmore, a pious and virtuous young girl who faces various challenges throughout her childhood and adulthood. The series was immensely popular in its time but is criticized today for its stereotypical characters and moralistic messages.
• Mildred Keith Series (7 volumes): Another series featuring a virtuous young girl named Mildred Keith.
• Do-Good Library (9 volumes): Moralistic stories aimed at teaching children positive values.
• Pewit's Nest Series (12 volumes): A series set in a fictional town called Pewit's Nest, focusing on the lives of various characters.
• Finley Series (for adults): A lesser-known series of books written for adults.

Background:

• Born in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1828.
• Daughter of a Presbyterian minister.
• Briefly worked as a teacher before turning to writing.
• Married but had no children of her own.

Writing Style:

• Finley's writing is known for its sentimental and moralistic tone.
• Her stories often emphasize religious values and the importance of piety and obedience.
• She utilizes a simple and direct writing style, making her books accessible to young readers.

Legacy:

• Martha Finley's works were immensely popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• However, her books fell out of favor in the latter half of the 20th century due to their outdated social views and stereotypical characters.
• Despite the criticism, her work offers a glimpse into the values and attitudes of a bygone era and remains a valuable resource for researchers studying children's literature.

Additional Points:

• Some of Finley's works have been adapted for film and television.
• Her portrayal of African American characters in her books is considered insensitive and racist by modern standards.

I hope this comprehensive overview gives you a good understanding of Martha Finley's life and work!