Edina (eBook)

Ellen Wood, better known by her pen name Mrs. Henry Wood, was a distinguished English novelist in the 19th century whose literary output left a significant imprint on the Victorian literary landscape. Born Ellen Price on January 17, 1814, in Worcester, she married Henry Wood in 1836, which led to her commonly recognized nomenclature. Wood's prodigious ambition as a writer culminated in the creation of over 30 novels, with 'Edina' being one of the lesser-known yet captivating works amongst them. 'Edina', published in 1867, reflects Wood's adeptness at weaving sensation fiction, a genre replete with mystery, crime, and strong moral undercurrents, elements that she masterfully deployed to capture the Victorian public's imagination. Her most renowned novel, 'East Lynne' (1861), epitomized this genre and solidified her reputation, becoming one of the most widely read novels of the era. Mrs. Henry Wood's literary style often involved intricate plotlines and domestic realism, which she used not only to entertain her readers but also to offer commentary on the social issues of her time, particularly those concerning gender roles and the middle class. Her legacy extends beyond her written work; 'The Argosy', a popular literary magazine, thrived under her editorship from 1867 until her death in 1887. Through her prolific writing and editorial work, Mrs. Henry Wood remains an emblematic figure in Victorian literature.