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At the Circulating Library

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

Author: Robina Forrester Hardy

Author: Robina Forrester Hardy (1835–1891)

Biography: Robina Forrester Hardy was born in 1835 in Edinburgh, the daughter of surgeon Thomas Hardy and Robina Forrester, daughter of Robert Forrester, the treasurer of the Bank of Scotland. Her grandfather was Rev. Dr Hardy, minister of the High Church, Edinburgh, who served as moderator of the General Assembly. In 1879 she published a volume of poetry entitled Whinblossom. Between 1881 and 1891 she wrote at least ten novels illustrative of Scottish life and character. In 1887 she co-authored a novel Vita Vinctis with fellow Scottish novelists Annie S. Swan and Jessie M. E. Saxby. (After Hardy's death, Swan and Saxby penned a memorial booklet of their friend in 1891.) Throughout her career she was a contributor to the People’s Friend, Sunday Magazine, and the Sun. Hardy regularly volunteered in the Grassmarket and Vennel communities helping the poor and orphaned children. Her brother Rev. Dr Thomas Hardy (1824–1910) was minister of Fowlis-Wester, Fife. Hardy never married. She died in 1891 and is buried in the Canongate Kirkyard, Edinburgh. (CL)

Author Tags:

References: Boase; Sutherland

Fiction Titles:

  1. Hester Glen's Holidays: and How She Spent Them.  1 vol.  Glasgow: John S. Marr and Sons, 1881.
  2. Jock Halliday, a Grassmarket Hero: or, Sketches of Life and Character in an Old City Parish.  1 vol.  London: Oliphant, 1883.
  3. Glenairlie: or, The Last of the Graemes.  1 vol.  London: Oliphant, 1884.
  4. Archie: A Story of Changing Fortunes, and Other Stories.  1 vol.  London: Oliphant, 1885.
  5. Fickle Fortune.  1 vol.  London: Oliphant, 1886.
  6. Kilgarvie.  1 vol.  London: Oliphant, 1889.
  7. Johnnie: or, 'Only a Life'.  1 vol.  London: Oliphant, 1889.
  8. Tibby's Tryst: or, 'I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills'.  1 vol.  London: Oliphant, 1891.
  9. Polly, who was 'Nobody's Child'.  1 vol.  London: S. P. C. K., 1891.