Small image of a man handing a book to a women across a counter.

At the Circulating Library

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

Author: Marjory Horsburgh

Author: Marjory Horsburgh (1829–1902)

Alternate Name(s): Horsbrugh (alternate name); Matilda Horsburgh (alternate name); Douglas (married name)

Biography: Marjory Horsburgh (sometimes spelled "Horsbrugh") was born on 24 December 1829 in Kilmany, Scotland, the youngest daughter of Major Boyd Horsbrugh and his wife Jean Hay (née Scott) of Lochmalony, Fifeshire. She grew up in a life of wealth and comfort in Edinburgh and London. Horsburgh turned her hand to literature, writing several books for young adult readers as well as editing the Children's Hour periodical. She persisted in concealing her identity by publishing anonymously or under her initials. Late in life, she married the physician Andrew Halliday Douglas in 1882 (Horsburgh was his fourth wife). She died on 9 November 1902 in Edinburgh. Note: several sources erroneously identify this author as "Matilda Horsburgh."

Author Tags:

References: British Census (1841, 1851, 1861, 1881, 1891, 1901); Dundee Evening Post (10 November 1902)

Fiction Titles:

  1. The Story of a Red Velvet Bible.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, and Co., 1862.
  2. Nothing to Do: or, The Influence of a Life.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, and Co., 1862.
  3. Henry Morgan: or, The Sower and the Seed.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, and Co., 1863.
  4. Mary Mansfield: or, No Time to be a Christian.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, and Co., 1863.
  5. The Children of the Great King: A Tale of the Crimean War.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, and Co., 1865.
  6. The Sangreal: or, The Hidden Treasure. How it was Sought, and Where it was Found.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, and Co., 1867.
  7. Rosa Lindesay: The Light of Kilmain.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, and Co., 1867.
  8. Richard Blake, and his little Green Bible: A Sequel.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, and Co., 1868.
  9. Violet and Daisy: or, The Picture with Two Sides.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: Johnstone, Hunter, and Co., 1868.
  10. Faithful in Little: A Tale founded on Fact.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: W. P. Nimmo, 1873.
  11. The Royal Banner: or, Gold and Rubies. A Story for the Young.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: Nelson and Sons, 1879.