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At the Circulating Library

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

Author: Mary Helen Holt

Author: Mary Helen Holt (1847–1934)

Alternate Name(s): Meldrum (married name)

Biography: Mary Helen Holt was born on 6 March 1847 in Pendleton, near Manchester, the daughter of civil servant William Holt and his wife Mary (née Greenwood). She worked as a teacher and began writing religious-themed fiction beginning with The Diamond Wreath (1861). In 1875, she married mechanical engineer James Jones Meldrum and the couple would have nine children. The family lived in Barton before moving to Prestatyn, Wales. She died on 8 September 1934 in Prestatyn.

Author Tags:

References: Allibone; British Census (1871, 1891, 1901, 1911)

Fiction Titles:

  1. The Diamond Wreath: or, The Price of a Soul.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: William Oliphant and Co., 1861.
  2. The Wish and the Way: or, Passages in the Life of Rose Burgoyne.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: William Oliphant and Co., 1871.
  3. The Story of Aimée: or, A Life's Discipline.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: William Oliphant and Co., 1872.
  4. Fern Glen: or, Lilian's Prayer.  1 vol.  London: E. Marlborough, 1872.
  5. Zina: or, Morning Mists.  1 vol.  Edinburgh: William Oliphant and Co., 1873.
  6. Ned's Search.  1 vol.  London: E. Marlborough, 1873.
  7. The Light of Fern Glen: or, Lilian Grey.  1 vol.  London: E. Marlborough, 1874.
  8. A Story of Two Years: or, Gertrude Ellerslie.  2 vol.  London: Oliphant, 1882.