At the Circulating Library

Author: Elizabeth Croft

Author: Elizabeth Croft (1829–1882)

Biography: Elizabeth Croft was born on 22 March 1829 in Richmond, the daughter of George Croft and his wife Mary Ann (née Bowman). Her father was three-time mayor of Richmond and her brother eventually served a term as well. She never married and lived her entire life in Richmond. In her twenties, aided by her aunt Anne Bowman, she began writing fiction aimed at a young adult audience. In addition, Croft took a great interest in music as a leading member of her church choir and instigator of a choral union. She died after a lingering illness on 22 September 1882 in Richmond. Note: author identified in the Routledge publication books; often conflated with Frances Charlotte Ryder ("D. Richmond").

References: British Census (1851, 1861, 1871, 1881); Richmond and Ripon Chronicle (30 September 1882)

Fiction Titles:

1. Amy Carlton: or, First Days at School. A Tale for the Young.  1 vol.  London: Routledge, 1856.
2. Harry and his Homes: or, The Conquest of Pride.  1 vol.  London: Routledge, 1857.
3. The Four Sisters: Patience, Humility, Faith, and Love.  1 vol.  London: Routledge, 1858.
4. Helena Bertram: A Tale for the Young.  1 vol.  London: Routledge, 1859.
5. Accidents of Childhood: or, Cautionary Stories for Heedless Children.  1 vol.  London: Routledge, 1861.
6. The Maze of Life: Its Flowers and Thorns. Some Recollections of an Old Man.  1 vol.  London: Routledge, 1861.
7. Eildon Manor: A Tale for Girls.  1 vol.  London: Routledge, 1862.
8. Baptista: A Quiet Story.  1 vol.  London: Bell and Daldy, 1863.
9. The Children of Blessing.  1 vol.  London: Routledge, 1867.
10. The Doctor's Ward: A Tale for Girls.  1 vol.  London: Routledge, 1868.