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At the Circulating Library

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

Author: Hon. Augusta Bethell

Author: Hon. Augusta Bethell (1838–1931)

Alternate Name(s): Adamson Parker (1st married name); Nash (2nd married name)

Biography: Augusta Bethell was born on 3 August 1838 in Paddington, the daughter of barrister and judge Richard Bethell (1800–1873) and his wife Ellinor Mary Abraham. During her teens, her father would be made a peer (Baron Westbury) and serve as Lord High Chancellor. Her childhood was one of wealth and comfort. Notably, Edward Lear proposed twice to her as a young woman. In 1873, she married Henry Charles Adamson Parker. After his death in 1882, she remarried the barrister Thomas Nash in 1890. She had no children. Her writing career spans her twenties and first marriage with books aimed at young adult readers. She died on 20 December 1931 in Daventry.

References: British Census (1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891); Northampton Mercury (25 December 1931)

Fiction Titles:

  1. Maud Latimer: A Tale for Young People.  1 vol.  London: Smith, Elder, 1863.
  2. Echoes of an Old Bell and Other Tales of Fairy Lore.  1 vol.  London: Griffith and Farran, 1865.
  3. Helen in Switzerland: A Tale for Young People.  1 vol.  London: Griffith and Farran, 1867.
  4. Millicent and her Cousins.  1 vol.  London: Griffith and Farran, 1870.
  5. A Village Maiden.  1 vol.  London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1871.
  6. Feathers and Fairies: or, Stories from the Realms of Fancy.  1 vol.  London: Griffith and Farran, 1874.