At the Circulating Library

Author: Mary Burrows

Author: Mary Burrows (1822–1893)

Alternate Name(s): Read (maiden name)

Biography: Mary Burrows was born in 1822 in London, the daugher of silk broker Henry Read and his wife Elizabeth. Her early life cannot be traced. In 1850, she married (as his second wife) solicitor Charles Burrows, long-time registrar of the county court of Middlesex. After her marriage, Burrows began writing fiction aimed at younger readers specializing in animal stories. Her husband died on 10 November 1893 and she died the following week on 18 November 1893 in London. Note: author identified in the John Murray Archive.

References: Bayswater Chronicle (6 January 1894); British Census (1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891); Morning Chronicle (3 October 1850)

Fiction Titles:

1. Sunlight Through the Mist: or, Practical Lessons Drawn from the Lives of Good Men. A Sunday Book for Children.  1 vol.  London: John Murray, 1854.
2. The Monastery and the Mountain Church: A Story-Book for Children.  1 vol.  London: John Murray, 1855.
3. The Martyr Land: or, Tales of the Vaudois.  1 vol.  London: Grant and Griffith, 1856.
4. Tuppy: or, The Autobiography of a Donkey.  1 vol.  London: Griffith and Farran, 1860.
5. Meadow Lea: or, The Gipsy Children.  1 vol.  London: Griffith and Farran, 1862.
6. The New Home: or, Wedded Life; Its Duties Cares and Pleasures.  1 vol.  London: Jarrold and Son, 1862.
7. Trottie's Story Book: or, True Tales in Short Words and Large Type.  1 vol.  London: Griffith and Farran, 1866.
8. Neptune: or, The Autobiography of a Newfoundland Dog.  1 vol.  London: Griffith and Farran, 1869.