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At the Circulating Library

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

Author: Hannah Meynell Whittemore

Author: Hannah Meynell Whittemore (1822–1881)

Alternate Name(s): Netta Leigh (pseudonym)

Biography: Hannah Meynell Whittemore was born on 5 March 1822 in London, the daughter of bookseller and publisher William Whittemore and his wife Hannah (née Meynell). Her brother was the clergyman and magazine editor William Meynell Whittemore (died 1894). She lived with her parents and never married. From the early age of twelve, she wrote poetry and articles for several periodicals anonymously or under the pseudonym "Netta Leigh." In addition, she contributed fiction and poetry to many of her brother's religious magazines over the course of thirty years. She died on 6 July 1881 in Worthing. Note: Whittemore is often erroneously conflated with author Annie Elizabeth Ward.

References: British Census (1851, 1861, 1871); Halloway Press (16 July 1881); Probate; Sunshine (August 1881)

Fiction Titles:

  1. Home Life.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1848.
  2. Rosa's Childhood: or, Every-Day Scenes.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1849.
  3. Little May: or, Of What Use am I?.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1859.
  4. Busy Bee.  1 vol.  London: G. Stoneman, 1886.
  5. Aline.  1 vol.  London: G. Stoneman, 1892.
  6. Brave Heart.  1 vol.  London: G. Stoneman, 1892.
  7. Pattie Thorne.  1 vol.  London: G. Stoneman, 1892.