Alice Meynell

Date of Birth: September 11, 1847

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: November 27, 1922

Biography

Alice Meynell was an English poet and essayist renowned for her lyric poetry and prose. Born on September 11, 1847, in Barnes, London, she was part of a literary family. Her father, Thomas Thompson, was a writer, and her mother, Christiana Weller, nurtured her literary talents. Alice spent her childhood in various parts of Europe, including Italy, which deeply influenced her poetic sensibility. Alice’s first poetry collection, “Preludes,” was published in 1875 and received praise from notable poets such as Ruskin. Her work is characterized by its contemplative nature and refined lyricism. Besides her poetry, Alice was also an accomplished essayist, editor, and advocate for women’s rights. She married Wilfrid Meynell, a writer and editor, in 1877, and together they edited various literary journals. Alice’s influence extended beyond her writing; she played a significant role in the Pre-Raphaelite movement and was a devout Catholic, which infused her work with spiritual depth. Alice Meynell passed away on November 27, 1922, but her legacy lives on through her contributions to English literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Alice Meynell

1. Alice Meynell was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923.

2. She was a prominent advocate for women’s suffrage in England.

3. Alice edited the works of her friend and fellow poet, Francis Thompson.

4. She was known for her delicate health, which often influenced the themes of fragility and endurance in her poetry.

5. Alice and her husband, Wilfrid Meynell, were instrumental in the discovery and promotion of the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alice Meynell

1. “Happiness is not a matter of events; it depends upon the tides of the mind.”

2. “The sense of humor has other things to do than to make itself conspicuous in the act of laughter.”

3. “The nearest approach to immortality on earth is a government bureau.”

4. “The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!”

5. “A child is beset by long traditions. He can neither make them nor mar them. He is born into their ranks, and he is an heir to their power.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Alice Meynell did not accumulate significant wealth during her lifetime; her highest net worth is not well-documented, reflecting the often underappreciated financial struggles faced by literary figures of her time.

Children

Alice Meynell had eight children with her husband, Wilfrid Meynell. Among them were Viola Meynell, who became a notable novelist, and Francis Meynell, a prominent typographer and founder of the Nonesuch Press.