Francis Marion Crawford

Date of Birth: August 2, 1854

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: April 9, 1909

Biography

Francis Marion Crawford was an American writer known primarily for his novels, which were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born into a family with a rich literary and artistic heritage, Crawford spent much of his life in Italy, which deeply influenced his work. He was the son of the American sculptor Thomas Crawford and Louisa Cutler Ward. His maternal uncle was the famous poet Julia Ward Howe. Crawford’s education was diverse and international; he studied at St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire, then at Cambridge University, and later at the University of Heidelberg and the University of Rome. His experiences in Europe provided him with a wealth of material for his writing. His first novel, “Mr. Isaacs,” was published in 1882 and was an immediate success, establishing him as a significant literary figure. Over his career, Crawford wrote more than forty novels, as well as several collections of short stories and non-fiction works. His most famous works include “Saracinesca,” “Via Crucis,” and “The Witch of Prague.” Crawford’s writing is characterized by its vivid settings, intricate plots, and deep characterizations, often exploring themes of history, culture, and human nature.

5 Interesting Facts about Francis Marion Crawford

1. Francis Marion Crawford was fluent in several languages, including Italian, German, French, and Sanskrit.

2. He was a distant relative of the famous American poet Emily Dickinson.

3. Crawford’s novel “The Witch of Prague” was notable for its exploration of supernatural themes, setting a precedent for future Gothic fiction.

4. He resided in the Villa Crawford in Sant’Agnello, near Sorrento, Italy, which became a cultural hub for artists and intellectuals.

5. Despite his American heritage, Crawford spent the majority of his adult life in Italy and considered himself more European than American.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Francis Marion Crawford

1. “The novel is the highest form of human expression so far attained.”

2. “To be able to look back upon one’s life in satisfaction is to live twice.”

3. “A book is a friend; a good book is a wise friend.”

4. “It is a great thing to start life with a small number of really good books which are your very own.”

5. “The best practical advice I can give to a young author is to study carefully the first chapter of ‘Ivanhoe.’”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Francis Marion Crawford’s highest net worth is not explicitly documented, but he was considered quite successful and wealthy for a writer of his time, with substantial earnings from his prolific publications.

Children

Francis Marion Crawford and his wife, Elizabeth Berdan, had four children: Eleonora, Anne, Clara, and Bertram. The family lived primarily in Italy, where Crawford continued his writing career.