Marie Corelli

Date of Birth: May 1, 1855

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: April 21, 1924

Biography

Marie Corelli, born Mary Mackay, was a British novelist who became one of the most widely read authors of her time. She was born on May 1, 1855, in London, England. Corelli began her career as a writer in the late 19th century and quickly gained popularity with her unique blend of romance, mysticism, and science fiction. Her first novel, “A Romance of Two Worlds,” was published in 1886 and set the tone for her subsequent works, which often explored themes of spiritualism and the supernatural. Corelli’s novels, including “Barabbas: A Dream of the World’s Tragedy” (1893) and “The Sorrows of Satan” (1895), were bestsellers and made her a household name. Despite her commercial success, she faced criticism from literary elites who often dismissed her work as sensationalist and lacking in literary merit. Nevertheless, her ability to captivate a broad audience ensured her a lasting legacy. Throughout her life, Corelli was known for her eccentric personality and strong opinions. She never married and lived for many years with her close companion, Bertha Vyver. Corelli was also a philanthropist, contributing to various causes and championing the preservation of historical sites. Marie Corelli passed away on April 21, 1924, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, where she spent her later years.

5 Interesting Facts about Marie Corelli

1. Marie Corelli was one of the best-selling authors of her time, outselling contemporaries like Arthur Conan Doyle and H.G. Wells.

2. Her novel “The Sorrows of Satan” is considered one of the first bestsellers, selling over 50,000 copies within three weeks of its release.

3. Corelli was a vocal critic of the suffragette movement, believing that women’s energies were better spent on moral and spiritual duties.

4. She was a close friend of Queen Victoria, who was known to have read and admired her works.

5. Corelli was an avid supporter of the preservation of historical buildings and played a significant role in preserving the town of Stratford-upon-Avon.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Marie Corelli

1. “The world is very lovely, and it’s very horrible—and it doesn’t care about your life or mine or anything else.”

2. “One’s life is short, but the work for which life is given endures.”

3. “It is the broken heart that makes the voice tremble, the tears that make it sweet.”

4. “We never know the true value of blessings till we lose them.”

5. “The soul is the captain, the body is only the vessel.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Marie Corelli’s highest net worth is estimated to have been around £50,000, a significant sum at the time, reflecting her immense popularity and the commercial success of her novels.