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Full Name: Frances Eliza Hodgson Burnett

Date of Birth: November 24, 1849


Place of Birth: Manchester, England
Date of Death: October 29, 1924
Nationality: British-American

Frances Hodgson Burnett was a renowned British-American author best known for her
beloved children's novels, including "The Secret Garden," "A Little Princess," and "Little Lord
Fauntleroy." Her enchanting storytelling and vivid descriptions made her one of the most
popular writers of children's literature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Early Life:
Frances Hodgson Burnett was born in Manchester, England, to a modest family. Her father
died when she was just four years old, leaving her mother to support the family through her
seamstress work. These early experiences with poverty and struggle would later influence
Burnett's writing.

Writing Career:
Burnett began her writing career as a novelist for adults, publishing her first novel, "That
Lass o' Lowrie's," in 1877. However, it was her children's literature that gained her the most
recognition and acclaim. In 1886, she published "Little Lord Fauntleroy," which became an
instant success and solidified her reputation as a talented children's author.

"The Secret Garden," published in 1911, remains Burnett's most enduring work. The novel
tells the story of a young girl named Mary Lennox, who discovers a hidden, neglected garden
on her uncle's estate. Through the healing power of nature, the garden transforms both
Mary and the people around her. The book continues to captivate readers of all ages with its
themes of resilience, personal growth, and the magic of nature.
It was inspired by Maytham Hall in England which featured a garden where she wrote her
book.

"The Secret Garden" has been adapted into numerous stage plays, films, and television
adaptations, further solidifying its status as a beloved classic. Burnett's other works have
also been adapted and continue to inspire and delight audiences worldwide.

Personal Life:
In 1873, Frances Hodgson Burnett married Swan Burnett, a doctor, and they had two sons.
The family moved to the United States in 1865 and eventually settled in New York City. After
her husband's death in 1898, Burnett continued to write to support her family.

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