Mary De Morgan

Mary De Morgan (1850–1907) was an English author and a prominent figure in the late Victorian literary fairy tale revival. Born into a family of intellectuals—her brother was the artist and designer William De Morgan—she moved in Pre-Raphaelite circles and was a friend of William Morris. Her works include collections such as "On a Pincushion" (1877) and "The Necklace of Princess Fiorimonde" (1880), which are noted for their elegant prose and subtle critiques of societal norms. De Morgan's fairy tales often feature strong, resourceful heroines and explore themes of justice and transformation. Though her output was modest, her stories have been praised for their literary quality and have influenced later fantasy writers. She also wrote novels, including "A Choice of Chance" (1887), and worked as a governess and lecturer. De Morgan's legacy endures in the study of Victorian fairy tales and women's contributions to the genre.