Carolyn Wells: A Literary Life
Early Life and Education
Birth: June 18, 1862
Place of Birth: Rahway, New Jersey
Parents: William Edmund Wells and Anna Potter Woodruff Wells
Carolyn Wells was born in Rahway, New Jersey, and her early life was dramatically affected by a bout of scarlet fever at the age of six, which left her nearly deaf. Despite this challenge, Wells demonstrated remarkable resilience. She supplemented her private tuition with voracious reading and a thorough study of humanities and science, eventually graduating from high school.
Career Beginnings
First Job: Librarian for the Rahway Library Association
Wells’s professional journey began as a librarian, where her love for literature flourished.
Early Literary Works
Children’s Books:
- Christmas Alphabet (1900)
- Folly in Fairyland (1901)
- Mother Goose’s Menagerie (1901)
- Children of Our Town (1902)
- A Phenomenal Fauna (1902)
Humorous Verse:
- At the Sign of the Sphinx (1896)
Poetry:
- Idle Idyls (1902)
- Folly for the Wise (1904)
- The Seven Ages of Childhood (1907)
Shift to Mystery Genre
Inspired by the success of Anne Katherine Green’s mystery That Affair Next Door, Wells devoted herself to writing mystery novels.
Mystery Novels:
- Fleming Stone Detective Story Series (Over 50 titles)
Other Notable Works:
- The Technique of the Mystery Story (1913, revised 1929)
Editorial Contributions
Anthologies Edited:
- A Nonsense Anthology (1902)
- A Satire Anthology (1905)
- An Outline of Humor (1923)
Personal Life
Marriage: Hadwig Houghton (1918)
Tragedy: Houghton’s Death (1919)
Carolyn Wells married Hadwig Houghton, heir to the Houghton Mifflin publishing company, in 1918. The couple moved to New York, but Houghton tragically died a year later.
Later Years and Legacy
Autobiography:
- The Rest of My Life (1937)
Carolyn Wells continued to write and contribute to literature until her death on March 26, 1942. Her autobiography, The Rest of My Life, published five years before her passing, offers a detailed insight into her fascinating journey and enduring legacy.
Summary of Key Works and Contributions
| Genre | Notable Works |
|---|---|
| Children’s Books | Christmas Alphabet, Folly in Fairyland, Mother Goose’s Menagerie |
| Humorous Verse | At the Sign of the Sphinx |
| Poetry | Idle Idyls, Folly for the Wise, The Seven Ages of Childhood |
| Mystery Novels | Fleming Stone Detective Story Series, The Technique of the Mystery Story |
| Edited Anthologies | A Nonsense Anthology, A Satire Anthology, An Outline of Humor |
Carolyn Wells’s life is a testament to the power of resilience and creativity. Her diverse body of work, ranging from children’s literature to intricate mystery novels, and her editorial contributions, have left an indelible mark on American literature.
FAQs on Carolyn Wells
Who is Carolyn Wells?
Carolyn Wells was a multifaceted American author and poet born on June 18, 1862. Known for her children’s books, humorous verse, and poetry, she later became renowned for her mystery novels. Wells authored more than 80 mystery and detective novels and edited several anthologies. Her marriage to Hadwig Houghton, heir to the Houghton Mifflin publishing company, was brief due to his untimely death. Wells continued writing until her death on March 26, 1942.
When was Carolyn Wells born and died?
Carolyn Wells was born on June 18, 1862, and died on March 26, 1942.
What is the summary of “Fate” by Carolyn Wells?
“Fate” by Carolyn Wells is a poem that delves into the theme of destiny and the inevitable nature of fate. In the poem, Wells explores the idea that certain events and outcomes in life are preordained and beyond human control. The poem reflects on the powerlessness of individuals against the grand design of fate, emphasizing the acceptance of one’s destiny. The eloquent and reflective tone of the poem captures the essence of resignation and contemplation regarding life’s predetermined course.