M. E. Braddon
Biography
Mary Elizabeth Braddon (1835–1915) was an English novelist who became one of the most popular and prolific writers of the Victorian era. She published over eighty novels, beginning with the sensational bestseller Lady Audley’s Secret (1862), which made her famous overnight. Braddon pioneered the sensation novel—a genre blending crime, mystery, and domestic drama that captivated Victorian readers and scandalized critics. She also edited the literary magazine Belgravia. Despite critical condescension toward her popular success, Braddon was admired by Henry James, Robert Louis Stevenson, and other literary figures for her storytelling skill and her sharp portrayal of women navigating a society that constrained them.
Common themes in M. E. Braddon's work
Sensation fiction
A recurring theme throughout M. E. Braddon's writing.
Victorian women
A recurring theme throughout M. E. Braddon's writing.
Crime and mystery
A recurring theme throughout M. E. Braddon's writing.
Domestic drama
A recurring theme throughout M. E. Braddon's writing.
Books
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Why M. E. Braddon is still read today
Braddon’s sensation novels have been rediscovered by scholars of Victorian literature and feminist criticism. Lady Audley’s Secret in particular is now recognized as a landmark of women’s fiction. On TextStack you can read Braddon’s major novels free online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was M. E. Braddon?
Mary Elizabeth Braddon (1835–1915) was a prolific English novelist who pioneered the sensation novel with Lady Audley’s Secret. She published over eighty novels and was one of the most popular Victorian writers.
Where can I read M. E. Braddon online?
You can read Lady Audley’s Secret, Aurora Floyd, The Trail of the Serpent, and The Cloven Foot free online on TextStack.
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