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Beloved author of Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery, often referred to as L. M. Montgomery, was born in Clifton (now New London), Prince Edward Island, Canada, in 1874.
Known for her captivating storytelling, Montgomery’s upbringing in a devoutly religious household and her early education at the Cavendish Schoolhouse deeply influenced her literary works.
From a young age, Montgomery was an avid reader, finding inspiration in Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales, John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, and Charles Dickens’ Pickwick Papers. At fifteen, she had her first poem published in the Patriot newspaper, marking the beginning of her illustrious writing career
In 1895, Montgomery sold her first short story, and by 1898, she was working as a proofreader and writer for the Halifax Chronicle‘s evening edition, the Daily Echo. Despite her demanding job, she dedicated her early mornings to her own writing. This perseverance paid off in 1908 when she published Anne of Green Gables, a novel that would become a cornerstone of children’s literature. The story of Anne Shirley captivated readers worldwide, leading to the sale of over 50 million copies and translations into twenty languages.
Lucy Maud Montgomery authored twenty novels, including sequels to the Anne Shirley series, such as Rainbow Valley, and stand-alone books like The Blue Castle, as well as approximately 500 short stories and poems. Her Anne of Green Gables series and the Emily Starr series, which includes Emily of New Moon, Emily Climbs, and Emily’s Quest, are considered some of the best L. M. Montgomery books.
Montgomery’s literary achievements earnt her a place as the first Canadian woman in the Royal Society of Arts in Britain in 1923, and she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1935. Despite her success, Montgomery faced significant personal challenges during the Great Depression, which affected her mental health and professional life. In 1938, she experienced a nervous breakdown and remained on medication until her death.
Lucy Maud Montgomery died in 1942 at the age of 67, leaving behind a profound legacy. Montgomery’s impact on literature continues to be honoured. Her grave in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, remains a place of homage for fans. Her life and works are celebrated in various locations, including the L. M. Montgomery House in Ontario, the L. M. Montgomery Museum, and the L. M. Montgomery Park.
Celebrate Lucy Maud Montgomery and her enduring literary heritage by exploring the best of her works, from Anne of Green Gables to her lesser known but equally enchanting stories, such as Pat of Silver Bush and her collected memoirs, The Alpine Path: The Story of My Career.
Discover our beautiful editions of her books, available in hardback, paperback, or ebook format, here.
The Read & Co. Newsletter will bring you our latest books, blogs, facts and of course news.
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