Ellen Glasgow published her first novel,

The Descendant

(1897), when she was only twenty-four years old. She went on to produce nineteen novels, a book of poems, and a collection of short stories, as well as a variety of other writings including a volume of criticism. In all of her works, readers may observe the decidedly philosophical bent of her mind, and the expression of social and intellectual perspectives unusual for a woman of her day. In fact, her sharp-edged intellect attracted some negative attention from critics of her early novels who thought she explored topics unbecoming to a young Virginian lady. Unfazed by what she considered these backward attitudes toward women writers, Glasgow's pervasive concerns throughout her long career included socialism, sexual freedom,…

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Citation: Rainwater, Catherine. "Ellen Glasgow". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 07 January 2004 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=1766, accessed 19 March 2024.]

1766 Ellen Glasgow 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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