Edith Nesbit was born on August 15, 1858, in London, England. 1)
She was one of six children, and her family struggled financially, leading to a somewhat unstable upbringing. 2)
As a child, Nesbit was an avid reader, and she developed a love for books that would shape her career as a writer. 3)
Nesbit married Hubert Bland in 1880 and had five children with him. Their marriage was unconventional, as Bland had several extramarital affairs and fathered two children with other women. 4)
Nesbit's first published work was a collection of poetry called “Lays and Legends” in 1886. 5)
She went on to write over 60 books, including novels, short stories, and poetry collections. 6)
Nesbit is best known for her children's books, including “Five Children and It,” “The Phoenix and the Carpet,” and “The Railway Children.” 7)
Her books were popular with both children and adults and were praised for their humor, adventure, and imaginative storytelling. 8)
Nesbit was a socialist and a feminist, and her political beliefs often influenced her writing. Many of her books contain themes of social justice and equality. 9)
Nesbit was a founding member of the Fabian Society, a socialist organization that played a significant role in British politics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 10)
Nesbit's writing also had a significant influence on other authors, including C.S. Lewis, J.K. Rowling, and Neil Gaiman. 11)
In addition to her writing, Nesbit was also an accomplished speaker and lecturer, and she gave many talks on topics such as socialism and women's suffrage. 12)
Nesbit's personal life was marked by tragedy. Two of her children died in infancy, and her son Fabian died at the age of 15 from complications related to surgery. 13)
Nesbit was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1924 and died on May 4, 1924, at the age of 65. 14)
Despite her success as a writer, Nesbit struggled with financial difficulties throughout her life, and she often had to rely on the support of friends and family to make ends meet. 15)