Harraden, Beatrice (1864–1936)

English novelist and suffragist. Born on January 24, 1864, in Hampstead, London, England; died on May 5, 1936, in Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire, England; daughter of Samuel and Rosalie (Lindstedt) Harraden; attended Cheltenham Ladies College, Dresden, and Queens College and Bedford College, London; graduated from London University, B.A., 1883.

Beatrice Harraden showed a streak of individuality at a time when women in a university environment were considered a novelty. Born in Hampstead, London, in 1864, she was educated at Cheltenham Ladies College in Dresden and then progressed to Queens College and Bedford College in London. In 1883, she received herB.A. from London University with honors in the classics and mathematics.

Harraden's earliest publishing accomplishments occurred with the appearance of her short stories in Blackwood's Magazine. Her first book, Things Will Take a Turn (1891), was a children's story. In 1893, her most successful book, Ships That Pass in the Night, was initially rejected by William Blackwood since the publisher considered it too short and felt that it did not have salable qualities. Lawrence & Bullen subsequently purchased the manuscript which was an immediate success upon its release, selling more than a million copies. Her next book, In Varying Moods (1894), was a collection of short stories set in numerous locations throughout Europe. Among the books considered her best are Hilda Stafford (1897), Untold Tales of the Past (1897) and The Fowler (1899).

In addition to her literary career, Harraden took an active interest in the women's suffrage movement and became a prominent member of the Women's Social and Political Union. To promote the cause, she frequently marched in parades and spoke at meetings. In 1930, Harraden was granted a civil-list pension for services to literature. She died at Barton-on-Sea in Hampshire, England, on May 5, 1936, at the age of 72.

Judith C. Reveal , freelance writer, Greensboro, Maryland