Ouida

Ouida Biography

Maria Louise Ramé (January 1, 1839 – January 25, 1908), better known by her pen name Ouida, was an English novelist of French descent. Born in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England, she adopted the pseudonym 'Ouida' from her own childish pronunciation of 'Louise'.

Ouida wrote more than 40 novels, as well as short stories, children's books, and essays. Her first novel, Granville de Vigne (later retitled Held in Bondage), was published serially between 1861 and 1863. She gained popularity with works like Strathmore (1865), Chandos (1866), and Under Two Flags (1867), the latter being one of her most famous novels, depicting the British in Algeria and expressing sympathy for the French colonists and, to some extent, the Arabs.

Her 1872 novel, A Dog of Flanders, is considered a children's classic in many parts of the world. Despite her literary success, Ouida was known for her lavish lifestyle, which eventually led to financial difficulties. She spent her later years in Italy, where she continued to write but faced monetary challenges due to her extravagant spending.

Ouida was also a passionate advocate for animal rights and a staunch anti-vivisectionist. She authored The New Priesthood: A Protest Against Vivisection in 1897 and wrote articles denouncing animal experimentation in publications like The Gentleman's Magazine and The Fortnightly Review. She opposed the fur trade and hunting, reflecting her deep compassion for animals.

She passed away from pneumonia on January 25, 1908, in Viareggio, Italy. In her memory, friends organized a public subscription in her birthplace, Bury St Edmunds, resulting in the installation of a fountain for horses and dogs, honoring her love for animals.

Trivia About Ouida

• Ouida's pen name was derived from her own childish pronunciation of 'Louise'.
• Her novel Under Two Flags was adapted for the stage and filmed six times.
• American author Jack London cited her novel Signa as one of the reasons for his literary success.
• Despite her success, her lavish lifestyle led to financial difficulties, and her works were auctioned to pay her debts.

Famous Quotes by Ouida

• "Petty laws breed great crimes."
• "Take hope from the heart of man, and you make him a beast of prey."
• "An easy-going husband is the one indispensable comfort of life."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Ouida?

Ouida was the pen name of Maria Louise Ramé, an English novelist known for her melodramatic romances and advocacy for animal rights.

What are some of Ouida's most famous works?

Some of her notable works include Under Two Flags (1867), A Dog of Flanders (1872), and Signa (1875).

What was Ouida's stance on animal rights?

Ouida was a passionate advocate for animal rights, opposing vivisection, the fur trade, and hunting. She authored The New Priesthood: A Protest Against Vivisection in 1897.

Related Literary Movements

Ouida's works are associated with the Victorian sensation novel genre, characterized by melodramatic plots and extravagant characters. Her novels often explored themes of high society, romance, and social issues.

Explore more about Ouida on eBookTakeAway