Ann Radcliffe was an English author, and a pioneer of the Gothic novel. Her style is romantic in its vivid descriptions of landscapes, and long travel scenes, yet the Gothic element is obvious through her use of the supernatural. It was her technique of explained Gothicism, the final revelation of inexplicable phenomena, that helped the Gothic novel achieve respectability in the 1790s. Very little is known of Ann Radcliffe's life. The Edinburgh Review, published in 1823 said of her: 'She never appeared in public, nor mingled in private society, but kept herself apart, like the sweet bird... that sings its solitary notes, shrouded and unseen.‘ Christina Rossetti attempted to write a biography about her life, but abandoned it for lack of information. As far as is known, there are no images available of Ann Radcliffe. According to Ruth Facer: "Physically, she was said to be 'exquisitely proportioned' – quite short, complexion beautiful 'as was her whole countenance, especially her eyes, eyebrows and mouth.'" Radcliffe was born as Ann Ward in Holborn, London on 9 July 1764.
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| Birthdate: | July 9, 1764 |
| Birthplace: | Holborn |
| Date of death: | February 7, 1823 |
| Also known as: | Ann Radcliffe (Ward) |