Author: Edgar, Mary
Biography:
EDGAR, Mary (1765-1827: Letters of Sir Walter Scott)
She was the daughter of John Edgar of Keithock (or Keithoch), part of the Jacobite Edgar family of Wedderlee at Westruther, Berwickshire. There is very little certain biographical information. The preface to the first edition states that she was deterred from subscription publication by friends who feared her exposure to the Edinburgh reviewers. For the second edition she sought the help of Walter Scott; he subscribed for two copies which he sent to his son and daughter-in-law, describing the author as “a good old Jacobite lady” but warning they are likely to be “tranquilized to slumber” by her book. The title poem includes praise of a friend and mentor “Mrs G****”; likely the reference is to Anne Grant (q.v.). (Letters of Sir Walter Scott, VII, 355 & IX, 1)
Other Names:
- Miss Edgar