Beginning in 1908 with the release of Anne of Green Gables, L. M. Montgomery established a literary career that spanned over twenty novels and more than one thousand short stories and poems. Her work, primarily written in English, helped transform Prince Edward Island into a recognized site of international literary interest and significant cultural history.
Early Life and Education
Born in New London, Prince Edward Island, in 1874, Montgomery lost her mother to tuberculosis at twenty-one months old. Following this loss, she was raised by her maternal grandparents in Cavendish. Her childhood was characterized by solitude, which she mitigated by creating imaginary companions. She pursued her education at Prince of Wales College in 1893 and later studied literature at Dalhousie University between 1895 and 1896.
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Although she initially worked as a teacher in various schools across Prince Edward Island to sustain herself, Montgomery focused heavily on her writing. Her first published work was a poem, On Cape LeForce, which appeared in the Charlottetown newspaper The Daily Patriot. Between 1897 and 1907, she successfully placed over one hundred short stories in various periodicals, laying the foundation for her later success as a novelist.
Literary Legacy and Recognition
Montgomery authored several enduring titles, including Anne of Avonlea, Anne of the Island, Anne's House of Dreams, Emily of New Moon, The Golden Road, Rainbow Valley, and Rilla of Ingleside. Her contributions to literature were acknowledged through her appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. She is officially designated a Person of National Historic Significance in Canada.
Fast facts
- Born: 1874, New London, Prince Edward Island
- Died: 1942, Toronto
- Education: Prince of Wales College, Dalhousie University
- Notable Works: Anne of Green Gables, Emily of New Moon, Rilla of Ingleside
- Citizenship: Canada
- Burial Site: Cavendish
- Awards: Officer of the Order of the British Empire
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Montgomery write about?
She was a prolific author of novels, short stories, poetry, and essays, with much of her work rooted in the landscape of Prince Edward Island.
Where is L. M. Montgomery buried?
She is buried in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island.
Achievements
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire
- Notable work: Anne of Green Gables
- Notable work: Anne of Avonlea
- Notable work: Anne of the Island
- Notable work: Emily of New Moon
- Genres: young adult literature
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