作者: Maria S. Cummins

Maria Susanna Cummins (1827–1866) was an American novelist celebrated for her literary contribution during the mid-19th century. Born in Salem, Massachusetts, Cummins was the daughter of a prosperous merchant and politician. She was educated at home and then at Mrs. Charles Sedgwick”s Young Ladies” School in Lenox, Massachusetts. It was here that she began to cultivate her literary talent, under the guidance of Sedgwick herself, who was a notable figure in the development of American literature. Cummins” writing is often characterized by its domestic themes and moralist tone, reflecting the ideals and values of her time. Her enduring legacy rests predominantly on her best-known work, “The Lamplighter” (1854), a novel that achieved remarkable success, selling 100, 000 copies within months of its release and remaining a popular work in American literary circles. The book shed light on the conditions of women and the less fortunate in society, aligning with the sentiments of 19th-century readers who were drawn to tales of virtue overcoming adversity. Cummins” narrative style and ability to evoke deep emotional engagement from her readers established her as an important figure in the field of sentimental literature. However, her career was cut short by her untimely death at the age of 39. Despite her brief literary career, Maria S. Cummins left an indelible mark on American literary history.