Amelia Gillespie Smyth (1788–1876) was a Scottish writer who published numerous works in the mid-nineteenth century, including a series of books on Christian scriptures for children[1] and a biography of sixteenth-century Italian classical scholar Olympia Morata.[2]
Smyth's novel Selwyn in Search of a Daughter was initially published in serial form in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine from January to June 1827. The story "Marriage Impromptu" by Smyth was published in Fraser's Magazine in 1832.[3] Both works were included in the three-volume collection Selwyn in Search of a Daughter and Other Tales, which was published by Saunders and Otley in 1835.[3]
Another book by Smyth, titled Fit to be a Duchess: With other stories of Courage and Principle, was published by Ward and Lock in 1860. It was illustrated by E. H. Corbould and J. Absolon.[4]
Mornings with Mama, is a series of dialogues about Christian scripture between a mother and daughter. Of these dialogues, Marion Ann Taylor and Heather Weir write, "Smyth adopted the genre of catechetical writing, casting her interpretive work as a series of conversations between Mama and her child, Mary. Smyth's lessons were not confined to a study of Jesus' life and ministry. Other related lessons on ancient customs and the nature of Scripture, including a discussion of the nature of prophecy and gospel harmonies, were included as sidebars."[1]
Smyth was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1788.[1] Her father, Sir Robert Murray Kieth, was a diplomat. Smyth was a member of the Scottish Episcopal Church[1] and married Robert Gillespie, who later adopted the surname Smyth.[7] Smyth moved to England following her husband's death in 1855.[1] She died in 1876.[1][7]