About Caroline Clive
Caroline Clive, sometimes known as Caroline Wigley Clive (24 June 1801 in Brompton Grove, London –13 July 1872 in Whitfield, Herefordshire) was an English poet and novelist. She published, over the signature “V.”, eight volumes of poetry, but is best known as the author of Paul Ferrol (1855), a sensational novel about murder, and Why Paul Ferroll Killed His Wife (1860). Throughout her life, she earned a reputation as a respected poet and author. In 1840, her collection titled “IX Poems” was released in a small duodecimo format, and it caught a great attention. In 1841, she published a second edition of “IX Poems” followed by “I Watched the Heavens” in 1842, “The Queen's Ball” in 1847, “Valley of the Rea” in 1851, and “The Morlas” in 1853. Caroline Clive began to diversify her writing by adding novels to her portfolio, starting with the sensational “Paul Ferroll: A Tale” in 1855, which turned out to be a great literary success. Aside from her poetry, it’s this novel and its sequel, “Why Paul Ferroll Killed His Wife,” that really enhanced her literary standing. The first book is generally considered her finest work, going through several editions and translations. Interestingly, it was only in the fourth edition that the final chapter, which concludes Paul Ferroll’s journey, was added. By this point, Caroline had become a well-respected novelist, complementing her already impressive reputation as a poet. “Paul Ferroll” is often viewed as a precursor to the ‘sensational novel’ genre, laying the groundwork for what we now recognize as mystery novels. Caroline was among the leading sensational novelists of the 19th century, ahead of her time compared to writers like Wilkie Collins, Charles Reade, and Miss Braddon, exploring human nature through its passions without diagnosing it like a doctor or analyzing it like a priest. Unfortunately, Caroline’s health was always fragile, and she spent many years as a confirmed invalid before her passing. She tragically died on July 13, 1873, when her dress caught fire while she was in her boudoir, surrounded by her papers, in Whitfield, Herefordshire.Browse all poems and texts published on Caroline Clive
