Small image of a man handing a book to a women across a counter.

At the Circulating Library

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

A Database of Victorian Fiction, 1837–1901

Author: Mary Keary

Author: Mary Keary (1820–1914)

Alternate Name(s): Mrs. Henry Keary (alternate name)

Biography: Mary Keary was born in 1820 in Farnham, the daughter of physician William Samway Oke. In 1848, she married clergyman and educator Henry Keary, the assistant master of Harrow. The marriage was short-lived due to her husband's death in 1852 at age 31. Thereafter she lived with her sister in Ryde and Southampton. During her widowhood, Keary turned to fiction producing nearly two dozen books for young adult readers. She died on 7 March 1914 in Southampton.

Author Tags:

References: British Census (1841, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911); Probate; St. James's Chronicle (12 December 1848, 26 February 1852)

Fiction Titles:

  1. Ruth Alan: or, the Two Homes.  1 vol.  London: Book Society, 1864.
  2. Margy and her Feather: A Story for Girls.  1 vol.  London: Book Society, 1867.
  3. Little Jack: or, Mend your Nets.  1 vol.  London: Book Society, 1868.
  4. Bob, the Crossing Sweeper.  1 vol.  London: Book Society, 1870.
  5. Josey the Runaway: or, Beware of Bad Company.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1870.
  6. Naughty Nix: or, The Vain Kitten.  1 vol.  London: Frederick Warne, 1870.
  7. Sam: or, A Good Name.  1 vol.  London: Frederick Warne, 1871.
  8. Phillis Phil: or, Alone in the World.  1 vol.  London: Frederick Warne, 1872.
  9. Bessie Bleak, and the Lost Purse.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1873.
  10. Tilly Trickett: or, Try.  1 vol.  London: Frederick Warne, 1873.
  11. Hetty: or, "Fresh Watercresses".  1 vol.  London: Frederick Warne, 1874.
  12. Esther Ray the Hop-Picker.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1879.
  13. Hapless Harry: His Own Enemy.  1 vol.  London: Frederick Warne, 1880.
  14. Ben Froggatt: or, Little Lonesome.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1883.
  15. A Peep Through the Keyhole: or, Matt Tuffin's Troubles.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1886.
  16. His Own Enemy.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1888.
  17. Sunshine at Last: A Tale of London Life.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1888.
  18. Grandfather's Sixpence.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1891.
  19. Susie and the Chestnut Stall.  1 vol.  London: R. T. S., 1891.
  20. Deb: or, A Wayside Flower.  1 vol.  London: Frederick Warne, 1893.
  21. Bab and her Winkles: or, The Eve of To-morrow.  1 vol.  London: Frederick Warne, 1895.
  22. Rod's First Venture.  1 vol.  London: Frederick Warne, 1900.

Previous Author • Next Author