Emily Eden (1797 - 1869)

Emily Eden

Emily Eden was a British writer and poet, as well as an amateur painter.

Emily Eden, daughter of William, first Baron Auckland, accompanied her brother, George, Lord Auckland (1784-1849), to India, where he served as Governor-General from 1835-1842. A gifted amateur artist and writer, Eden recorded her observations of life in India during this period in the form of letters and an extensive collection of sketches. On her return to England in 1842, Eden published her work. It chronicles Indian princes and members of the higher castes, as well as their servants, their families, and religious believers, Pathans, Tibetans, and others. In addition, she has carefully and accurately described the political events she witnessed.

Emily Eden also published two novels that wittily and satirically describe life in England in the early 19th century.