Taylor, Ann (1782–1866)
Taylor, Ann (1782–1866)
English writer. Name variations: Ann Gilbert; Mrs. Gilbert. Born Jan 30, 1782, in London; died Dec 20, 1866, in Nottingham; dau. of Reverend Isaac Taylor (Congregational minister) and Ann Martin Taylor (1757–1830, writer); sister of writer Jane Taylor (1783–1824); m. Reverend Joseph Gilbert (Nonconformist), in 1813; children: 8, including Josiah (b. 1814) and Joseph (b. 1817).
With sister, became one of the most popular English writers for children of early 19th century, shaping the way children's literature has been written ever since; co-published a volume of children's verses as Original Poems for Infant Minds (1805), which became immensely popular in England, remaining in print continuously into 1880s, and was translated and published abroad as well; wrote additional books of poetry and reading primers, both individually and jointly, which often included their engravings as illustrations; though marriage and motherhood left little time for writing, still contributed essays and reviews periodically to Christian journals, and published hymns; composed a short biography on husband after his death in 1853, and became a social activist, involved in the abolition movement and in the rehabilitation of former prostitutes.
See also Christina D. Stewart, The Taylors of Ongar: An Analytical Bio-bibliography (Garland, 1975); and Women in World History.