Margaret Oliphant - At His Gates: 'One only says it is one's duty when one has something disagreeable to do''

The life of Margaret Oliphant Wilson is marked by both literary achievement and profound personal tragedy. After publishing her first novel in 1849, she established a successful writing career, contributing to Blackwood's Magazine. Following the death of her husband and three of her six children, she supported her remaining family through her writing. Despite her prolific output, she faced continuous loss, including the deaths of her only daughter and two sons. Ultimately, her health declined, leading to her passing in 1897, leaving behind a legacy of resilience amid sorrow.