Mary Eliza Bakewell Gaunt, known to many as Mary Gaunt, stands out in Australian literary history as a pioneering novelist, short story writer, and travel author. Her works span across novels, autobiographies, short stories, and non-fiction, showcasing not only her literary talent but her vast life experiences. Born in Chiltern, Victoria, on 20 February 1861, Gaunt became a key figure in Australian writing during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her contributions to literature were complemented by her adventurous travels around the world, which led to the publication of several travel books that captured the essence of her global adventures. This article will explore Mary Gaunt’s life, career, and literary legacy, offering a detailed look at her journey from a young girl in Victoria to an established international author.
Early Life and Education: The Foundations of a Literary Journey
Mary Gaunt was born into a well-respected family. Her father, William Henry Gaunt, was a Victorian county court judge, and her mother, Elizabeth Gaunt, née Palmer, was a figure of strong character and influence in her own right. As the elder daughter, Mary was surrounded by intellectual and social influence, which greatly shaped her early life. Raised in Chiltern, a town in Victoria, Mary was introduced to books and education from an early age, with her parents encouraging her intellectual pursuits.
Her education began at Grenville College in Ballarat, where she developed a love for literature. As one of the first women students admitted to the University of Melbourne, she furthered her academic career and became part of a groundbreaking group of women who were beginning to push the boundaries of traditional gender roles in education. This was a pivotal moment in Mary’s life, as her academic experience would influence much of her writing, which often explored the roles of women in society and the adventures they could undertake in the world.
The Birth of a Literary Career: From Melbourne to London
Mary Gaunt’s writing journey began in earnest in 1894 when she published her first novel, Dave’s Sweetheart. This novel, like much of her early work, delves into themes of love and personal conflict. The publication of Dave’s Sweetheart marked the beginning of her prolific writing career. That same year, she married Dr. Hubert Lindsay Miller, a widower from Warrnambool, Victoria. However, her life took a tragic turn when Dr. Miller passed away in 1900, leaving Mary with only a modest income. Faced with the challenge of supporting herself, Gaunt decided to make a bold decision: she moved to London in 1901, determined to support herself through writing.
Her initial years in London were difficult, as she struggled to find her footing in the competitive world of literature. However, Gaunt was nothing if not determined. Over time, she established herself as a respected writer, known for her insightful and vivid portrayals of both fictional and real-world experiences. As her writing career took off, Gaunt embarked on extensive travels, particularly to regions like the West Indies, West Africa, China, and other parts of the East. These travels greatly influenced her work, leading her to write about her adventures in the form of travel books.
The Travel Books: Gaunt’s Exploration of the World
Mary Gaunt’s travel writings are some of her most beloved works, providing readers with unique perspectives on the places she visited and the cultures she encountered. Her travels became a major part of her identity as a writer, and her books about these experiences were filled with rich descriptions and personal reflections.
Her first major travel book, Alone in West Africa (1912), provided readers with an intimate account of her journey through the western part of the African continent. Gaunt’s observations of the people, landscapes, and cultures she encountered offered a glimpse into a part of the world that was often misunderstood or romanticized in literature at the time. Gaunt’s writing, however, was based on direct experience, making it a valuable source of knowledge for her contemporaries.
Another notable travel book was A Woman in China (1914), which chronicles her time spent in China, a country that was largely mysterious to the Western world during that period. Gaunt’s detailed observations on the lives of women in China, as well as her reflections on the culture and the political landscape, made this book one of her most impactful works. Her travels to China and other parts of Asia also challenged many of the stereotypes and misconceptions that existed in the West, adding depth and nuance to her work.
Her other travel books, including A Broken Journey (1919), Where the Twain Meet (1922), and Reflection – in Jamaica (1932), further solidified her reputation as a skilled travel writer. Each of these books reflected Gaunt’s keen interest in exploring different cultures and examining the complexities of human interaction across diverse regions. Whether in the Caribbean, Africa, or Asia, Gaunt’s travel books highlighted her passion for understanding the world beyond the conventional boundaries of her native Australia.
A Prolific Writer: Novels, Short Stories, and Non-Fiction
In addition to her travel books, Mary Gaunt was a prolific novelist and short story writer. Between 1895 and 1934, she published 16 novels and collections of short stories, many of which focused on themes of love, personal growth, and adventure. Her novels were generally well-received, and Gaunt’s ability to create compelling characters and storylines made her a popular author of the time.
She also collaborated with other writers, including John Ridgwell Essex, with whom she co-wrote three novels. These collaborations offered Gaunt an opportunity to experiment with different writing styles and genres, further expanding her literary repertoire.
In 1929, Gaunt published George Washington and the Men Who Made the American Revolution, a non-fiction work that provided an insightful analysis of the figures who played pivotal roles in the American Revolution. This book, like much of her non-fiction work, showcased Gaunt’s ability to approach historical subjects with both analytical depth and a captivating narrative style.
Her writing was widely admired for its versatility, as she was able to move fluidly between fiction, travel writing, and historical analysis. Throughout her career, Gaunt remained committed to capturing the diverse facets of human experience, whether through fictionalized adventures or real-world accounts.
Life in Italy and Later Years: A Final Chapter in Bordighera
In the early 1920s, Mary Gaunt made a significant move to Bordighera, a town on the Italian Riviera. Here, she spent much of her later life, surrounded by the beauty of the Mediterranean and the cultural richness of Italy. Gaunt’s time in Italy marked the beginning of a quieter, more reflective period in her life. Although she continued to write, her output slowed, and she focused more on enjoying the peace and tranquility that Bordighera offered.
However, the outbreak of World War II disrupted her life in Italy. In 1940, Gaunt was forced to flee the country due to the escalating conflict in Europe. She sought refuge in Cannes, France, where she lived until her death in 1942. Despite her late years being filled with upheaval, Gaunt’s contributions to literature and her status as a trailblazer for women writers remained intact.
Legacy and Influence: A Woman Ahead of Her Time
Mary Gaunt’s legacy as a pioneering Australian writer endures, especially for her contributions to the world of travel literature and her exploration of themes surrounding the role of women in society. She was not only one of the first female students at the University of Melbourne but also a female writer who traveled the world at a time when such journeys were reserved for the few. Gaunt’s ability to blend personal experience with literary skill set her apart from many of her contemporaries, and her works remain a valuable part of Australian literary history.
Her ability to craft vivid travel narratives and fictional works that resonated with readers in different parts of the world speaks to her universal appeal. Although much of her work has been overshadowed by other literary giants, Mary Gaunt’s unique perspective as both a writer and a traveler continues to inspire those interested in exploring the intersections of culture, gender, and storytelling.
In the end, Mary Gaunt’s life story is one of resilience, adventure, and intellectual curiosity. From her early days in Victoria to her time spent in far-flung parts of the globe, she embodied the spirit of exploration and discovery. As both a writer and a woman of her time, Mary Gaunt’s legacy endures as a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of seeking out new horizons.
Conclusion: A Lasting Influence
Mary Gaunt’s life and work reflect the qualities of an exceptional author and a determined individual. She was not simply a writer of her time but a woman who helped to pave the way for other female writers in Australia and beyond. Her novels, short stories, travel books, and historical works continue to inspire readers and scholars, ensuring that her influence in the literary world is remembered for generations to come.