author
Ann Taylor
1782–1866
Best remembered for lively, moral verse written for children, this English poet also had a sharper side as a literary critic. Her work with her sister Jane helped shape a lasting corner of early nineteenth-century children's literature.
3 Audiobooks
Little Ann, and Other Poems
by Jane Taylor, Ann Taylor
City Scenes; or, a peep into London
by Ann Taylor, Jane Taylor
Rhymes for the nursery
by Ann Taylor, Jane Taylor
About the author
Born in London on January 30, 1782, Ann Taylor grew up in a literary family and became known early for writing verse for children. She is often remembered alongside her younger sister Jane Taylor, with whom she collaborated on popular collections such as Original Poems for Infant Minds.
Before her marriage, she also wrote literary criticism, showing a more severe and thoughtful voice than her children's poetry might suggest. After marrying the Rev. Joseph Gilbert in 1813, she was also known as Ann Gilbert.
She continued to write poetry and hymns, and her work remained associated with clear language, moral purpose, and strong feeling. Ann Taylor died on December 20, 1866, in Nottingham, leaving behind a body of writing that connected family reading, religious life, and early children's literature.