author
Felicia Buttz Clark
1862–1939
An American novelist and short-story writer, she spent much of her life in Europe and turned that experience into historical fiction and magazine writing. Her books often bring continental settings and religious questions into lively, accessible stories.
1 Audiobook
Virgilia; or, Out of the Lion's Mouth
by Felicia Buttz Clark
About the author
Born in New York City in 1862, Felicia Buttz Clark was the daughter of educator Henry Anson Buttz, who later became the first president of Drew Theological Seminary. She was educated privately, traveled widely, and lived in Rome for many years, experiences that shaped both her worldview and her fiction.
Clark wrote novels, short stories, and articles for both religious and general readers. Her work is especially associated with historical fiction set in Europe, including titles such as The Sword of Garibaldi, The Jesuit, and Beppino. She was also connected with the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a link that reflects the religious interests running through part of her writing.
Readers coming to Clark today will find an author drawn to dramatic history, moral conflict, and international settings. Her stories offered English-speaking audiences a window into Italian and German life at a time when such backgrounds could feel both educational and adventurous.