Lady Lucie Duff Gordon

Born in London in 1821, Lucie Duff Gordon was the daughter of the writer Sarah Austin and grew up in an unusually literary world. She married Sir Alexander Duff Gordon in 1840 and became Lady Duff Gordon, moving in circles that included major Victorian thinkers and writers.

Ill health later led her to spend long periods in Egypt, where she wrote the letters that made her especially memorable. Published after her death as Letters from Egypt, they were admired for their lively, personal picture of Egyptian life and for the sympathy and attention she brought to the people around her.

She also worked as a translator and writer, helping introduce important European ideas to English readers. Lady Duff Gordon died in 1869, but her travel writing still stands out for its warmth, intelligence, and feeling for place.