Marie Corelli

Mary Mackay, writing as Marie Corelli, was a highly popular English novelist whose career began in 1886 with "A Romance of Two Worlds." Her fiction frequently delved into themes of Christianity, reincarnation, astral projection, and mysticism. Despite attracting distinguished patrons, including members of the British royal family and Winston Churchill, Corelli was frequently derided by literary critics for what they perceived as melodramatic and sentimental writing. She was known to embellish details of her personal life, creating a romanticized backstory.

Corelli lived her later years in Stratford-upon-Avon, where she actively campaigned for the preservation of historic buildings. Her personal life was complex; she lived for many years with her companion, Bertha Vyver, and had an unrequited attachment to the artist Arthur Severn. During World War I, she faced public criticism after being convicted of food hoarding. Despite critical dismissal during her lifetime, her novels have seen renewed interest in the 21st century.

Marie Corelli's literary output was characterized by a distinctive blend of Christian theology with esoteric concepts such as reincarnation and astral projection. Her novels often sought to reconcile these spiritual ideas, contributing to the broader discourse on mystical philosophy during her time. She had documented associations with the Fraternitas Rosae Crucis, a Rosicrucian organization, and her writings are considered foundational to the corpus of esoteric thought. Despite her significant sales figures, which outstripped many contemporaries, Corelli's work was often dismissed by critics as sentimental and lacking literary merit, a sentiment exemplified by comments suggesting she catered to popular tastes rather than artistic standards.

Corelli cultivated a public persona that was often at odds with biographical facts, fabricating details about her parentage and upbringing. She was known for her aversion to the press and public scrutiny, famously having her portrait retouched to appear younger. Her later life was spent in Stratford-upon-Avon, where she was a vocal advocate for architectural preservation. She maintained a long-term companionship with Bertha Vyver. Corelli's personal reputation also faced challenges, notably a conviction for food hoarding during World War I. Her unconventional lifestyle, including arriving at social events in a Venetian gondola, contributed to her eccentric reputation.