The Strickland Family of Suffolk (1758 to 1899)

Thomas Strickland ensured his six daughters were as well educated as his two sons. A wealthy self-made man, he lost his fortune in a business venture and died before he could re-coup his losses.

His eight children went on to become three English authors (one a worldwide celebrity); an early Canadian settler; two pioneers of Canadian literature; a master mariner and the wife of a wealthy vicar.

Mainly using their own words or archived newspapers, their biography includes suicide, murder, romance, poverty, fame and some wealth. It gives a fascinating picture of 19th century life in England and Canada.