Recollections of a Happy Life

The Victorian botanist and painter Marianne North records her tropical journeys around the world in this two-volume 1892 autobiography.

Marianne North (1830–90), the Victorian botanist and painter, led a remarkable life, travelling independently to exotic locations to paint flora in their natural surroundings. This two-volume collection of her memoirs, edited by her sister and published in 1892, records her tropical journeys and the fascinating stories behind her art.Marianne North (1830–90), the Victorian amateur botanist and painter, travelled to distant countries of the world to paint exotic flora in their natural surroundings. This two-volume collection of her memoirs, edited by her sister and published in 1892, records North's remarkable travels. Laden with her palettes and easels, the independent North travelled alone and fended for herself. Her journals describe how she endured swarms of insects, scaled cliffs, trudged through wilderness and crossed swamps in order to reach the plants she wanted to paint. Volume 1 covers North's early upbringing and the origins of her enthusiasm for nature, and traces her travels through Canada and the United States, Jamaica, Brazil, Japan, Borneo, India and Sri Lanka. This fascinating autobiography reveals the stories behind North's art, which can still be appreciated today since she bequeathed her vivid paintings to Kew Gardens, where they are on display.