Margaret Oliphant Wilson Oliphant (1828-97) is one of the most important writers of the nineteenth century. She was both prolific and wide ranging in her career which spanned half a century. Primarily known as a novelist Mrs Oliphant is of interest to scholars today both for her wide popularity in her prime and her influential position as reviewer and journalist which saw her become an important critical voice for her generation. Her high profile in the literary world led to savage satirical portrayals in works by Anthony Trollope, Thomas Hardy and Henry James. This is the most ambitiou.