Michael Fairless *

a.k.a. Margaret Fairless Barber

Author Code: EMFB

Fairless developed spinal problems in her teens which were to continually plague her the remainder of her altogether short life. She completed hospital training as a child's nurse, but her ailment precluded her ability to carry on such activities and she turned to writing. Even then she was often forced to dictate her work. After a short time in London, she moved to Sussex. Her most successful work, The Roadmender (1902), was completed on her death bed and brought her immense popularity, albeit posthumously. Her other well-known works include The Gray Brethren (1905) and The Gathering of Brother Hilarius (1905).