Francesca Alexander Facts:
Known for: collecting Tuscan folk songs
Occupation: folklorist, illustrator, author, philanthropist
Dates: February 27, 1837 - January 21, 1917
Also known as: Fanny Alexander, Esther Frances Alexander (birth name)
Francesca Alexander Biography:
Born in Massachusetts, Francesca Alexander moved with her family to Europe when Francesca was sixteen years old. She was educated privately, and her mother exercised considerable control over her life.
After the family settled in Florence, Francesca was generous to neighbors, and they in turn shared with her folk stories and folk songs. She collected these, and when John Ruskin discovered her collecting, he helped her begin publishing her work.
Places: Boston, Massachusetts, United States; Florence, Italy, Tuscany
