Novelist and poet. Pseudonyms: “An English Lady,” “J. F. G.,” “J. T. Gozes,” “Ivory
Beryl.” Alternative signature: “I. Blagden.” Born 30 June 1816/1817 in the East Indies.
Probably educated at Louisa Agassiz’s school for ladies in Regents Park, London. Lived
in Florence from c. February 1850 and quickly became an integral figure within Anglo-Italian
circles. Close friend of the Brownings, the Trollopes, Edward and Robert Bulwer Lytton,
and Linda White Mazzini. Death register in Florence states she was a Swiss national,
and there were contemporary rumours that she was Anglo-Indian and illegitimate, but
she identified as English. Author of *Poems* (1873), posthumously published, as well
as several novels including *Agnes Tremorne* (1861). Buried in the Protestant Cemetery,
Florence. Biographical information: *ODNB*, *Orlando*, “Isa Blagden” <https://www.browningscorrespondence.com/biographical-sketches/?nameId=144>
(19 July 2020). (AC)