Ouida

Ouida , pseud. of Louise de la Ramée , 1839-1908, English novelist. She was a prolific writer of flamboyant, romantic tales, the best of which are Under Two Flags (1867), Moths (1880), and In Maremma (1882). Her stories for children include Two Little Wooden Shoes (1874), Bimbi (1882), and the well-known Dog of Flanders (1872).

Ouida, pen-name of Marie Louise de la Ramée (1839–1908), began her career contributing stories to Bentley's Miscellany (1858–60), encouraged by its editor Ainsworth. Her first real success was Held in Bondage (1863). She spent much time in Italy from 1860 and in 1874 settled in Florence. Her 45 novels include Under Two Flags (1867), Folle-Farine (1871), Two Little Wooden Shoes (1874), and Moths (1880). They are often set in a fashionable world far removed from reality and show a spirit of rebellion against the moral ideals reflected in much of the fiction of the time. She suffered frequent ridicule for her extravagantly portrayed heroes and for her inaccuracies, but her faults were redeemed by her narrative power and emotional energy.