Mary Jane Christie Serrano | |
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| Born | Mary Jane Christie c. 1840 Castlebar |
| Died | 1923 New York City |
| Pen name | Mary J. Serrano |
| Occupation | Translator and writer |
| Nationality | Irish |
Mary Jane Christie Serrano (c. 1840 – 1923) was a writer, poet and considered one of the best known translators in the United States.[1][2][3]
Serrano was born Mary Jane Christie inCastlebar, Ireland c. 1840 to Thomas Christie & Jane Bourns. She marriedSpaniard Juan Emigdio Serrano and emigrated to South America with him. There, he was a minister in the government and brother of the President ofColombia,José María Campo Serrano as well a relative ofCarlos Holguin. She lived there for many years, also spending significant time inNew York City as a result of his work. She learned to speak fluent Spanish. As a result of her proficiency, when her husband died she began to translate works into English. She also translated from French and Portuguese. Her first translation was ofJuan Valera whom she met inWashington D.C. while he was minister to theUnited States fromSpain.
The family were considered socialites due to their connections to the Spanish royal family and other government representatives.[4][5][6][7] Serrano was considered a well known authority on Spanish literature and was appointed Judge of awards in the Spanish Literary and Educations Departments of theColumbian Exposition by the Spanish Government.[8][9]
Because of her husband's family and work the Serrano's were well connected. In 1894, Serrano took her daughter to Europe, visiting Spain where both were received by theQueen Regent returned with delightful recollections of theyoung king and princesses.[7] Serrano had three children with her husband:
Serrano died in her home in New York on 1 July 1923.[10]
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