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Amelia Opie (1769–1853) was an English author who gained considerable fame in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born Amelia Alderson in Norwich, she was the daughter of a successful physician and developed an interest in the arts and literature from an early age, influenced by her father's intellectual circle. In 1798, Amelia married John Opie, a painter, and became a fixture in London literary society. A prolific writer, her work includes novels, poems, and short stories characterized by their exploration of romantic and domestic themes, moral dilemmas, and social issues.

Opie's novel 'Adeline Mowbray; or, The Mother and Daughter,' published in 1804, is perhaps her most enduring work. It tackles the controversial topic of cohabitation without marriage, a radical subject for its time, and presents a keen exploration of societal norms, women's independence, and the consequences of challenging the status quo. The book's blend of Romantic sentimentality with a realist portrayal of its protagonist's tragic life showcases Opie's literary style and her sensibility to complex emotional experiences. Opie's other notable works include 'The Father and Daughter' (1801), which similarly explores issues of family and societal expectations. Throughout her career, she was admired for her ability to capture the sensitivity of the individual spirit and the mores of her era. Her legacy endures in the feminist literary canon, securing her a place amongst the respected women writers of her time.