May Probyn is one of a group of little-known nineteenth-century women poets in whose work there has begun to be a revival of interest. Critics are now recognizing that the witty social criticism that was a major theme for these poets is important to understanding the period. Probyn as an individual has so far received little critical attention, but her humor and satire, which break the sentimental stereotype of Victorian women's poetry, and her astute commentary on the position of women deserve to be rediscovered. Because Probyn was never a popular or successful poet, information is scarce. In fact, a review of Poems (1881) in The Westminster Review (October 1881) begins, "Who May Probyn may be we know not."

Juliana Mary Louisa Probyn was born in France to British parents, Julian John Webb Probyn and Mary Christiana Spicer Probyn. Probyn's three younger siblings were born after their return to England...