Author
Richard Aldington
1892-1962
Richard Aldington (1892-1962) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Richard Aldington
Death of a hero : $b a novel
"Death of a Hero: A Novel" by Richard Aldington is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows George Winterbourne—from his Victorian-bred upbringing through his service on the Western Front—to dissect the hypocrisies of family, love, and patriotism, and the psychic wreckage of war, as told by a sharp, disillusioned friend-narrator. Expect a mordant anti‑war portrait featuring George, his self-dramatizing mother, ineffectual father, wife Elizabeth, and mistress Fanny, with the narrative doubling as an indictment of a generation’s moral bankruptcy. The opening of the novel sets its method and mood: in a letter-preface the author declares he will ignore conventional form—a “jazz novel” and a threnody for a lost generation—followed by a note on censorship. The prologue recounts George’s death near the Armistice and, with savage irony, shows how little he is mourned: his father retreats into mawkish Catholic piety and is soon killed in an accident; his mother turns the news into theatrical self‑pity and erotic consolation with a “clean, straight” officer, quarrels over George’s effects, and remarries; his wife receives the telegram while returning home tipsy with a Swedish painter and coolly notifies Fanny; Fanny later moves on and marries. The narrator recalls his frontline friendship with George, charts his nerve collapse after long service, and suggests his death may have been a form of self‑destruction; a spare, military funeral leads to the narrator’s vow to “atone” by telling George’s life. Part One then rewinds to 1890s England, sketching George’s parents: George Augustus, a timid solicitor dominated by his pious mother, and Isabel Hartly, vigorous but vulgar and poor; their marriage, built on pretence and sexual ignorance, begins with a painful wedding night, grinding dependence, and humiliations in the in‑laws’ house. Isabel’s resentment hardens, yet she becomes fiercely devoted to her baby—George—whose birth closes this opening canvas of origins.
Some Imagist Poets: An Anthology
"Some Imagist Poets: An Anthology" by Richard Aldington et al. is a collection of poetry produced during the early 20th century, specifically in the early 1910s. This anthology showcases works from various poets who are associated with the Imagist movement, which emphasizes clarity of language, precision of imagery, and the use of free verse. The collection serves as a significant exploration of new poetic forms that challenge traditional verse and reflect modern thoughts and experiences. The anthology includes a rich selection of poems from noted poets such as Aldington, H.D., D.H. Lawrence, and Amy Lowell, among others. Each poet's contribution is carefully chosen, allowing them to present their best works that had not previously appeared in book form. Themes range from childhood memories, nature, and personal reflections, to critiques of modern life and emotions. The Imagist poets collectively aim to evoke vivid imagery and emotions through concise and striking language, offering readers a glimpse into the innovative literary practices of their time and the essence of the Imagist philosophy.
Some Imagist Poets, 1916: An Annual Anthology
"Some Imagist Poets, 1916: An Annual Anthology" by Richard Aldington et al. is a collection of poetry compiled during the early 20th century, specifically the modernist movement. This anthology reflects the Imagist poetic movement, which emphasizes precision in imagery and the use of language that captures moments and emotions in a stark and clear manner. The collection showcases various poets who engage with themes of modern life, nature, and human experience, all characterized by their pursuit of vivid imagery and emotional clarity. The anthology includes poems by notable Imagist poets such as H.D., John Gould Fletcher, D.H. Lawrence, F.S. Flint, and Amy Lowell. Each poet contributes unique voices and perspectives, often exploring contrasting elements of beauty and decay, love and loss, and the tension between nature and the modern urban landscape. The poems utilize innovative forms and free verse, challenging conventional poetic structures. The collection as a whole serves as a testament to the Imagist ideal of presenting a clear picture through precise language and achieving emotional depth without unnecessary elaboration, inviting readers to experience the modern world through fresh and evocative lenses.