Author
Austin Dobson
1840-1921
Austin Dobson (1840-1921) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Austin Dobson
Horace Walpole: A memoir With an appendix of books printed at the Strawberry Hill Press
"Horace Walpole: A Memoir" by Austin Dobson is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The memoir details the life and legacy of Horace Walpole, an influential figure in British politics and culture, notably remembered as the son of Sir Robert Walpole, Britain’s first Prime Minister. The narrative covers Walpole's formative years, education, and travels, alongside anecdotes and insights into his character and literary contributions. At the start of this memoir, we are introduced to the Walpole family lineage and the origins of Horace Walpole, who was born on September 24, 1717. The narrative describes his childhood, education, and early influences, including a noteworthy anecdote of his childhood meeting with King George I. Additionally, the opening delves into the complicated relationship between Horace and his father, expressing both admiration and the contrasting nature of their personalities. It sets the stage for the exploration of Walpole's life, highlighting the events that shaped him into the significant literary and political figure he would become.
Eighteenth Century Vignettes
"Eighteenth Century Vignettes" by Austin Dobson is a collection of historical essays written in the late 19th century. The work presents a series of episodic portraits and reflections on significant figures and events of the 18th century, blending fact with a light degree of narrative elaboration. This compilation aims to capture the essence of the era, focusing on both personal stories and broader cultural moments that shaped the time. The opening portion of the book introduces the reader to a scene from 1708 involving Captain Richard Steele and his wife, Mary Scurlock Steele. The narrative describes a moment of impatience experienced by Mrs. Steele as she awaits her husband in a coach outside Lord Sunderland's office in Whitehall. The text paints a vivid picture of their marriage, highlighting Steele's charming yet tumultuous nature, conflicts over his frequent absences from home, and Mrs. Steele's wrestling emotions. Through letters exchanged between the couple, we gain insights into their relationship dynamics, revealing both affection and underlying tensions that characterize their life together in a bustling 18th century London.
Fielding
"Fielding" by Austin Dobson is a biographical account focusing on the life and works of the English novelist and playwright Henry Fielding, written in the late 19th century. The book aims to present a thorough examination of Fielding's life, correcting past misconceptions and offering fresh insights into his personal and professional experiences. The opening of the memoir outlines Fielding's lineage and early years, detailing his birth into an ancient family and the influences that shaped his literary career. It presents a broad picture of his upbringing, education at Eton, and the early romantic escapades that hinted at his later literary pursuits. Dobson introduces various anecdotes about Fielding's family and education while alluding to his gradual emergence into the world of theater and his budding interest in playwriting, laying the groundwork for understanding Fielding's character as a dramatist and novelist.
Fanny Burney (Madame D'Arblay)
"Fanny Burney (Madame D’Arblay)" by Austin Dobson is a biographical memoir written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and literary contributions of Fanny Burney, focusing on her upbringing, family background, and the social circles she inhabited. As a prominent figure of her time, Burney is celebrated for her novels, particularly "Evelina" and "Cecilia," which provided insight into the lives and experiences of women in the 18th century. The opening of the memoir begins with an introduction to the Burney family's heritage and upbringing. It details the lineage of Fanny Burney, highlighting her father, Charles Burney, a well-known musician and musicologist. The narrative describes Fanny's childhood, character traits, and family dynamics, revealing her gradual development into a keen observer of society, despite her initial shyness and reticence. The detailed account sets the stage for her eventual rise as an influential writer and commentator on the social and cultural norms of her time, paving the way for further exploration of her literary journey in subsequent chapters.
De Libris: Prose and Verse
"De Libris: Prose and Verse" by Austin Dobson is a collection of literary essays and poetry written during the early 20th century. This work explores various themes related to books, literature, and the joys and tribulations of reading and writing. Through a series of reflections and poems, Dobson addresses the sentimental value attached to books, the nature of literature itself, and the creative process behind writing. The opening of the text features a prologue where Dobson addresses the reader in a conversational tone, asking for their benevolence as he presents his musings. He explains that he composed these reflections not out of ambition to please a larger audience but rather to share thoughts that might resonate with a kindred spirit. The prologue sets the stage for essays that delve into the associations people have with books and their meanings, detailing personal anecdotes and contemplating the emotional connections that literature fosters, establishing a rich and engaging tone for the collection.
Collected Poems in Two Volumes, Vol. II
"Collected Poems in Two Volumes, Vol. II" by Austin Dobson is a collection of poetry written in the late 19th century. This volume showcases a variety of lyrical poems that explore themes such as love, nostalgia, nature, and the passage of time, reflecting a keen observation of the world and a rich emotional landscape. The verses include ballads and more structured forms, often characterized by a light, playful tone mixed with deeper philosophical reflections. The opening of the collection presents a distinctly whimsical tone, beginning with the poem "At the Sign of the Lyre," where the poet welcomes readers to enjoy a selection of songs and ballads, promising pleasure and engagement with the lyrical form. The subsequent pieces, starting with "The Ladies of St. James's," juxtapose the charm of rustic beauty, embodied in the character Phyllida, with the artificiality of high society. Using vivid imagery and accessible language, the poems invite readers into scenes that are both relatable and richly decorated with emotional depth, setting the stage for the diverse themes and styles that Dobson employs throughout the volume.