Author
Edmund Gosse
1849-1928
Edmund Gosse (1849-1928) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Edmund Gosse
Aspects and Impressions
"Aspects and Impressions" by Edmund Gosse is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. This work primarily explores the lives and works of notable literary figures, including George Eliot and Henry James, while also delving into various aspects of literary criticism and cultural reflections of the time. At the start of the book, the author reflects on his impressions of the renowned novelist George Eliot, sharing a poignant encounter and observations about her life and literary impact. Gosse describes Eliot as a significant figure in English literature, recounting her powerful presence and the reverberations of her fame during her lifetime. The opening portion delves into her relationships with contemporaries, her unique writing style, and the contrasted views held about her work, setting a tone for a thoughtful critique and homage to influential writers of the past.
Some Diversions of a Man of Letters
"Some Diversions of a Man of Letters" by Edmund Gosse is a collection of literary essays written in the early 20th century. This work explores a variety of themes related to literature, taste, and the impact of changing societal values over different generations. Gosse’s essays reflect on notable figures in English literature, and he contemplates the often fickle nature of literary appreciation and the legacies left behind by past authors. The opening of the work presents a thoughtful preface where Gosse examines the evolution of taste in literature, tracing how public opinions shift over time regarding certain poets and their works, notably Wordsworth. Using the example of Sir Walter Raleigh, he reflects on the complexities of literary acclaim and criticism, highlighting contrasting perspectives from different generations. This opening sets the stage for the subsequent essays, which delve into various literary figures and explore how their contributions have been perceived over time within the fluctuating landscape of literary standards. Overall, the book promises a rich analysis of literary history, appealing to readers interested in the intersection of literature and cultural critique.
Henrik Ibsen
"Hans Christian Andersen" by Edmund Gosse is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and works of the renowned Danish author and fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen, delving into his upbringing, literary career, and the personal experiences that shaped his storytelling. Gosse aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Andersen's significance in literature and the complexities of his character. The opening of the book presents the groundwork for understanding Andersen's early life, detailing his humble beginnings in Odense, Denmark. It describes his family background, highlighting his father's aspirations and his mother's struggles, setting a tone of contrast between Andersen's rich imagination and the stark realities of his childhood. Gosse emphasizes key moments from Andersen's formative years that fostered his desire to write, including his early encounters with the arts and literature, which are pivotal in shaping his future as a storyteller. The narrative gives insight into Andersen's challenges and aspirations while laying the foundation for a deeper exploration of his literary achievements throughout the book.
Father and Son: A Study of Two Temperaments
"Father and Son: A Study of Two Temperaments" by Edmund Gosse is a memoir published in 1907. It chronicles Gosse's childhood in a devout Plymouth Brethren household, exploring the tension between his deeply religious father—a zoologist who rejected Darwin's theories—and the son's gradual departure from Christian fundamentalism. Through small domestic diplomacies and gentle wit, the book captures an intense father-son relationship and the experience of religious adolescence in Victorian England. Critics praise it as a brilliant social document and pioneering memoir of self-discovery.
Questions at Issue
"Questions at Issue" by Edmund Gosse is a collection of literary essays written in the late 19th century. The work explores contemporary literature and examines the nature of criticism, particularly focusing on the impact of the novel and the changing dynamics of literary appreciation. Gosse's writing reflects his observations and thoughts on the literary movements of his time, as well as his insights into how democracy influences literature and the roles of both poets and novelists within that landscape. The opening of the collection begins with a preface in which Gosse lays down his approach to the essays, distinguishing them from traditional literary criticism. He presents a case for a more open, conversational style of critique regarding contemporary writers. Gosse expresses his belief that examining the literary scene of one’s own time can be complex and less authoritative due to ever-changing tastes and societal influences. He discusses the predominance of novels over other literary forms and argues that contemporary criticism should engage sincerely with current literature while remaining rooted in fundamental principles of literary quality.
Three French Moralists and The Gallantry of France
"Three French Moralists and The Gallantry of France" by Edmund Gosse is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century that explores the influence of three notable French moralists—La Rochefoucauld, La Bruyère, and Vauvenargues—on the cultural ethos of France, particularly during the wars of the early 1900s. The work aims to illuminate the philosophical depth and the principles of gallantry embedded in the writings of these authors and how they embody the French spirit amidst the trials of warfare. The beginning of the book sets the tone for an analytical exploration of the essence of French gallantry, situating it within the historical and moral discourses provoked by the writings of La Rochefoucauld, La Bruyère, and Vauvenargues. Gosse reflects on how the ideals expressed by these writers resonate with the soldiers' experiences during World War I, emphasizing themes of duty, honor, and the shifting perceptions of heroism as the war progressed. He introduces La Rochefoucauld as a pivotal figure, known for his cynical yet insightful maxims about human nature, and begins to explore the moral landscape influenced by his thoughts, which strive to reveal the truth behind human motivations and egoism. The exploration promises to weave personal narratives alongside philosophical reflections, offering a rich tapestry of French intellectual history that is both reflective and engaging.
Raleigh
"Raleigh" by Edmund Gosse is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This biographical work chronicles the life of Sir Walter Raleigh, exploring his multifaceted career as a soldier, explorer, and courtier in Elizabethan England. The book aims to portray Raleigh's personal journey distinct from the broader political and historical context of his times. The opening of the book focuses on Raleigh's early life, detailing his birth in 1552 in Hayes Barton, Devonshire, and his ancestry, which includes notable figures such as his half-brother Sir Humphrey Gilbert. Gosse elaborates on Raleigh’s formative years, including his uncertain education at Oxford, his early military experiences in France, and the influence of his family on his adventurous spirit. The narrative sets the stage for Raleigh's later exploits as a prominent explorer and courtier, hinting at the ambition and complexity that would characterize his career and interactions with key historical figures of his time.
Hypolympia; Or, The Gods in the Island, an Ironic Fantasy
"Hypolympia; Or, The Gods in the Island, an Ironic Fantasy" by Edmund Gosse is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story imagines a whimsical yet ironical scenario where the ancient Greek gods find themselves exiled to a remote island, having lost their immortality and former grandeur. It explores themes of mortality, identity, and the transformation of these iconic deities as they attempt to adapt to their new, humbled existence. At the start of the novel, the setting introduces a terrace overlooking the sea, where the goddess Aphrodite and her son Eros arrive on the island. They are joined by other gods, including Poseidon and Athena, who express their bewilderment and sadness over their lost powers and status. The opening dialogue reveals their struggle to grasp their mortality, their nostalgia for Olympus, and their attempts to understand the dynamics of this new life among "barbarians." The characters grapple with feelings of weariness and the challenge of finding happiness in this unfamiliar territory, setting the stage for an exploration of their relationships and roles in a world where they are no longer supreme.
The Future of English Poetry
"The Future of English Poetry" by Edmund Gosse is a philosophical examination written in the early 20th century. This work takes the form of a discourse or essay, analyzing the trajectory and potential developments of English poetry over the coming century. Gosse delves into the intrinsic nature and ongoing relevance of poetry, positing that it remains a dynamic and undying art form capable of evolution amidst shifting cultural landscapes. In this treatise, Gosse articulates various complexities faced by English poetry, including the struggle for originality in a saturated linguistic environment and the challenge of embracing new themes beyond traditional lyrical expressions. He anticipates a movement toward symbolic and intricate expressions, albeit at the risk of sacrificing directness and accessibility. Moreover, Gosse speculates that future poets will increasingly focus on personal introspection, emotional depth, and dramatization of life experiences while wrestling with the impulses imposed by society. Overall, the essay inspires contemplation about the resilience of poetry and its ability to adapt, even as it grapples with conventions and the expectations of both contemporary and future audiences.
Gossip in a Library
"Gossip in a Library" by Edmund Gosse is a collection of reflections and essays written in the early 20th century. In this work, the author explores the intimate relationship between bibliophiles and their collections of books, providing a nostalgic and personal account of his own library and the literary treasures within it. The writing delves into themes of literature, the history of libraries, and the joy and complications of book collecting as a hobby. The opening of "Gossip in a Library" presents a contemplative piece on the nature of libraries, both public and private. Gosse reflects on the evolution of libraries as institutions and the deep personal significance of books for collectors. He introduces the idea that even small, private libraries can be treasure troves of history and emotion, filled with the remnants of past lives and aspirations contained within each volume. The author expresses a longing for an idealized personal library, one that harmonizes beauty and knowledge, while acknowledging the quirks and eccentricities of his own collection. This opening serves as an invitation to readers to join him in a literary journey that evokes both affection and reverence for the written word.