Author
Elizabeth Robins Pennell
1855-1936
Elizabeth Robins Pennell (1855-1936) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Elizabeth Robins Pennell
The Life of James McNeill Whistler
"The Life of James McNeill Whistler" by Elizabeth Robins Pennell and Joseph Pennell is a historical account likely written in the early 20th century. This biography chronicles the life of the influential American painter James McNeill Whistler, detailing his upbringing, artistic development, and complex personality. The book provides insights into his family background and early years, setting the stage for understanding his character and contributions to the art world. The opening of the book delves into the early life of James McNeill Whistler, beginning with his birth in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1834. It recounts anecdotes about his family, particularly focusing on his father, Major George Washington Whistler, a prominent civil engineer. The narrative touches upon James’s childhood experiences, his family's influences, and the whimsical claims and contradictions surrounding his birthplace. It sets a tone of both reverence and levity, hinting at the complexities of Whistler’s identity and the familial relationships that shaped him. Through the meticulous detail of his family's history and his early years, the authors offer a glimpse into the factors that contributed to Whistler's later development as a renowned artist.
Mary Wollstonecraft
"Mary Wollstonecraft" by Elizabeth Robins Pennell is a biography written in the late 19th century. This work explores the life of the renowned feminist and advocate for women's rights, Mary Wollstonecraft, delving into her personal struggles, her intellectual contributions, and the societal criticisms she faced during her lifetime. The book is anchored in Wollstonecraft's experiences, illustrating how her tumultuous childhood and battles against societal norms shaped her revolutionary ideas. The opening of this biography provides a background on Mary Wollstonecraft, detailing her challenging upbringing alongside a father who was abusive and alcoholic, and a mother who enforced strict obedience. It highlights her resilience in the face of adversity, as she navigates a difficult family life and harmful social expectations. The narrative begins to outline the early influences in her life that would later fuel her advocacy for women's rights, emphasizing her early friendships and intellectual awakenings as key moments in her development. This foundation sets the tone for the exploration of her struggles and achievements that follow in her journey toward establishing herself as a prominent figure in the fight for gender equality.
Nights: Rome, Venice, in the Aesthetic Eighties; London, Paris, in the Fighting Nineties
"Nights: Rome, Venice, in the Aesthetic Eighties; London, Paris, in the Fighting Nineties" by Elizabeth Robins Pennell is a memoir written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and experiences of the author as she navigates through various European cities, reflecting on the artistic and cultural currents of the time. The narrative is rich with encounters that reveal the personalities of notable figures and the vibrant art scene of the era, highlighting both the uniqueness and universality of human experiences. At the start of the memoir, the author reminisces about her early days of travel and work in Europe, specifically noting her first arrival in Rome with her husband, J. She reflects on their struggles with their limited means and the misadventures that ensued, such as their experiences with the police for riding a tricycle and getting lost in the Ghetto. The narrative effectively sets the scene for the adventures that follow, detailing their determination to embrace life despite the hardships, and provides a glimpse into the artistic milieu that would come to shape their time in Rome and beyond. The opening chapter weaves nostalgia and a sense of wonder as the couple finds beauty in their artistic ambitions, enriched by the vibrant backdrop of European culture.
Our Philadelphia
"Our Philadelphia" by Elizabeth Robins Pennell is a memoir-like account written in the early 20th century. The text explores the author’s deep attachment to Philadelphia, reflecting on her own childhood experiences in the city as well as the historical and cultural context of its neighborhoods. The narrative is infused with personal impressions and nostalgic memories, as Pennell articulates her affection for the city and its transformation over time. The opening of the book establishes the author’s connection to Philadelphia, claiming her birthright while acknowledging the mixed feelings about the city’s indifferent attitude towards its citizens' affections. In a reflective tone, she recalls her upbringing in Philadelphia, emphasizing its charm, beauty, and the subtleties of daily life that shaped her identity. Pennell conveys a longing for a Philadelphia that is becoming a fading memory, highlighting the contrast between the past and the present while setting the stage for her subsequent recollections of childhood adventures, familial bonds, and the intimate details of life in a city she dearly loves.
The Feasts of Autolycus: The Diary of a Greedy Woman
"The Feasts of Autolycus: The Diary of a Greedy Woman" by Elizabeth Robins Pennell is a collection of culinary essays written in the late 19th century. This work captures the author's reflections on the art of cooking and dining, offering a unique exploration of gastronomy from a woman's perspective. The essays are not mere recipes but rather artistic interpretations of food, emphasizing the beauty and pleasure found within the gastronomic experience. The opening of this work presents a compelling introduction where the author argues against the notion that gluttony is merely a vice, creative instead a tribute to the joy of eating. Pennell introduces the theme of her diary, aiming to elevate women's understanding of the culinary arts and encourage them to appreciate the artistry involved in cooking and dining. She critiques traditional gender roles in the kitchen, starting with her own musings on the significance of good food and its influence on life, health, and even relationships, establishing a passionate tone that resonates through her subsequent dishes discussed in this diary.
Our House and London out of Our Windows
"Our House and London out of Our Windows" by Elizabeth Robins Pennell is a memoir written in the early 20th century. The book provides an intimate look into life from the perspective of the author and her partner, as they navigate the challenges of domestic life and the quirks of their hired help in London. The focus on amusing and sometimes poignant anecdotes paints a vivid picture of their home and surroundings, allowing readers to explore both the beauty and difficulties of their experiences. The beginning of the narrative recounts the serendipitous journey the author and her partner undertake in search of a home, leading them to a charming residence on the Thames. As they settle in, the author introduces her first servant, 'Enrietter', who initially seems perfect but quickly leads to a series of dramatic and comical incidents that showcase the complexities of hiring help in London. The author reflects on her expectations versus the reality of domestic life, setting the stage for the many adventures, misadventures, and vibrant characters that populate their world as they seek to create a sense of home amidst the chaos of urban living.