Matthew Arnold

by George William Erskine Russell

"Matthew Arnold" by George William Erskine Russell is a literary biography written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and work of Matthew Arnold, a prominent figure in Victorian literature, focusing on his influence as a critic, poet, and educator. It aims to offer insights into Arnold's character, writings, and the significant impact he had on the intellectual landscape of his time. The opening of the book presents a preface in which the author justifies his undertaking of Arnold's biography, acknowledging that Arnold himself desired to avoid a conventional biography. Instead, the text takes a critical approach, emphasizing Arnold's correspondence and the nuances of his character that have been overlooked in previous analyses. The author introduces Arnold's literary contributions and the complexity of his views on life, education, and literature, while also hinting at Arnold’s personal struggles and relationships, establishing a foundation for understanding the author's critique of sociopolitical and literary issues in the context of Victorian England.