Modernities

by Horace Barnett Samuel

"Modernities" by Horace Barnett Samuel is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. This volume presents multifaceted studies of significant figures from the modern movement since the French Revolution, capturing the essence of modernity through their lives and works. The book features various notable personalities including Stendhal, Heine, and Disraeli, elucidating their contributions and the cultural currents of their times. At the start of "Modernities," the author introduces the overarching theme of modernity and its transient nature, emphasizing that the subjects of the essays were at one time emblematic of this spirit. The introductory portions hint at the complex and often contradictory characters of modern figures, specifically focusing on Stendhal as a quintessential intellectual balancing action and thought amidst a backdrop of personal turmoil and societal change. Samuel sketches Stendhal's tumultuous childhood, intellectual pursuits, and evolving views on love and society, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of how such figures navigated and influenced the modern condition.