Res Judicatæ: Papers and Essays

by Augustine Birrell

"Res Judicatæ: Papers and Essays" by Augustine Birrell is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century. The work showcases Birrell's reflections and lectures on various literary figures, including Samuel Richardson and Edward Gibbon, among others. Through these essays, the author offers insights into the lives, works, and influences of these key literary figures, providing a blend of biographical narrative and critical analysis. At the start of the book, Birrell introduces Samuel Richardson with a consideration of the challenges in describing mankind, emphasizing the division between those who appreciate Richardson's novels and those who do not. He critiques the cultural disdain faced by Richardson, notably how his character as a respectable printer has led to ridicule despite the emotional depth and realism in his novels, particularly "Pamela" and "Clarissa." Birrell elaborates on Richardson's nonconformity to literary traditions of his time, discussing how his life and works reflect a different approach to storytelling, focusing on sentiment and morality.