Subject
Authors, English -- 19th century -- Biography Books
Best books
Florence Fenwick Miller
Harriet Martineau
"Harriet Martineau" by Florence Fenwick Miller is a biographical and critical account written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on the life and contributions of Harriet Martineau, an influential social theorist and writer, as the author weaves together personal anecdotes, historical context, and her literary achievements. The narrative promises to delve into Martineau's early influences, struggles with deafness, personal relationships, and her pioneering role in advocating for women's rights and social justice. At the start of the biography, the author outlines Martineau's background, including her family's Huguenot heritage and her early childhood struggles influenced by a strict upbringing and a series of physical ailments. The opening chapters provide insight into her formative years, marked by a complicated relationship with her mother and lasting impacts from her health challenges, especially her deafness. As Martineau grows, we see her passions for justice and education develop, alongside her early literary explorations and how these experiences shaped her views on society and her future contributions to literature and reform movements.
Frank Harris
My Life and Loves, Vol. 1 (of 4)
"My Life and Loves, Vol. 1 (of 4)" by Frank Harris is an autobiography published between 1922 and 1927. This controversial memoir offers a graphic account of Harris's sexual adventures and shares intimate gossip about celebrities of his era. Illustrated with provocative imagery, the work was banned in both the United States and Britain for four decades due to its explicit content. Harris, an Ireland-born writer and editor, held nothing back in chronicling his life's most scandalous moments.
Thomas De Quincey
Confessions of an English Opium-Eater
"Confessions of an English Opium-Eater" by Thomas De Quincey is an autobiographical account published in 1821. De Quincey chronicles his laudanum addiction and its profound effects on his life, from the pleasures of early use to the nightmares and visions of dependency. Beginning with his troubled youth as a homeless runaway in London, he traces his relationship with opium through vivid, seductive prose that itself mirrors the drug's allure. This groundbreaking work won De Quincey overnight fame and shaped public understanding of opium for generations.
A. Mary F. (Agnes Mary Frances) Robinson
Emily Brontë
"Emily Brontë" by A. Mary F. Robinson is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. This work explores the life of the renowned author, delving into her parentage, childhood, and the influences that shaped her literary career. The book focuses on significant aspects of Brontë's life, including her complex relationships with her siblings, particularly with her brother Branwell, and the impact of her early environment on her writing. The opening of the text introduces Emily Brontë's lineage and family background, emphasizing that her literary talents were not inherited from her parents, who lacked notable artistic skill. A. Mary F. Robinson explores the dynamics within the Brontë family, particularly the challenges they faced, including the early death of their mother and the subsequent neglect by their father. Robinson sets the stage to illustrate how these circumstances contributed to Emily's development as a writer, highlighting the isolation and influences of her upbringing in the moorlands of Haworth, which would later inform her famous works. The narrative begins to paint a portrait of a sensitive and imaginative child, whose life experiences would deeply inform her literary genius.
Oscar Wilde
Intentions
"Intentions" by Oscar Wilde is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century that delves into themes of art, morality, and aesthetics. The opening piece, "The Decay of Lying," is structured as a dialogue between two characters, Cyril and Vivian, who engage in a witty and philosophical examination of the nature of lying in art and literature. Wilde’s exploration indicates a belief in the transformative and essential role of art in society, while suggesting that modern realism diminishes creativity and beauty. The opening of "Intentions" presents a lively discussion between Cyril, who urges appreciation for nature, and Vivian, who dismisses it in favor of the comforts and creativity found indoors. Vivian argues that the decline of lying as an art form has led to the uninspired nature of contemporary literature, contending that art should reflect imagination rather than the mundane realities of life. Through sharp and humorous exchanges, Wilde sets the stage for a deeper critique of the societal values surrounding truth and beauty, ultimately championing the importance of artistic imagination over factual representation. This sets a thought-provoking tone for the essays that follow, inviting readers to reconsider their own understanding of art and its relationship with lies.
Martin Farquhar Tupper
My Life as an Author
"My Life as an Author" by Martin Farquhar Tupper is an autobiography written in the late 19th century. This work outlines the author’s reflections on his life experiences, focusing on his literary career and the influences that shaped his writing. Tupper, a prolific Victorian writer, analyzes his early life, educational journey, and the numerous travels that inspired his literary endeavors. The opening of the autobiography reveals Tupper's initial reluctance to write about his life, which stems from a desire to avoid self-promotion and the trivialities that often accompany personal narratives. He expresses this sentiment through a sonnet that captures his intention to document his experiences without entering the realm of vanity. Tupper further reflects on his upbringing, describing his childhood in London, his family heritage, and early education, highlighting the impact of his formative years on his literary ambitions. He sets the tone for the narrative by asserting that his true life story is encapsulated within the literature he has created rather than in a traditional autobiography.
Stuart Dodgson Collingwood
The Life and Letters of Lewis Carroll (Rev. C. L. Dodgson)
"The Life and Letters of Lewis Carroll (Rev. C. L. Dodgson)" by Stuart Dodgson Collingwood is a biographical account penned in the late 19th century. The memoir chronicles the life of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, examining his upbringing, family background, education, and creative endeavors, focusing particularly on the complexities of his personality and the influences that shaped his literary legacy. At the start of the memoir, the author introduces the reader to Lewis Carroll's lineage, detailing the lives of his forebears, particularly in the context of their service in the church and education. The opening chapters also capture memories of Carroll's childhood in Daresbury, where he engaged in boyish pastimes amidst a mostly secluded environment. Early accounts of his schooling reveal both his learning tendencies and the initial struggles he faced, setting the stage for an exploration of how these formative experiences contributed to his later accomplishments as a writer and mathematician. As his life unfolds through the narrative, readers are presented with vivid anecdotes and reflections on his literary creations and his profound connections with children, hinting at the enchanting world he would later depict in works like "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."
Julian Marshall
The Life and Letters of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Volume 1 (of 2)
"The Life and Letters of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Volume 1 (of 2)" by Mrs. Julian Marshall is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the life of Mary Shelley, famed author of "Frankenstein," and explores her familial background, including her parents William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft, as well as her tumultuous relationship with Percy Bysshe Shelley. Offering insights into her upbringing and intellectual development, the book aims to position Mary Shelley as an influential figure in her own right, separate from her husband's overshadowing legacy. The opening of the biography introduces the beginnings of Mary's life, focusing on her unique parentage—her mother being a pioneering feminist and her father a philosophical writer. It discusses the impact of her mother's death shortly after Mary's birth, leaving her in the care of a father who is both brilliant and unprepared for parenting. The narrative hints at the eventual conflicts and challenges Mary will face, including her evolving relationship with William Godwin’s second wife and her interactions with Percy Bysshe Shelley. Interspersed with reflections on her character and emerging intellect, the beginning lays a foundation for understanding how these early experiences shaped Mary into the profound literary figure she would later become.
George Otto Trevelyan
Life and Letters of Lord Macaulay. Volume 1
"Life and Letters of Lord Macaulay. Volume 1" by George Otto Trevelyan is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The work explores the life of the eminent British historian and statesman, Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay, delving into his family background, early years, and the personal qualities that shaped his contributions to literature and politics. The opening of the biography outlines Trevelyan's intentions for the work, emphasizing the necessity of documenting a figure as influential as Lord Macaulay, whose public persona is often disconnected from his private life. It sets the stage by highlighting Macaulay's family lineage, particularly focusing on his father Zachary Macaulay, whose abolitionist views had a significant impact on his son. The narrative begins to explore Macaulay's early childhood experiences, his literary precocity, and the influences of his upbringing, such as his relationships with notable figures like Hannah More. Overall, this introductory section serves to establish the groundwork for a deeper exploration of Macaulay’s life and the formative experiences that influenced his illustrious career.
Herbert George Jenkins
The Life of George Borrow
"The Life of George Borrow" by Herbert George Jenkins is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the life and career of George Borrow, with particular attention to his experiences between the late 18th century and early 19th century. The narrative emphasizes Borrow's development from a struggling writer to a significant figure known for his missionary work and literary contributions, especially within the context of his time in Spain. The opening of the book sets the stage for Borrow's intriguing life, starting with the background of his father, Thomas Borrow, and the family's circumstances that shaped George's early years. Jenkins paints a vivid picture of young Borrow's tumultuous upbringing amidst the backdrop of historical events, military life, and his striking duality as both an introverted child and a spirited student. The introduction examines key moments, such as his early combativeness and his burgeoning interest in languages, which foreshadow his later pursuits as a linguist and writer. It establishes that Borrow's life was not only defined by his literary ambitions but also by his complex personality and the societal expectations of his family, setting the stage for further explorations of his remarkable journey.
Clement King Shorter
Charlotte Brontë and Her Circle
"Charlotte Brontë and Her Circle" by Clement King Shorter is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the life and relationships of Charlotte Brontë, her family, and her contemporaries, adding new insights and letters that have not been previously published. The work seeks to present a more nuanced understanding of Charlotte and her sisters, challenging the notions established by earlier biographies, particularly that of Mrs. Gaskell. The opening of the book begins with a preface where Shorter acknowledges the contributions of various individuals who assisted him in compiling the new material about the Brontës. He expresses gratitude to friends and family who provided letters and information, highlighting the significance of these documents in painting a fuller picture of Charlotte's life. Additionally, the preface transitions smoothly into an overview of key figures in the Brontë family, including an exploration of Patrick Brontë and Maria Branwell, before launching into detailed accounts of Charlotte’s life and literary journey. Overall, the opening establishes the book's ambition to deepen the reader's appreciation of the Brontë sisters' literary legacy and the complexities of their lives, marked by personal struggles and creativity.
Frances Power Cobbe
Life of Frances Power Cobbe, as told by herself with additions by the author, and introduction by Blanche Atkinson
"Life of Frances Power Cobbe, as told by herself" by Frances Power Cobbe is an autobiographical account written in the early 20th century. This work recounts the life and experiences of Frances Power Cobbe, a prominent figure in the struggles for women's rights and animal welfare. It explores her upbringing, personal reflections, and socio-political activism, showcasing her commitment to various social causes. The opening of the autobiography introduces Cobbe's life, hinting at her complex personal relationships and the emotional weight of her later years. It begins with a brief introduction by Blanche Atkinson, who sets the tone for Cobbe’s narrative by emphasizing her significant accomplishments and heartfelt relationships, particularly the profound impact of her mother and close friend, Miss Lloyd. Cobbe reflects on her early life, characterized by a nurturing upbringing, the love of her family, and the challenges she faced as an influential woman in a male-dominated society. As she recounts her journey, themes of friendship, loss, and the pursuit of social justice begin to emerge, positioning her as both a reflective narrator and an activist.
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