Subject
Authors, English -- Biography Books
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Pen-portraits of literary women : $b by themselves and others, Volume 2 (of 2)
"Pen-portraits of Literary Women: By Themselves and Others, Volume 2" edited by Helen Gray Cone and Jeannette L. Gilder is a collection of biographical sketches written in the late 19th century. This compilation presents the lives and thoughts of prominent female writers of the time, such as Harriet Martineau, Aurore Dupin (George Sand), Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and George Eliot, revealing their struggles, contributions, and the societal expectations that shaped their writing. At the start of the volume, readers are introduced to the life of Harriet Martineau, reflecting on her challenging upbringing, intellectual pursuits, and significant literary accomplishments despite her deafness and financial hardships. The opening portion delves into Martineau's early life, highlighting the various educational experiences that shaped her, her initial forays into writing, and the significant influence of her family dynamics on her career path. It lays a foundation for understanding how her determination and literary contributions would eventually lead her to become an influential figure in literature and social thought.
Louise Imogen Guiney
A Little English Gallery
"A Little English Gallery" by Louise Imogen Guiney is a collection of biographical sketches written in the late 19th century. It explores the lives and contributions of notable figures from English history, focusing on their literary and cultural significance. Through her detailed portraits, Guiney aims to illuminate the legacy of these individuals, particularly women who have made lasting impacts on literature. The opening of the book introduces Lady Danvers, a significant figure of the late 16th and early 17th centuries, highlighting her connections with prominent literary figures such as John Donne and her son, poet George Herbert. The narrative delves into her life as a mother and her role in supporting and guiding her children, emphasizing her virtuous character and influence. Guiney provides a comprehensive view of Lady Danvers's lineage, personal attributes, and legacy, establishing her as a figure worthy of remembrance in English literary history.
Andrew Lang
Letters to Dead Authors
"Letters to Dead Authors" by Andrew Lang is a collection of imaginative epistles written in the late 19th century. In this work, Lang takes a unique approach by crafting letters addressed to various deceased literary figures, exploring their lives, works, and the impact they've had on literature and society. The collection includes letters to celebrated authors such as W. M. Thackeray, Charles Dickens, and Jane Austen, engaging in thoughtful literary criticism while infusing a playful tone. The opening of "Letters to Dead Authors" presents an introduction that sets the tone for the correspondence that follows. Lang dedicates the book to Miss Thackeray and explains that the letters have previously appeared in the "St. James's Gazette," with some revisions and additions. The first letter, addressed to Thackeray, humorously navigates the challenges of praising contemporary authors versus those who have passed. Lang admires Thackeray’s multifaceted talent and reflects on the lasting influence of his works, simultaneously navigating critiques raised by others during Thackeray's career. This playful blend of tribute and critique suggests that readers can expect a witty yet profound exploration of literary giants as Lang pays homage to their legacies.
Edwin Watts Chubb
Stories of Authors, British and American
"Stories of Authors, British and American" by Edwin Watts Chubb is a collection of biographical sketches and anecdotes written in the early 20th century. The work focuses on making literature engaging by shedding light on the lives of notable authors, both British and American, and bringing their personalities closer to the reader. Through lively storytelling, the book aims to present the often eccentric, humorous, and human aspects of these literary figures, thereby stirring greater interest in their works. The opening of the book introduces the topic by discussing the significance of the Ancient Tabard Inn, famously known as the gathering place for Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Chubb paints a vivid picture of the inn's history and its connection to literary tradition. Following this, he touches upon the ideals of chivalry through the story of Sir Philip Sidney's noble sacrifice at the battle of Zutphen, illustrating Sidney's character through a selfless act of kindness even in dire circumstances. This juxtaposition of settings and stories sets the stage for a series of engaging narratives about various authors that will explore their lives, quirks, and influences, enticing readers to delve deeper into the world of literature.
Isaac Disraeli
Calamities and Quarrels of Authors
"Calamities and Quarrels of Authors" by Isaac Disraeli is a literary exploration written in the early 19th century. The work delves into the tribulations faced by authors throughout history, discussing their struggles with poverty, lack of recognition, and the often tumultuous relationships between writers and their patrons. Disraeli not only examines the challenges of authorship but also reflects on the broader cultural and historical context of literary endeavors. The opening of the text serves as a preface, outlining Disraeli's intention to explore the various calamitous fates of authors. He cites past writers and references their lamentations about the hardships of being an author, such as Pierius Valerianus and Theophilus Spizelius. Through a variety of examples and anecdotes, the author reveals a sobering truth: despite their genius and contributions to society, many authors live in obscurity and financial despair, often questioning the very worth of their endeavors in the world of literature. The introduction sets a tone of empathy for these literary figures while suggesting that their struggles are both timely and timeless, relevant to both past and contemporary readers.
Isaac Disraeli
Amenities of Literature Consisting of Sketches and Characters of English Literature
"Amenities of Literature" by Isaac Disraeli is a comprehensive literary study written in the early 19th century. The work seeks to explore the development of English literature, tracing its origins, evolution, and the influential figures behind it. Disraeli aims to provide a rich examination of how literature reflects societal changes and human thought, emphasizing the psychological aspects of literary creation. At the start of the book, Disraeli introduces his vision for a history of vernacular literature, aiming to avoid a dry narrative and instead connect literature to the social and psychological circumstances surrounding its creation. He discusses the complexity of literary origins, reflecting on the role of writers in shaping public opinion and the dynamics between authors and their societies. This foundational perspective offers insight into Disraeli's multifaceted exploration of the impact of literature on history and culture, setting the stage for a deeper investigation into specific literary figures and themes in subsequent chapters.
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Pen-portraits of literary women : $b by themselves and others, Volume 1 (of 2)
"Pen-Portraits of Literary Women: By Themselves and Others, Volume 1" edited by Helen Gray Cone and Jeannette L. Gilder is a collection of biographical sketches written in the late 19th century. The work seeks to highlight the lives and contributions of notable literary women, focusing on their personal traits, accomplishments, and the societal contexts in which they lived. It aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of these women's significance in the literary landscape. The opening of the volume presents an introduction to the first featured author, Hannah More, detailing her early life, education, and the impact of her family background. It describes her successful career as both a writer and educator, her philanthropic efforts, and notable relationships with contemporaries like Dr. Johnson. Sexual and societal expectations are explored in relation to her work, and her struggles with health and personal loss are recounted, reflecting a mix of admiration and a modern perspective on her relevance and influence as a woman in literature. The beginning sets the tone for a rich exploration of women's literary contributions, supported by historical context and personal anecdotes.
Agnes Repplier
A happy half-century, and other essays
"A Happy Half-Century, and Other Essays" by Agnes Repplier is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. This work reflects on the nuances of life over a fifty-year period, assessing the trivial yet significant details that shape human experience and societal norms, particularly in the context of literature and culture. Repplier's observational style offers insights into the peculiarities of her favored literary figures, emphasizing how their seemingly minor contributions are woven into the greater fabric of literary history. The opening of this collection sets the tone for a reflective exploration of the past, with Repplier recounting her preference for the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a time she views as rich in literary opportunities for women. She contrasts this with her feelings of living out of sync with history, lamenting that preceding eras offered more accessible paths to literary acclaim. Through a humorous yet poignant narrative, she discusses various notable female writers, liking their mediocrity as a product of their time, and providing amusing anecdotes about their literary struggles and successes.
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Word Portraits of Famous Writers
"Word Portraits of Famous Writers" by Mabel E. Wotton is a collection of biographical sketches written in the late 19th century. The work presents a series of personal descriptions of prominent British authors from Geoffrey Chaucer to contemporary figures, emphasizing their physical appearance, mannerisms, and unique traits as observed by their peers. This compilation aims to give literary enthusiasts a deeper appreciation for the individual personalities behind the iconic works and styles associated with these writers. The opening of the collection introduces the reader to the intent behind the portraits, asserting that literature lovers possess a natural curiosity about the lives and complexities of the men and women behind the texts they cherish. Wotton emphasizes the importance of personal details to create a vivid image of each author, noting that many descriptions are based on contemporaneous accounts or notable artistic portrayals. Each subsequent entry promises a rich tapestry of insights into how these literary giants presented themselves to the world, blending both admiration and critique to paint a more nuanced picture of their personas.
Lytton Strachey
Books and Characters, French & English
"Books and Characters, French & English" by Lytton Strachey is a collection of essays and literary critiques that reflects the author's sharp wit and keen insight, written in the early 20th century. The book explores the contrasting perceptions of notable figures in French and English literature, highlighting the disparities in critical reception and cultural appreciation, particularly focusing on playwrights such as Racine and Shakespeare. Strachey aims to address the complexities and judgments that accompany literary criticism while safeguarding the dignity of these significant works. The opening of the book delves into a comparative analysis of Racine and Shakespeare, discussing the historical and cultural contexts that affect their respective receptions in France and England. Strachey introduces Mr. John Bailey's critique of Racine, positioning it against the praise from French critics like M. Lemaître, showcasing how national tastes shape the understanding of literary greatness. He outlines the differences in literary traditions and their impact on how characters and styles are perceived. By addressing these themes from the outset, Strachey sets the stage for a more profound exploration of literary styles and their significance, illustrating the intricacies involved in appreciating poetry and drama across cultures.
Andrew Lang
Letters to Dead Authors
"Letters to Dead Authors" by Andrew Lang is a collection of imaginative letters written in a style reminiscent of correspondences between the author and various famous literary figures from history. Likely written in the late 19th century, the work reflects on the achievements, styles, and contributions of each author addressed, offering a blend of humor, admiration, and critique. Through these letters, Lang engages with iconic figures such as W. M. Thackeray, Charles Dickens, and Jane Austen, exploring their literary legacies and the place they hold in the contemporary literary landscape. The beginning of "Letters to Dead Authors" introduces the premise of the collection through a series of letters, starting with one addressed to W. M. Thackeray. Lang artfully blends profound appreciation with pointed observations about the challenges of praising contemporary writers compared to those who have passed away. He highlights the unique attributes of Thackeray’s storytelling, his keen insights into human nature, and the criticisms he faced during his life, effectively setting the tone for the other letters to come. These reflections create a thoughtful examination of literary talent and societal expectations, inviting readers to consider the enduring influence of these authors and the nature of literary criticism itself.
Various
My First Book: the experiences of Walter Besant, James Payn, W. Clark Russell, Grant Allen, Hall Caine, George R. Sims, Rudyard Kipling, A. Conan Doyle, M.E. Braddon, F.W. Robinson, H. Rider Haggard, R.M. Ballantyne, I. Zangwill, Morley Roberts, David Christie Murray, Marie Corelli, Jerome K. Jerome, John Strange Winter, Bret Harte, "Q.", Robert Buchanan, Robert Louis Stevenson, with an introduction by Jerome K. Jerome.
"My First Book" by Various is a collection of autobiographical essays written in the late 19th century. The authors included in this anthology, such as Rudyard Kipling, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Jerome K. Jerome, share their experiences and reflections on the challenges and triumphs of their early writing careers. This compilation provides insights into the literary world of the time and highlights the perseverance required to succeed in literature. At the start of this collection, the reader is introduced to Jerome K. Jerome’s charming conversation with a young boy named Valentine in a park. Their discussion delves into Valentine’s aspirations to become an author, revealing his innocent love for storytelling and his sense of responsibility towards his mother. As they exchange their thoughts on literature, Valentine’s naive yet profound understanding of the calling serves to evoke nostalgia in Jerome, prompting him to reflect on the challenges faced by writers, the nature of good storytelling, and the importance of pursuing one’s passions amidst the trials experienced along the way.
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