Subject

Children -- Books and reading -- Great Britain -- History -- 19th century Books

Best books

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."

Agnes Giberne

A Lady of England: The Life and Letters of Charlotte Maria Tucker

"A Lady of England: The Life and Letters of Charlotte Maria Tucker" by Agnes Giberne is a biographical work written in the late 19th century. The book focuses on the life of Charlotte Maria Tucker, also known by her literary pseudonym A. L. O. E., highlighting her contributions to literature, particularly children's books, as well as her significant missionary work in India. It aims to portray the essence of her character and the enduring impact of her life devoted to service and faith. The opening of the biography presents an "Author's Preface" where Agnes Giberne shares insights about the compilation of Charlotte Tucker’s letters and writings, indicating the challenges in both the abundance and scarcity of materials regarding different periods of her life. Giberne introduces Tucker as a person of remarkable self-devotion, emphasizing her missionary efforts and the relationships she cultivated, particularly with her sister-friend Mrs. Hamilton. The author sets the tone of admiration for Tucker’s character, asserting the importance of understanding not only what she accomplished but who she was at heart, as they prepare to delve into the details of her life both in England and India.

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