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Critics -- Great Britain -- Biography Books
Best books
James Boswell
Boswell's Life of Johnson Abridged and edited, with an introduction by Charles Grosvenor Osgood
"Boswell's Life of Johnson" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791 about English writer Samuel Johnson. Often called the greatest biography in English, this landmark work recreates Johnson's life through detailed conversations and scenes drawn from Boswell's extensive journals. Though the two men spent only about 250 days together over twenty-two years, Boswell crafted an enduring portrait that blends myth with complexity, capturing Johnson's moral wisdom, personal eccentricities, and struggle with despair in vivid detail.
James Boswell
Life of Johnson, Volume 4 1780-1784
"Life of Johnson, Volume 4" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This landmark work chronicles the final years of Samuel Johnson, the celebrated English writer and literary critic. Drawing from Boswell's meticulous journals, the biography recreates Johnson's life through vivid scenes and extensive conversations. Though Boswell spent only 250 days with Johnson, he crafted what became a universal critical success—hailed by many as the greatest biography written in English and among the finest nonfiction works ever created.
James Boswell
Life of Johnson, Volume 1 1709-1765
"Life of Johnson, Volume 1" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This landmark work chronicles the final twenty-two years of English writer Samuel Johnson's life through detailed journal entries and meticulously recorded conversations. Drawing from Boswell's extensive daily journals, the book recreates Johnson's "life in scenes," capturing his wit, wisdom, and moral struggles. Praised from publication as a masterpiece, it revolutionized biographical writing and remains one of the most celebrated nonfiction works in English literature, offering both historical insight and enduring literary achievement.
James Boswell
Life of Johnson, Volume 5 Tour to the Hebrides (1773) and Journey into North Wales (1774)
"Life of Johnson, Volume 5" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This landmark work chronicles the final years of Samuel Johnson, the renowned English writer and literary critic. Drawing from Boswell's meticulous journals, the book recreates Johnson's life through vivid scenes and recorded conversations. Despite covering only the last twenty-two years of Johnson's existence, it became universally acclaimed and is often called the greatest biography in English. The work masterfully balances myth and reality, presenting Johnson as both moral hero and complex human being.
James Boswell
Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776
"Life of Johnson, Volume 2" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This landmark work chronicles the final twenty-two years of Samuel Johnson's life, England's great writer and literary critic. Drawing from extensive journals and detailed conversations, Boswell recreates Johnson's world through vivid scenes and dialogue. Often called the greatest biography in English, it reveals a complex moral hero struggling with despair and personal eccentricities while displaying penetrating wisdom. The work transformed biographical writing and remains both an invaluable historical source and enduring literary masterpiece.
James Gillman
The Life of Samuel Taylor Coleridge 1838
"The Life of Samuel Taylor Coleridge" by James Gillman is a biographical account written in the early 19th century. The book provides an in-depth exploration of the life and character of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, a prominent poet and philosopher, delving into his upbringing, struggles, and the experiences that shaped his intellectual and artistic journey. At the start of the memoir, the author reflects on Coleridge's early life, beginning with his birth in Ottery St. Mary, Devonshire, and sketching a portrait of his parents, particularly his father, who was a well-respected vicar and schoolmaster. The narrative weaves through Coleridge's childhood anecdotes, his sensitive disposition, and the impact of his father's death on his life. As Gillman recounts Coleridge's educational experiences, including his struggles at Christ's Hospital and his emerging passion for literature, he establishes a foundation for understanding the poet's complex character and the challenges he faced, setting the stage for the exploration of his later accomplishments and philosophical inclinations.
James Boswell
Life of Johnson, Volume 3 1776-1780
"Life of Johnson, Volume 3" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This landmark work chronicles the final twenty-two years of Samuel Johnson's life through Boswell's detailed journal entries and collected conversations. Often called the greatest biography written in English, it recreates Johnson's "life in scenes" through vivid dialogue and intimate observations. The book reveals both Johnson's moral wisdom and personal struggles, transforming extensive notes into an enduring literary masterpiece that has captivated readers for over two centuries.
James Boswell
Life of Johnson, Volume 6 Addenda, index, dicta philosophi, etc.
"Life of Johnson, Volume 6" by James Boswell is a biography published in 1791. This groundbreaking work chronicles the life of English writer Samuel Johnson, widely regarded as the greatest biography written in English. Drawing from Boswell's detailed journals spanning twenty-two years of friendship, the book recreates Johnson's life through vivid scenes and conversations. Though critics debate its biographical accuracy and note its focus on Johnson's later years, the work remains a landmark in biographical literature and an enduring portrait of one man's complex moral character.
James Douglas
Theodore Watts-Dunton: Poet, Novelist, Critic
"Theodore Watts-Dunton: Poet, Novelist, Critic" by James Douglas is a biographical study written in the early 20th century. The book centers on Theodore Watts-Dunton, exploring his impacts as a poet, novelist, and critic in the context of English literature. It discusses themes like the "Renascence of Wonder" in literature, highlighting how Watts-Dunton sought to reshape perceptions about art and humanity. The opening of the text presents an introduction to Watts-Dunton, noting his significance in literary circles and the curiosity surrounding his work. Douglas recounts his admiration for Watts-Dunton’s influence on his own literary journey, emphasizing the poet's critical contributions and poetry. The initial chapters aim to establish Watts-Dunton's background, illustrating his literary connections and the critical landscape he navigated, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of his life and works. The narrative is enriched with personal anecdotes and societal observations, reflecting on the broader cultural movements of his time.
George William Erskine Russell
Matthew Arnold
"Matthew Arnold" by George William Erskine Russell is a literary biography written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and work of Matthew Arnold, a prominent figure in Victorian literature, focusing on his influence as a critic, poet, and educator. It aims to offer insights into Arnold's character, writings, and the significant impact he had on the intellectual landscape of his time. The opening of the book presents a preface in which the author justifies his undertaking of Arnold's biography, acknowledging that Arnold himself desired to avoid a conventional biography. Instead, the text takes a critical approach, emphasizing Arnold's correspondence and the nuances of his character that have been overlooked in previous analyses. The author introduces Arnold's literary contributions and the complexity of his views on life, education, and literature, while also hinting at Arnold’s personal struggles and relationships, establishing a foundation for understanding the author's critique of sociopolitical and literary issues in the context of Victorian England.
H. D. (Henry Duff) Traill
English Men of Letters: Coleridge
"English Men of Letters: Coleridge" by H. D. Traill is a biographical account written in the late 19th century that delves into the life and works of the renowned poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. As part of the larger "English Men of Letters" series, the book aims to provide insights into Coleridge's literary journey, covering his early years, influences, and the evolution of his philosophy and poetic vision. The text likely explores his relationships with contemporaries, including William Wordsworth, and contemplates his contributions to English literature, particularly during the Romantic period. The opening of the work introduces the complexities surrounding Coleridge’s life and the challenges faced by those attempting to capture his multifaceted essence. It touches upon his birth, upbringing, and early education, highlighting the impact of his father, the Rev. John Coleridge, and his unique disposition towards philosophy and poetry from a young age. The text sets the stage for an exploration of Coleridge's formative experiences, such as his schooling at Christ's Hospital and Jesus College, Cambridge, along with his precocious intellect and eventual foray into literary circles, including his friendships with literary figures like Wordsworth and Southey. As it unfolds, the biography promises to offer an intimate portrait of Coleridge’s character, achievements, and challenges, presenting a balanced view of the poet’s influence on literature alongside his personal struggles.
John Ruskin
"Præterita": souvenirs de jeunesse
"Præterita: souvenirs de jeunesse" by John Ruskin is an autobiographical account written in the late 19th century. The work explores the formative years and life experiences of the author, revealing his deep connection to nature and art, as well as the influence of his upbringing. Through vivid memories, Ruskin reflects on his education, family dynamics, and the development of his aesthetic sensibilities, showcasing the events and individuals that shaped his character and intellectual pursuits. The opening of this autobiography introduces us to Ruskin's childhood, highlighting his upbringing under a strict yet nurturing mother and a principled father. He recounts the rigorous educational practices imposed by his mother, emphasizing the importance of Scripture and moral values in shaping his character. As a child, he developed an intense appreciation for nature, cultivated through solitary explorations of his gardens and the surrounding landscape. The narrative sets the stage for Ruskin's later philosophical and artistic endeavors, hinting at the passions and conflicts that will underpin his reflections on beauty, art, and morality throughout his life.
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