Subject
England -- Intellectual life -- 19th century Books
Best books
Frederic George Kitton
The Dickens Country
"The Dickens Country" by Frederic George Kitton is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work dedicates itself to exploring the life and surroundings of the famed author Charles Dickens, using a geographical lens to connect his life experiences and literary works to specific locations across England, particularly the south-eastern parts associated with him. It provides detailed insight into the settings that inspired Dickens's stories and characters, making it an interesting read for literature enthusiasts and fans of Dickens. The opening of the text introduces the concept of mapping Dickens's connections to his surrounding geography, particularly highlighting where he was born and raised, such as Portsmouth and Chatham. It speaks to the young Dickens's formative years and how specific places shaped his literary inspirations, detailing the environments he inhabited and the events he experienced, such as his time spent in humble homes and bustling towns. The importance of these locations and their influence on his works sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Dickens's life throughout the subsequent chapters.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Passages from the English Notebooks, Complete
"Passages from the English Notebooks, Complete" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a collection of journal entries written during the mid-19th century. This work reflects Hawthorne's observations and experiences while living in England, capturing details of his daily life, interactions, and his thoughts on various subjects, including culture, society, and humanity. The notebooks serve as a window into Hawthorne's mind, showcasing his keen insights and reflections on the world around him while avoiding a biography that he preferred would not be told by others. The opening of the collection introduces us to Hawthorne's initial months in England as he navigates his role as U.S. Consul in Liverpool. Through his entries, we witness his encounters with various individuals, such as the Vice-Consul Mr. Pearce and local dignitaries, alongside his reflections on the weather, social dynamics, and cultural observations. He notes interactions ranging from the mundane, like discussing receipts from the previous day, to more profound impressions of English life, including the lively assembly of townsfolk and the stark realities of poverty he encounters in his daily travels. Hawthorne's thoughtful prose blends personal narrative with astute observations that reveal both the charm and complexities of the English landscape and its people.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Specimens of the Table Talk of Samuel Taylor Coleridge
"Specimens of the Table Talk of Samuel Taylor Coleridge" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a collection of conversations and reflections drawn from the intellectual life of the renowned poet and philosopher, written during the early 19th century. The work compiles insights from his dialogues, showcasing his thoughts on literature, philosophy, politics, and religion, emphasizing the depth and richness of Coleridge's intellect as he interacted with various subjects and individuals. At the start of this collection, we find an engaging preface that outlines the origins of the notes and reflections included. The compiler expresses gratitude to Coleridge and offers reflections on his unique conversational style, which combined profound insights and intricate reasoning often delivered in a meandering manner. The preface also sets the tone by discussing the potential limitations of capturing Coleridge’s expansive thought processes on paper. Additionally, the initial excerpts present Coleridge's views on literary figures and themes, including his analysis of Shakespeare, while hinting at his broader philosophical considerations spanning morality and human understanding. This opening showcases not only Coleridge’s intellectual prowess but also a glimpse into the stimulating environment he created through his discourse.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Passages from the English Notebooks, Volume 1.
"Passages from the English Notebooks, Volume 1" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a collection of personal reflections and observations written during the mid-19th century. This volume serves as a glimpse into the life of Hawthorne as he navigates his experiences while residing in England, capturing his thoughts on various subjects, from the mundane to the profound, as he comments on people around him, social situations, and the landscapes of his new environment. At the start of the collection, Hawthorne sets the stage for his life in Liverpool after moving from America. He details his role at the Consulate, sharing earnest accounts of his interactions with visiting Americans and his impressions of the local populace. Through succinct entries, he describes the peculiarities of city life, such as domestic difficulties faced by immigrants, theatrical invitations, and the contrasts between English and American social customs. This opening portion establishes a thoughtful and observant tone, showcasing Hawthorne's incisive reflections on culture, society, and personal experiences as he seeks to reconcile his observations with his artistic sensibilities.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Passages from the English Notebooks, Volume 2.
"Passages from the English Notebooks, Volume 2" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a collection of travel essays and personal reflections written in the mid-19th century. This volume contains Hawthorne's observations and experiences during his time in England, exploring various social gatherings, landscapes, and encounters with notable figures of his era. Through his thoughtful narrative, Hawthorne captures the essence of 19th-century England, its culture, and the intricacies of his own thoughts and feelings about the places and people he encounters. The opening of the work presents a vivid account of Hawthorne attending a dinner at the Milton Club, where he mingles with various authors and intellectuals of the time. It describes his impressions of the guests, the sumptuous meal, and the atmosphere of camaraderie, underscored by a sense of discomfort and self-consciousness that he feels among the literary elite. His observations extend from the interactions and conversations to the physical descriptions of the venue. This section sets a reflective tone, drawing readers into Hawthorne's world as he navigates social landscapes, infusing personal reflections with a keen eye for detail and a deeper commentary on human nature and societal conventions.
Helen A. (Helen Archibald) Clarke
Browning's England: A Study in English Influences in Browning
"Browning's England: A Study in English Influences in Browning" by Helen A. Clarke is a literary analysis written in the early 20th century. The work examines the various English influences on the poet Robert Browning, including the impact of notable English poets like Shelley and Keats, and explores how these influences shaped Browning's literary identity. Through this exploration, it aims to provide insights into Browning’s themes, inspirations, and the broader context of English literature. The opening of the text begins with a discussion of Browning's admiration for the poets that preceded him, particularly focusing on his youthful encounter with Shelley's poetry that infused him with inspiration. Helen Clarke reflects on specific poems such as "Memorabilia," which encapsulate Browning's early reverence for Shelley, and she notes how this admiration transitioned over time. Clarke also emphasizes the significant influence of other contemporaneous poets, such as Keats and Wordsworth, showing how they played a role in shaping Browning's artistic vision. The groundwork laid in this opening chapter sets the stage for a deeper analysis of how these poets influenced Browning's views on art, politics, and personal expression in subsequent chapters.
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