Subject
English literature -- 19th century -- History and criticism Books
Best books
George Saintsbury
A History of Nineteenth Century Literature (1780-1895)
"A History of Nineteenth Century Literature (1780-1895)" by George Saintsbury is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work provides a comprehensive overview of various literary developments, movements, and key figures in English literature from the late 18th century through the end of the 19th century. The book addresses the rich diversity of literary production during this period, focusing on notable authors and the evolution of genres. At the start of the volume, the author establishes the context of English literary history as it transitions from the 18th to the 19th century. Saintsbury introduces major figures such as William Cowper, George Crabbe, William Blake, and Robert Burns, emphasizing the significance of their contributions and the literary shifts that characterized the late 18th century. He discusses the distinct idiosyncrasies of the period, recognizing both the continuity with earlier writers and the new styles emerging, preparing the reader for an exploration of the literary landscape that would unfold throughout the century.
Unknown
Famous Reviews, Selected and Edited with Introductory Notes by R. Brimley Johnson
"Famous Reviews" by R. Brimley Johnson is a critical compilation of renowned literary reviews selected and edited from various historical sources, created in the early 20th century. This collection includes significant critiques from outlets such as the Edinburgh Review and the Quarterly Review, covering a range of authors, including Wordsworth, Southey, and Byron, among others. The reviews offer insights into the evolving perspectives on literary merit, taste, and the role of critics in shaping public opinion about notable literary works throughout the history of English literature. The opening of "Famous Reviews" sets the stage for a deep exploration of literary criticism by discussing the historical context and development of review journalism. Johnson reflects on the shifting nature of criticism, highlighting the rise of prominent reviewers and their often polarizing opinions about contemporaneous authors. The introduction provides a rich background that contextualizes the subsequent selections, which feature excerpts of reviews that combine sharp analysis with personal anecdotes and impressions that illustrate the critics’ broader viewpoints on artistry, style, and the cultural landscape of their times. Through this, readers are invited not only to assess the worth of various literary figures but also to consider the critic's influence in the literary sphere.
Henry A. (Henry Augustin) Beers
A History of English Romanticism in the Nineteenth Century
"A History of English Romanticism in the Nineteenth Century" by Henry A. Beers is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a continuation of Beers' previous volume on the romantic movement in the 18th century, focusing on how romanticism flourished during the 19th century in England. The main topic of the book revolves around the key figures and influential movements of English romantic literature, emphasizing the evolution and characteristics of romanticism during this period. At the start of the text, the author introduces the fundamental concepts of romanticism, defining it and contrasting it with the previous literary movement of classicism. He underscores how the romantic tradition thrived in the 19th century, reflecting a deep connection to the medieval past and national identity, significantly through the works of major literary figures such as Walter Scott. The opening sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the various authors and movements that shaped English romanticism, while also addressing critiques of the definitional boundaries of the term 'romanticism' and how it encompasses a range of literary styles and themes.
Clement King Shorter
Victorian Literature: Sixty Years of Books and Bookmen
"Victorian Literature: Sixty Years of Books and Bookmen" by Clement King Shorter is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work provides insights and reflections on various literary figures, movements, and significant works from the Victorian era, encapsulating the literature and cultural context of that time. It explores the evolution of literary tastes and critical opinion across generations, drawing connections between past authors and their enduring impacts on society. The opening of the book introduces the author’s ambition to provide a bibliographical perspective on Victorian literature within the context of Queen Victoria's reign. Shorter discusses the fluctuating status of poets and novelists, emphasizing how certain works and authors have faded from public memory while others have endured. He reflects on the critical reception of poets like Wordsworth and Tennyson and highlights the varying fortunes of novelists such as Dickens and Thackeray. The chapter sets the stage for a broader exploration of literature and its relationship with social and historical changes, showcasing the dynamic nature of literary appreciation over time.
Robert Lynd
Old and New Masters
"Old and New Masters" by Robert Lynd is a collection of literary essays written in the early 20th century. In this work, Lynd examines the lives and contributions of significant writers, including Dostoevsky, Jane Austen, and others, exploring their impact on literature and their distinct styles. The book likely provides in-depth critical analyses that juxtapose classic and contemporary literary figures, highlighting their thematic similarities and differences. The opening of the work begins with an exploration of Dostoevsky's sensationalism, where Lynd discusses how the author's characters exhibit extreme behaviors often bordering on madness. Intriguingly, Lynd reflects on how Dostoevsky's novels are filled with psychological depth, depicting a world characterized by radical emotions, violent actions, and moral conflicts. Correspondingly, he contrasts Dostoevsky's intense portrayal of humanity with the more genteel narratives of writers like Jane Austen, emphasizing the unique literary landscapes each author creates. This critical approach sets the stage for a broader discussion on the evolution of literary styles and the complexities of human nature as captured by various masters of writing.
Bernard Muddiman
The Men of the Nineties
"The Men of the Nineties" by Bernard Muddiman is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the cultural and artistic movements that characterized the 1890s, particularly in London, exploring the emergence of a new generation of artists and writers who sought to break away from the constraints of Victorian norms. The book focuses on influential figures of the time, such as Aubrey Beardsley and Oscar Wilde, and the impact of French artistic movements on English art and literature. The opening of the work introduces readers to the pivotal moment when Aubrey Beardsley left his job to pursue a career in illustration, marking the beginning of this dynamic artistic era. It discusses the collective spirit of camaraderie among the young artists and writers, their influences from French impressionism, and how they rallied against the rigid conventions of the previous decade. Through vivid descriptions, Muddiman sets the stage for an exploration of significant personalities, their philosophies, and the cultural milieu that defined "the nineties," suggesting that this period was not just a fleeting moment but a crucial turning point in art and literature.
G. K. (Gilbert Keith) Chesterton
The Victorian Age in Literature
"The Victorian Age in Literature" by G. K. Chesterton is a critical study of Victorian literature written in the early 20th century. The book explores the interplay of various literary movements during the Victorian era, analyzing how this literature reflects the complexities of moral and social issues of its time. Chesterton's work delves into notable authors and literary figures, examining their contributions and the philosophies that influenced their writing. This reflective analysis aims to portray the essence and significance of Victorian literature as a whole. The opening of the book introduces Chesterton's intent to approach Victorian literature not just through a traditional chronological examination but through thematic exploration, emphasizing the moral threads connecting various writers and their works. He contemplates societal influences and the turbulent political landscape that shaped literary expression, suggesting that literature emerged as a platform for rebellion against the prevailing utilitarian ethos of the period. Chesterton begins with a reflection on the legacy of earlier writers while positioning the Victorian era as one marked by a unique tension between individual expression and societal norms, setting the stage for a more detailed discussion of prominent figures like Dickens and Carlyle in the chapters to come.
Andrew Lang
Essays in Little
"Essays in Little" by Andrew Lang is a collection of literary essays written during the late 19th century. Throughout the collection, Lang discusses various authors and their works, offering insights into their significance and impact on literature. The essays cover a range of topics, including profiles of notable writers like Alexandre Dumas and Robert Louis Stevenson, explorations of specific literary themes, and critiques of the literary landscape of his time. The opening of "Essays in Little" sets the tone for the collection, as Lang provides a preface that outlines the contents and explains the purpose behind each essay. He mentions that several essays were newly written for this volume, indicating a blend of fresh insights and previously published work. Lang’s rich and engaging prose invites readers into a discussion of literary figures, starting with a tribute to Alexandre Dumas, emphasizing the enduring joy and adventure found in Dumas' works. The essays reflect Lang's passion for literature and his thoughtful analysis of the contributions of the authors he examines, which offers readers a well-rounded perspective on 19th-century literary culture.
Henry James
Views and Reviews
"Views and Reviews" by Henry James is a collection of critical essays written in the late 19th century. The book compiles various literary critiques that Henry James authored over his prolific writing career, offering insights on notable authors, their works, and the literary landscape of his time. It serves as a reflection on the evolution of literature and art criticism, highlighting James's sharp observations and stylistic evolution throughout his career, as well as his perspectives on the works of contemporaneous writers. The opening of "Views and Reviews" sets the stage for a deep exploration of literary criticism. In the introduction, Le Roy Phillips notes that these essays present a clearer and more accessible style characteristic of James's earlier works, contrasting with the complexity he developed later. This section contextualizes James's development as a critic, tracing his early contributions to literary magazines and hinting at the range of topics he covers in the essays that follow. As the introduction highlights, the essays will engage with various authors, including George Eliot, Robert Browning, and others, demonstrating James's thoughtfulness in critiquing their contributions and shaping the discourse around literature.
Alice Meynell
Hearts of Controversy
"Hearts of Controversy" by Alice Meynell is a collection of literary essays written during the early 20th century that delves into the works of notable poets and authors including Alfred Lord Tennyson, Charles Dickens, and the Brontë sisters. The essays explore the evolution of literary reputation, the nuances of poetic style, and the impact of personal experience on creative expression. The central themes revolve around the changing perceptions of literature over time and the enduring qualities that define great writing. At the start of "Hearts of Controversy," Meynell discusses Tennyson's fluctuating reputation, reflecting on the way public opinion has shifted from elevation to critique over the decades. She emphasizes Tennyson's unique style and the dichotomy within his work, praising the majesty of his verse while acknowledging criticism related to his mannerisms. Meynell also addresses Dickens, contrasting his portrayal of good and evil against a backdrop of humor and humanity, alongside an analysis of the Brontë sisters' contributions to literature. Each essay invites readers into a deeper contemplation of the intricacies of literary art and the complexities of its creators, highlighting both the beauty and the turmoil of their experiences.
Walter Pater
Essays from 'The Guardian'
"Essays from 'The Guardian'" by Walter Horatio Pater is a collection of literary essays written during the late 19th century. This compilation presents Pater's reflections and critiques on notable works and authors, such as English literature, Henri-Frederic Amiel, and Robert Elsmere. The essays aim to explore and analyze various aspects of literary style, emotional resonance, and philosophical underpinnings in the context of prose and poetry. The opening of this text introduces the reader to Pater's thoughts on the nature of English prose and its distinction from poetry. He discusses the importance of clarity, precision, and directness in prose, as well as the unique beauty it can convey, contrasting it with the more chaotic influences of poetry. Pater refers to Mr. Saintsbury’s selections from English prose to illustrate his points while also positioning different literary periods and their influences on prose style. The beginning sets the stage for a nuanced exploration of literary characteristics and the evolution of prose in relation to poetry, showcasing Pater's incisive insights and his appreciation for the complexities of literary form.
Arthur Compton-Rickett
The Vagabond in Literature
"The Vagabond in Literature" by Arthur Compton-Rickett is a literary analysis written in the early 20th century. The book explores the concept of the "Vagabond" as a character type in literature, focusing on writers who embody a restless spirit and a passion for the earth, often in conflict with societal conventions. The study examines the literary personalities of notable figures such as William Hazlitt, Thomas De Quincey, and Walt Whitman, illustrating how their vagabond traits manifest in their works. The opening of the book introduces the meaning of "vagabond" not in a negative sense but as an exploration of writers who possess an innate wanderlust—both physically and intellectually. Compton-Rickett discusses the core characteristics of the vagabond temperament: restlessness, a deep passion for the earth, and a degree of aloofness or emotional reserve towards society. Additionally, he emphasizes the interplay of biography and literature in revealing these authors’ unique perspectives, setting the stage for a deeper dive into how these traits influenced their literary expressions and contributions. The author invites readers to understand the vagabond spirit as a complex and enriching aspect of literary history that reflects broader human experiences.
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