Subject
Great Britain -- Biography Books
Best books
George Henry Blore
Victorian worthies : $b sixteen biographies
"Victorian Worthies: Sixteen Biographies" by George Henry Blore is a collection of biographical sketches written in the early 20th century. The book presents profiles of significant figures from the Victorian era, including influential statesmen, artists, and social reformers, aimed primarily at educating schoolboys about these historical personalities and their contributions to society. The opening of the work provides an introduction to the Victorian era's character and significance, setting the stage for the subsequent biographies. Blore emphasizes the importance of understanding the lives of notable individuals who shaped history, highlighting their virtues and the impact they had on the world. He outlines his intentions for the collection, noting that it serves as a supplement to a broader civics education, illustrating the spirit of public service through concrete examples.
John Aubrey
Brief Lives, Vol. 1
"Brief Lives, Vol. 1" by John Aubrey is a collection of short biographies written in the last decades of the 17th century. Aubrey gathered intimate portraits of notable figures including Francis Bacon, William Shakespeare, and Thomas Hobbes by seeking out people who personally knew his subjects. Left chaotic at his death, the manuscripts were later organized by editors. Beloved for its gossipy tone and vivid glimpses into the unofficial lives of the famous, Aubrey's work captures colorful details that formal documents never could.
John Aubrey
Brief Lives, Vol. 2
"Brief Lives, Vol. 2" by John Aubrey is a collection of short biographies written in the last decades of the 17th century. Aubrey gathered intimate portraits of prominent figures by seeking out people who knew them personally, creating vivid sketches rather than formal accounts. His subjects include Francis Bacon, William Shakespeare, Thomas Hobbes, and Ben Jonson. Left unorganized at his death, the manuscripts reveal an unofficial, gossipy glimpse into the lives of extraordinary individuals, capturing colorful details that traditional biographies might miss.
Nathaniel Parker Willis
Famous Persons and Places
"Famous Persons and Places" by Nathaniel Parker Willis is a collection of travel narratives and social observations written in the mid-19th century. The book captures the author's experiences and reflections as he journeys through England and Scotland, sharing encounters with prominent figures of society and settings that have cultural significance. At the start of the volume, the author recounts his experience leaving London for Scotland, emphasizing the vastness of London and depicting a lively steamboat journey with a diverse assembly of passengers, including some humorous interactions. He highlights the cultural differences between English and Scottish manners while observing the camaraderie and familiarity among fellow travelers. As he arrives in Edinburgh, he is struck by the city's beauty, blending historical intrigue and personal anecdotes, such as reflections on Mary Queen of Scots, setting the stage for further explorations into the intricacies of social life, hospitality, and the natural beauty of the Scottish landscape.
Lytton Strachey
Eminent Victorians
"Eminent Victorians" by Lytton Strachey is a biographical work published in 1918. It examines four prominent figures from the Victorian era: Cardinal Manning, Florence Nightingale, Thomas Arnold, and General Charles Gordon. Strachey challenged the heroic reputations of his subjects with irreverence and wit, revealing hidden intrigues, personal flaws, and questionable legacies. The book revolutionized biographical writing by replacing traditional hagiography with penetrating psychological insight, ultimately dismantling Victorian pretensions to moral superiority and reshaping how readers viewed their recent past.
E. T. Raymond
Portraits of the Nineties
"Portraits of the Nineties" by E. T. Raymond is a biographical account written in the early 20th century that examines key figures and events from the 1890s towards the close of the Victorian era. The author sets out to explore the societal changes and prominent personalities of the decade, providing insight into their impacts on contemporary culture and politics. At the start of the narrative, the author reflects on the significance of the 1890s, contemplating the mixture of stability and transition characterizing the era. Raymond introduces the idea that the decade, often considered a "golden age," was marked by cultural vibrancy, political intrigue, and a naive optimism about the future. He alludes to the decay of the established social order and hints at the rising influence of new wealth and ideas. Thus, the opening chapters build a framework for analyzing notable figures of the time, such as Lord Rosebery and Cecil Rhodes, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of how these individuals shaped the public discourse of the 1890s.
Unknown
Characters from the Histories & Memoirs of the Seventeenth Century
"Characters from the Histories & Memoirs of the Seventeenth Century" by David Nichol Smith is a historical collection written in the early 20th century. The work presents short character studies of notable figures from the 17th century, detailing their personal qualities and historical significance as observed by their contemporaries. This compilation includes perspectives on rulers, politicians, poets, and other influential individuals of the time, shedding light on the narratives that shaped English history during this tumultuous period. The opening of the text establishes the context for the character studies, reflecting on the development of literary portraiture in the 17th century as a means to enhance historical writing. Smith emphasizes that the art of character writing emerged as a response to England's deficiency in historical narratives, gathering a variety of observations from key historical figures like John Milton, Clarendon, and Ben Jonson. The introduction discusses the evolution of character studies, their function in depicting personal traits, and the significant shift in historical recording practices from chronicles to more nuanced representations of human experiences and qualities, setting the stage for the subsequent detailed character sketches.
Elizabeth Lee
Wives of the Prime Ministers, 1844-1906
"Wives of the Prime Ministers, 1844-1906" by Elizabeth Lee and Lucy Masterman is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work examines the lives and influences of the wives of various British Prime Ministers during the 19th century, highlighting their roles in political affairs despite their indirect involvement. The book explicitly aims to shed light on the significant yet often overlooked impact these women had on the political landscape of their time. The opening of the book introduces Lady Caroline Lamb, who is characterized as a whimsical and capricious woman, whose unique upbringing and life experiences shaped her eccentric personality. It details her unconventional and romantic marriage to William Lamb, later Lord Melbourne, as well as her significant, albeit tumultuous, relationship with the poet Lord Byron. The narrative captures the complexity of her character and her passions, emphasizing how these relationships and her personal struggles intertwined with the broader social and political contexts of the time. Overall, the beginning sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how the wives of prominent leaders navigated their influential but often unrecognized roles in political life.
Elbert Hubbard
Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 11 Little Journeys to the Homes of Great Businessmen
"Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 11" by Elbert Hubbard is a collection of biographical sketches written in the early 20th century. This volume focuses specifically on notable figures in the realm of business, highlighting the achievements and philosophies of influential businessmen. The book aims to explore the ideas and contributions of individuals like Robert Owen and James Oliver, emphasizing their impact on industry and society. At the start of the book, Hubbard presents Robert Owen as a pioneering businessman and social reformer who believed in the moral imperative of creating mutually beneficial business relationships. The text recounts Owen's early life and career, including his return to his hometown after years away and his commitment to improving working conditions and promoting the well-being of employees. The narrative highlights Owen's rejection of exploitation in business practices, his dedication to education, and his vision of an ideal society where the prosperity of individuals is intertwined with the greater good. Following Owen's introduction, the biography of James Oliver begins, detailing his journey as an innovative plow maker and the founding of the Oliver Plow Works, which emphasized quality and utility in farming equipment.
George Chetwynd Griffith
Men Who Have Made the Empire
"Men Who Have Made the Empire" by George Chetwynd Griffith is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the lives of significant figures who played pivotal roles in the creation and expansion of the British Empire. Starting with William the Conqueror, it promises to reveal the complexities of empire-making through character studies of various influential leaders, depicting their contributions and the historical context of their actions. The opening of this work introduces the premise that the traditional narratives surrounding these historical figures may be oversimplified or distorted. Griffith begins with William the Norman, challenging the misconception of him solely as an invader and oppressor, arguing instead that he was instrumental in shaping England and its future as an empire. He presents William as a complex character forged in the fires of conflict and personal struggle, illuminating his ascent from a precarious position to become a monumental figure in the establishment of an enduring legacy that impacted the course of history. The tone is somewhat dramatic and assertive, aiming to engage readers by re-examining well-known historical events and figures through a more nuanced lens.
Frank Frankfort Moore
A Georgian Pageant
"A Georgian Pageant" by Frank Frankfort Moore is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores notable individuals and events from the latter half of the 18th century, focusing on figures such as Oliver Goldsmith, Samuel Johnson, and Fanny Burney. The author seeks to challenge established views about these personalities and offers insights into their lives and societal impacts. At the start of the work, the author reflects on a conversation he had with Professor J. Churton Collins about the misconceptions surrounding historical figures, leading to an exploration of Miss Burney, who appears in a scene where she encounters King George III in Kew Gardens. The opening depicts her playful yet dignified demeanor while simultaneously illustrating her anxiety as the King, recently stricken by mental health challenges, seeks her out. The narration blends humor with a poignant acknowledgment of the historical context, setting the stage for a rich exploration of these remarkable Georgian characters and events.
Edward Gilliat
Stories of Elizabethan heroes : $b Stirring records of the intrepid bravery and boundless resource of the men of Queen Elizabeth's reign
"Stories of Elizabethan Heroes" by Edward Gilliat is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book aims to capture the adventurous spirit and heroic exploits of notable figures from the Elizabethan era, a period of significant maritime exploration and conflict, particularly focusing on the courage and resourcefulness of English seamen and adventurers who served Queen Elizabeth I. The beginning of the book sets the stage for understanding the Elizabethan world by examining the context and conditions surrounding Queen Elizabeth’s reign, including the fears and hopes of the English people as they adapted to a new era after the end of Mary’s reign. It narrates the ascent of Elizabeth to the throne and the state of the nation during her early years as Queen, highlighting how a desire for adventure and expansion fueled English efforts to explore the New World against the backdrop of existing threats from Spain and the Catholic Church. Gilliat introduces various heroes of the time, hinting at their tales of bravery while interspersing anecdotes and historical commentary to illuminate the broader societal changes of the period.
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