Subject
Great Britain -- History -- Stuarts, 1603-1714 -- Biography Books
Best books
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.
Lucy Phillimore
Sir Christopher Wren: His Family and His Times With Original Letters and a Discourse on Architecture Hitherto Unpublished. 1585-1723.
"Sir Christopher Wren: His Family and His Times" by Lucy Phillimore is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the life, contributions, and legacy of Sir Christopher Wren, a prominent architect known for his role in rebuilding St. Paul's Cathedral and other significant structures during a transformative period in English history. It is likely to appeal to those interested in architecture, history, and the intricate connections between personal and professional life during the 17th century. The opening of the text introduces the complexities surrounding biographical accounts of Sir Christopher Wren, noting the challenges of accessing reliable materials. The author reflects on previous biographies, highlighting their shortcomings and the necessity for a more comprehensive exploration of Wren's life. The narrative outlines the ancestry of the Wren family and begins to sketch the profile of his father, Matthew Wren, who played an influential role in shaping Wren's early life and career. This section sets the stage for a deeper examination of Wren's life against the backdrop of significant historical events, artistic achievements, and family dynamics.
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