Subject
Novelists, English -- 18th century -- Biography Books
Best books
Austin Dobson
Fanny Burney (Madame D'Arblay)
"Fanny Burney (Madame D’Arblay)" by Austin Dobson is a biographical memoir written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and literary contributions of Fanny Burney, focusing on her upbringing, family background, and the social circles she inhabited. As a prominent figure of her time, Burney is celebrated for her novels, particularly "Evelina" and "Cecilia," which provided insight into the lives and experiences of women in the 18th century. The opening of the memoir begins with an introduction to the Burney family's heritage and upbringing. It details the lineage of Fanny Burney, highlighting her father, Charles Burney, a well-known musician and musicologist. The narrative describes Fanny's childhood, character traits, and family dynamics, revealing her gradual development into a keen observer of society, despite her initial shyness and reticence. The detailed account sets the stage for her eventual rise as an influential writer and commentator on the social and cultural norms of her time, paving the way for further exploration of her literary journey in subsequent chapters.
H. D. (Henry Duff) Traill
Sterne
"Sterne" by H. D. Traill is a biography written in the late 19th century, focusing on the life of the influential English writer Laurence Sterne. The book explores Sterne's early years, his literary development, and the context from which he emerged, particularly emphasizing the scant materials available for fully understanding his life and character. This biography is likely to appeal to readers interested in literary history, particularly the development of English literature in the 18th century. At the start of "Sterne," the author outlines the limited biographical information regarding Laurence Sterne's early life, detailing his birth in Clonmel in 1713 to a military family. Traill introduces the peripatetic nature of Sterne's upbringing, shaped by the struggles and misfortunes faced by his parents amidst constant relocations due to military postings. The narrative highlights the humorous and tragic elements of Sterne's early experiences that may have influenced his later works, emphasizing the complex relationship he had with his father and the impact of his mother's resilience. This opening establishes a foundation for understanding the significant yet often overlooked early influences on one of literature's whimsical and innovative figures.
Recently surfaced classics