Subject
Novelists, English -- 19th century -- Biography Books
Best books
John Forster
The Life of Charles Dickens, Vol. I-III, Complete
"The Life of Charles Dickens, Vol. I-III, Complete" by John Forster is a biographical work written in the late 19th century. This comprehensive biography chronicles the life of Charles Dickens, focusing particularly on his formative years and the experiences that shaped him as one of the greatest novelists of the era. It captures his childhood, early hardships, and the early influences that would later permeate his literary career. The opening of the biography delves into Dickens's early life, beginning with his birth in 1812 and unfolding his childhood years through vivid recollections of family dynamics and significant events. It discusses his family's struggles, particularly his father's financial difficulties that led to Dickens enduring hardships in his youth, including working in a blacking factory at a tender age. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the text emphasizes his keen powers of observation and imaginative spirit, which would later flourish in his writing, laying the groundwork for understanding the profound influence of these early experiences on his literary works.
T. H. S. (Thomas Hay Sweet) Escott
Anthony Trollope; His Work, Associates and Literary Originals
"Anthony Trollope; His Work, Associates and Literary Originals" by T. H. S. Escott is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the life and literary accomplishments of Anthony Trollope, offering insights into his personal relationships, influences, and the historical context surrounding his writings. The book tackles themes such as Trollope's formative experiences, family dynamics, and his journey through the Civil Service, ultimately shaping his career as a notable novelist. At the start of the account, Escott introduces readers to the early life of Anthony Trollope, detailing his ancestry and the impact of his family's financial struggles on his upbringing. The narrative highlights his mother, Frances Milton Trollope, as a pivotal influence who instilled in him a strong work ethic and a desire for literary success. The text paints a vivid picture of Trollope's childhood, marked by trials and tribulations, including the loss of family fortune and a move to Belgium, which shaped his perspective on life. As he embarks on his career with the Post Office, the beginning establishes the groundwork for understanding how these foundational experiences informed his future as a celebrated author.
Anthony Trollope
An Autobiography of Anthony Trollope
"An Autobiography of Anthony Trollope" by Anthony Trollope is an autobiographical account written in the late 19th century. This reflective memoir delves into the life of the author himself, tracing his journey through early hardships, education, and eventual success in the world of literature and public service. The memoir provides insights into Trollope's familial relationships, particularly the influence of his parents, along with candid observations on his feelings of inadequacy and social isolation during his formative years. At the start of the autobiography, Trollope introduces himself as a seemingly insignificant figure, aiming to share not only his life story but also the broader implications of a literary career. He reflects on his difficult boyhood marked by poverty and the challenges faced within educational settings, emphasizing the lack of support from peers and educators. His narrative begins with his early years and schooling, detailing the struggles and societal pressures he encountered. As he recalls his family's deteriorating financial situation and personal hardships, Trollope sets the stage for the evolution of his character and aspirations, ultimately revealing his determination to pursue writing as both a vocation and a means to achieve stability.
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
The Life of Charlotte Brontë — Volume 1
"The Life of Charlotte Brontë — Volume 1" by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is a biography published in 1857. Drawing on personal friendship, letters, and firsthand testimonies, Gaskell crafted an intimate portrait of the celebrated novelist that sparked immediate controversy. Complaints of slander forced the publisher to withdraw the first edition and issue censored versions within months. Despite its contested accuracy, this groundbreaking work transformed biographical writing, inspired enduring literary tourism to Yorkshire, and elevated the Brontë family to lasting cultural prominence.
David Hannay
Life of Frederick Marryat
"Life of Frederick Marryat" by David Hannay is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book details the life and career of Frederick Marryat, a notable English novelist known for his naval tales. It explores Marryat's upbringing, his experiences at sea, and his literary contributions, providing insight into the man behind works such as "Mr. Midshipman Easy" and "Frank Mildmay," which draw heavily from his naval adventures. The opening of the narrative introduces Marryat's background, highlighting his birth in Westminster and his family lineage, which includes influential figures in the world of politics and literature. It touches on his tumultuous childhood, marked by a dreary view of school life and a rebellious spirit that led him to run away to sea multiple times. Eventually, his father's decision to send him into the navy places him on a path that includes serving under the esteemed Captain Lord Cochrane on the frigate "Impérieuse". This formative period is elaborated upon, setting the stage for Marryat's later adventures that would inspire his writing career.
James Edward Austen-Leigh
Memoir of Jane Austen
"Memoir of Jane Austen" by James Edward Austen-Leigh is a biography published in 1869. Written by Austen's nephew with help from family members, this Victorian-era memoir introduced the wider public to Jane Austen's works for the first time. Drawing on scattered family recollections and carefully edited letters, Austen-Leigh portrays his aunt as a domestic, unambitious writer. Yet the portrait remains incomplete—shaped by what Cassandra Austen chose to preserve or destroy, and by Victorian conventions that kept private matters hidden.
Charles Dickens
Pictures from Italy
"Pictures from Italy" by Charles Dickens is a travel narrative written in the mid-19th century. This engaging work chronicles Dickens's experiences and observations during a year-long stay in Italy, particularly focusing on cities like Genoa, Rome, and Lyons, as he explores the landscapes, cultures, and peculiarities of Italian life. The opening of the book sets the tone for Dickens's reflections on his journey, providing a whimsical passport into Italy. He introduces the narrative as a blend of personal reminiscences and vivid descriptions, highlighting that his accounts are not intended to serve as a guidebook filled with historical or cultural critiques, but rather as colorful impressions penned while immersed in the local experiences. As he begins his travels, he depicts a lively scene of departure from Paris, showcasing the hustle and bustle of city life and detailing the quirky characteristics of those he encounters along the way, such as the humorously exaggerated postilions and the quaint towns they pass through. This blend of charm, satire, and keen observations invites readers into Dickens's view of Italy, setting the stage for a delightful exploration of the country’s landscapes and its people.
G. E. (Geraldine Edith) Mitton
Jane Austen and Her Times
"Jane Austen and Her Times" by G. E. Mitton is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book examines the life and works of Jane Austen, alongside the social, cultural, and historical contexts in which she lived. It seeks to present not only Austen's literary contributions but also the environment of 18th-century England that shaped her experiences and writings, offering insight into the contemporary society she depicted in her novels. The opening of the book introduces the challenges of detailing Jane Austen's life due to the limited biographical information available. It emphasizes Austen’s unique insight into human nature, highlighted by her sharp humor and social observations. Mitton aims to provide a broader understanding of Jane Austen by exploring the societal norms, culture, and personal connections that influenced her work, revealing the contrast between her seemingly simple life and the significant historical events occurring around her, such as the French Revolution. Through this blend of biography and social history, the text illuminates Austen's status as both a remarkable individual and a product of her era.
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.
George Willis Cooke
George Eliot; a Critical Study of Her Life, Writings and Philosophy
"George Eliot: A Critical Study of Her Life, Writings and Philosophy" by George Willis Cooke is a biographical study written in the late 19th century. The work examines the life and literary achievements of Mary Ann Evans, better known by her pen name, George Eliot. Cooke delves into her philosophical views, influences, and the impact of her upbringing on her character and writing, highlighting how her personal experiences shaped her literary expressions and themes. The beginning of the book introduces George Eliot as a significant figure of the 19th-century literary landscape. The text discusses her early life, upbringing in the Midlands of England, and the profound influence of her surroundings on her writing. Cooke emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and social context of Eliot's life, as well as her venture into literature, beginning with her experiences as a reader and her education. The author also touches upon the familial relationships, especially those with her father and other significant figures in her life, which collectively contributed to her development as a writer and thinker, setting the stage for her future works.
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
The Life of Charlotte Brontë — Volume 2
"The Life of Charlotte Brontë — Volume 2" by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is a biography published in 1857. Drawing on personal friendship, letters, and firsthand testimonies, Gaskell crafted an influential portrait of the celebrated novelist. The first edition sparked immediate controversy, with slander complaints forcing its withdrawal and prompting censored revisions within months. Despite legal challenges and contested integrity, this groundbreaking work established the Brontë family as enduring cultural subjects, inspired literary tourism to Yorkshire, and expanded the possibilities of biographical writing while addressing women's situations in Victorian society.
Frank T. (Frank Thomas) Marzials
Life of Charles Dickens
"Life of Charles Dickens" by Sir Frank T. Marzials is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the life and works of the renowned English novelist Charles Dickens, who was born in 1812 and is celebrated for his vivid characters and social commentary. This biography delves into Dickens' formative years, his struggles, and the influences that shaped his literary genius, making it an engaging read for those interested in understanding the man behind classics such as "Oliver Twist" and "A Tale of Two Cities." The opening of "Life of Charles Dickens" paints a poignant picture of Dickens’ early life, highlighting the challenges he faced growing up in a financially struggling family. Marzials writes about Dickens' childhood experiences—including the humiliation of working in a blacking warehouse while his father was imprisoned for debt—drawing parallels between Dickens's life and that of David Copperfield, a character he created. This portion foreshadows the influential themes of hardship and resilience in Dickens's later works while establishing the tone of sympathy and insight that defines the biography. The early chapters set the stage for a deeper exploration of how these experiences, combined with his keen observational skills, contributed to Dickens's success as a writer and his lasting impact on literature.
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