Subject
Ward, Humphry, Mrs., 1851-1920 Books
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Janet Penrose Trevelyan
The Life of Mrs. Humphry Ward
"The Life of Mrs. Humphry Ward" by Janet Penrose Trevelyan is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. This work focuses on the life and achievements of Mary Ward, who rose to prominence as an author and social reformer. It delves into her formative years, family background, and the influences that shaped her character and literary career, particularly highlighting her struggles and triumphs in a male-dominated society. The opening of the biography introduces Mary Ward's lineage, tracing her ancestry through notable figures like Dr. Thomas Arnold of Rugby. We learn about her childhood experiences in Tasmania and England, marked by a critical religious struggle within her family that greatly affected her upbringing. The narrative vividly depicts her mother’s strong personality and influences from both sides of her family, highlighting the complexity of familial relationships. It sets a foundation for understanding how these early experiences contributed to Mary's character development and her thirst for knowledge, leading to her later endeavors in education and literature.
Humphry Ward
A Writer's Recollections — Volume 2
"A Writer's Recollections — Volume 2" by Mrs. Humphry Ward is a memoir written in the early 20th century that presents a reflective account of the author's experiences and relationships with notable literary and political figures during the late 19th century. The narrative provides insights into key themes such as friendship, intellectual discourse, and the struggles of a writer balancing personal and public life, particularly through the lens of her connections with well-known individuals like John Morley, Arthur Balfour, and Henry James. The opening of the memoir introduces readers to the vibrant London literary scene of the 1880s, where the author shares her initial interactions with John Morley, emphasizing his significant intellectual presence and moral convictions. She recounts the stimulating environment of her life at that time, intertwined with her husband’s work and their growing family. As memories unfold, they reflect on the dynamics of friendship within a circle of influential figures, touching upon various cultural and political insights that shaped the period. The first chapter sets a nostalgic tone, blending personal recollections with broader societal themes, thus inviting readers to explore the complexities of life as a writer in an era marked by social change and literary evolution.
Humphry Ward
A Writer's Recollections — Volume 1
"A Writer's Recollections — Volume 1" by Mrs. Humphry Ward is an autobiographical work written in the early 20th century. In this volume, the author shares reflections on her early life, including her experiences growing up in the Westmorland valley, familial influences, and connections to notable figures within her family, particularly her relationship to a literary and educational legacy linked to her grandfather, Doctor Arnold of Rugby. The opening of the memoir sets the tone as it delves into themes of age, memory, and the intrinsic desire to recount one's life experiences. The narrative begins with a philosophical musing about the impulse to share personal stories as time passes, a sentiment that resonates throughout the text. Ward recollects her arrival in England as a child from Tasmania, her life at Fox How, and the significant figures in her childhood, including her parents and grandparents, establishing a rich context for her upbringing. Through evocative imagery and poignant details, the author paints a vivid picture of her early days, setting the stage for the overarching narrative that explores her family's intellectual heritage and the transformative events that shaped her outlook on life and literature.
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