Catalog Search Results
1) Byron
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Series
Summary
This 1880 English Men of Letters volume focuses on the rock star of Romanticism. "Byron's life was passed under the fierce light that beats upon an intellectual throne," writes Nichol. "He succeeded in making himself-what he wished to be-the most notorious personality in the world of letters of our century."
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This early work by G. K. Chesterton was originally published in 1903. Gilbert Keith Chesterton was born in London in 1874. He studied at the Slade School of Art, and upon graduating began to work as a freelance journalist. Over the course of his life, his literary output was incredibly diverse and highly prolific, ranging from philosophy and ontology to art criticism and detective fiction. However, he is probably best-remembered for his Christian...
5) Chaucer
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Summary
“The Canterbury Tales of Geoffrey Chaucer” (1343-1400) represent one of the foundations of English literature. For this 1879 entry in the influential "English Men of Letters" series of literary biographies, the distinguished critic Adolphus Ward placed Chaucer's life and work in the context of his tempestuous times, which included the Black Death.
7) Bunyan
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This biography of the author of the allegory “The Pilgrim's Progress” was published in 1880. Froude clearly outlines Bunyan's life — which included fighting in the English Civil War, struggling with his Christian faith, imprisonment, and writing — and keeps a calm, nonjudgmental attitude throughout the work.
8) Dryden
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Summary
Saintsbury examines the life of John Dryden (1631—1700), England's first Poet Laureate and one of the most important writers of the late seventeenth century. He is best known for his poems, plays, literary essays and translations, including such satirical works as MacFlecknoe. Saintsbury focuses on his literary work, fall from grace, and transformation in the period known as the "Age of Dryden."
