The book features the 1935 Leslie Stephen Lecture presented by Lord David Cecil at the University of Cambridge. It offers insights into the themes and ideas explored during the lecture, reflecting on significant cultural or literary topics of the time. The text serves as a valuable resource for understanding the intellectual discourse of the era and Cecil's perspectives on the subjects he addressed.
Recognized as one of the top non-fiction books, this work holds a special place in literary history as the 100th best by Modern Library and was a favorite of John F. Kennedy. Its significance is underscored by its impact on readers and its enduring relevance in discussions of culture and society. The book offers profound insights that resonate across generations, making it a must-read for those interested in influential literature.
Focusing on Thomas Hardy's contributions as a novelist, this treatise by David Cecil delves into the life and works of one of England's cherished authors. It serves as an insightful resource for both enthusiasts and students of English Literature. The book is part of a republishing effort to make rare classic works accessible, featuring a new biography of Cecil to enhance the reader's understanding of his perspective and analysis.
Focusing on William Lamb, who became Lord Melbourne, this biography explores his pivotal role as Prime Minister during the height of the British Empire and his mentorship of Queen Victoria as she navigated her new responsibilities. It highlights his influence on the monarchy and government during a transformative period in British history. The book is part of a collection by Hesperides Press, which aims to make classic works accessible through modern editions that preserve the original text and artwork.
Not much about Jane Austen's personality can be gleaned from her works.It is from her letters, from the evidence of the friends and relations, and above all from a knowledge of the kind of life led and ideas held by the society she was born into, that we are to know her.
Drawing on Jane Austen's letters, novels and other people's memories of her, Lord David Cecil sets out 'to reconstruct and depict her living personality and to explore its relation to her art'. The portrait that emerges is of a clear-sighted, observant, strong-minded woman whose witty and ironic representation of her own society has delighted readers for centuries.
Two Poetic Painters: Samuel Palmer and Edward Burne-Jones
Focusing on the interplay between poetry and visual art, this work highlights the influence of imaginative literature on two pivotal English Romantic painters. Samuel Palmer, known for his visionary style, and Edward Burne-Jones, celebrated for his Pre-Raphaelite aesthetics, both drew inspiration from literary giants like Shakespeare, Milton, and Keats. The narrative explores how their inner lives and poetic inspirations shaped their artistic expressions, revealing the profound connection between poetry and painting during their era.
Selected for its cultural significance, this work contributes to the foundational knowledge of civilization. It holds importance for scholars and readers alike, highlighting its relevance in understanding historical and societal contexts.