A. L. Rowse Bücher

This collection of essays sheds light on one of the finest literary talents of the 20th century. fifty-seven excerpts of interviews, personal impressions, diary entries, articles, essays, and literary pieces reveal the private life of Greene--opinionated, charming, articulate, controversial.

With a life almost spanning the 20th century, A.L. Rowse has known many of the great historians of our age: men such as G.M. Trevelyan, A.J.P. Taylor, Hugh Trevor-Roper and Sir Lewis Namier. In this memoir, he reflects upon his personal and professional friendships and rivalries.

What makes Shakespeare's sonnets exceptional and original? Primarily, it lies in the fact that Shakespeare was, unlike most other sonnet authors, primarily a dramatic and theatrical poet. The sonnet's confined space, measuring five feet wide and fourteen lines high, serves as a small Shakespearean stage where every word acts as a performer and each line represents a theatrical part. Within this limited, precisely defined space, Shakespeare showcases his artistry. The originality of his sonnets is rooted in their extraordinarily wide range of emotions and passions, encapsulating nearly the entirety of love's experience. Shakespeare's sonnets explore both joyful and painful love, erotic and platonic love, faithful and unfaithful love, pure love and love that is betrayed and constantly wounded, selfish love as well as selfless, sacrificial love. Each sonnet can be seen as a conversation or a letter in verse, with the entire collection resembling poetic correspondence. It is not grand art but rather occasional poetry, akin to poetic letters—Shakespearean mail that conveys the paradoxes of concrete existence.

Back in print in a new paperback edition are these two volumes by A.L. Rowse that represent one of the great historical works of our time. They are a master historian's exploration of the social and cultural history of the Elizabethan Age. In The Life of the Society , Mr. Rowse surveys the life of each class of Englishmen from the Court downward, and presents a remarkable portrait of Elizabethan life and of the mentality, conscious and unconscious, to which the way of life gave rise. He portrays the life of the body as well as the life of the mind, including food and sanitation, sports and clothing, customs and beliefs, witchcraft and astrology―even the sex life of Elizabethans. In The Cultural Achievement he chronicles the astonishingly rich cultural flowering that marked the reign of Elizabeth I. He brings vividly to life the age's poetry, music, science, painting, sculpture, minor arts, and, above all, the tightly knit world of the theatre. Abundantly illustrated, together these volumes offer a richly rewarding reading experience."The book is so tightly packed with fascinating facts and fresh material that anyone at all seriously interested in Elizabethan England should delight in it."― New York Times ."The Elizabethan Renaissance is created in such brilliant color and clarity that the reader can never forget it."―Irving Stone.

Exploring trends in early twentieth-century historical thought, the book draws a compelling analogy between historical and political thought. It delves into the style and methods of history writing, offering insights into how these approaches have evolved. The author provides a thoughtful examination of the intellectual landscape of the time, making it a significant contribution to the understanding of historical narrative and methodology.

The book explores the cultural and artistic devastation inflicted by the Puritans during the English Civil War, highlighting the significant losses England experienced as a result of their actions. It provides a critical examination of the impact of Puritan ideology on society and the arts, shedding light on the broader consequences of this tumultuous period in English history.

Focusing on the Elizabethan Age, this book offers an in-depth exploration of key figures and themes, including the influential roles of William Cecil and Lord Burghley, as well as the women surrounding Queen Elizabeth. First published in 1935, it serves as an essential resource for students and scholars interested in British history, providing a detailed look at the political and social dynamics of the period.

A.L. Rowse offers a personal glimpse into his lifelong connection with the renowned poet, beginning from their time together at Oxford. This memoir captures the essence of Auden's character and artistry, reflecting on their enduring friendship and Rowse's insights into the poet's life and work. Through anecdotal storytelling, the book reveals the complexities of Auden's personality and his impact on Rowse, providing readers with a unique perspective on one of the 20th century's most significant literary figures.