Matthew Arnold

Name: Matthew Arnold
Author: George William Erskine Russell

By George William Erskine Russell

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Biographies British Literature

About This Book

The author offers a concise, temperate portrait of the poet and critic Matthew Arnold, relying on selected correspondence and critical judgment to map his intellectual life. A prefatory explanation rejects a conventional biography and justifies reliance on edited letters; subsequent chapters survey poetic method, education, social outlook, personal conduct, and theological views. The narrative balances assessment of prose and verse—noting strengths alongside stylistic limits—with consideration of the practical effects of his criticism and teaching on contemporary debate. Fresh letters and illustrations are used to illuminate character without attempting exhaustive or hagiographic coverage.

About the Author

Russell, George William Erskine portrait

George William Erskine Russell

George William Erskine Russell was a British author and biographer known for his insightful reflections on notable figures and events of his time. His works often blend personal recollections with broader historical narratives, providing readers with a unique perspective on the literary and political landscape of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among his notable titles are "Collections and Recollections," which offers a glimpse into his life and experiences, and "Matthew Arnold," a biographical study of the influential poet and critic. Russell's writings contribute to the understanding of his contemporaries and the cultural milieu in which they operated.