Walter Pater

Name: Walter Pater
Author: Arthur Christopher Benson

By Arthur Christopher Benson

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History - British

About This Book

The author reconstructs the life, writings, and character of a notable late‑Victorian critic and essayist, tracing family origins, schooling, Oxford years, and professional life in London. Chapters combine chronological biography with close readings of early essays, the philosophical novel Marius the Epicurean, and later critical pieces, supported by correspondence and recollections from friends and relatives. The study highlights aesthetic doctrines, religious inclinations, stylistic traits, and personal habits, linking intellectual development to social milieu and assessing contemporary reception while sketching the subject’s temperament and manner.

About the Author

Arthur Christopher Benson

Arthur Christopher Benson (1862-1925) was an English essayist, poet, and biographer, known for his reflective and often autobiographical writing style. He was a prominent figure in the literary circles of his time and served as the Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge. Benson's works often explore themes of personal experience and the beauty of nature, as seen in his notable book "At Large," which reflects his thoughts on life and society. His essays, such as those in "Escape, and Other Essays," showcase his keen observations and philosophical insights. In addition to his literary contributions, Benson was also a member of the influential Benson family, which included several notable writers and public figures.