A life of Matthew Arnold
By: Nicholas Murray.
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Published: 1996
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 400
Subjects: Arnold, Matthew, -- 1822-1888
Other titles: Matthew Arnold
Description: "Matthew Arnold is a pivotal figure in the literature of the nineteenth century - his poems are still read and anthologised and his literary and social criticism continues to have influence and act as points of reference in current debates. The first full biography for many years brings the surprisingly modern figure of Arnold back to life while establishing him firmly as one of the most eminent Victorians." "Born in 1822, the son of a great reforming headmaster, Matthew Arnold died in 1888. His lifetime saw a period of enormous social and intellectual change, and in both his best poetry and prose, Arnold struggled to contend with and master the forces of that change. His poems, including 'Dover Beach' and 'The Scholar Gipsy', reflect the turbulence of the times and his criticism still has much relevance to contemporary debates about the value of literature and the extent to which the canon of great works remains a useful concept." "Nicholas Murray presents us with an intimate and refreshing look at Arnold as a powerful critic of Victorian materialism yet at the same time as one of the most engaging and amusing of the Victorian sages, and a devoted family man. Drawing on previously unused sources to give us a fully-rounded biography of one of the greatest literary figures, A Life of Matthew Arnold is also a portrait of the times in which he lived."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 355-386).