Featuring prominent figures in education, religion, science, and war,
Eminent Victorians is a fascinating collection of Victorian
biographies. Beginning with a discussion of the achievements of Cardinal
Manning, Strachey provides insight on the Cardinal's rise to power and
follows the creation of the Oxford Movement, which began the development
of the Anglo-Catholic church. Sparing no detail, Manning's feud with the
influential theologian John Henry Newman and its effects on his career
is well highlighted. Next, Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern
nursing, is depicted in a more flattering light that the other subjects.
Portrayed as a clever, intense, and ambitious woman, Nightingale is
deemed to have an insufferable personality, but as a woman of undeniably
impressive achievement. Credited for the development of the public
school system, Dr. Thomas Arnold is commended for his ideas, but
criticized for the unintentional negative impact he had on education.
Finally, General Gordon's legacy is saved from obscurity as the stories
of his intense missions are explored. As an adventurous mercenary,
Gordon navigated conflicts between governments, often decreasing the
collateral of war.
First published in 1918, Eminent Victorians by Lytton Strachey brought
innovation to the biographical genre. With exciting and honest
narratives, Eminent Victorians challenges the idealistic portrayal of
historical figures, observing their fault without greatly slighting
their achievements. Through this lens, prominent historical figures such
as Florence Nightingale, Cardinal Manning, Thomas Arnold, and General
Gordon are remembered as real people instead of mere figures of
adoration. Featuring the depiction of innovation in religion, education,
science, math, and politics, Strachey's work encompasses much of the
Victorian society, granting readers a riveting and entertaining
perspective on the period.
This edition of Eminent Victorians by Lytton Strachey features an
eye-catching new cover design and is presented in a font that is both
modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition is
accessible and appealing to contemporary audiences, restoring Eminent
Victorians to modern standards while preserving the original innovation
and insight of Lytton Strachey's work.
