George Saintsbury 
Matthew Arnold 

George Saintsbury’s insightful and comprehensive biography, ‘Matthew Arnold’, delves into the life and works of the renowned Victorian poet and critic. Saintsbury expertly analyzes Arnold’s literary style, characterized by its emphasis on cultural criticism and the human condition. This book situates Arnold within the literary context of his time, highlighting his unique contributions to poetry and criticism. The detailed exploration of Arnold’s poetic works and critical essays offers readers a deeper understanding of his enduring impact on English literature. Saintsbury’s scholarly approach to the subject makes this biography an essential read for those interested in Victorian literature and intellectual history. George Saintsbury, a respected literary critic himself, brings his expertise to bear in this study of Matthew Arnold. Drawing on his vast knowledge of English literature, Saintsbury offers valuable insights into Arnold’s motivations and influences, shedding light on the factors that shaped his literary career. Through meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Saintsbury presents a nuanced portrait of Arnold as a poet, critic, and thinker. I highly recommend ‘Matthew Arnold’ to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most influential figures in Victorian literature. George Saintsbury’s authoritative biography provides a compelling exploration of Arnold’s life and works, making it an essential text for scholars and readers interested in delving into the complexities of Arnold’s literary legacy.

Sobre el autor

George Saintsbury, born on October 23, 1845, in Southampton, England, and passing away on January 28, 1933, was an influential English literary historian and critic, notable for his comprehensive knowledge of English literature. Saintsbury’s prolific writing career encompassed areas as diverse as French wine and English prosody, but he is perhaps best remembered for his expert commentary on literary texts and his definitive editorial work. A former professor of Rhetoric and English Literature at the University of Edinburgh, Saintsbury combined a keen analytical eye with a richly descriptive style that endeared him to readers and students alike. His contribution to the understanding of English literature is reflected in his detailed analyses of authors such as Jane Austen, as well as his ‘History of English Prose Rhythm’ (1912), which remains a significant work in the field. Saintsbury’s scholarly pursuits yielded a detailed examination of the poet Matthew Arnold in his eponymous work ‘Matthew Arnold’ (1899), which sits among other distinguished literary studies. It is in texts like these that Saintsbury’s erudite yet accessible commentary provided both contemporaries and future scholars with insights into the nuanced appreciation of literary style and context. His work maintains relevance and is often cited in discussions of nineteenth and early twentieth-century literary criticism.