Walter Pater 
Appreciations, with an Essay on Style 

Walter Pater’s ‘Appreciations, with an Essay on Style’ is a collection of essays that delve into various aspects of art, literature, and culture, showcasing Pater’s distinct literary style that is both elegant and insightful. Written in the late 19th century, the book reflects the Aesthetic movement’s emphasis on the beauty and form in art, making it a significant work in the history of literary criticism. Pater’s essays explore the works of notable figures such as Shakespeare, Leonardo da Vinci, and Wordsworth, offering nuanced interpretations and highlighting the importance of individual experience in appreciating art. His emphasis on style as a key component of artistic expression sets this book apart as a valuable contribution to the study of aesthetics and literature. Walter Pater, a prominent Victorian writer and critic, was known for his influence on the aesthetic movement and his advocacy for art for art’s sake. His background in classics and his passion for artistic beauty informed his writing, leading him to produce works that celebrated the aesthetic experience. ‘Appreciations’ reflects Pater’s intellectual curiosity and unique perspective on art and culture. For readers interested in exploring the intersection of literature and aesthetics, ‘Appreciations, with an Essay on Style’ is a must-read. Pater’s eloquent prose and keen insights make this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of art and its significance in our lives.

关于作者

Walter Horatio Pater (1839–1894) was an English essayist, critic, and a pivotal figure in the Aesthetic movement of the late 19th century. Pater’s intricate prose and the emphasis on sensuous beauty made him one of the most influential voices of his time. Educated at The Queen’s College, Oxford, Pater found his calling in the study of art, literature, and philosophy, blending these with a distinctively rich, aesthetic sensibility in his writing. His collection ‘Appreciations, with an Essay on Style’, first published in 1889, is a masterwork where Pater expounds on his philosophical and literary convictions. In the collection’s keystone essay, Pater famously articulates the importance of style as the expression of an artist’s unique vision, setting a standard that would go on to influence a multitude of writers and critics after him, including Oscar Wilde. Pater’s scholarship and advocacy of ‘art for art’s sake’ endeared him to the literary world. However, his invocation to grasp the fleeting moments of beauty and experience, encapsulated in his ‘Conclusion’ to ‘The Renaissance’, sparked controversy for its hedonistic overtones. Nevertheless, Walter Pater remains a luminary of 19th-century English literature; his works continue to be cherished for the rich and sensuous language that is now considered the hallmark of his literary style.