Plot summary, “Eminent Victorians” by Lytton Strachey in 7 Minutes - Book Review
0"Eminent Victorians" is a collection of biographical essays written by British author Lytton Strachey. Published in 1918, the book presents satirical and critical portraits of four prominent figures from the Victorian era: Cardinal Henry Newman, Thomas Arnold, General Charles George Gordon, and Florence Nightingale.
The book is considered a groundbreaking work of literary biography, as Strachey departed from the traditional style of reverential biographies that had been common up to that point. Instead, he used a more modern and irreverent approach, aiming to reveal the flaws, contradictions, and complexities of these historical figures rather than portraying them as unblemished heroes.
Each essay in "Eminent Victorians" is a concise and incisive examination of its subject, often highlighting their contradictions, personal struggles, and the ways in which they interacted with their social and historical contexts. Strachey's writing is marked by wit, irony, and a willingness to challenge the prevailing perceptions of these figures.
The essays in the book include:
"Cardinal Manning": A profile of Henry Edward Manning, a prominent convert to Catholicism and Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster. Strachey examines Manning's ambitious rise within the Catholic Church and his complex relationship with the broader political and religious landscape.
"Dr. Arnold": Thomas Arnold was a famous headmaster of Rugby School and a prominent educator. Strachey's essay scrutinizes Arnold's role in shaping Victorian educational reform and his sometimes controversial views on discipline and morality.
"The End of General Gordon": General Charles George Gordon's involvement in imperialistic endeavors in Egypt and his final stand at Khartoum are explored in this essay, which considers Gordon's sense of duty and the complexities of his relationship with the British government.
"The Life of Florence Nightingale": Strachey examines the life and work of Florence Nightingale, a pioneering nurse known for her efforts during the Crimean War. He delves into Nightingale's determination to reform healthcare and her struggles against societal norms and gender expectations.
"Eminent Victorians" is notable for its impact on the biographical genre, as it challenged conventions and paved the way for a more critical and psychologically nuanced approach to writing about historical figures. The book's combination of insightful analysis and clever prose established Strachey as a prominent figure in the world of literature and criticism.