You may have to Search all our reviewed books and magazines, click the sign up button below to create a free account.
Arthur Christopher Benson (1862-1925) was a British essayist, poet and author. He was one of six children of Edward White Benson, a late nineteenth-century Archbishop of Canterbury. The Benson family were exceptionally literate and accomplished, but their history was somewhat tragic. A son and daughter died young, and another daughter, as well as Benson himself, suffered badly from a mental condition that was probably manic-depressive psychosis. Despite his illness, Benson was a distinguished academic and a most prolific author. He was associated with Eton College, and was Master of Magdalene College of Cambridge University. His poems and volumes of essays, such as From a College Window (1906), were famous in his day, and he left one of the longest diaries ever written, some four million words.
From the preface: The interest in the letters arises from the time, the circumstance, the occasion that gave them birth, from the books read and criticized, the educational problems discussed and thus they may form a species of comment on a certain aspect of modern life.
A classic collection of essays by Arthur Christopher Benson.
Arthur Christopher Benson's 'Essays' encapsulates a rich tapestry of thoughts and musings reflective of the Edwardian era's intellectual preoccupations. Characterized by a lucid prose style and a philosophical depth, Benson's essays traverse subjects ranging from musings on solitude and friendship to contemplations on the nature of art and death. The literary context of the volume situates it within a tradition of personal essay writing that harks back to Montaigne, tracing through the Enlightenment to the distinct voice of the early twentieth century English literati. As a collection, it is both an intimate glimpse into the author's psyche and a mirror reflecting the broader cultural concer...
Arthur Christopher Benson's 'Beside Still Waters' is a collection of essays that delve into themes of nature, spirituality, and the human experience. Written in a contemplative and poetic style, the book reflects Benson's background as a poet and essayist, showcasing his ability to evoke emotion and provoke deep thought. The essays in this collection are reminiscent of the Romantic era, with a focus on the beauty of the natural world and the quest for spiritual fulfillment. Benson's eloquent prose and insightful reflections make 'Beside Still Waters' a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. Arthur Christopher Benson, a former headmaster of Eton College, was a prolific writer and scholar who found inspiration in the simplicity and tranquility of nature. His profound connection to the natural world is evident in the essays of 'Beside Still Waters', where he explores the spiritual significance of the outdoors and the healing power of solitude. Readers who appreciate introspective writing and philosophical musings will find 'Beside Still Waters' to be a profound and enlightening read that encourages contemplation and self-discovery.
Arthur Christopher Benson's anthology 'Paul the Minstrel and Other Stories,' culled from the earlier collections 'The Hill of Trouble' and 'The Isles of Sunset,' is a fabric of richly woven narratives, resplendent with philosophical undertones and an undercurrent of Victorian sensibilities. Within its pages, Benson's literary tapestry displays his mastery of language and storytelling, inviting readers into a world where the fantastical elements serve to illuminate the mysteries and intricacies of the human condition. Positioned firmly within the canon of early 20th-century literature, these stories echo the traditionalist ethos of their era, yet remain timeless in their exploration of univer...
What are those wretched little flowers? said Mr. Redmayne, pointing at them contemptuously. Oh, don't say that, said Howard; they are always the first to struggle up, and they are the earliest signs of spring. Those are aconites. Aconites? Deadly poison said Mr. Redmayne, in a tone of horror. Well, I don't object to them, -- though I must say that I prefer the works of man to the works of God at all times and in all places. I don't like the spring -- it's a languid and treacherous time; it always makes me feel that I wish I were doing something else.
Arthur Christopher Benson's 'The Isles of Sunset' is a work of profound introspection and lyrical beauty. Published in an era of literary experimentation, the narrative weaves between the temporal and the ethereal, embracing a blend of romanticism and emblematic motifs. The book carries its readers through a tapestry of fantastical landscapes and philosophical musings, reflective of the early 20th-century spirit. DigiCat Publishing's edition ensures that Benson's nuanced prose and the elegant structure of the narrative are preserved, allowing modern readers to experience the text as contemporaries might have, at a time when the novel served as both escapism and reflection upon the greater hu...
From a College Window
The Child of the Dawn by Arthur Christopher Benson is a curious and dramatic novel about the possibility and the wondrous pondering of immortality. Excerpt: "Certainly the last few moments of my former material, worn-out life, as I must still call it, were made horrible enough for me. I came to, after the operation, in deadly sickness and ghastly confusion of thought. I was just dimly conscious of the trim, bare room, the white bed, a figure or two, but everything else was swallowed up in the pain, which filled all my senses at once."