Arthur Machen A Novelist of Ecstasy and Sin By: Vincent Starrett (1886-1974)
In Vincent Starrett's biography, Arthur Machen: A Novelist of Ecstasy and Sin, readers are offered a deep and insightful exploration into the life and works of one of the most enigmatic writers of the early 20th century. Starrett, himself an acclaimed author and critic, delves into the lesser-known aspects of Arthur Machen's life, shedding light on his immense contribution to the genre of supernatural fiction. The biographical account presented by Starrett is not merely a chronological retelling of events but rather an intricate analysis of the various influences that shaped Machen's distinct literary style. Starrett weaves together elements of social, cultural, and personal history, to provide a holistic understanding of how Machen's experiences informed his writing. One of the book's undeniable strengths is Starrett's ability to capture the essence of Machen's unique brand of storytelling. He successfully conveys the mystical aura and sense of the unknown that permeates Machen's tales, engaging readers in an intimate exploration of Machen's inner world. Starrett's own admiration for Machen is evident throughout the narrative, and his passion for his subject matter is infectious. Moreover, Starrett explores the complex relationship that Machen had with his own work. From the struggles to gain recognition to grappling with the dichotomy between writing and other professional pursuits, readers gain insight into the inner workings of Machen's creative process. Starrett meticulously analyzes Machen's literary achievements, highlighting the themes of ecstasy and sin that were recurrent in his fiction, ultimately making a compelling case for Machen's significance as a writer beyond the confines of his era. One minor drawback of the biography is its occasionally verbose style, which may deter some readers looking for a swift and concise exploration of Machen's life. However, for those willing to delve deeper and embrace Starrett's extensive attention to detail, this biography offers a truly comprehensive examination of the author's life and work. In conclusion, Arthur Machen: A Novelist of Ecstasy and Sin is an invaluable addition to the realm of literary biographies. Vincent Starrett's meticulous research, profound understanding, and genuine admiration for the subject make for a compelling and immersive read. Through his exploration of Machen's life and fiction, Starrett successfully illuminates the timeless and often ethereal allure of one of the most influential voices in supernatural literature. First Page: E text prepared by Marc D'Hooghe (http://www.freeliterature.org) from page images generously made available by Internet Archive (http://www.archive.org) Note: Images of the original pages are available through Internet Archive. See http://www.archive.org/details/arthurmachennove00star ARTHUR MACHEN A Novelist of Ecstasy and Sin by VINCENT STARRETT With Two Uncollected Poems by ARTHUR MACHEN Chicago Walter M. Hill 1918 NOTE With singular unanimity critics for thirty years have slighted the work of Arthur Machen. A line suffices for him in Holbrook Jackson's "The Eighteen Nineties," and Mr. Blaikie Murdoch ignores him completely in "The Renaissance of the Nineties"; yet those are the standard works on the period to which, chronologically, at least, Machen belongs. Mr. Turquet Milnes, with greater appreciation, gives him a half chapter in his scholarly work, "The Influence of Baudelaire," but even that is made up largely of quotations from "The Hill of Dreams," to prove Machen a descendent of Baudelaire an error to which I subscribed until Machen himself disillusioned me, although the assertion is still partially true. Because, in my opinion, Arthur Machen is the outstanding artist of his time, and one of the great masters of all time, I wrote the following paper, which first appeared in Reedy's Mirror for October 5, 1917... Continue reading book >>

Arthur Machen A Novelist of Ecstasy and Sin By: Vincent Starrett (1886-1974)

In Vincent Starrett's biography, Arthur Machen: A Novelist of Ecstasy and Sin, readers are offered a deep and insightful exploration into the life and works of one of the most enigmatic writers of the early 20th century. Starrett, himself an acclaimed author and critic, delves into the lesser-known aspects of Arthur Machen's life, shedding light on his immense contribution to the genre of supernatural fiction.

The biographical account presented by Starrett is not merely a chronological retelling of events but rather an intricate analysis of the various influences that shaped Machen's distinct literary style. Starrett weaves together elements of social, cultural, and personal history, to provide a holistic understanding of how Machen's experiences informed his writing.

One of the book's undeniable strengths is Starrett's ability to capture the essence of Machen's unique brand of storytelling. He successfully conveys the mystical aura and sense of the unknown that permeates Machen's tales, engaging readers in an intimate exploration of Machen's inner world. Starrett's own admiration for Machen is evident throughout the narrative, and his passion for his subject matter is infectious.

Moreover, Starrett explores the complex relationship that Machen had with his own work. From the struggles to gain recognition to grappling with the dichotomy between writing and other professional pursuits, readers gain insight into the inner workings of Machen's creative process. Starrett meticulously analyzes Machen's literary achievements, highlighting the themes of ecstasy and sin that were recurrent in his fiction, ultimately making a compelling case for Machen's significance as a writer beyond the confines of his era.

One minor drawback of the biography is its occasionally verbose style, which may deter some readers looking for a swift and concise exploration of Machen's life. However, for those willing to delve deeper and embrace Starrett's extensive attention to detail, this biography offers a truly comprehensive examination of the author's life and work.

In conclusion, Arthur Machen: A Novelist of Ecstasy and Sin is an invaluable addition to the realm of literary biographies. Vincent Starrett's meticulous research, profound understanding, and genuine admiration for the subject make for a compelling and immersive read. Through his exploration of Machen's life and fiction, Starrett successfully illuminates the timeless and often ethereal allure of one of the most influential voices in supernatural literature.

First Page:

E text prepared by Marc D'Hooghe (http://www.freeliterature.org) from page images generously made available by Internet Archive (http://www.archive.org)

Note: Images of the original pages are available through Internet Archive. See http://www.archive.org/details/arthurmachennove00star

ARTHUR MACHEN

A Novelist of Ecstasy and Sin

VINCENT STARRETT

With Two Uncollected Poems by

ARTHUR MACHEN

Chicago Walter M. Hill 1918

NOTE

With singular unanimity critics for thirty years have slighted the work of Arthur Machen. A line suffices for him in Holbrook Jackson's "The Eighteen Nineties," and Mr. Blaikie Murdoch ignores him completely in "The Renaissance of the Nineties"; yet those are the standard works on the period to which, chronologically, at least, Machen belongs. Mr. Turquet Milnes, with greater appreciation, gives him a half chapter in his scholarly work, "The Influence of Baudelaire," but even that is made up largely of quotations from "The Hill of Dreams," to prove Machen a descendent of Baudelaire an error to which I subscribed until Machen himself disillusioned me, although the assertion is still partially true.

Because, in my opinion, Arthur Machen is the outstanding artist of his time, and one of the great masters of all time, I wrote the following paper, which first appeared in Reedy's Mirror for October 5, 1917... Continue reading book >>

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