John M. Synge: a Few Personal Recollections, with Biographical Notes By: John Masefield (1878-1967)
John M. Synge: a Few Personal Recollections, with Biographical Notes by John Masefield, is an insightful and captivating account of one of the most important figures in Irish literature. John Masefield, a prominent poet and playwright himself, delves into the life and works of his friend and colleague, John M. Synge, painting a detailed and vivid portrait of the man behind some of Ireland's most celebrated plays. The book begins with a thorough exploration of Synge's early life and upbringing, providing valuable context to better understand his development as a writer. Masefield expertly weaves together personal anecdotes and historical information, shedding light on the various influences that shaped Synge's unique artistic voice. What truly sets this book apart is Masefield's palpable admiration for Synge and his deep understanding of his subject's creative process. Through anecdotal stories, Masefield skillfully captures the essence of Synge's personality and the struggles he faced as a writer. He presents Synge not just as a literary genius, but as a complex individual with his own triumphs and doubts, making him all the more relatable and human. The inclusion of biographical notes adds an extra layer of depth to the book, providing valuable insights into the cultural and literary milieu in which Synge thrived. Masefield's meticulous research and attention to detail are evident, enriching the reader's understanding of the historical context within which Synge's works emerged. The writing style throughout the book is eloquent and engaging, making for a pleasurable reading experience. Masefield's own expertise as a writer shines through as he effortlessly navigates complex themes and ideas, presenting them in a manner that is accessible to both scholars and general readers alike. While the focus of the book is on Synge's life, Masefield also offers a comprehensive analysis of his plays, delving into their themes, characters, and reception. This analysis, coupled with Masefield's personal insights and observations, serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in delving deeper into Synge's work. Overall, John M. Synge: a Few Personal Recollections, with Biographical Notes by John Masefield is a must-read for fans of Irish literature and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the life and works of John M. Synge. Masefield's passionate and informative account leaves the reader with a profound appreciation for Synge's contribution to the literary world, solidifying his place as a pivotal figure in Irish cultural history. First Page: JOHN M. SYNGE A FEW PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS, WITH BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES BY JOHN MASEFIELD JOHN M. SYNGE I first met John M. Synge at the room of a common friend, up two pairs of stairs, in an old house in Bloomsbury, on a Monday night of January, 1903. When I entered the room, he was sitting in a rush bottomed chair, talking to a young man just down from Oxford. My host introduced me, with the remark that he wanted us to know each other. Synge stood up to shake hands with me. He was of the middle height, about five feet eight or nine. My first impression of him was of a dark, grave face, with a great deal in it, changing from the liveliness of conversation to a gravity of scrutiny. After we had shaken hands, I passed to the other end of the room to greet other friends. We did not speak to each other again that night. When I sat at the other end of the room my chair was opposite Synge's chair. Whenever I raised my eyes I saw him, and wondered who he could be. Disordered people look disordered, unusual people look unusual. A youth with long hair, a velvet coat, extravagant manners, and the other effeminacies of emptiness looks the charlatan he is. Synge gave one from the first the impression of a strange personality. He was of a dark type of Irishman, though not black haired. Something in his air gave one the fancy that his face was dark from gravity... Continue reading book >>

John M. Synge: a Few Personal Recollections, with Biographical Notes By: John Masefield (1878-1967)

John M. Synge: a Few Personal Recollections, with Biographical Notes by John Masefield, is an insightful and captivating account of one of the most important figures in Irish literature. John Masefield, a prominent poet and playwright himself, delves into the life and works of his friend and colleague, John M. Synge, painting a detailed and vivid portrait of the man behind some of Ireland's most celebrated plays.

The book begins with a thorough exploration of Synge's early life and upbringing, providing valuable context to better understand his development as a writer. Masefield expertly weaves together personal anecdotes and historical information, shedding light on the various influences that shaped Synge's unique artistic voice.

What truly sets this book apart is Masefield's palpable admiration for Synge and his deep understanding of his subject's creative process. Through anecdotal stories, Masefield skillfully captures the essence of Synge's personality and the struggles he faced as a writer. He presents Synge not just as a literary genius, but as a complex individual with his own triumphs and doubts, making him all the more relatable and human.

The inclusion of biographical notes adds an extra layer of depth to the book, providing valuable insights into the cultural and literary milieu in which Synge thrived. Masefield's meticulous research and attention to detail are evident, enriching the reader's understanding of the historical context within which Synge's works emerged.

The writing style throughout the book is eloquent and engaging, making for a pleasurable reading experience. Masefield's own expertise as a writer shines through as he effortlessly navigates complex themes and ideas, presenting them in a manner that is accessible to both scholars and general readers alike.

While the focus of the book is on Synge's life, Masefield also offers a comprehensive analysis of his plays, delving into their themes, characters, and reception. This analysis, coupled with Masefield's personal insights and observations, serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in delving deeper into Synge's work.

Overall, John M. Synge: a Few Personal Recollections, with Biographical Notes by John Masefield is a must-read for fans of Irish literature and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the life and works of John M. Synge. Masefield's passionate and informative account leaves the reader with a profound appreciation for Synge's contribution to the literary world, solidifying his place as a pivotal figure in Irish cultural history.

First Page:

JOHN M. SYNGE

A FEW PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS, WITH BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES

BY JOHN MASEFIELD

JOHN M. SYNGE

I first met John M. Synge at the room of a common friend, up two pairs of stairs, in an old house in Bloomsbury, on a Monday night of January, 1903. When I entered the room, he was sitting in a rush bottomed chair, talking to a young man just down from Oxford. My host introduced me, with the remark that he wanted us to know each other.

Synge stood up to shake hands with me. He was of the middle height, about five feet eight or nine. My first impression of him was of a dark, grave face, with a great deal in it, changing from the liveliness of conversation to a gravity of scrutiny. After we had shaken hands, I passed to the other end of the room to greet other friends. We did not speak to each other again that night.

When I sat at the other end of the room my chair was opposite Synge's chair. Whenever I raised my eyes I saw him, and wondered who he could be. Disordered people look disordered, unusual people look unusual. A youth with long hair, a velvet coat, extravagant manners, and the other effeminacies of emptiness looks the charlatan he is. Synge gave one from the first the impression of a strange personality. He was of a dark type of Irishman, though not black haired. Something in his air gave one the fancy that his face was dark from gravity... Continue reading book >>

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