A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature By: John W. (John William) Cousin (1849-1910)
John W. Cousin’s A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the great minds that have shaped English literature throughout history. With meticulous research and concise yet comprehensive writing, Cousin presents a highly readable collection of biographies that provide a deeper understanding of the authors and their works. The book covers a wide range of literary figures, from the well-known to the more obscure, with entries dedicated to poets, novelists, playwrights, and essayists. Cousin begins each biography with a brief overview of the author's life, setting the context for their contributions to literature. He then delves into discussions of their major works, providing insightful analyses and highlighting their significance within the literary canon. What makes this book truly exemplary is Cousin’s ability to condense complex literary careers into succinct yet illuminating narratives. Though it is impossible to capture the entirety of an author's life and works in a few pages, Cousin manages to distill the most crucial aspects, capturing the essence of each writer’s achievements. The language used in this biographical dictionary is accessible and jargon-free. Cousin strikes a balance between scholarly rigor and engaging storytelling, catering to both casual readers and serious scholars. The concise entries make it easy to navigate and reference specific authors, creating a valuable tool for literary research or casual browsing. Furthermore, Cousin showcases his astute understanding of the interconnectedness of English literature. He frequently provides cross-references to other authors, illustrating how each writer influenced and was influenced by their peers. This intertextual approach enhances our understanding of the broader literary landscape and highlights the ongoing dialogues that shape the course of English literary history. While some readers may desire more in-depth biographies or additional critical analysis, it is important to remember the intended purpose of this dictionary. As a concise reference guide, it masterfully fulfills its mission of introducing readers to the lives and works of English literary figures, acting as a stepping stone for further exploration. In conclusion, A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature by John W. Cousin is an indispensable resource for literary enthusiasts, students, and scholars alike. Its comprehensive coverage, accessible language, and intertextual approach make it an engaging read and a valuable tool for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the individuals who have shaped the rich tapestry of English literature. First Page: [Illustration: I WILL MAKE A PRIEF OF IT IN MY NOTE BOOK MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR] A SHORT BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE BY JOHN W. COUSIN LONDON: PUBLISHED by J.M. DENT & SONS. LTD AND IN NEW YORK BY E.P. DUTTON & CO INTRODUCTION The primary aim of this book is to give as much information about English authors, including under this designation American and Colonial writers, as the prescribed limits will admit of. At the same time an attempt has been made, where materials exist for it, to enhance the interest by introducing such details as tend to illustrate the characters and circumstances of the respective writers and the manner in which they passed through the world; and in the case of the more important, to give some indication of the relative place which they hold and the leading features of their work. Including the Appendix of Living Writers, the work contains upwards of 1600 names; but large as this number is, the number of those who have contributed something of interest and value to the vast store of English Literature is larger still, and any attempt to make a book of this kind absolutely exhaustive would be futile. The word "literature" is here used in a very wide sense, and this gives rise to considerable difficulty in drawing the line of exclusion... Continue reading book >>

A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature By: John W. (John William) Cousin (1849-1910)

John W. Cousin’s A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the great minds that have shaped English literature throughout history. With meticulous research and concise yet comprehensive writing, Cousin presents a highly readable collection of biographies that provide a deeper understanding of the authors and their works.

The book covers a wide range of literary figures, from the well-known to the more obscure, with entries dedicated to poets, novelists, playwrights, and essayists. Cousin begins each biography with a brief overview of the author's life, setting the context for their contributions to literature. He then delves into discussions of their major works, providing insightful analyses and highlighting their significance within the literary canon.

What makes this book truly exemplary is Cousin’s ability to condense complex literary careers into succinct yet illuminating narratives. Though it is impossible to capture the entirety of an author's life and works in a few pages, Cousin manages to distill the most crucial aspects, capturing the essence of each writer’s achievements.

The language used in this biographical dictionary is accessible and jargon-free. Cousin strikes a balance between scholarly rigor and engaging storytelling, catering to both casual readers and serious scholars. The concise entries make it easy to navigate and reference specific authors, creating a valuable tool for literary research or casual browsing.

Furthermore, Cousin showcases his astute understanding of the interconnectedness of English literature. He frequently provides cross-references to other authors, illustrating how each writer influenced and was influenced by their peers. This intertextual approach enhances our understanding of the broader literary landscape and highlights the ongoing dialogues that shape the course of English literary history.

While some readers may desire more in-depth biographies or additional critical analysis, it is important to remember the intended purpose of this dictionary. As a concise reference guide, it masterfully fulfills its mission of introducing readers to the lives and works of English literary figures, acting as a stepping stone for further exploration.

In conclusion, A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature by John W. Cousin is an indispensable resource for literary enthusiasts, students, and scholars alike. Its comprehensive coverage, accessible language, and intertextual approach make it an engaging read and a valuable tool for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the individuals who have shaped the rich tapestry of English literature.

First Page:

[Illustration: I WILL MAKE A PRIEF OF IT IN MY NOTE BOOK MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR]

A SHORT BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE

BY JOHN W. COUSIN

LONDON: PUBLISHED

by J.M. DENT & SONS. LTD

AND IN NEW YORK

BY E.P. DUTTON & CO

INTRODUCTION

The primary aim of this book is to give as much information about English authors, including under this designation American and Colonial writers, as the prescribed limits will admit of. At the same time an attempt has been made, where materials exist for it, to enhance the interest by introducing such details as tend to illustrate the characters and circumstances of the respective writers and the manner in which they passed through the world; and in the case of the more important, to give some indication of the relative place which they hold and the leading features of their work.

Including the Appendix of Living Writers, the work contains upwards of 1600 names; but large as this number is, the number of those who have contributed something of interest and value to the vast store of English Literature is larger still, and any attempt to make a book of this kind absolutely exhaustive would be futile.

The word "literature" is here used in a very wide sense, and this gives rise to considerable difficulty in drawing the line of exclusion... Continue reading book >>

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