Eminent Victorians

Featuring prominent figures in education, religion, science, and war, Eminent Victorians is a fascinating collection of Victorian biographies. Beginning with a discussion of the achievements of Cardinal Manning, Strachey provides insight on the Cardinal’s rise to power and follows the creation of the Oxford Movement, which began the development of the Anglo-Catholic church. Sparing no detail, Manning’s feud with the influential theologian John Henry Newman and its effects on his career is well highlighted. Next, Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, is depicted in a more flattering light that the other subjects. Portrayed as a clever, intense, and ambitious woman, Nightingale is deemed to have an insufferable personality, but as a woman of undeniably impressive achievement. Credited for the development of the public school system, Dr. Thomas Arnold is commended for his ideas, but criticized for the unintentional negative impact he had on education. Finally, General Gordon’s legacy is saved from obscurity as the stories of his intense missions are explored. As an adventurous mercenary, Gordon navigated conflicts between governments, often decreasing the collateral of war.

First published in 1918, Eminent Victorians by Lytton Strachey brought innovation to the biographical genre. With exciting and honest narratives, Eminent Victorians challenges the idealistic portrayal of historical figures, observing their fault without greatly slighting their achievements. Through this lens, prominent historical figures such as Florence Nightingale, Cardinal Manning, Thomas Arnold, and General Gordon are remembered as real people instead of mere figures of adoration. Featuring the depiction of innovation in religion, education, science, math, and politics, Strachey’s work encompasses much of the Victorian society, granting readers a riveting and entertaining perspective on the period.

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