Enoch Soames: a memory of the eighteen-nineties By: Max Beerbohm (1872-1956)
In Max Beerbohm's novella, Enoch Soames: a memory of the eighteen-nineties, we are introduced to a character so peculiar and enigmatic that his very existence challenges the boundaries of reality and fiction. Set in the vibrant cultural landscape of London during the late 19th century, this thought-provoking narrative explores themes of ambition, artistic identity, and the complex relationship between creator and creation. The story revolves around the eccentric figure of Enoch Soames, a struggling poet whose burning desire for recognition and immortality leads him to enter into a Faustian pact with a mysterious stranger. In exchange for his soul, Soames is given a glimpse into the future—specifically, he is transported to the British Museum Reading Room on June 3rd, 1997, where he can witness firsthand the impact of his poetry on posterity. Beerbohm's unique narrative style effectively weaves together elements of fictional storytelling and philosophical musings. The author himself takes on the role of the storyteller, recounting the events through his memory and interactions with Soames. This expertly crafted metafictional twist adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative, as Beerbohm poses questions about the nature of memory, the reliability of our recollections, and the influence of literature on our perception of reality. While Enoch Soames remains a deeply flawed and self-absorbed character, Beerbohm masterfully depicts his struggles and ambitions, causing the reader to empathize with his plight. Soames represents the artist's eternal battle for recognition, highlighting the price one might have to pay for their passion and desire to create. As the story delves into Soames's journey and his subsequent disillusionment, it evokes a poignant commentary on the ephemeral nature of fame and the sacrifices artists make in pursuit of their craft. Beerbohm's narrative style is both clever and engaging. He effortlessly blends historical accuracy with a touch of fiction, creating a vivid and richly detailed portrayal of 1890s London. The descriptions of the city and its bohemian counterculture captivate the reader, transporting them to a time awash with artistic fervor and intellectual debates. Enoch Soames: a memory of the eighteen-nineties is a literary gem that transcends traditional genres. With its unique blend of historical fiction, metafiction, and social commentary, it offers a fascinating exploration of artistic ambition and the human quest for immortality. Beerbohm's witty prose and thoughtful reflections make this novella an absolute delight for anyone interested in delving into the mind of a complex and deeply introspective artist. First Page: Enoch Soames A Memory of the Eighteen nineties By MAX BEERBOHM When a book about the literature of the eighteen nineties was given by Mr. Holbrook Jackson to the world, I looked eagerly in the index for Soames, Enoch. It was as I feared: he was not there. But everybody else was. Many writers whom I had quite forgotten, or remembered but faintly, lived again for me, they and their work, in Mr. Holbrook Jackson's pages. The book was as thorough as it was brilliantly written. And thus the omission found by me was an all the deadlier record of poor Soames's failure to impress himself on his decade. I dare say I am the only person who noticed the omission. Soames had failed so piteously as all that! Nor is there a counterpoise in the thought that if he had had some measure of success he might have passed, like those others, out of my mind, to return only at the historian's beck. It is true that had his gifts, such as they were, been acknowledged in his lifetime, he would never have made the bargain I saw him make that strange bargain whose results have kept him always in the foreground of my memory. But it is from those very results that the full piteousness of him glares out. Not my compassion, however, impels me to write of him. For his sake, poor fellow, I should be inclined to keep my pen out of the ink... Continue reading book >>

Enoch Soames: a memory of the eighteen-nineties By: Max Beerbohm (1872-1956)

In Max Beerbohm's novella, Enoch Soames: a memory of the eighteen-nineties, we are introduced to a character so peculiar and enigmatic that his very existence challenges the boundaries of reality and fiction. Set in the vibrant cultural landscape of London during the late 19th century, this thought-provoking narrative explores themes of ambition, artistic identity, and the complex relationship between creator and creation.

The story revolves around the eccentric figure of Enoch Soames, a struggling poet whose burning desire for recognition and immortality leads him to enter into a Faustian pact with a mysterious stranger. In exchange for his soul, Soames is given a glimpse into the future—specifically, he is transported to the British Museum Reading Room on June 3rd, 1997, where he can witness firsthand the impact of his poetry on posterity.

Beerbohm's unique narrative style effectively weaves together elements of fictional storytelling and philosophical musings. The author himself takes on the role of the storyteller, recounting the events through his memory and interactions with Soames. This expertly crafted metafictional twist adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative, as Beerbohm poses questions about the nature of memory, the reliability of our recollections, and the influence of literature on our perception of reality.

While Enoch Soames remains a deeply flawed and self-absorbed character, Beerbohm masterfully depicts his struggles and ambitions, causing the reader to empathize with his plight. Soames represents the artist's eternal battle for recognition, highlighting the price one might have to pay for their passion and desire to create. As the story delves into Soames's journey and his subsequent disillusionment, it evokes a poignant commentary on the ephemeral nature of fame and the sacrifices artists make in pursuit of their craft.

Beerbohm's narrative style is both clever and engaging. He effortlessly blends historical accuracy with a touch of fiction, creating a vivid and richly detailed portrayal of 1890s London. The descriptions of the city and its bohemian counterculture captivate the reader, transporting them to a time awash with artistic fervor and intellectual debates.

Enoch Soames: a memory of the eighteen-nineties is a literary gem that transcends traditional genres. With its unique blend of historical fiction, metafiction, and social commentary, it offers a fascinating exploration of artistic ambition and the human quest for immortality. Beerbohm's witty prose and thoughtful reflections make this novella an absolute delight for anyone interested in delving into the mind of a complex and deeply introspective artist.

First Page:

Enoch Soames

A Memory of the Eighteen nineties

MAX BEERBOHM

When a book about the literature of the eighteen nineties was given by Mr. Holbrook Jackson to the world, I looked eagerly in the index for Soames, Enoch. It was as I feared: he was not there. But everybody else was. Many writers whom I had quite forgotten, or remembered but faintly, lived again for me, they and their work, in Mr. Holbrook Jackson's pages. The book was as thorough as it was brilliantly written. And thus the omission found by me was an all the deadlier record of poor Soames's failure to impress himself on his decade.

I dare say I am the only person who noticed the omission. Soames had failed so piteously as all that! Nor is there a counterpoise in the thought that if he had had some measure of success he might have passed, like those others, out of my mind, to return only at the historian's beck. It is true that had his gifts, such as they were, been acknowledged in his lifetime, he would never have made the bargain I saw him make that strange bargain whose results have kept him always in the foreground of my memory. But it is from those very results that the full piteousness of him glares out.

Not my compassion, however, impels me to write of him. For his sake, poor fellow, I should be inclined to keep my pen out of the ink... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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Wikipedia – Enoch Soames: a memory of the eighteen-nineties

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