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Selections from the Prose Works of Matthew Arnold   By: (1822-1888)

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Selections from the Prose Works of Matthew Arnold provides readers with a comprehensive glimpse into the brilliant mind of one of the most influential critics and essayists of the Victorian era, Matthew Arnold.

Notoriously known for his literary criticism and cultural commentary, Arnold's prose works have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of English literature. This collection, curated meticulously by Lionel Trilling, showcases Arnold's most renowned essays, lectures, and letters, allowing readers to delve deep into his ideas on culture, society, and the role of literature.

One of the standout aspects of this collection is the breadth of subjects covered by Arnold. Ranging from discussions on the importance of classical literature to education reforms, his essays cover a wide array of topics that remain relevant even today. Readers will undoubtedly find themselves engrossed in Arnold's views on the state of society and the impact of industrialization on the artistic spirit.

Arnold's writing style is characterized by a combination of intellectual rigor and literary eloquence. His essays are imbued with a sense of urgency, urging readers to reflect on the current issues plaguing society while emphasizing the transformative power of literature. This collection offers an invaluable insight into Arnold's intellectual journey, from his early exploration of Romanticism to his later embrace of the Victorian skepticism.

Additionally, the inclusion of Arnold's letters provides a personal touch to this collection. These letters allow readers to witness the depth of Arnold's friendship with notable literary figures of his time, such as Thomas Carlyle and William Wordsworth. Through his correspondence, readers gain a deeper understanding of Arnold's personal struggles, his literary aspirations, and his dedication to promoting cultural and educational reform.

The editorial work by Lionel Trilling deserves commendation, as he has adeptly compiled a comprehensive selection of Arnold's works that captures the essence of his thought and writing. Trilling's introductions to each section provide context and background information, ensuring readers can fully engage with Arnold's ideas.

If there is one aspect that could be considered lacking in this collection, it is the absence of Arnold's poetry, for which he is equally renowned. However, given the focus of this book on Arnold's prose works, this omission can be forgiven.

Overall, Selections from the Prose Works of Matthew Arnold is an essential addition to any literature lover's collection. Whether you are familiar with Arnold's writings or new to his ideas, this collection offers a profound insight into the mind of a brilliant critic and cultural commentator. Through his eloquent prose and thought-provoking essays, Arnold's ideas continue to resonate and illuminate our understanding of literature, culture, and society.

First Page:

[Transcriber's notes:

Bold text is denoted with ~.

Footnotes: In the original, footnote numbering restarted on each page, and they were collated at the end of the text in page number order. In this e text, footnotes have been renumbered consecutively through the text. However, they are still to be found in their original position after the text, and the original page numbers have been retained in the footnotes.

There is one footnote in the Preface, which is to be found in its original position at the end of the Preface.]

Riverside College Classics

SELECTIONS

FROM THE PROSE WORKS OF

MATTHEW ARNOLD

EDITED WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES

BY

WILLIAM SAVAGE JOHNSON, PH.D.

Professor of English Literature in the University of Kansas

HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY

BOSTON NEW YORK CHICAGO SAN FRANCISCO

The Riverside Press Cambridge

The essays included in this issue of the Riverside College Classics are reprinted by permission of, and by arrangement with, The Macmillan Company, the American publishers of Arnold's writings.

1913, HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The Riverside Press CAMBRIDGE MASSACHUSETTS PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

PREFACE

This book of selections aims to furnish examples of Arnold's prose in all the fields in which it characteristically employed itself except that of religion... Continue reading book >>




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