Eminent Victorians
Eminent Victorians
Book Brief
216
Biography • Nonfiction
•
Classic Fiction•
BiographyEngland • Victorian Era
1918
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Eminent Victorians by Lytton Strachey offers succinct biographies of four notable nineteenth-century figures—Cardinal Henry Edward Manning, Florence Nightingale, Dr. Thomas Arnold, and General Charles Gordon—analyzing their lives through Freudian psychology and highlighting their distinct neuroses, decisions, and influences within their respective fields of religion, healthcare, education, and military service.
Informative
Contemplative
Mysterious
Gritty
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
2,672 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Eminent Victorians by Lytton Strachey receives mixed feedback. Critics praise Strachey's wit, concise narrative, and fresh perspective on historical figures, revitalizing biographies with psychological insight. However, some find his satirical tone overly harsh and argue that it sacrifices depth and nuance in favor of entertainment. Overall, it's a seminal yet divisive read.
Who Should Read Eminent Victorians?
Ideal for readers who relish incisive biographies and satirical history, Eminent Victorians by Lytton Strachey is perfect for fans of The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson or The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. Its sharp wit and critical scrutiny appeal to those interested in Victorian-era figures with a modern interpretive lens.
2,672 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Eminent Victorians, published in 1918, is considered a pioneering work of biographical literature for its critical and irreverent take on the prominent figures of the Victorian era.
Lytton Strachey's book played a significant role in shaping the modern perception of its subjects and inspired a new wave of biographical writing that employed a more psychological and analytical approach.
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The book was innovative in its time for its satirical style and brevity, contrasting sharply with the conventionally lengthy and reverential biographies of the 19th century.
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216
Biography • Nonfiction
•
Classic Fiction•
BiographyEngland • Victorian Era
1918
Adult
18+ years
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