HardPress Classics
2 total works
First published in 1918, this work revolutionized modern biography with its slightly caricatured, witty descriptions of four eminent Victorians, Cardinal Manning, Florence Nightingale, Dr Arnold and General Gordon. Lytton Strachey removed the Victorian heroes from their pedestals, revealing them as flawed and sometimes unattractive human beings. Strachey chose four complementary characters and through them explored the dynamics of the Victorian era. All four were deeply religious, channelling keen personal ambition through ideals of service and duty. All four had become figures of popular veneration, whose legends highlighted the prejudices, hopes and follies of the Victorians. This new edition is enhanced by colour and black and white illustrations.
This illustrated edition of Lytton Strachey's biography of Queen Victoria has been published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of her accession to the throne. The author shows obvious admiration and affection for Queen Victoria and this together with the use of archive material, in particular from the Royal archives at Windsor, helps to evoke the atmosphere of the period. The illustrations include advertisements, ephemera, drawings and watercolours - some by Queen Victoria herself.