The Rise and Fall of the Man of Letters Aspects of English Literary Life Since 1800

In this new edition of his landmark book, John Gross traces the shifting fortunes of the men who shaped literary opinion in England during the Victorian, Edwardian, and contemporary eras. He brings together famous or forgotten critics and editors - prophets, aesthetes, statesmen, dons, radicals, social climbers, idealists, gossipmongers, and literary lions - and explores not only their critical ideas but also their personalities, careers, social backgrounds, and politics. In all a remarkable survey, to which Mr. Gross has now added updates on several literary careers, the new style of critics who have evolved from the universities, and the dominant role of the media. -- from back cover.