Classical Victorians
Scholars, Scoundrels and Generals in Pursuit of Antiquity
By Edmund Richardson | Publisher: Cambridge University Press
About the book
Victorian Britain set out to make the ancient world its own. This is the story of how it failed. It is the story of the headmaster who bludgeoned his wife to death, then calmly sat down to his Latin. It is the story of the embittered classical prodigy who turned to gin and opium – and the virtuoso forger who fooled the greatest scholars of the age. It is a history of hope: a general who longed to be an Homeric hero, a bankrupt poet who longed to start a revolution. Victorian classicism was defined by hope – but shaped by uncertainty. Packed with forgotten characters and texts, with the roar of the burlesque-stage and the mud of the battlefield, this book offers a rich insight into nineteenth-century culture and society. It explores just how difficult it is to stake a claim on the past.
Editions of Classical Victorians
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781107026773
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781316629345
Read an Excerpt
Victorian Britain set out to make the ancient world its own. This is the story of how it failed. It is the story of the headmaster who bludgeoned his wife to death, then calmly sat down to his Latin. It is the story of the embittered classical prodigy who turned to gin and opium – and the virtuoso forger who fooled the greatest scholars of the age. It is a history of hope: a general who longed to be an Homeric hero, a bankrupt poet who longed to start a revolution. Victorian classicism was defined by hope – but shaped by uncertainty. Packed with forgotten characters and texts, with the roar of the burlesque-stage and the mud of the battlefield, this book offers a rich insight into nineteenth-century culture and society. It explores just how difficult it is to stake a claim on the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classical Victorians about?
Victorian Britain set out to make the ancient world its own. This is the story of how it failed. It is the story of the headmaster who bludgeoned his wife to death, then calmly sat down to his Latin. It is the story of the embittered classical prodigy who turned to gin and opium – and the virtuoso forger who fooled the greatest scholars of the age. It is a history of hope: a general who longed to be an Homeric hero, a bankrupt poet who longed to start a revolution. Victorian classicism was defined by hope – but shaped by uncertainty. Packed with forgotten characters and texts, with the roar of the burlesque-stage and the mud of the battlefield, this book offers a rich insight into nineteenth-century culture and society. It explores just how difficult it is to stake a claim on the past.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Classical Victorians?
History and Archaeology > History > History: specific events and topics > Social and cultural history
Where can I read a sample of Classical Victorians?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781107026773
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Classical Victorians?
Edmund Richardson
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Classical Victorians is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781107026773) and paperback(ISBN 9781316629345)