Raleigh (ePub)

Sir Edmund William Gosse (1849-1928) was an English poet, author, and critic, renowned for his rich contributions to literature and his role in the development of the English essay. Born into a deeply religious household, Gosse's early works were colored by the tension between his artistic inclinations and his evangelical upbringing, a conflict that he later explored in his celebrated autobiography, 'Father and Son' (1907). Trained in the natural sciences, he later turned his attention to literature, expressing his versatility across various forms, from poetry to biography, criticism, and translation. His scholarly work 'Raleigh' (1886) is a notable example of his historical biographies, offering an insightful look into the life of Sir Walter Raleigh, the famed English writer, poet, soldier, and explorer. Gosse's literary style was marked by its eloquence and precision, reflective of his upper-middle-class education and his avid love for the arts. Despite the occasional critique for his conservative views on emerging literary trends, Gosse held a significant position in the literary circles of his time, influencing the tastes of both the Victorian and Edwardian eras. A prominent literary figure, Gosse's legacy is underscored by his extensive oeuvre and his contribution as a touchstone for literary scholarship and biographical narrative.