Tales from the Telling-House (ePub)

Richard Doddridge Blackmore, commonly known as R. D. Blackmore, was an English novelist and a seminal figure in the development of the romantic adventure novel during the Victorian era. Born on June 7, 1825, in Longworth, Berkshire, Blackmore was recognized for his vivid characterizations and the lyrical quality intertwined within his narrative prose. He was educated at Blundell's School and Oxford University, where he was a classics scholar. His most famous work, 'Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor' (1869), remains a celebrated contribution to English literature, known for its portrayal of the rugged natural scenery and the mixture of historical and fictional characters (Blackmore, R. D. (1869). Lorna Doone. Sampson Low, Son, & Marston).

Blackmore's lesser-known but noteworthy short story collection, 'Tales from the Telling-House' (1896), exemplifies his mastery of storytelling, with a blend of mystery and folktale elements set against the rural landscapes that often inspired his writing (Blackmore, R. D. (1896). Tales from the Telling-House. Sampson Low, Marston & Company). As a private man, Blackmore did not seek widespread personal fame and focused primarily on his passion for fruit farming alongside his literary pursuits. He passed away on January 20, 1900, leaving a legacy of twenty-nine books that reflected his dedication to the cultural depictions of Devon and the pastoral life he cherished. Blackmore's contributions to literature are eternally ingrained, characterizing him as an influential craftsman of English pastoral fiction.