A Treasury of English Prose (ePub)

Logan Pearsall Smith (1865-1946) was an American-born British essayist and critic, renowned for his acerbic wit and precise use of the English language. Born into a Quaker family in Millville, New Jersey, Smith later moved to England where he eventually became a British subject. He attended Haverford College in the United States and subsequently studied at Balliol College, Oxford, developing a deep appreciation for English culture and literature, which would heavily influence his works. Smith was a member of the famed Bloomsbury Group, which included Virginia Woolf and E. M. Forster among its circle, allowing him to forge significant literary connections. His work, 'A Treasury of English Prose' (1920), stands as a testament to his literary taste, showcasing Smith's talent for curation and commentary of English literature. This work, along with others such as 'Trivia' (1902) and 'Afterthoughts' (1931), reflect his distinctive literary style characterized by elegance, aphoristic clarity, and subtle humor. Smith's writings often explored the idiosyncrasies of language and the nuances of the human condition, and he gained much admiration for his ability to blend intellectual rigor with a light, ironic touch. Through his contributions, Smith left an indelible mark on early twentieth-century literary criticism, and his insightful observations continue to fascinate scholars and readers alike.