Showing results for "Matthew Arnold" in Literature & Fiction

Culture and Anarchy is a series of periodical essays by Matthew Arnold, first published in Cornhill Magazine 1867-68 and collected as a book in 1869. Arnold's famous piece of writing on culture established his High Victorian cultural agenda which remained dominant in debate from the 1860s until the 1950s. According to his view advanced in the book, ‘Culture [...] is a study of perfection’.

Considered the bridge between romanticism and modernism, Matthew Arnold wrote verse that is simple, unadorned, and straightforward. From the hypnotic and beautiful lines of "Dover Beach" to the pastoral narrative of "The Scholar Gipsy", Arnold cast a gaze at the main intellectual issues of the 19th century while giving a timeless insight into man and nature. This collection covers his major poetic works, including the narrative poems, sonnets and elegiac poems, illuminating the lyricism and serenity of Arnold's best poetry.

With almost a million words at its command, it is not surprising that these Isles have produced some of the most beautiful, moving and descriptive verse through the centuries. In this series we look at individual poets who have shaped and influenced their craft and cement their place in our heritage. Matthew Arnold is rightly placed amongst the other greats of Victorian poetry: Browning and Tennyson. The son of the founder of Rugby School, he grew up to become a poet via a career as a school inspector.

Dive into the gripping tale of Balder Dead, where ancient myth meets modern intrigue. Follow the unraveling mystery surrounding the legendary figure Balder, exploring themes of fate, sacrifice, and the intertwining of past and present. This captivating narrative will keep you on the edge of your seat as it challenges your perceptions of heroism and destiny.

Arnold focuses on culturally important Irish issues as well as others.

Delve into the world of Matthew Arnold, the English poet and cultural critic renowned for his lyrical genius and profound insights. As the son of Rugby Schools headmaster and a fellow at Oriel College, Oxford, Arnold captured the essence of his beloved university, famously describing it as that sweet city with its dreaming spires. A devout Christian with a deep appreciation for Greek and Latin classics, he was also captivated by pre-Christian myth and legend. This captivating dramatization features his rendition of the timeless Celtic tale of Tristram and Iseult, alongside some of his most ...

Pursuit of knowledge, beauty, and human perception through harmonious balance between intellectual development (light) and moral refinement (sweetness)

In this poignant tale, a young soldier of Tartar descent, unknowingly sired by the illustrious Persian hero Rustum, yearns to connect with his father. Serving in the Tartar army, he convinces his general to broker a truce, allowing him to challenge the Persians to single combat. Little does he know, his mother, fearing for his life, has misled Rustum into believing their child is a girl. As fate intertwines, the Persians find themselves without a champion until Rustum, contemplating retirement, steps forward to defend them—albeit incognito. What unfolds is a gripping duel laden with tragic ...

In this captivating retelling, we witness the tragic tale of Balder, the cherished god believed to be invincible, who meets his demise at the hands of the seemingly harmless blind god Hoder during a fateful game. The scheming Loki, whose trickery sets this disaster in motion, faces dire consequences in the form of exile. Meanwhile, Odin, Balders grieving father, embarks on a heroic quest to reclaim his son from the underworld. This desperate journey unfolds with unexpected twists as they receive a conditional promise of Balders return—if every living being mourns his loss. Yet, looming over ...

Explore the poignant themes of fate, mortality, and the inevitable cycles of life as inspired by the dramatic title, which evokes a world where gods and heroes grapple with profound loss and the quest for meaning. This podcast offers a rotating collection of complete audiobooks, bringing you a diverse range of narratives that explore similar themes across different cultures and eras. Each week, a new book is featured, providing fresh perspectives and storytelling styles, ensuring a rich listening experience that is varied and enlightening. Whether you're seeking insight into human nature or an...

An impoverished Oxford scholar decides to quit his studies and joins a group of gipsies. He absorbs their customs, trades and traditional way of learning. He learns that wisdom is not only to be found in schools and universities. It is among us and it is up to us to open our eyes to it. Matthew Arnold’s "The Scholar Gipsy" reminds us of this. B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories.

A collection of essays, Friendship’s Garland focuses on intertwining of subjects among friends.

Poetry can capture the imagination in a few short lines but narrative verse or poetry takes the form of telling a story whether it be simple or complex in a longer form. Among the most ancient forms of poetry, it has widespread roots through almost every culture. In Volume 2 we bring you the classics 'Sohrab and Rustum' by Matthew Arnold, 'The Prisoner of Chillon' by Lord Byron, and 'Faithless Sally Brown' by Thomas Hood. They are read for you by the renowned actors Sean Barrett and David Shaw-Parker.

Matthew Arnold was a famous insightful literary critic and philosopher.

Culture and Anarchy is a series of periodical essays by Matthew Arnold, first published in Cornhill Magazine 1867-68 and collected as a book in 1869. The preface was added in 1875. Arnold's famous piece of writing on culture established his High Victorian cultural agenda which remained dominant in debate from the 1860s until the 1950s. According to his view advanced in the book, "Culture [...] is a study of perfection". He further wrote that: "[Culture] seeks to do away with classes; to make the best that has been thought and known in the world current everywhere; to make all men live in an ...

Today perhaps we all agree that youth is spoilt, ill-disciplined and in search of constant and instant gratification. No matter how much we love them, our children, as they mature from child to youth, are pampered. A century ago, and even further back, even the most privileged of youth was rarely indulged. In this volume we look at those years of youth through the eyes and pens of classic poets. They reveal times of hardship, of fear, of love and loss.

The dreaming spires of Oxford may be one of the great educational establishments of the Centuries. But it is also a place where the Nation’s young learn much more. Within its walls, courtyards and cloisters these 10 Poets mused and illuminated on the beauty of poetry with eager yet tender words.

Victoria’s reign was long and presided over the restless expansion of the British Empire and reams of creative genius. Within these volumes we can bring only a glimpse of the richness, beauty and words of their poets and their musings on this remarkable age. Many are world renowned - Tennyson, Browning, Arnold, Kipling, Austin, Hopkins, Hardy and Swinburne. Some almost forgotten - Patmore, Newbolt, Synge. And some are barely noted - Lyall, Meynell and Merdeith. But together they encompass a great poetical age.

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford upon Avon in late April 1565. He was one of eight children. Little is known about his life, but what is evident is the enormous contribution he has made to world literature. His writing was progressive, magnificent in scope and breathtaking in execution. His plays and sonnets helped enable the English language to speak with a voice unmatched by any other. William Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616, survived by his wife and two daughters. He was buried two days after his death in the chancel of the Holy Trinity church.

In this volume of classic poetry our wordsmiths are our companions on journeys near and far. They describe and create worlds that we can explore with them, word by word and line by line. In the company of Keats, Wordsworth, Bronte, Whitman, Kipling and a wealth of others these journeys in verse will be like no other.