Gosse, Edmund William. Coventry Patmore. [**]$1. Scribner.
This fourth volume of the “Literary lives series,” contains a sketch of the poet’s life by one who knew him well in his later years. There is an account of his childhood, his life in London, and his later years, with a description of his personality, his work, and an estimate of his place in the world of letters.
| Acad. 68: 265. Mr. 18, ‘05. 1190w. |
“His volume is not without its limitations. But it is, on the whole, able, at times brilliant. Among Mr. Gosse’s faults dulness has no place. His book shows discriminating taste.”
| + + | Ath. 1905, 1: 389. Ap. 1. 3560w. |
Reviewed by H. W. Boynton.
| Atlan. 96: 278. Ag. ‘05. 420w. |
“Mr. Gosse’s biography is highly interesting; explaining much that is mysterious in Patmore’s poetry through the strange personality of the poet, the biographer adds something of distinct value to the critical estimate. But his conclusions are at least open to debate.”
| + + — | Dial. 38: 272. Ap. 16, ‘05. 360w. |
“Though he says too little about Patmore’s prose essays, which have singular merits of style, his attractive little volume, with its excellent illustrations, can be recommended to all to whom the more exhaustive Life by Mr. Champneys is not accessible.”