Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Designed 'to present the sort of insight into his history and pursuits which one wants, if one desires to make a companion of a man', this invaluable 1897 memoir of Tennyson by his son Hallam is self-confessedly uncritical, concerned with respectful and guarded biography through a wealth of documentary evidence.

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Hallam Tennyson's biography of his father Alfred, Lord Tennyson, remains the authoritative source of information on the poet's life. Begun after his death in 1892 and published five years later, this two-volume work was produced in order to 'preclude the chance of further and unauthentic biographies', and is formed largely of a wealth of documentary evidence: the letters, journals, and personal reminiscences of the poet and those close to him. Adhering to Tennyson's wishes, on his death his son and wife destroyed over three-quarters of the 40,000 letters he left behind, but those selected and reprinted here nonetheless give a fascinating insight into the personal life of the poet; guarded and respectful in its commemorative tone, but avoiding overzealous eulogy or critical review. Volume 2 continues to the poet's death, and includes short memoirs by many eminent Victorians. Documents include the personal journal of Lady Tennyson, and letters between Tennyson and Queen Victoria.