Horace Walpole: A memoir (eBook)

Henry Austin Dobson (1840–1921), commonly known as Austin Dobson, was an English poet and essayist famous for his contributions to the revival of interest in 18th-century literature. Dobson's literary style was characterized by his masterful use of the antiquated three-stress metre alongside other classical poetic forms, which infused his works with a delightful air of nostalgia and elegance. He was also known for his excellent biographies, as evidenced by 'Horace Walpole: A Memoir,' where Dobson carefully chronicled the life and letters of the famed 18th-century writer and politician. While Dobson's poetry often exemplified light verse, his scholarly approach added gravity to his subjects drawn largely from the Georgian period. Over his lifetime, he created a valuable bridge between the Victorians and the historical past they romanticized. His works not only showcased his own talents but also played a significant role in preserving and promoting the literature of the English Augustan age. Structure and clarity dominated his prose, while his poetry was marked by wit, gentle satire, and the elegance reflective of the era he admired and conveyed through his literary endeavors.