Short Studies on Great Subjects (eBook)

James Anthony Froude (1818–1894) was a prominent 19th-century English historian, biographer, and editor known for his controversial perspectives and vivid prose style. A disciple of Thomas Carlyle, Froude's works often reflected Carlyle's influence in their vibrant narrative form and moral judgements. Froude's literary career was marked not only by historical treatises but also by his participation in religious debates of his era, particularly concerning his rejection of the orthodox Anglican views he once held as an Oxford Movement adherent. His 'Short Studies on Great Subjects' (1867–1883), a compilation of essays originally printed in various periodicals, exemplifies his wide-ranging interests from history to literature, and cultural criticism. These essays are considered as effective entry points into Froude's oeuvre, synthesizing scholarly erudition with an accessible style to engage both academic and general readers. Froude served as Regius Professor of Modern History at Oxford from 1892 to 1894, and his influence extended beyond academia, making him a notable figure in Victorian literary circles. His historical narrative works often sparked debate among scholars particularly for their interpretative take on events and personalities—occasionally at the expense of strict adherence to historical objectivity.