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Title
Country/Nationality
Walter Besant
Sir Walter Besant (1836-1901) was an English novelist, short story writer, and historian. He was born in Portsmouth, England, and educated at King's College London. After graduating, Besant worked as a schoolteacher and then as a secretary to the poet Charles Kingsley. In 1868, he published his first novel, Ready-Money Mortiboy, which was a critical and commercial success.
Principles
Besant was a strong supporter of social reform. He was particularly interested in improving the lives of the poor and working class. He also believed that education was essential for social progress. Besant was also a nationalist and believed that England should be a strong and independent nation.
Famous For
Besant is best known for his historical novels and his social reform work. His most famous novels include All Sorts and Conditions of Men (1882), The Children of Gibeon (1886), and Dorothy Forster (1894). Besant also wrote a number of non-fiction works, including London in the Eighteenth Century (1892) and The History of London (1894-1897).
Notable Works
In addition to his novels and non-fiction works, Besant also wrote a number of short stories and plays. His most famous short stories include The Bell of St. Paul's (1888) and The Fourth Generation (1889). His most famous play is The Case of Rebellious Susan (1890).
Philosophy
Besant's philosophy was based on the belief that social progress is possible through education and reform. He believed that everyone, regardless of their social class, should have the opportunity to improve their lives. Besant also believed that England should be a strong and independent nation.
Death and Legacy
Besant died on June 9, 1901, at the age of 64. He is buried at St. Mary's Church in Hampstead, London. Besant is remembered as a prolific and popular writer who used his work to promote social reform and to celebrate English history and culture.
Interesting Fact
Besant was a founding member of the Authors' Club, a social club for writers. He was also the first president of the Society of Authors, a trade union for writers.
Conclusion
Sir Walter Besant was a versatile and prolific writer who made significant contributions to English literature. His novels, short stories, and non-fiction works are still enjoyed by readers today. Besant was also a strong supporter of social reform and a champion of English history and culture.
Books by Walter Besant
Captain Cook
The greatest navigator of all time. Captain Cook by Walter Besant is a biography of James Cook, the greatest navigator of all time. Cook was a British explorer who made three voyages to the Pacific Ocean in the late 18th century. He was the first Eu...
History of London
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of London, from its prehistoric origins to the 19th century. It covers key events, social conditions, economic development, and the governance of the city. Although originally written for boy...
Art of Fiction
This book presents two significant pieces of literary criticism: a lecture by Walter Besant on the art of fiction and a response to that lecture by Henry James. Besant offers a practical approach to fiction writing, emphasizing the importance of str...
Stories of Successful Marriages
This book, compiled by Walter Besant, presents a collection of short stories from prominent authors of the Victorian era. Each story explores the theme of successful marriages, offering insights into the complexities of love, commitment, and the chal...
Fifty Years Ago
Fifty Years Ago by Walter Besant is a historical memoir that presents a picture of life, manners, and society in Great Britain during the mid-19th century. The book explores the significant changes that occurred in British society during the reign of...