'Life of John Ruskin' Summary

This biography of John Ruskin, by his close friend and student W. G. Collingwood, provides a detailed account of Ruskin's life and work. It covers his early years, his education at Oxford, his development as an art critic, his influential writings on art, nature, and society, and his passionate advocacy for social reform. Collingwood traces Ruskin's evolving views on art, from his early admiration for the Pre-Raphaelites to his later focus on social justice and the beauty of the natural world. He explores Ruskin's complex relationships with other prominent figures of the Victorian era, including his mentor, John Henry Newman, and his friends, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Morris. The biography also delves into Ruskin's personal struggles with depression and mental illness, highlighting his profound sensitivity and emotional intensity. Through Collingwood's intimate knowledge and insightful analysis, the book offers a rich and nuanced portrait of a complex and fascinating figure who profoundly shaped Victorian culture and left an enduring legacy on art, literature, and social thought.