"Aspects And Impressions" is a collection of essays by Edmund Gosse, a British writer and critic. The book consists of a series of personal reflections and literary critiques, covering a wide range of topics, including literature, art, music, and travel. In the essays, Gosse discusses his impressions of various artists and writers, including Shakespeare, Tennyson, and Balzac. He also reflects on his travels to Italy and France, describing his experiences and observations of the people and cultures he encountered. Gosse's writing style is reflective and introspective, and he often draws on his own personal experiences to illustrate his points. He writes with a sense of nostalgia and romanticism, evoking the beauty and elegance of a bygone era. Despite its nostalgic tone, "Aspects And Impressions" also offers insightful critiques of the works of various artists and writers. Gosse's analysis is thoughtful and nuanced, revealing his deep knowledge and appreciation of literature and the arts. Overall, "Aspects And Impressions" is a captivating collection of essays that offers readers a glimpse into the mind of one of the most prominent literary figures of the early 20th century.
Edmund Gosse (1849-1928) was a British writer, literary critic, and poet. He was born in London to a well-known family; his father was the naturalist Philip Henry Gosse. Despite his father's strict religious beliefs, Gosse pursued a literary career, studying at Trinity College, Cambridge and eventually becoming a literary critic for the magazine The Spectator. Gosse's literary output was prolific, including poetry, fiction, and criticism. He was a prominent figure in the literary scene of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his work was highly regarded for its insight and erudition. His most famous work, "Father and Son" (1907), was a memoir about his relationship with his father and the conflict between his own artistic aspirations and his father's religious beliefs. In addition to his writing, Gosse was also a noted scholar and biographer. He wrote several biographies of prominent literary figures, including Ibsen, Swinburne, and Thomas Gray. Gosse was a respected member of the literary establishment, serving as the librarian of the House of Lords and as a lecturer at Trinity College. He was also a member of the Order of Merit, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a British citizen. Edmund Gosse's legacy lives on as a celebrated writer and critic, whose work continues to be studied and appreciated by literary scholars and readers alike.