Father and Son: A Study of Two Temperaments (ePub)

Edmund Gosse (1849-1928), an English poet, author, and critic, is best known for his poignant autobiography, 'Father and Son: A Study of Two Temperaments' (1907), which details the complex relationship between Gosse and his father, the naturalist Philip Henry Gosse. Stemming from a starkly religious upbringing, this memoir explores the tensions of faith and the development of Gosse's own secular literary life, highlighting the generational conflicts over religious belief and intellectual freedom. The work is noted for its candid introspection and the articulation of the Victorian clash between science and religion. Gosse's career as a literary figure ushered in significant contributions to the criticism and introduction of European literature to an English audience. His astute literary criticisms, extensive essays, and involvement in the development of English literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries positioned him as a central figure in the literary circles of his time. Gosse's friendships with literary giants such as Thomas Hardy and Henry James colored his literary output, which, aside from 'Father and Son,' includes volumes of poetry, studies of John Donne and other major literary figures, as well as pioneering works on the history of English literature. Gosse's style embodies a blend of personal narrative and insightful literary criticism, which has been praised for its engaging prose and contribution to the understanding of Victorian literary culture.