In the Roar of the Sea (ePub)

Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) was an English hagiographer, antiquarian, novelist, and eclectic scholar. His literary, theological, and historical pursuits were indicative of a vibrant and inquisitive mind, which also reflected in his career as a composer and songwriter-famously penning the hymn 'Onward, Christian Soldiers.' Baring-Gould's upbringing was marked by extensive traveling across Europe, fostering a love for folklore and myths that later permeated his works. His opus includes the writing of over 100 books ranging from fiction to theology, folklore, and a series of popular guides to the West Country. 'In the Roar of the Sea' (1892) exemplifies his interest in legends and the human condition set against the backdrop of the Cornish coast. Melding elements of romance with adventure, moral dilemmas, and the supernatural, this novel stays true to Baring-Gould's literary style characterized by deep character studies and vivid environmental description. Academically recognized for his contributions to religious and folkloric studies, Baring-Gould's literary output positioned him as a respected figure in the annals of 19th-century British literature. Despite some of his views now considered outmoded, Baring-Gould remains a fascinating study for scholars interested in Victorian literature and its conjunction with historical and sociological insights.