Charles Kingsley: Faith, Flesh, and Fantasy

Charles Kingsley was a Victorian polymath who was a novelist, poet, Anglican priest, and controversialist. He epitomizes the Victorian age, with best-sellers such as The Water-Babies and Westward Ho! He was a socialist, imperialist, Chartist revolutionary, natural theologian, and priest who popularized Darwin and celebrated sex as a sacrament. This book aims to present the whole man, considering his public crusades for public health alongside his private fantasies of sexual intercourse, and his ardent imperialist alongside his Darwinist. It will be of interest to students of Victorian studies, British/Imperial history, church history, and especially the history of science.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 29 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Charles Kingsley ({PHONE}) was a multifaceted figure who embodied the vibrant spirit of the Victorian era, combining his roles as a novelist, poet, Anglican priest, and controversialist. A prolific polymath, Kingsley was equally at ease engaging in spirited debates with John Henry Newman on Christian doctrine as he was imparting valuable lessons to schoolchildren about the importance of physical struggle and manly virtues. His two celebrated works, "The Water-Babies" and "Westward Ho!" not only achieved immense popularity but also became timeless classics of children's literature.

However, a deeper examination of Kingsley's life and work reveals a complexity that defies easy categorization. He was a socialist who held imperialist views, a Chartist revolutionary who was favored by Queen Victoria, a natural theologian who popularized Darwin's theories, and a priest who celebrated sex as a sacred sacrament. Viewed in isolation, Kingsley may appear straightforward, but his multifaceted personality and influential contributions to various fields leave a lasting impact on our understanding of the Victorian era and beyond.

This book aims to present a comprehensive portrait of Kingsley, exploring his public crusades for public health alongside his most private fantasies of sexual intercourse. It seeks to examine the ardent imperialist alongside the Darwinist, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of this remarkable individual. Whether you are a student of Victorian studies, British/Imperial history, church history, or the history of science, this book will offer valuable insights into the life and times of Charles Kingsley.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367224912