Selected Essays

Walter Pater was a renowned essayist known for his unique prose style and aestheticist principles. His first book, "Studies in the History of the Renaissance," was praised as "the most beautiful book of prose in our literature." Selected Essays is a collection of his essays on literature, art, history, philosophy, and mythology, with an introduction by Alex Wongs and explanatory notes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2018
Publisher: Carcanet Press Ltd

Walter Pater (1839-1894) was a renowned essayist known for his unique prose style and controversial aestheticist principles. He emerged as one of the greatest writers of his time during a century marked by exceptional essayistic excellence. Pater's debut work, "Studies in the History of the Renaissance," stands as a remarkable and influential text within the Victorian Aesthetic Movement. Arthur Symons hailed it as "the most beautiful book of prose in our literature," while Vernon Lee later referred to him as "the natural exponent of the highest aesthetic doctrine."

Selected Essays is a comprehensive collection of Pater's essays covering various subjects such as literature, art, history, philosophy, and mythology. These essays, according to Oscar Wilde, are "delicately wrought works of art." The selection is accompanied by a critical and biographical introduction by Alex Wong, along with extensive explanatory notes that provide further insight into Pater's ideas and interpretations.

Walter Pater's writing is characterized by his refined and elegant style, often employing intricate metaphors and imagery to convey his profound thoughts and observations. He was deeply influenced by the Renaissance and its emphasis on humanism, beauty, and the pursuit of knowledge. Pater's essays explore the themes of art, literature, and culture, examining the works of famous artists, writers, and philosophers and exploring the complexities of human nature and the universe.

Despite his reputation as a controversial figure, Pater's essays continue to be celebrated for their intellectual depth, aesthetic appeal, and their ability to engage readers on a profound level. His influence on the development of modern literature and aesthetics is undeniable, and his essays remain a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, Walter Pater (1839-1894) was a towering figure in the world of essayistic writing, renowned for his singular prose style and his controversial aestheticist principles. His first book, "Studies in the History of the Renaissance," is considered a masterpiece of Victorian literature, while his Selected Essays showcase his wide-ranging intellectual interests and his ability to engage readers on a profound level. Pater's essays continue to be celebrated for their intellectual depth, aesthetic appeal, and their lasting impact on the world of literature and philosophy.

Weight: 556g
Dimension: 137 x 216 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784106263