02905cam a22003613u 4500 12478 UtSlPG 20260610133310.0 m cr n 260607r2004||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PN Strachey, Lytton, 1880-1932 Books and Characters, French & English Books and Characters French and English Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2004 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2004-05-01 Racine -- Sir Thomas Browne -- Shakespeare's final period -- The lives of the poets -- Madame du Deffand -- Voltaire and England -- A dialogue -- Voltaire's tragedies -- Voltaire and Frederick the Great -- The Rousseau affair -- The poetry of Blake -- The last Elizabethan -- Henri Beyle -- Lady Hester Stanhope -- Mr. Creevey. Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Wilelmina Mallière and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. "Books and Characters, French & English" by Lytton Strachey is a collection of essays and literary critiques that reflects the author's sharp wit and keen insight, written in the early 20th century. The book explores the contrasting perceptions of notable figures in French and English literature, highlighting the disparities in critical reception and cultural appreciation, particularly focusing on playwrights such as Racine and Shakespeare. Strachey aims to address the complexities and judgments that accompany literary criticism while safeguarding the dignity of these significant works. The opening of the book delves into a comparative analysis of Racine and Shakespeare, discussing the historical and cultural contexts that affect their respective receptions in France and England. Strachey introduces Mr. John Bailey's critique of Racine, positioning it against the praise from French critics like M. Lemaître, showcasing how national tastes shape the understanding of literary greatness. He outlines the differences in literary traditions and their impact on how characters and styles are perceived. By addressing these themes from the outset, Strachey sets the stage for a more profound exploration of literary styles and their significance, illustrating the intricacies involved in appreciating poetry and drama across cultures. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified French literature -- History and criticism English literature -- History and criticism Authors, English -- Biography Authors, French -- Biography https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12478 53896 53896