Richard Holmes
Richard Holmes is a British author and biographer, best known for his works on the Romantic period. He has written extensively on figures such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Holmes is acclaimed for his accessible narrative style and meticulous historical research, bringing to life the subjects of his biographies and the times in which they lived.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Dr. Johnson & Mr. Savage
This book delves into the complex friendship between the 18th-century literary figure Samuel Johnson and the enigmatic poet Richard Savage. It explores the profound influence they had on each other's lives and works, set against the backdrop of London's vibrant and often sordid literary scene. The narrative weaves a tale of two men from vastly different backgrounds who form an unlikely bond, with Johnson becoming fascinated by Savage's scandalous history and the mysteries surrounding his true identity. Through their association, the book examines themes of authorship, friendship, and the struggles of the creative life, while also painting a rich picture of the society they navigated.
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2. Coleridge: Early Visions
"Coleridge: Early Visions" is a comprehensive biography that offers an in-depth look into the life of one of the most influential English Romantic poets. The book chronicles the poet's early life, his education, his relationships and his struggles with opium addiction. It also delves into his philosophical ideas, his collaborations with other notable figures of his time, and his literary contributions, particularly his poetry and critical essays. The biography provides a detailed and nuanced portrayal of the poet's complex personality, his creative process, and the social and cultural context in which he lived and worked.
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3. The Age Of Wonder
"The Age of Wonder" explores the scientific and cultural advancements of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, known as the Romantic Age. Richard Holmes delves into the lives and achievements of prominent figures such as Joseph Banks, Humphry Davy, and William Herschel, who revolutionized fields like astronomy, chemistry, and botany. Through vivid storytelling, Holmes captures the spirit of curiosity, imagination, and wonder that defined this era, highlighting the profound impact it had on shaping our modern understanding of science and the world.
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4. Footsteps
"Footsteps" is a captivating blend of biography and travel literature, where the author retraces the journeys of various literary figures to better understand their lives and works. Through his explorations, he follows in the footsteps of authors such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Percy Bysshe Shelley, visiting the places they lived and wrote about. This immersive approach allows the author to delve deeply into the historical and emotional landscapes that shaped these writers, blending rich narrative with scholarly insights to offer a unique perspective on both the subjects and their settings.
