Description

A brisk, intelligent portrait of a towering figure in British letters, this is a hook for readers who relish wit, context, and careful biographical craft. This biographical study by Leslie Stephen blends literary criticism with a keen sense of nineteenth century biography, inviting readers into eighteenth century england through the life of Alexander Pope. It traces how Pope's satire and wit illuminate his poetry, while also examining translation and poetics as forces shaping the verse that has long mattered to scholars and students alike. Written with clear, approachable prose, the book stands as a reliable guide for literature students and casual readers who crave thoughtful, well-structured reading that honours a great poet and the era he influenced. Its historical significance sits at the heart of british literary history, offering a nuanced portrait of a writer who helped define a national voice. The author's careful handling of the Samuel Johnson biography tradition and Pope's place within a broader scholarly conversation makes this work valuable for libraries, collectors, and those pursuing scholarly reading. For collectors and library collections, this title is more than a reprint-it is a restored cultural treasure that preserves a critical moment in literary history for today and future generations. Out of print for decades and now republished by Alpha Editions, this edition is a true restoration. It is a compelling addition to any study of eighteenth century poetry and biography, a refined gateway for serious readers and a keepsake for a discerning bibliophile audience.