ANDREW LANG, página 3 de 20

These papers do not profess even to sketch the outlines of a history of Oxford.They are merely records of the impressions made by this or that aspect of the life of the University as it has been in different ages.Oxford is not an easy place to design in black and white, with the pen or the etchers needle.On a wild winter or late autumn day (such as Father Faber has made permanent in a beautiful poem) the sunshine fleets along the plain, revealing towers, and floods, and trees, in a gleam of watery light, and leaving them once more in shadow.The melancholy mist creeps over the city, the damp soaks into the heart of everything, and such suicidal weather ensues as has been described, once for all, by the author of John-a-Dreams.How different Oxford looks when the road to Cowley Marsh is dumb with dust, when the heat seems almost tropical, and by the drowsy banks of the Cherwell you might almost expect some shy southern water-beast to come crashing through the reeds!And such a day, again, is unlike the bright weather of late September, when all the gold and scarlet of Bagley Wood are concentrated in the leaves that cover the walls of Magdalen with an imperial vesture.Our memories of Oxford, if we have long made her a Castle of Indolence, vary no less than do the shifting aspects of her scenery.Days of spring and of mere pleasure in existence have alternated with days of gloom and loneliness, of melancholy, of resignation.Our mental pictures of the place are tinged by many moods, as the landscape is beheld in shower and sunshine, in frost, and in the colourless drizzling weather.Oxford, that once seemed a pleasant porch and entrance into life, may become a dingy ante-room, where we kick our heels with other weary, waiting people.At last, if men linger there too late, Oxford grows a prison, and it is the final condition of the loiterer to take this for a hermitage.It is well to leave the enchantress betimes, and to carry away few but kind recollections.

The tales of King Arthur and his Knights are of Celtic origin. The Celts were the people who occupied Britain at the time when the history of the country opens, and a few words are necessary to explain why the characters in the stories act and speak as though they belonged to a later age.It is believed that King Arthur lived in the sixth century, just after the Romans withdrew from Britain, and when the Britons, left to defend themselves against the attacks of the marauding Saxons, rose and defeated them at Mount Badon, securing to themselves peace for many years. It was probably about this time that King Arthur and his company of Knights performed the deeds which were to become the themes of stories and lays for generations afterwards.In olden times, it was the custom of minstrels and story-tellers to travel through the land from court to court, telling of tales of chivalry and heroism, and for many centuries the tales of King Arthur formed the stock from which the story-teller drew.In this way the stories came to be handed down from father to son, in Brittany (whose people are of the same family as the Welsh) as well as in Wales and England, and by this means alone were they prevented from being lost. But in the reigns of Henry II. and Richard I., they were set down on paper, and so became literature. Before this, however, a British writer had written out some of the tales, and from him as well as from the lips of the bards and story-tellers of their own generation, the writers in the time of Henry II. were able to collect their information.viNow, it will be remembered that the second and third crusades were being carried on during the reigns of Henry II. and Richard I., and many English and French Knights were therefore fighting in the fields of Palestine.The story-teller, whose living depended on the welcome his stories met with, instead of telling them according to tradition, altered them to suit the tastes of his hearers.

This is the third, and probably the last, of the Fairy Books of many colours. First there was the Blue Fairy Book; then, children, you asked for more, and we made up the Red Fairy Book; and, when you wanted more still, the Green Fairy Book was put together. The stories in all the books are borrowed from many countries; some are French, some German, some Russian, some Italian, some Scottish, some English, one Chinese. However much these nations differ about trifles, they all agree in liking fairy tales. The reason, no doubt, is that men were much like children in their minds long ago, long, long ago, and so before they took to writing newspapers, and sermons, and novels, and long poems, they told each other stories, such as you read in the fairy books. They believed that witches could turn people into beasts, that beasts could speak, that magic rings could make their owners invisible, and all the other wonders in the stories. Then, as the world became grown-up, the fairy tales which were not written down would have been quite forgotten but that the old grannies remembered them, and told them to the little grandchildren: and when they, in their turn, became grannies, they remembered them, and told them also.

A shilling shocker from the late 19th century, a macabre novel of murder and its consequences, originally published as a Christmas Annual for adults and now reissued complete with a hilarious parody by satirist Andrew Lang released the same Christmas.

When this book first appeared, the philological school of interpretation of religion and myth, being then still powerful in England, was criticised and opposed by the author. In Science, as on the Turkish throne of old, "Amurath to Amurath succeeds"; the philological theories of religion and myth have now yielded to anthropological methods. The centre of the anthropological position was the "ghost theory" of Mr. Herbert Spencer, the "Animistic" theory of Mr. E. R. Tylor, according to whom the propitiation of ancestral and other spirits leads to polytheism, and thence to monotheism. In the second edition of this work the author argued that the belief in a "relatively supreme being," anthropomorphic was as old as, and might be even older, than animistic religion.

After the heavy rain of a thunderstorm has washed the soil, it sometimes happens that a child, or a rustic, finds a wedge-shaped piece of metal or a few triangular flints in a field or near a road. There was no such piece of metal, there were no such flints, lying there yesterday, and the finder is puzzled about the origin of the objects on which he has lighted. He carries them home, and the village wisdom determines that the wedge-shaped piece of metal is a thunderbolt, or that the bits of flint are elf-shots, the heads of fairy arrows. Such things are still treasured in remote nooks of England, and the thunderbolt is applied to cure certain maladies by its touch.As for the fairy arrows, we know that even in ancient Etruria they were looked on as magical, for we sometimes see their points set, as amulets, in the gold of Etruscan necklaces. In Perugia the arrowheads are still sold as charms. All educated people, of course, have long been aware that the metal wedge is a celt, or ancient bronze axe-head, and that it was not fairies, but the forgotten peoples of this island who used the arrows with the tips of flint. Thunder is only so far connected with them that the heavy rains loosen the surface soil, and lay bare its long hidden secrets.

In "Books and Bookmen," Andrew Lang offers a richly woven tapestry of literary critiques and reflections, capturing the essence of the literary world in the late 19th century. This collection of essays and reviews excels in blending personal anecdote with critical analysis, showcasing LangAos distinctive style characterized by wit, erudition, and a sense of engaging narrative. The content traverses various genres and authors, illuminating the socio-cultural context of the period, while providing insights into the influence of literature on public life and individual identity. Lang, a prominent Scottish poet, novelist, and critic, possessed an insatiable curiosity for literature that informed his wide-ranging explorations. His background as a folklorist and translator, coupled with his participation in literary circles, granted him a nuanced understanding of the dynamics between authors and their audiences. These experiences prompted Lang to create a work that not only critiques but celebrates the literary landscape, reflecting his belief in the profound impact literature has on society. "Books and Bookmen" is highly recommended for readers seeking to appreciate the interconnections between literature and culture, as well as for those wishing to delve into the thoughts of an author who articulated the complexities of literary appreciation with clarity and flair. Langs exploration will resonate with bibliophiles and scholars alike, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships with books.

In "How to Fail in Literature: A Lecture," Andrew Lang presents a thought-provoking examination of literary endeavors, framed around the pitfalls and absurdities that often confront writers. Through a distinctive blend of wit, irony, and rhetorical flourish, Lang deftly articulates his thesis, offering insights into the nature of failure and the artistic process. The lecture, initially delivered to an audience of aspiring authors, is steeped in the literary context of the late 19th century, a time when traditional literary norms were increasingly challenged by burgeoning avant-garde movements. His keen observations are punctuated by anecdotes and examples, painting a vivid picture of the struggles that accompany the pursuit of literary acclaim. Andrew Lang, a celebrated Scottish poet, novelist, and literary critic, was deeply immersed in the literary world, contributing to various genres and formats. His extensive knowledge of folklore and mythology, coupled with an unyielding passion for literature, informed his perspective on what constitutes literary success and failure. Langs sharp critique of literary pretensions reflects his own experiences as a writer, revealing the obstacles that even the most talented individuals navigate in their creative journeys. This lecture is an essential read for anyone involved in the literary arts, from budding writers to seasoned authors. Langs humorous and insightful dissection of failure encourages readers to embrace their own missteps as integral parts of the creative process. With its timeless wisdom, "How to Fail in Literature" is not just a cautionary tale; it is an invitation to explore the beautifully chaotic world of writing.

The "Mark of Cain" is a small pattern used in tattooing, which is said to correspond with the tribal mark which Jehovah appointed to Cain in the patriarchal story. This mark is seen upon the body of a noblemans son, who for the sake of inheriting properly has sacrificed the life of his friend, and by its means he is most ingeniously brought to justice. Scene laid in London. The inventor of a flying machine figures prominently.This book is annotated with a rare extensive biographical sketch of the author, Andrew Lang, written by Sir Edmund Gosse, CB, a contemporary poet and writer.

Langs sketch of Tennysons life is an eloquent appreciation of his life and works. In more than 10 chapters the reader can not only find the anecdotes that are typical for such types of works, but also many deeper insights on who this man really was.This book is annotated with a rare extensive biographical sketch of the author, Andrew Lang, written by Sir Edmund Gosse, CB, a contemporary poet and writer.Contents:IntroductionChapter I-Boyhood-Cambridge-Early Poems.Chapter Ii.-Poems Of 1831-1833.Chapter Iii.-1837-1842.Chapter Iv.-1842-848-The Princess.Chapter V.-In Memoriam.Chapter Vi.-After In Memoriam.Chapter Vii.-The Idylls Of The King.Chapter Viii.-Enoch Arden. The Dramas.Chapter Ix.-Last Years.Chapter X.-1890.Chapter Xi.-Last Chapter.

Here we have Mr. Lang at his best. . . . The recollections, perhaps, are the best things in the book - of Stevenson, Dr. John Brown, and Oliver Wendell Holmes, all sympathetic, delicate, and perceptive in criticism, reticent to the point of shyness. But the lighter literary essays have that elusive humour of which we have spoken, even in a greater degree than the recollections, and in the " The Boy " Mr. Lang is almost rollicking - for Mr. Lang.This book is annotated with a rare extensive biographical sketch of the author, Andrew Lang, written by Sir Edmund Gosse, CB, a contemporary poet and writer.Contents:PrefaceChapter I: Adventures Among BooksChapter Ii: Recollections Of Robert Louis StevensonChapter Iii: Rabs FriendChapter Iv: Oliver Wendell HolmesChapter V: Mr. Morriss PoemsChapter Vi: Mrs. Radcliffes NovelsChapter Vii: A Scottish Romanticist Of 1830Chapter Viii: The Confessions Of Saint AugustineChapter Ix: SmollettChapter X: Nathaniel HawthorneChapter Xi: The Paradise Of PoetsChapter Xii: Paris And HelenChapter Xiii: Enchanted CigarettesChapter Xiv: Stories And Story-Telling (From Strath Naver)Chapter Xv: The Supernatural In FictionChapter Xvi: An Old Scottish Psychical ResearcherChapter Xvii: The BoyFootnotes

This book is annotated with a rare extensive biographical sketch of the author, Andrew Lang, written by Sir Edmund Gosse, CB, a contemporary poet and writer.A review of Mr. Langs work would come late, were it not that the book has been the subject of discussion for many years.The author considers the modern science of the History of Religion to teach, that Man derived the conception of Spirit from reflection on phenomena of sleep, dreams, death, shadow, and experiences of trance and hallucination. Ghosts, thus obtained, became the first objects of belief and worship, and were gradually magnified into gods, of which, in the end, one became supreme; on the other hand, from belief in the survival of the soul grew the notion of immortality. This system he proposes to study from fresh points of view. In the first place, he treats what he calls the X phenomena among savages, clairvoyance, crystalomancy, second-sight, demoniacal possession, and so on, giving examples to show the prevalence of similar experiences; he considers that their apparently supernatural character may have much to do with the theory of a separable soul, and apparently inclines toward a belief in the verity at least of the occurrences. The statements concerning the savage phenomena are not especially full, the account not undertaking to exhibit a complete view of the department. The second part of the treatise undertakes to supply a substitute for the nihilistic doctrine; this is, that the idea of God as, to use the writers words, " a primal eternal being, author of all things, the father and friendof man, the invisible, omniscient guardian of morality, belongs to the lowest savages, who reverence this supreme deity without idol-worship or sacrifice, as immutable, impeccable, all-seeing, benevolent, and lovable.

Of these twelve studies three are purely literary, two dealing with the ballads of Lord Bateman and of the Queens Marie, and the third being an essay on the Bacon-Shakespeare imbroglio. This last is a delightful bit of acute, lucid, and witty criticism ; and if the Baconians were but blessed with a shred of humor, Mr. Lang would certainly bring them to reason. Of the remaining essays those which deal with the ghosts of Fisher and Lord Lyttelton possess no historical interest. The "Mystery of James de la Cloche" is of a different character, since James was a supposititious son of Charles II., and since the evidence in support of his paternity establishes the further and much more important fact that Charles was anxious to declare himself a Roman Catholic as early as September, 1665.This book is annotated with a rare extensive biographical sketch of the author, Andrew Lang, written by Sir Edmund Gosse, CB, a contemporary poet and writer.

This is volume 12, covering the time from the Jacobite leaders to the end of Jacobitism.In many volumes of several thousand combined pages the series "The History of Scotland" deals with something less than two millenniums of Scottish history. Every single volume covers a certain period in an attempt to examine the elements and forces which were imperative to the making of the Scottish people, and to record the more important events of that time.

"The Red Book of Animal Storms," selected and edited by Mr. Andrew Lang will be much appreciated by the young folk. The stones are more interesting than voracious, and, indeed, Mr. Lang is careful to notify all and sundry that the book is not altogether scientific. Ww have yet to learn, however, that this is a valid objection to childrens stories. The writers have laid all beasts of all times under contribution, from the prehistoric pterodactyl down to the kangaroo of the present day and the bunyip and the sea serpent of tomorrow.This book is fully illustrated and annotated with a rare extensive biographical sketch of the author, Andrew Lang, written by Sir Edmund Gosse, CB, a contemporary poet and writer.

This is volume 11, covering the time from the Jacobite rising to the Secession.In many volumes of several thousand combined pages the series "The History of Scotland" deals with something less than two millenniums of Scottish history. Every single volume covers a certain period in an attempt to examine the elements and forces which were imperative to the making of the Scottish people, and to record the more important events of that time.

Thirty-seven of the most familiar fairy tales. The loveliest collection of fairy stories that was ever printed is here, edited by Andrew Lang. These fairy tales are the old standard ones that have pleased and enchanted the children for generations, and will be treasured as a classic of English literature.This book is fully illustrated and annotated with a rare extensive biographical sketch of the author, Andrew Lang, written by Sir Edmund Gosse, CB, a contemporary poet and writer.Contents:The Bronze RingPrince Hyacinth And The Dear Little PrincessEast Of The Sun And West Of The MoonThe Yellow DwarfLittle Red Riding HoodThe Sleeping Beauty In The WoodCinderella, Or The Little Glass SlipperAladdin And The Wonderful LampThe Tale Of A Youth Who Set Out To Learn What Fear WasRumpelstiltzkinBeauty And The BeastThe Master-MaidWhy The Sea Is SaltThe Master Cat; Or, Puss In BootsFelicia And The Pot Of PinksThe White CatThe Water-Lily. The Gold-SpinnersThe Terrible HeadThe Story Of Pretty GoldilocksThe History Of WhittingtonThe Wonderful SheepLittle ThumbThe Forty ThievesHansel And GrettelSnow-White And Rose-RedThe Goose-GirlToads And DiamondsPrince DarlingBlue BeardTrusty JohnThe Brave Little TailorA Voyage To LilliputThe Princess On The Glass HillThe Story Of Prince Ahmed And The Fairy ParibanouThe History Of Jack The Giant-KillerThe Black Bull Of NorrowayThe Red Etin

This volume contains the following short stories by the famous Scottish poet and novelist:This book is annotated with a rare extensive biographical sketch of the author, Andrew Lang, written by Sir Edmund Gosse, CB, a contemporary poet and writer.The End Of PhaeaciaIn The Wrong Paradise An Occidental Apologue.A Cheap Nigger.The Romance Of The First Radical.A Duchesss Secret.The House Of Strange Stories.In Castle Perilous.The Great Gladstone Myth.My Friend The Beach-Comber.

Heretofore Mr. Lang and his wife have dealt largely with folk-lore and legendary romance; now they find it necessary to turn to reality. As a trade-mark, they adhere to the rainbow nomenclature, but The red book of heroes claims to be history, wherein the lives represented are marked by two dominant characteristics, honor and courage.Accounts of such heroes as Florence Nightingale. John Howard the philanthropist, Hannibal, Father Damien, the apostle of the lepers, the Marquis of Montrose, the little Abbess, and others."It would surely be an abnormal child who would not welcome The red book of heroes among his Christmas gifts." - N.Y. Times"Mrs. Lang has a very pretty story-telling gift of her own. while Mr. Lang does his part in giving the books a background of scholarship." - The Outlook. This book is fully illustrated and annotated with a rare extensive biographical sketch of the author, Andrew Lang, written by Sir Edmund Gosse, CB, a contemporary poet and writer.

This book is annotated with a rare extensive biographical sketch of the author, Andrew Lang, written by Sir Edmund Gosse, CB, a contemporary poet and writer.It is not without hesitation that this book is offered to the reader. Very many people, for very various reasons, would taboo the subjects here discoursed of altogether. These subjects are a certain set of ancient beliefs, for example the belief in clairvoyance, in hauntings, in events transcending ordinary natural laws. The peculiarity of these beliefs is, that they have survived the wreck of faith in such elements of witchcraft as metamorphosis, and power to cause tempest or drought. To study such themes is impious, or superstitious, or useless. Yet to a pathologist, or anthropologist, the survivals of beliefs must always be curious and attractive illustrations of human nature.Contents:Preface.Introduction.Savage Spiritualism.Ancient Spiritualism.Comparative Psychical ResearchHaunted HousesCock Lane And Common-SenseApparitions, Ghosts, And Hallucinations.Scrying Or Crystal-GazingThe Second SightGhosts Before The LawA Modern Trial For WitchcraftPresbyterian Ghost Hunters.The Logic Of Table-TurningThe Ghost Theory Of The Origin Of Religion