English Biography Before 1700
"English Biography Before 1700" offers a comprehensive and scholarly exploration of the evolution of life writing in England from its medieval roots through the end of the seventeenth century. This foundational work of literary criticism traces the development of the biographical form, examining how the art of recording human lives shifted from early hagiography and formal chronicles to the more nuanced, psychological portraits that began to emerge in the early modern era.
The study surveys a vast range of materials, including saints' lives, royal accounts, and the burgeoning secular biographies of the Renaissance and Restoration periods. Donald A. Stauffer analyzes the stylistic shifts and thematic preoccupations of early biographers, illustrating how the political, religious, and social upheavals of the time influenced the way individuals were memorialized. The book provides deep insight into the works of influential figures such as Izaak Walton and John Aubrey, while also highlighting the contributions of many lesser-known writers who helped shape the genre. As an essential resource for understanding the origins of English prose and narrative tradition, "English Biography Before 1700" remains an indispensable guide for students of literary history and the intellectual landscape of pre-1700 England.
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