Essays from 'The Guardian'

"Essays from 'The Guardian'" by Walter Horatio Pater is a collection of literary essays reflecting on works and authors from the late 1800s. Through insightful critiques, Pater examines English literature, Henri-Frederic Amiel, and Robert Elsmere, with the goal of analyzing literary style, emotional impact, and underlying philosophies present in both prose and poetry. The collection starts with an exploration of English prose, contrasting its clarity and precision with the more abstract nature of poetry, while referencing Mr. Saintsbury's selections to highlight stylistic evolution across different literary periods. It establishes a foundation for understanding Pater's appreciation for literary form and his sharp observations about the relationship between prose and poetry.