Life and Letters of Lord Macaulay. Volume 1

"Life and Letters of Lord Macaulay. Volume 1" by George Otto Trevelyan is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The work explores the life of the eminent British historian and statesman, Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay, delving into his family background, early years, and the personal qualities that shaped his contributions to literature and politics. The opening of the biography outlines Trevelyan's intentions for the work, emphasizing the necessity of documenting a figure as influential as Lord Macaulay, whose public persona is often disconnected from his private life. It sets the stage by highlighting Macaulay's family lineage, particularly focusing on his father Zachary Macaulay, whose abolitionist views had a significant impact on his son. The narrative begins to explore Macaulay's early childhood experiences, his literary precocity, and the influences of his upbringing, such as his relationships with notable figures like Hannah More. Overall, this introductory section serves to establish the groundwork for a deeper exploration of Macaulay’s life and the formative experiences that influenced his illustrious career. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir George Otto Trevelyan, 2nd Baronet, was a British statesman and author. In a ministerial career stretching almost 30 years, he was most notably twice Secretary for Scotland under William Ewart Gladstone and the Earl of Rosebery. He broke with Gladstone over the 1886 Irish Home Rule Bill, but after modifications were made to the bill he re-joined the Liberal Party shortly afterwards. Also a writer and historian, Trevelyan wrote his novel The Competition Wallah in around 1864, and The Life and Letters of Lord Macaulay, his maternal uncle, in 1876.