Matthew Arnold

"Matthew Arnold" by George Saintsbury is a detailed exploration of the life and literary achievements of Matthew Arnold, a prominent 19th-century poet and critic. The book examines Arnold's growth as a writer, the societal influences that molded his work, and his impact on poetry and literary criticism. It starts by acknowledging the scarce public knowledge about Arnold's life beyond his own letters, and then looks at his early years, influenced by his father, Dr. Thomas Arnold, and his education. The biography aims to give a comprehensive view of Arnold's development, his unique style, and the cultural environment that affected his writing and its lasting importance in English literature.