My Contemporaries In Fiction

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22203

Title

My Contemporaries In Fiction

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

David Christie Murray launches a crusade against literary puffery and hysteria, offering a sober, honest assessment of his contemporaries. From Charles Dickens to Thomas Hardy and George Moore, Murray critiques the epidemic of excessive praise while championing genuine artistic merit, urging readers to form just opinions on contemporary fiction.

Summary up to 500 words

In *My Contemporaries In Fiction*, David Christie Murray launches a spirited defense of literary integrity against what he terms an 'epidemic of kindness' plaguing modern critics. He argues that contemporary reviewers have devolved into 'professional admirers' who offer unmeasured praise and hysterical promotion rather than acting as useful judges of art. Murray contends that this trend systematically misleads the public and degrades literature by elevating middling talent to the status of Sir Walter Scott. Murray begins by vindicating Charles Dickens against recent depreciation, asserting that while Dickens possessed flaws, his emotional mastery and humanitarian impact were unparalleled. He notes that Dickens's influence permeates modern fiction, yet he warns against the fashion of despising him or, conversely, the absurdity of claiming lesser writers have 'surpassed' him. Turning to his peers, Murray offers sharp, often controversial critiques. He praises Thomas Hardy for his profound mastery of the Wessex landscape and spiritual atmosphere, though he notes limitations in Hardy's plot invention, which often circles marriage licenses. Conversely, he delivers a scathing analysis of George Moore. Murray distinguishes between Hardy's native genius and Moore's laborious, 'Zola-esque' method of observation. He argues that Moore lacks true sympathy for his subjects, resulting in sterile, lifeless pages that resemble waxworks rather than living characters. The essays also cover Robert Louis Stevenson, Rudyard Kipling, S.R. Crockett, Iain MacLaren, Dr. Macdonald, J.M. Barrie, Marie Corelli, and American writers. Murray specifically addresses Dr. Conan Doyle, admiring his research and dramatic invention in works like *The White Company* and *Rodney Stone*, but criticizing his tendency to clutter narratives with unnecessary historical detail that obscures the story. He lauds Mr. Stanley Weyman for his easy-going romance style and Mr. Anthony Hope for his versatility across different genres. Throughout, Murray insists that true art requires more than just industry or minute detail; it demands affectionate understanding and a refusal to succumb to fashionable exaggeration. He concludes that while literary talent has multiplied, true genius remains rare, and the public must be protected from the 'hysteric hiccoughing' of over-enthusiastic promotion to maintain a just standard of excellence.

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Categories

• Fiction
• History and Criticism