Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama, Vol. 1 / A Revised American Edition of the Reader's Handbook

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

11431

Title

Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama, Vol. 1 / A Revised American Edition of the Reader's Handbook

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This comprehensive handbook offers detailed character sketches of romance, fiction, and drama, defining figures from Shakespeare to modern authors. It serves as an essential reference for understanding literary allusions, historical contexts, and the origins of famous characters across centuries of storytelling.

Summary up to 500 words

Ebenezer Cobham Brewer's *Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama, Vol. 1* serves as a comprehensive reader's guide to the vast landscape of literary figures spanning biblical texts, classical mythology, and centuries of fiction and drama. This volume functions as an essential handbook, clarifying names, explaining allusions, and distinguishing between various versions of characters found in different tragedies and romances. The text provides historical context, plot summaries, and thematic significance for a diverse cast ranging from biblical figures like Abaddon and St. Aaron to Shakespearean icons such as Aaron, Cleopatra, and the Clown. It further explores characters from classic novels including *Ivanhoe*, *Oliver Twist*, and *Sir Charles Grandison*, alongside figures from lesser-known works and fairy tales. The entries delve into the motivations and fates of saints, pirates, lovers, and villains, often citing original authors like Milton, Spenser, and Tasso. For instance, the book elucidates the roles of faithful seraphs like Abdiel in Milton's *Paradise Lost* and the tragic romance of Abelard and Heloise. It covers the dramatic exploits of historical figures like Cleopatra, detailing her political maneuvering and ultimate demise, while also addressing fictional counterparts in plays by Dryden and Corneille. The volume is rich with illustrations and etchings that visualize these narratives, from the pastoral drama of *The Faithful Shepherdess* to the epic struggles of *Jerusalem Delivered*. By offering insights into the lives of characters such as the highwayman Paul Clifford, the pirate Captain Cuttle, and the cunning Fagin, Brewer provides a detailed exploration of human nature as depicted in literature. Ultimately, this revised American edition acts as a vital resource for understanding the depth and breadth of literary tradition, ensuring readers can navigate complex allusions and appreciate the nuanced development of character across the ages.

LLM editorial rating

4.5/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Literature