The publication of M. Taine's "History of English Literature," in 1864, and its translation into English, in 1872, mark an epoch in educational history, especially in that of America. Prior to the appearance of this work, the total knowledge of British writers gained in the school and college life of the ordinary American youth was generally derived in the form of blind memorization from one text-book. This book was a combination of minute biographical detail with the generalities and abst...

During the night of July 14-15, 1789, the Duc de la Rochefoucauld-Liancourt caused Louis XVI to be aroused to inform him of the taking of the Bastille. "It is a revolt, then?" exclaimed the King. "Sire!" replied the Duke; "it is a revolution!" The event was even more serious. Not only had power slipped from the hands of the King, but also it had not fallen into those of the Assembly. It now lay on the ground, ready to the hands of the unchained populace, the violent and over-excited crowd,...

This is the first whole to which we must refer a work of art. And here is the second. The artist himself, considered in connection with his productions, is not isolated; he also belongs to a whole, one greater than himself, comprising the school or family of artists of the time and country to which he belongs. For example, around Shakespeare, who, at the first glance, seems to be a marvellous celestial gift coming like an aerolite from heaven, we find several dramatists of a high order—Web...

The first collection of writings by Hippolyte Havel, a figure at the center of New York's turn-of-the-century political and artistic circles.A prolific writer and tireless activist, Havel (1871–1950) contributed dozens of articles, essays, and reviews to anarchist periodicals, including Emma Goldman's Mother Earth. His influence on several writers, artists, and intellectuals (e.g., Eugene O'Neill, Joseph Stieglitz, Sadakichi Hartmann, etc.) helped shape American modernism. Proletar...

"The Ancient Regime" by Hippolyte Taine explores the social and political structures of France before the Revolution. Taine delves into the intricacies of the French monarchy, the nobility, and the emerging bourgeoisie, illustrating how these classes interacted and contributed to the societal tensions of the time. His analysis is rooted in a historical context that emphasizes the importance of understanding the past to comprehend the present. Through detailed observations, Taine presents a...

"The Modern Regime, Volume 2" by Hippolyte Taine delves into the intricate dynamics of modern society, exploring the interplay between culture, politics, and philosophy. Taine, a prominent French historian and critic, examines the evolution of contemporary thought and its impact on the social fabric. His analytical approach dissects the influences of various ideologies and historical events, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping modern civilization. Thr...

"The Modern Regime, Volume 1" by Hippolyte Taine is a profound exploration of the social and political transformations that shaped modern Europe. Taine, a prominent French historian and critic, delves into the intricate relationship between culture, society, and politics. His analysis is marked by a keen observation of the influences of historical events on contemporary thought and behavior. Through a meticulous examination of various factors, including philosophy, art, and science, Taine ...

"History of English Literature Volume 2" by Hippolyte Taine delves into the evolution of English literature, exploring the intricate relationship between literature and the cultural, social, and political contexts of its time. Taine's analytical approach dissects the works of prominent authors, examining their contributions and the prevailing literary movements. His insights into the psychological and philosophical underpinnings of literature provide a comprehensive understanding of how En...

"The Philosophy of Art" by Hippolyte Taine explores the intricate relationship between art and its cultural context. Taine, a prominent figure in the field of aesthetics, argues that art is not created in a vacuum but is deeply influenced by the social, historical, and psychological factors of its time. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the artist's environment and the collective consciousness of society to fully appreciate and critique artistic works. This approach invites rea...

In 1849, being twenty-one years of age, and an elector, I was very much puzzled, for I had to nominate fifteen or twenty deputies, and, moreover, according to French custom, I had not only to determine what candidate I would vote for, but what theory I should adopt. I had to choose between a royalist or a republican, a democrat or a conservative, a socialist or a bonapartist; as I was neither one nor the other, nor even anything, I often envied those around me who were so fortunate as to h...

The following third and last part of the Origins of Contemporary France is to consist of two volumes. After the present volume, the second is to treat of the Church, the School and the Family, describe the modern milieu and note the facilities and obstacles which a society like our own encounters in this new milieu: here, the past and the present meet, and the work already done is continued by the work which is going on under our eyes.—The undertaking is hazardous and more difficult than w...

Hippolyte Taine's "History of English Literature" (Volumes 1-3) stands as a seminal work that intricately weaves together literary analysis and cultural criticism, offering a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of English literature from its origins to the 19th century. Taine employs a meticulous approach, utilizing a blend of psychological, sociological, and environmental factors to elucidate the influences shaping literary movements. His writing style, rich in erudition and clarit...