INTO this collected edition are gathered all the writings of William Sharp published under his pseudonym "Fiona Macleod," which he cared to have preserved; writings characterised by the distinctive idiom he recognised to be the expression of one side of his very dual nature—of the spiritual, intuitive, subjective self as distinct from the mental, reasoning, objective self. In the preparation of this edition I have carefully followed the author's written and spoken instructions as to select...

After the dim purple bloom of a suspended spring, a green rhythm ran from larch to thorn, from lime to sycamore; spread from meadow to meadow, from copse to copse, from hedgerow to hedgerow. The blackthorn had already snowed upon the nettle-garths. In the obvious nests among the bare boughs of ash and beech the eggs of the blackbird were blue-green as the sky that March had bequeathed to April. For days past, when the breath of the equinox had surged out of the west, the missel-thrushes ha...

It must, to admirers of Browning's writings, appear singularly appropriate that so cosmopolitan a poet was born in London. It would seem as though something of that mighty complex life, so confusedly petty to the narrow vision, so grandiose and even majestic to the larger ken, had blent with his being from the first. What fitter birthplace for the poet whom a comrade has called the "Subtlest Assertor of the Soul in Song," the poet whose writings are indeed a mirror of the age? A man may be...

It is when the trees are leafless, or when the last withered leaves rustle in the wintry air, creeping along the bare boughs like tremulous mice, or fluttering from the branches like the tired and starving swallows left behind in the ebbing tides of migration, that the secret of the forest is most likely to be surprised. Mystery is always there. Silence and whispers, still glooms, sudden radiances, the passage of wind and idle airs, all these inhabit the forest at every season. But it is n...

Set on the Hebridean island of Pharais, the novel follows Pharis, a young woman who is both the daughter of a chieftain and the keeper of ancient traditions. The island is portrayed as a magical and mysterious place, where the boundaries between the natural and supernatural blur. Pharis is torn between her responsibilities to her people and her personal desires, particularly her love for a young man named Ewen. The story explores themes of love, duty, and the conflict between tradition and...

The Laughter of Peterkin by William Sharp is a captivating retelling of ancient Celtic myths and legends. Through the narrative frame of Peterkin, a curious and whimsical character, the book brings to life the magic and mystery of the Celtic Wonderworld. The tales include stories of heroic deeds, mystical creatures, and the interplay of mortals with the supernatural, showcasing the rich imagination of Celtic folklore.Sharp’s lyrical prose and vivid imagery make these timeless tales accessi...

Protagonist: The main character is typically portrayed as a passionate and conflicted individual, whose romantic and personal struggles drive the plot. The protagonist's journey involves deep emotional and psychological exploration.Setting: The novel is set in an exotic location, which plays a significant role in creating the atmosphere of the story. The setting enhances the romantic and adventurous elements of the narrative, contributing to the overall mood.Romantic Plot: Central to the s...

The collection features a series of legendary and mythological tales that draw on various cultural traditions, often focusing on themes of morality and the supernatural. The title story, The Washer of the Ford, is a retelling of an ancient Celtic legend about a mysterious and prophetic washerwoman who appears by a river, foretelling the fate of those who encounter her.The tales within the collection are characterized by their rich, atmospheric prose and their exploration of mythic themes. ...

In "Where the Forest Murmurs," William Sharp weaves a rich tapestry of nature-infused prose, blending lyrical descriptions with profound philosophical insights. This work invites readers into a verdant landscape where the often-overlooked whispers of the forest come alive, reflecting the interplay between humanity and the natural world. Sharp's literary style is characterized by his use of vivid imagery and evocative language, which transports readers into a sensory exploration of the wood...

William Sharp's "Green Fire" offers a profound exploration of nature's beauty intertwined with human experience, characterized by its rich, evocative prose and lyrical rhythm. Set against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, the narrative weaves themes of love, loss, and the eternal struggle for understanding within the natural world. Sharp's detailed imagery and keen observations reflect the Romantic literary tradition while engaging with contemporaneous themes of environmentalism and ...

In "Life of Robert Browning," William Sharp delves into the complex world of one of the Victorian era's most significant poets. The biography is meticulously crafted, combining a narrative style that is both engaging and informative, enriched with profound analyses of Browning'Äôs works and the influences that shaped his life. Sharp'Äôs attention to detail illuminates Browning's intricate psychological landscape and his innovative approach to poetry, offering readers a vivid glimpse into t...

The biography of Browning, English poet, noted for his mastery of dramatic monologue. He was married to the poet Elizabeth Barrett and settled with her in Florence. Elizabeth inspired his collection of poems Men and Women, which is now regarded as one of Browning's best works.