Madam How and Lady Why or First Lessons in Earth Lore for Children

by Charles Kingsley

Overview

Excerpt: "My dear boys, when I was your age, there were no such children's books as there are now. Those which we had were few and dull, and the pictures in them ugly and mean: while you have your choice of books without number, clear, amusing, and pretty, as well as really instructive, on subjects which were only talked of fifty years ago by a few learned men, and very little understood even by them. So if mere reading of books would make wise men, you ought to grow up much wiser than us old fellows. But mere reading of wise books will not make you wise men: you must use for yourselves the tools with which books are made wise; and that is—your eyes, and ears, and common sense."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783962724412
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	08/27/2018
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	159
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Charles Kingsley (1819-1875) was a multifaceted Victorian figure whose life and work continue to intrigue modern readers. An Anglican clergyman, historian, and novelist, Kingsley was a prominent advocate for social reform and a founding figure of the Christian Socialist movement. His works often explored themes of social justice, reflecting his deep concern for the plight of the working class during the Industrial Revolution.Kingsley's literary contributions are diverse, ranging from historical novels to children's literature. His novel "The Water-Babies" remains a beloved classic, blending fantasy with a critique of child labor and the harsh conditions faced by chimney sweeps. Kingsley's ability to weave social commentary into engaging narratives made his work influential among his contemporaries and beyond.A controversial figure, Kingsley was known for his outspoken views on evolution, which he supported in a time when the theory was hotly debated. His correspondence with Charles Darwin, who admired Kingsley's open-mindedness, highlights his willingness to engage with revolutionary scientific ideas.Kingsley's influence extended to his role as a Regius Professor of Modern History at Cambridge, where he inspired a generation of students. His dynamic lectures and writings emphasized the moral dimensions of history, urging readers to learn from the past to create a more just society.Despite his progressive views, Kingsley was not without his contradictions. His anti-Catholic sentiments and sometimes paternalistic attitudes towards the working class have sparked debate among scholars. Nevertheless, his passionate advocacy for social reform and his imaginative storytelling continue to resonate, making Charles Kingsley a compelling figure in literary and social history.
Charles Kingsley (12 June 1819 – 23 January 1875) was a broad church priest of the Church of England, a university professor, social reformer, historian and novelist. He is particularly associated with Christian socialism, the working men's college, and forming labour cooperatives that failed but led to the working reforms of the progressive era. He was a friend and correspondent with Charles Darwin. He was also the uncle of female explorer Mary Kingsley.(Excerpt from Wikipedia)