the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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John William Mackail : The Springs of Helicon: A Study in the Progress of English Poetry from Chaucer to Milton

'There has also been from the London Library a book called "Springs of Helicon" by Mackail — you know, Professor of Poetry at Oxford and the man on William Morris. This is a study on Chaucer, Spenser and Milton and I enjoyed it immensely. He has quite infected me with his enthusiasm for the former, whom I must begin to read. He talks of other works, "The Legend of Good Women", "Troilus and Cresseide" as being better than the tales.'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Clive Staples Lewis      Print: Book

John William Mackail : The Life of William Morris

(1) 'Just before supper I finished the 2nd volume of Mackail's "Life of W.M." There is nothing nicer than to lay aside a book with a certain satisfaction at getting it settled with and yet having enjoyed it thoroughly, is there? I certainly know Morris better than I did before, tho' in a way his character is a disappointment. You can't really think there's any resemblance between him and me? Of course I would give mine eyes to be like him in some ways, but I don't honestly think my temper is quite so bad.' (2) 'I am sorry you don't like Mackail's second volume. I suppose I am a bundle of contradictions, but I must say socialism does interest me.'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Clive Staples Lewis      Print: Book

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