John Halifax, GentlemanThis 1856 novel, one of the most beloved of the Victorian period, follows the life, from childhood to death, of an orphaned boy who grows to become a wealthy and powerful leader in his community. The young John Halifax is taken in by Abel Fletcher, a Quaker tanner, and forms a close friendship with Fletcher’s son, Phineas. Through hard work and integrity, John overcomes obstacles to find domestic happiness and material success. His achievements symbolize those of England in the early nineteenth century, and this novel captures the ambition and ebullient optimism of the growing Victorian middle class. This Broadview edition includes a critical introduction and full annotation; the idea of the “gentleman” in Victorian culture, labour unrest in the early nineteenth century, and women’s roles in Victorian England are explored in the broad selection of contextual documents. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 89
... least, in degree. For since it is a law of nature, admitting only rare exceptions, that the qualities of the ancestors should be transmit— ted to the race—the fact seems patent enough, that even allowing equal advantages, a gentleman's ...
... least?” for I had been revolving many plans, which had one sole aim and object, to keep near me this lad, whose companionship and help seemed to me, brotherless, sisterless, and friendless as I was, the very thing that would give me an ...
... least, not till my father came home. For now, more determinedly than ever, the plan which I had just ventured to hint at to my father, fixed itself on my mind. Surely, he would not refuse me—me, his sickly boy, whose life had in it so ...
... least it answered better with my father. After a few minutes more, during which his stick had made a little grave in the middle of the walk, and buried something there—I think something besides the pebble Abel Fletcher said, not ...
... least, it has been less foolish and harmful than to most; and out of it, together with much drawn out of the stores of memory, made preternaturally vivid by a long introverted life, which, colorless itself, had nothing to do but to ...
Contents
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25 | |
28 | |
29 | |
The Idea of the Gentleman in Victorian Culture | 499 |
Working Conditions and Labor Unrest in the Early Nineteenth Century | 509 |
Womens Roles in Victorian England | 525 |
Reviews | 537 |
Religious Issues | 553 |
Fictional Conterpoints | 566 |
Table of Dates of Relevant Events and Legislation | 579 |
Select Bibliography | 580 |