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
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... stood, principal figure in a picture which is even yet as even to his crisp curls of bright thick hair. clear to me as yesterday—the narrow, dirty alley leading out of the High Street, yet showing a glimmer of green field at the farther ...
... stood idly looking up at the opposite—the mayor's house—with its steps and portico, and its fourteen windows, one of which was open, and a cluster of little heads visible there. The mayor's children—I knew them all by sight, though ...
... stood the little girl, with a loaf in one hand, and carving knife in the other. She succeeded in cutting offa large slice, and holding it out. “Take it, poor boy—you look so hungry. Do take it.” But the servant forced her in, and the ...
... stood aside, and touched his cap with a respectful deference, as the old man passed. “So here thee be—hast thou taken care of my son? Did he give thee thy groat, my lad?” We had neither of us once thought of the money. When I ...
... stood gazing at it a good while—a new expression dawning in his eyes. Eyes in which then, for the first time, I watched a thought grow, and grow, till out of them was shining a beauty absolutely divine. All of a sudden the Abbey chimes ...
Contents
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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 |