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Revision as of 07:22, 9 August 2020
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Sir Henry Irving rose to acclaim in the late 19th Century. The first Knight actor, his influence on Victorian society, and, in particular , the theatre and popular arts caused Gladstone to think of him as his greatest contemporary. His death in 1905 saw societal mourning on a grand scale and his burial in Westminster Abbey shows the esteem in which he was held.
Written to coincide with the centenary of Irving's death, Jeffrey Richards' book examines not only the life of this remarkable man but also the social history of late 19th-century Britain, its religion, imperialism, chivalry, the press and even the beginnings of our all-too-well-known celebrity culture. A Victorian Actor and His World is so much more than a simple biography; Irving's life is put into context and the book provides a complete study for how Irving's life shaped, and was shaped by, his world.
I found Irving's life endlessly fascinating and was left with a picture of a true Knight. For all his flaws he seemed to display a great sense of justice and equality. He mixed high brow Shakespeare with modern melodrama and made no distinction in terms of respect. His audiences were cross-class and rather than play to the lowest common denominator he sought to educate and bring culture to the masses.
As with many greats , Irving's death was one of legend. Although he did not die on stage his last words uttered on the boards were "Into Thy hands, O Lord, into Thy hands". And thus he completed his life's work.
A Victorian Actor and His World is a compelling, if lengthy read. The writing style is accessible despite the academic gravitas of the work. One finishes the book feeling that one has a much better understanding of both the world of Irving and the theatre and Victorian society. I feel that the book would appeal to those interested in theatre or Victorian life and its appeal is wider than that of most biographies due to the unique approach that Richards has taken.
Our thanks to the publishers, Hambledon & London, for sending such an interesting read.
You might also enjoy [[A Memory of Violets: A Novel of London's Flower Sellers by Hazel Gaynor]].
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