First published in 1973 Macaulay explores important aspects of the interrelationship between Macaulay’s literary and political careers, sets his achievements as an author within the context of his achievements as a public man, and examines some of the sources of his popularity and success. In doing so, it draws extensively on Macaulay’s journals and other papers at Trinity College, Cambridge and elsewhere. The emphases of the book are critical, not biographical, its essential aims the exploration of the range and quality of Macaulay’s writing and the demonstration of the validity of continuing to approach him- above all in mature essays and the History of England - as a narrative artist. This book is a must read for students of education, history of education, and British history.
Preface and Acknowledgements Chronology Textual Note 1. Beginnings: The Early Literary Writings 2. Apprenticeship in Polemics: The Essays on Southey and Croker’s Boswell 3. Reform, Revolution and Party: The Years of Confidence 4. The Indian Years: Engagement and Withdrawal 5. Time of Decision: The Essays on Temple and Clive 6. Biography, History, Criticism: The Life and Times Formula in the Addison Essay 7. Theory and Practice: Volumes One and Two of the History of England 8. The Method in Detail: This Chapter on Ireland 9. Characterization in the History: The Case of William the Third 10. Conclusion: To Instruct by Pleasing Notes Bibliography Index
Biography
Jane Millgate
