Charles Author Of 1861 Novel The Cloister And The Hearth
Charles Reade was a British novelist and playwright who lived from 1814 to 1884. He was born in Ipsden, Oxfordshire, and attended Magdalen College, Oxford. Reade was a prolific writer, producing numerous novels, plays, and short stories throughout his career. However, he is best known for his 1861 novel, The Cloister and the Hearth.
Early Life and Career
Charles Reade was the son of a country gentleman and was educated at home until the age of ten. He then attended various schools before going to Magdalen College, Oxford, where he studied law. After graduating, he worked briefly as a barrister before deciding to pursue a career in writing.
Reade's first published work was a poem called "The Pilgrimage of the Soul," which appeared in a literary magazine in 1843. He then wrote a number of plays, including a successful adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's novel Jane Eyre. However, it was his novels that brought him the most acclaim.
The Cloister and the Hearth
The Cloister and the Hearth is a historical novel set in the 15th century. The story follows the life of Gerard Eliassoen, a young man who leaves his home in Holland to study at the University of Paris. Along the way, he falls in love with a young girl named Margaret, and they have a son together.
The novel is notable for its detailed descriptions of life in medieval Europe, as well as its portrayal of the struggles of ordinary people during this time period. Reade spent many years researching the history and culture of the period, and his efforts paid off in the form of an engaging and informative novel.
Legacy
Although Charles Reade wrote many other novels and plays during his career, The Cloister and the Hearth remains his most famous work. It has been adapted into several films, including a silent film in 1922 and a British television miniseries in 1959.
Reade's legacy extends beyond his literary work, however. He was a passionate advocate for social reform, particularly in the areas of copyright law and prison reform. He was also a vocal critic of the British government's policies towards Ireland, and he wrote several articles and pamphlets on the subject.
Conclusion
Charles Reade was a talented and influential writer whose work continues to be read and appreciated today. His contributions to the literary world, as well as his efforts to effect social change, make him a figure worthy of study and admiration.