Echo De Paris
Jan 2024 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
43
Pages
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About this ebook
Excerpt: "In a book of political dialogues, published a year ago, I explained (perhaps unnecessarily) that they were entirely unauthentic—a personal interpretation, given in dramatic form, of certain minds and events that had gone to make history. But the dialogue which here follows differs from those, in that it has a solid basis in fact, and that I myself was a participant in the conversation which, as here recorded, is but a free rendering of what was then actually said. And if it would interest any of my readers to know where these paraphrases of memory stand nearest to fact, they will find them in those passages dealing with the writings of Carlyle, the Scotsman's worship of success, and the theory of the complete life of the artist. Other references by the way were the bird with the Berkeleyan philosophy, and the novels of Mr. Benjamin Swift. The rest is my own development of the main theme, though it may well be that, here and there, I have remembered better than I know. The scene, as regards its setting—the outside[Pg 6] of a Paris restaurant—is true to history; and if, toward the end, a touch of drama has been introduced, the reader will understand that it is more symbolic than actual. The non-arriving guest, with the unreal name, did not, on that occasion, even begin to arrive. He was, nevertheless, a very real element in the tragic situation which I have tried to depict; and it is likely enough that there were more of his kind than one knew—that he was generic rather than individual."
About the author
Laurence Housman (1865-1959) was an English playwright, writer, and illustrator whose multifaceted career spanned several genres and social causes. Born into a family of artists, including his more famous brother A.E. Housman, Laurence carved his own distinct path in the literary and artistic world. He initially gained recognition as an illustrator, working on notable projects such as Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market."Housman's literary contributions are diverse, ranging from fairy tales and poetry to plays and political pamphlets. His works often explored themes of social justice, gender equality, and pacifism, reflecting his deep commitment to progressive causes. A staunch advocate for women's suffrage, Housman co-founded the Men's League for Women's Suffrage and used his writing to champion the cause.One of the most intriguing aspects of Housman's career was his involvement in the theatre. His plays, often imbued with a sense of moral questioning and social critique, were both celebrated and controversial. "Victoria Regina," a play about Queen Victoria, was initially banned for its portrayal of a living monarch but later became a significant success.Housman's influence extended to contemporary writers and thinkers, who admired his courage to tackle taboo subjects such as sexuality and religion. His open homosexuality, though discreetly handled in his lifetime, was a revolutionary stance that challenged the conservative norms of his era.Laurence Housman remains a figure of historical significance, not just for his literary achievements but for his unwavering dedication to social reform and his ability to blend art with activism. His legacy continues to inspire modern readers and writers who seek to understand the interplay between literature and social change.
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