I don't think I knew of Forster's connection to the Clapham Set. It's extraordinary all the links and overlapping circumstances of the Victorian intelligentsia
Fascinating, and inspirational, as I am currently writing a book about my aunt, who died thirty years before I was born. This quote especially resonates: “By choosing Marianne as his subject, and telling her story in the way that he does, Forster stresses the importance of personal relations, and the life of the heart and mind rather than public life.”
Intriguing that Virginia Woolf / Vanessa Bell also descendents of a Clapham Sect member James Stephen. I guess the liberal Victorian intelligentsia quite a small social group. I think minor Bloomsburyite and mountaineer George Mallory also separately a Clapham Sect descendant via Thackeray clan - I'm substacking about Mallory and Forster later this week.
Thanks Ann. I have really enjoyed this series. So fascinating how the lives of well known people are influenced by lesser known relatives. I have only read one of Forster's books but I am intrigued now to pick up more.
It’s very moving to read Forster’s words about that longing for home, and about those “who have lived on into an age when it cannot be gratified.” Thanks for introducing me to his book about Marianne Thornton.
I’m reading 2 Cheers for democracy (bought from Persephone books) at the moment. I have to keep stopping & wondering at how relevant his writing is & how I wish there were still such thinker’s & writers with us today.
Many thanks Ann, for a further, illuminating article about this fascinating man
I don't think I knew of Forster's connection to the Clapham Set. It's extraordinary all the links and overlapping circumstances of the Victorian intelligentsia
I particularly like the understated but expansive ending. And congratulations on your first thousand subscribers.
It sounds a fascinating read and what a pity it has overlooked.
Fascinating as always and very evocative of a place and time.
Fascinating, and inspirational, as I am currently writing a book about my aunt, who died thirty years before I was born. This quote especially resonates: “By choosing Marianne as his subject, and telling her story in the way that he does, Forster stresses the importance of personal relations, and the life of the heart and mind rather than public life.”
Such an interesting story.
Intriguing that Virginia Woolf / Vanessa Bell also descendents of a Clapham Sect member James Stephen. I guess the liberal Victorian intelligentsia quite a small social group. I think minor Bloomsburyite and mountaineer George Mallory also separately a Clapham Sect descendant via Thackeray clan - I'm substacking about Mallory and Forster later this week.
Thanks Ann. I have really enjoyed this series. So fascinating how the lives of well known people are influenced by lesser known relatives. I have only read one of Forster's books but I am intrigued now to pick up more.
I very much enjoyed your account of E.M. Forster's book about his aunt.
It’s very moving to read Forster’s words about that longing for home, and about those “who have lived on into an age when it cannot be gratified.” Thanks for introducing me to his book about Marianne Thornton.
Fascinating! I'm devouring your pieces. Always so magnificently researched and written. Thank you.
I had never heard of the Clapham Sect and knew nothing of Forater’s background. This was a fascinating read, thank you Ann
Fascinating, thank you.
I’m reading 2 Cheers for democracy (bought from Persephone books) at the moment. I have to keep stopping & wondering at how relevant his writing is & how I wish there were still such thinker’s & writers with us today.
Many thanks Ann, for a further, illuminating article about this fascinating man