Showing results by author "Thomas Babington Macaulay" in All Categories

Lays of Ancient Rome is an 1842 collection of narrative poems by Thomas Babington Macaulay. Four of these: Horatius, The Battle of Lake Regillus, Virginia and The Prophecy of Capys cover heroic episodes from early Roman history. They have brief introductions that treat the legends from a scholarly perspective. Two others deal with more recent historical events: Ivry, a Song of the Huguenots, deals with French history, and The Armada: A Fragment, is about the Spanish fleet sent to subdue England.

Delve into the life and legacy of Joseph Addison (1672-1719), a renowned English essayist, poet, playwright, and politician. Best known for his contribution to The Spectator magazine alongside Richard Steele, Addisons remarkable life is brought to the fore in this engaging narrative. Explore the world of this gentle soul who managed to maintain his gentlemanly demeanor amidst the harsh world of political and literary rivalries. Commemorate the man who, through his persona in the Spectator, is loved by his contemporaries and continues to be respected by generations to come. This summary is ...

Dive into Macaulays riveting review of Frederick the Great of Prussia, found in the third volume of his Critical and Historical Essays. Explore how Frederick transformed Prussia into a formidable military powerhouse, a narrative that inevitably evokes thoughts of the Franco-Prussian war of 1870 and the twentieth century world wars. Although Macaulays account only traces Fredericks story up until the end of the Seven Years War in 1763, it provides a robust understanding of his role and influence. Join Nicholas Clifford as he unravels this historical narrative.

This podcast offers an engaging review of the Diary and Letters of Madame DArblay, originally appearing in The Edinburgh Review in January 1843 and later reprinted in Macaulays Critical and Historical Essays. The podcast delves into her vivid accounts of meeting remarkable people and her masterful description of King George IIIs illness. Her contributions to literature, including novels which predated those of Jane Austen, are also explored. This captivating and insightful podcast is a must-listen for history enthusiasts and literature lovers alike.