Alfred, Lord Tennyson A Memoir Alfred, Lord Tennyson 2 Volume Set Series

Hallam Tennyson's biography of his father Alfred, Lord Tennyson, remains the authoritative source of information on the poet's life. Begun after his death in 1892 and published five years later, this two-volume work was produced in order to 'preclude the chance of further and unauthentic biographies', and is formed largely of a wealth of documentary evidence: the letters, journals, and personal reminiscences of the poet and those close to him. Adhering to Tennyson's wishes, on his death his son and wife destroyed over three-quarters of the 40,000 letters he left behind, but those selected and reprinted here nonetheless give a fascinating insight into the personal life of the poet; guarded and respectful in its commemorative tone, but avoiding overzealous eulogy or critical review. Volume 2 continues to the poet's death, and includes short memoirs by many eminent Victorians. Documents include the personal journal of Lady Tennyson, and letters between Tennyson and Queen Victoria.

1. The 'Enoch Arden' volume; 2. My mother's journal and my father's letter-diaries; 3. Tour in Switzerland; 4. 'The Holy Grail', and my mother's journal; 5. The Idylls of the King and 'Balin and Balan'; 6. My mother's journal, and letters; 7. Metaphysical society; 8. Historical plays; 9. Reminiscences by the Rt Hon. W. E. H. Lecky; 10. Aldworth and London; 11. Death of Charles Turner; 12. Ballads and poems; 13. Spedding's death; 14. Voyage on the Pembroke Castle; 15. Peerage; 16. Letters; 17. Death of Lionel; 18. Society, politics, cruise in the Stella; 19. My father's illness; 20. 'Demeter and other poems'; 21. Old friends and new poems; 22. The last year; 23. The last chapter; Memoirs by various personages; Epilogue; Appendix; Index.