Edmund Gosse

Sir Edmund William Gosse was an English poet, author, and literary critic born on September 21, 1849, in London. He was raised in the strict religious environment of the Plymouth Brethren, a small Protestant sect. However, he eventually distanced himself from this faith, an experience he described in his autobiography Father and Son, which is considered one of the first psychological biographies. Gosse's early life and his break from his religious upbringing shaped much of his literary work,...See more

Sir Edmund William Gosse was an English poet, author, and literary critic born on September 21, 1849, in London. He was raised in the strict religious environment of the Plymouth Brethren, a small Protestant sect. However, he eventually distanced himself from this faith, an experience he described in his autobiography Father and Son, which is considered one of the first psychological biographies. Gosse's early life and his break from his religious upbringing shaped much of his literary work, which often explored themes of conflict between personal beliefs and societal expectations. Over the course of his career, Gosse gained recognition for his contributions to literature and his insightful critiques. He was also known for his interest in natural history and his advocacy for the works of various poets and writers. Gosse married Ellen, Lady Gosse, and they had three children: Sylvia, Philip, and Emily Teresa. He passed away on May 16, 1928, in London at the age of 78. His legacy includes not only his own poetry and prose but also his significant influence on the field of literary criticism. See less