About this ebook
In the delightful compilation 'A Masque of Days', Charles Lamb offers readers an ensemble of his rich, whimsical prose drawn from the 'Last Essays of Elia'. Lamb's mastery in blending the autobiographical with the fictional provides a unique literary experience, wherein he continues the tradition of the familiar essay with personal anecdotes, reflections, and conversational intimacy. The DigiCat edition is meticulously adorned with contemporary illustrations and is a tribute to the enduring charm of Lamb's essays, preserving the original 19th-century context while making it accessible to modern readers with a curated, newly dressed and decorated format. Charles Lamb, esteemed for his essays under the pseudonym Elia, had a distinctive voice that emerged from a life marked by personal tragedies and professional struggles. His writing is a canvas of his resilience and deep humanism, reflecting his intimate bond with sister Mary Lamb and his enduring passion for London's literary scene. Lamb's works resonate with readers due to his candid self-revelation and the universal appeal of his themes. His narrative is an inviting hearth for souls seeking both comfort in the familiar and the companionship of a keenly observant and genial intellect. For scholars of English literature and enthusiasts of the essay form, 'A Masque of Days' is not only a homage to an era but a recommended must-read that exemplifies the timeless nature of profound observation and eloquent self-expression. Lamb's essays are a testament to personal storytelling artfully enwoven into the tapestry of the larger human experience, making this edition an invaluable addition to any classic literature collection.
About the author
Charles Lamb (1775–1834) was an English essayist, poet, and antiquarian, renowned for his charming style and genial wit. Lamb's literary legacy remains deeply engrained in the annals of English literature, primarily due to his mastery of the familiar essay as a form. Educated at Christ's Hospital, Lamb forged a lifelong friendship with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, which would significantly influence his literary pursuits. His career was a blend of private tragedy and public acclaim, working as a clerk at the East India Company while concurrently building his reputation as a writer. Lamb is most celebrated for 'Essays of Elia,' a collection that showcases his conversational eloquence and introspective delicacy. However, his work was not confined to the personal essay; 'A Masque of Days,' for example, is an illustrative retreat into the fanciful and the nostalgic, overlaying ceremonial customs with a fairy-tale-like narrative. His literary style combined the informal with the learned, often embedding references to his vast classical knowledge within the folds of more mundane subjects. This harmonious blend of erudition and accessibility enshrined Lamb as a beloved figure of his era, bridging the divide between the scholarly and the popular. Lamb's works continue to be admired for their lyrical finesse, their humanity, and the vivid reflections of the author's own complex sensibilities.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
