The Autobiography of Mark Rutherford

by Mark Rutherford

Mark Rutherford was the pseudonym used by William Hale White (1831 - 1913). White was a clerk in the admiralty and a novelist. The Autobiography of Mark Rutherford (1881), Mark Rutherford's Deliverance (1885), and The Revolution in Tanner's Lane (1887 were three autobiographical novels. The autobiography begins, 'Now that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it. Of what use is it, many persons will say, to present to the world what is mainly a record of weaknesses and failures? If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done. But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret."

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1881

About the author

A pseudonym of William Hale White.

Reviews

[holls · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading his perspective on life experiences that still trouble us today. It was interesting reading about the daily life and experiences of someone from 100+ years ago. I wish it didn’t end so abruptly and I got to hear more of his story and enjoy a conclusion from him personally.

[Leslie Reiber · Rating 4 out of 5]

a compelling read for students of Victorian literature. Deals with religious dissent and class issues.

[Yibbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's the story of a soul cut free from any anchor. He chose to turn from a belief in the solid Word of God and floundered badly in a hopeless philosophy he created for himself. It's a very clear look at the despair of those who turn from the revealed God of the Bible, but it is utterly without hope.
White writes very well. His descriptions of the times and the places he was familiar with are very clear and interesting, but the hopelessness is so clear.
I haven't read the sequels to this, but if they continue on in this vein it's not worth the read.