Final Edition - Informal Autobiography

by E.F. Benson

This book contains the memoir of Benson's entire life from 1867 to 1940. It provides insight into his childhood and eccentric family as well as life during Victorian and Edwardian times. Benson completed this book just ten days before he died and it gives huge tribute those he loved and shows his great dedication to his work. This book was originally published in 1940 and would be fine addition to the bookshelf of those who collect Benson's work.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

310 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1973

About the author

Edward Frederic "E. F." Benson was an English novelist, biographer, memoirist, archaeologist and short story writer.

E. F. Benson was the younger brother of A.C. Benson, who wrote the words to "Land of Hope and Glory", Robert Hugh Benson, author of several novels and Roman Catholic apologetic works, and Margaret Benson, an author and amateur Egyptologist.

Benson died during 1940 of throat cancer at the University College Hospital, London. He is buried in the cemetery at Rye, East Sussex.

Last paragraph from Wikipedia

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much Grier for this. It's such a lovely book that I measured it out. More personal than As We Were, you get a bit more insight into his personal philosophy (I enjoyed his musings on biography writing, particularly CB, and also his thoughts about and acceptance of growing older and the limitations it brings) And of course it's jam packed full of witty anecdotes and also stories about his astounding family. He writes so beautifully and honestly and even this is examined. Its poignant that this was delivered to the publisher just 10 days before he died. The perfect wrap up.

[Grier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this six stars if I could. This is more personal than As We Were and just a lovely book. I really want to visit Rye.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benson's autobiography will be of interest to his fans as well as those interested in Victorian and Edwardian times. He came from a remarkable family of eccentrics -- his father was the Archbishop of Canterbury -- all highly intelligent and voracious readers and writers. What stands out in this book, which he turned over to his publisher ten days before his death, is his strong attachment to family and friends and devotion to his work.

[Natalie Bayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exquisitely written, humorous and entertaining insight into the world and frankly peculiar family that shaped this most marvellous writer. Fascinating to discover the real life elements he wove into his novels, and a unique perspective of society life in the early 20th century. I enjoyed this a great deal

[Karl Kraus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A frequently fascinating account of Benson's age, but one shouldn't be surprised by how little Benson actually talks about himself. Anti-autobiography at its finest!