Portrait of an Age: Victorian England

Folio Society History of England #9

by G.M. Young

This brilliant and evocative book is now widely regarded as the greatest single study of the age in any language. The late George Kitson Clark characterized it as "an historical essay of unique interest and importance." Though the book deserves to rank as a classic, its allusive style makes it rather difficult fare for the general reader. In less than two hundred pages Young paints a picture so subtle and compact that only the specialist in Victorian history can fully appreciate the value of his vivid narrative. The allusive nature of the Portrait recently sent a few dozen scholars scurrying under the guidance of Kitson Clark, to hunt down and verify its numerous references and quotations. Their exhaustive efforts have unearthed a few minor blemishes, but these fail to detract from the book's overall brilliance. Thought the Portrait is esteemed by scholars, few have noted how much the book is a reflection of its time and of the abiding cultural concerns of Young's intellectual life. In print continuously since its first appearance in 1936, this study of the Victorian era from 1837-1901 is regarded as the greatest history of that time ever written. G. M Young's remarkable survey has outstanding clarity, delicious wit, and penetrating scholarship. "An immortal classic, the greatest long essay ever written."--Simon Schama. "A magnificent piece."--Punch. "Every page is delightful reading."--Guardian. "[A] breathtaking range of scholarship, richness and aptness of language, and acid sharpness of wit."--Country Life.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, 19th Century, Victorian, Research

423 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1936

About the author

George Malcolm Young (1892-1959) was a historian best known for his essay Portrait of an Age.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vivid description of the ideas and ideals, sights and smells, of Victorian Britain.

[Owen Hatherley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Attractively sweeping and synoptic, though pompous reactionary guff.

[Zo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written with a sort of grand, pompous manner that only could spring from a mid-20th century Oxbridge pen. A style that feels as if you are being toured around some old manor, with the manor in question being “The Victorian Age.” Amusing anecdotes and charming characterizations abound; constant attempts are made to sum up the temper of the times. But all is impressionistic, and much context is assumed when he refers to the political figures of the time as if they are well known, not needing any sort of introduction. The failing is mine on that front: I just didn’t know enough about the time period in question to appreciate many of Young’s references. But when I did understand what he was on about, there wasn’t enough evidence provided or conceptual structure imposed for me to take away much.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed his sweeping historical generalizations, and the book was an interesting lens into how “the victorian age” was perceived by the early/mid 20th-century world.

[Marios Chronopoulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astonishing book.
Just finished it after an intense period of studying it in order to present it as part of an assignementn in my postgraduate studies. I was already accustomed to some of the basics and must-reads regarding the Victorian Age (Hewitt's, Steinbach's work),but Young's essay really blew me away.
It is absolutely fascinating seeing a not so distant period of history through the eyes of a man that experienced only the last part of it, nonetheless was deeply influenced by the people that affected the Victorian way of acting and thinking.
Young's essay is not a mere recollection of facts and eminent figures,it's a total recreation of the identity,culture and way of living of the Victorians and how that changed through 19th and early 20th century.
Even though I wouldn't recommend it as an introductory book to this specific period, I definitely think that any professional who wants to study this era definitely should give this book a try. It will shake you to your core.

[M.J. Raskob · Rating 5 out of 5]

G. M. Young’s Portrait of an Age ranks among the finest extended essays in the English language. It is a rare example of writing that deserves the adjective “lapidary”: nearly each sentence could be chiseled into stone. Needless to say, this essay should not be treated as a definitive history of the Victorian era—in fact, none of the judgments and characterizations Young offers here should be uncritically adopted. The style, however, it is sublime. For clarity, allusiveness, and above all elegance, it may be unsurpassed in historical writing.

[Chris McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finest essay of its sort. An elegant whirlwind through the Victorian age. It demands attention, for many names are dropped that are today forgotten(Bulwer for instance). A fine book

[Derek Henderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Practically unreadable. I found it impossible to follow Young's meandering train of thought. To quote him: "A sense of vagueness, of incoherence and indirection grows on us...". Precisely!

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and erudite overview of the Victorians and their era. A small book but challenging as a lot of it is abstruse!

[Paul Holland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 1936, this book tells you as much about the attitudes of the 1930s as it does about the Victorian age.

[Clarence Burbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extraordinary book; among the best I have ever read.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be a very general overview of the Victorian Age and therefore more suitable for a person of a younger age group.