The Transformation of Intellectual Life in Victorian England

by Thomas William Heyck

. 1982, bright clean copy, with some wear to dustjacket, no markings, Professional booksellers since 1981

Genres: History

262 pages, Hardcover

First published March 18, 1982

Reviews

[Supriyo Chaudhuri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I took forever to read, not because it's difficult - it is exceptionally well written and engaging - but because it's such a treasure trove of ideas, personalities and narratives. The book tells the story of transformation of intellectual life in England in the Victorian era, as technological progress, social change and expansion of literacy, as well as the new prestige of natural science and the reform of the universities, transformed what was a small group of men of letters well integrated with the society and reading public to a specialised and professionalised group of 'intellectuals' unconcerned with daily life and from the general public. An out of print and rare to find book indeed, but it's subject and analysis seems exceptionally relevant to the issues of today, as we are debating the roles of 'experts', knowledge and of universities all over again.