Clement King Shorter

Clement King Shorter
Clement King Shorter (1857–1926) was a British journalist, literary critic, and editor, known for his work on prominent publications like "The Illustrated London News" and "The Sphere." He was a passionate literary enthusiast, particularly of the works of the Brontë sisters, and wrote extensively about them. Shorter authored and edited several important books, including "Charlotte Brontë and Her Circle," which contributed significantly to Brontë scholarship. His other works include biographies and critical studies of prominent literary figures, making him a key figure in late 19th and early 20th-century English literary culture.

Author's Books:


PRELIMINARY: MRS. GASKELL In the whole of English biographical literature there is no book that can compare in widespread interest with the Life of Charlotte Brontë by Mrs. Gaskell.  It has held a position of singular popularity for forty years; and while biography after biography has come and gone, it still commands a place side by side with Boswell’s Johnson and Lockhart’s Scott.  As far as... more...

PREFATORY The following addresses were delivered at the request of various literary societies and commemorative committees.  They amused me to write, and they apparently interested the audiences for which they were primarily intended.  Perhaps they do not bear an appearance in print.  But they are not for my brother-journalists to read nor for the judicious men of letters.  I prefer to think that... more...

PREFACE I have to express my indebtedness first of all to the executors of Henrietta MacOubrey, George Borrow's stepdaughter, who kindly placed Borrow's letters and manuscripts at my disposal. To the survivor of these executors, a lady who resides in an English provincial town, I would particularly wish to render fullest acknowledgment did she not desire to escape all publicity and forbid me... more...