A. C. Benson

Date of Birth: April 24, 1862

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: June 17, 1925

Biography

Arthur Christopher Benson, commonly known as A. C. Benson, was an English essayist, poet, and author, born into a distinguished literary and academic family. He was born on April 24, 1862, in Wellington College, Berkshire, England. The son of Edward White Benson, who later became the Archbishop of Canterbury, A. C. Benson was part of a family that included several notable writers and intellectuals. He was educated at Eton College and King’s College, Cambridge, where he later became a fellow and eventually the Master of Magdalene College. Benson is perhaps best known today for writing the words to the patriotic song “Land of Hope and Glory,” but his literary contributions extend far beyond this. He published numerous collections of essays and poems and kept extensive diaries that provide a fascinating insight into the literary and social circles of his time. His works often reflect his introspective nature and his preoccupation with the themes of memory and personal identity. Benson’s diaries, which span from his youth until his death, are considered some of the most detailed and comprehensive of the period. In addition to his literary pursuits, Benson was an influential educator and a significant figure in the academic world. He served as the Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, from 1915 until his death in 1925. Despite struggling with depressive episodes throughout his life, Benson remained a prolific writer and an esteemed figure in English literature and academia.

5 Interesting Facts about A. C. Benson

1. A. C. Benson wrote the lyrics to “Land of Hope and Glory,” which is one of the most famous patriotic songs in the United Kingdom.

2. He was part of a highly literary family; his brothers included E. F. Benson, author of the “Mapp and Lucia” series, and R. H. Benson, a notable Catholic priest and writer.

3. Benson’s diaries, which he kept meticulously, are some of the most extensive personal records from the early 20th century and provide valuable insights into the era.

4. He served as Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, from 1915 until his death in 1925, contributing significantly to the institution’s academic life.

5. Despite his literary success, Benson struggled with mental health issues, including periods of severe depression, throughout his life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from A. C. Benson

1. “Very often a change of self is needed more than a change of scene.”

2. “The worst sorrows in life are not in its losses and misfortunes, but its fears.”

3. “The desire to write grows with writing.”

4. “All the best stories are but one story in reality – the story of escape.”

5. “Much of the joy in life is found not in achieving great things, but in the journey and the small steps toward them.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

A. C. Benson’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a respected academic and author, he enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle characteristic of his status in Edwardian England.