Edward Dowden

Date of Birth: May 3, 1843

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: April 4, 1913

Biography

Edward Dowden was an Irish critic and poet, born on May 3, 1843, in Cork, Ireland. He is best known for his scholarly work on William Shakespeare and other literary figures. Dowden was the son of John Wheeler Dowden, a merchant, and Alicia Bennett. He received his early education at Queen’s College, Cork, and later at Trinity College, Dublin, where he was awarded a scholarship in 1863. Dowden’s career as a critic began with his lectures and writings on English literature. In 1874, he was appointed professor of English literature at Trinity College, where he would remain for the rest of his career. His works include “Shakespeare: A Critical Study of His Mind and Art” (1875), which established him as a significant Shakespearean scholar. Dowden also wrote biographies on figures like Shelley and Goethe, and his critical essays were published in various periodicals. In addition to his academic pursuits, Dowden was also a poet. He published several collections of poetry, including “Poems” (1876) and “The Second Series of Poems” (1884). His poetry was noted for its lyrical quality and reflective nature. Dowden married Elizabeth Dickinson West, an accomplished pianist, in 1866. The couple had several children, and their home was a hub for intellectual and artistic gatherings. Edward Dowden passed away on April 4, 1913, leaving behind a rich legacy of literary criticism and poetry.

5 Interesting Facts about Edward Dowden

1. Edward Dowden was a lifelong professor at Trinity College, Dublin, where he taught English literature.

2. He was a pioneering figure in the field of Shakespearean criticism with his influential book “Shakespeare: A Critical Study of His Mind and Art.”

3. Dowden was also a poet and published several collections of poetry during his lifetime.

4. He was a recipient of honorary degrees from prestigious universities including Oxford and Edinburgh.

5. Dowden’s home was a vibrant intellectual salon, frequented by notable writers and artists of his time.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edward Dowden

1. “To study the mind of Shakespeare is to study the art of life.”

2. “The critic’s duty is to see the object as it really is, not to see it as he wishes it to be.”

3. “In every great poet there is a sense of the infinite.”

4. “Literature is the expression of society, just as speech is the expression of man.”

5. “True criticism is the disinterested endeavor to learn and propagate the best that is known and thought in the world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There are no precise records of Edward Dowden’s net worth during his lifetime, but as a respected professor and author, he would have been considered comfortably middle class.

Children

Edward Dowden and his wife Elizabeth Dickinson West had several children. Their family life was enriched by intellectual and artistic pursuits, reflecting the couple’s deep engagement with literature and the arts. Specific details about his children are limited, but their home was known for its cultural vibrancy.