John Churton Collins

Date of Birth: March 26, 1848

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: September 25, 1908

Biography

John Churton Collins was a distinguished English literary critic born in 1848. Renowned for his profound knowledge of English literature and his incisive critical insights, Collins significantly influenced literary criticism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Educated at King Edward’s School in Birmingham and then at Balliol College, Oxford, he dedicated his life to the study and critique of literary works. Collins was known for his thorough and sometimes severe critiques, but his work was always well-researched and respected within literary circles. He held a professorship at Birmingham University and contributed numerous essays and reviews to various literary journals. His works often focused on the importance of literary history and the evolution of literary forms, making him a pivotal figure in the academic study of literature.

5 Interesting Facts about John Churton Collins

1. John Churton Collins was a pioneer in advocating for the academic study of English literature, which was not widely accepted as a serious discipline during his early career.

2. He played a significant role in the establishment of the English Literature Department at Birmingham University.

3. Collins was a prolific writer, contributing to many leading literary journals of his time, including “The Quarterly Review” and “The Fortnightly Review.”

4. He was known for his sharp and often controversial critiques, which sometimes led to heated literary debates with his contemporaries.

5. Collins was also a Shakespearean scholar and produced several important studies on the works of William Shakespeare.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Churton Collins

1. “A critic should be a bridge between the author and the reader, not a barrier.”

2. “The true critic is not the one who merely points out what is wrong, but the one who also shows what is right.”

3. “Literature is the reflection of society, and the critic’s role is to interpret that reflection.”

4. “A deep understanding of literature requires more than just reading; it demands an exploration of the historical and cultural context in which it was created.”

5. “The power of a literary work lies not just in its words, but in the emotions and thoughts it evokes in the reader.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There are no records of John Churton Collins achieving a notable net worth; literary critics of his era were not typically wealthy individuals.

Children

John Churton Collins had four children: three daughters and one son. His son, Churton Collins, followed in his father’s academic footsteps and became a scholar.