Uncover the man behind the works in a candid, posthumous portrait.
This edition presents Sir Walter Besant’s autobiography with a prefatory note by S. Squire Sprigge, explaining how the manuscript was prepared for publication after Besant’s death and what revisions and additions shape the final text. Read how the author’s life, beliefs, and methods come together in this intimate, unvarnished record.
The book offers a window into Besant’s long career—from early education and colonial service to his literary breakthroughs and historical interests. The Prefatory Note frames the work as a carefully presented, though unfinished, account, shaped by editors to honor his memory while preserving his direct voice. You’ll encounter reflections on religion, criticism, travel, and the practical realities of writing in a crowded literary world.
- Insights into Besant’s approach to autobiography and his own self-critique
- Context for his religious and intellectual views, and how they evolved
- Scenes from his colonial experiences, travel, and literary collaborations
- A portrait of the editing process and how posthumous publication was handled
Ideal for readers of literary history and fans of Besant’s work who want a deeper, more personal understanding of the man behind the writing.