An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

Eminent Victorians

Author: Lytton Strachey

Referenced in 4 episodes

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Episodes Referencing This Book

December 29, 2022

Context:

Referenced in discussion of General Gordon, noting that Strachey 'made him one of the eminent Victorians and kind of laughed at him'

January 25, 2022

Context:

Referenced multiple times as a biography of Gordon that the hosts have listened to. Described as 'so damning of him, so negative' yet also containing phrases expressing admiration. Strachey's essay on Gordon in this book is discussed as bringing out Gordon's self-perception as a kind of messiah figure.

January 24, 2022

Context:

Discussed as a famous collection of biographies that 'skewered' Gordon and other Victorian figures including Dr. Arnold, Florence Nightingale, and Cardinal Manning. Referenced multiple times throughout the episode as a source that portrayed Gordon critically.

February 15, 2021

Context:

Referenced when discussing how long after historical events writers typically begin examining them. Dominic notes Strachey wrote this about 20-30 years after the Victorian era, using it as an example of gaining perspective on recent history.