John Churton Collins

Full Name and Common Aliases

John Churton Collins is often referred to by his initials, J.C.C.

Birth and Death Dates

Born on November 25, 1848, in Hereford, England; died on March 4, 1916.

Nationality and Profession(s)

Collins was a British literary critic, scholar, and author. He held various academic positions throughout his career, including lecturer at University College London and Professor of English Literature at King's College London.

Early Life and Background

John Churton Collins was born into a family of modest means in Hereford, England. His father, John Collins, was an attorney who valued education highly and instilled in his son a love for literature from an early age. Collins' mother, Eliza Churton Collins, came from a family of clerics and encouraged her children's intellectual pursuits.

Collins demonstrated exceptional academic ability from the start, attending Hereford Cathedral School before proceeding to King's College London, where he excelled in classical languages and literature. His scholarly inclinations led him to pursue a career as a literary critic and scholar.

Major Accomplishments

Throughout his long and distinguished career, Collins made significant contributions to the fields of English literature and criticism. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:

Editing the _Quarterly Review_ from 1877 to 1896, where he showcased his acumen as a literary critic.
Publishing numerous scholarly articles and essays on authors such as Shakespeare, Milton, and Wordsworth.
Writing several books, including _The Study of Poetry_ (1888) and _Shakespeare's England_ (1905).

Notable Works or Actions

Collins' most notable works include:

The Study of Poetry (1888)

In this influential book, Collins argued for a more nuanced understanding of poetry, emphasizing the importance of context and historical background in interpreting literary works.

Shakespeare's England (1905)

This comprehensive study explores Shakespeare's life and times, providing valuable insights into the cultural and social context that shaped his writing.

Impact and Legacy

John Churton Collins' impact on the field of English literature is multifaceted:

His scholarly articles and books helped shape the way scholars understood literary works from Shakespeare to Wordsworth.
* As an editor of the _Quarterly Review_, Collins played a crucial role in shaping public opinion on matters related to literature, culture, and politics.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Collins' quotes are often cited due to his insightful comments on literary works, historical context, and cultural significance. His thought-provoking essays continue to inspire scholars and readers alike.

His contributions to the field of English literature have had a lasting impact on our understanding of Shakespeare, Milton, and other major authors.