LIFE AND TEACHING OF JOHN RUSKIN. BY J. MARSHALL MATHER, Member of the Ruskin Society. MANCHESTER: MARKET TUBBS, BROOK, AND CHRYSTAL, 11, MARKET STREET. LONDON: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL & CO.; HAMILTON, ADAMS & CO. [All Rights Reserved.] ·7006. e. 1 PREFACE. THIS HIS book is neither a criticism nor a defence, but a brief exposition of the teachings of John Ruskin. The greater portion of it constituted a series of Lectures prepared for several of the Literary and Debating Societies in Manchester, and the arrangement is, in the main, that adopted in the Lectures. They were especially addressed to those who were seeking information about John Ruskin and his teachings, and this accounts for their elementary character. There is also a predilection about them which some may blame; the only reason I assign for this, is, that for ten years, the writings of John Ruskin have been to me a source of unspeakable delight, the secret of not a little of my endeavour, and the chief suggestive element of much of my thinking. Most men recognise a Master-or, at least, are indebted to some one teacher more than to all others— and there is, no doubt, a danger on their part of overestimating, or exclusively estimating such Master. To those who purpose a study of Ruskin's works, and would use this book as their guide, the following information as to further reference may be of service :— Facts concerning the Life of John Ruskin :—see "Fors Clavigera." |