Recollections of Dante Gabriel Rossetti

"Recollections of Dante Gabriel Rossetti" by Sir Hall Caine is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The book represents a collection of personal reflections, letters, and critical observations surrounding the life and character of the renowned artist and poet, Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The narrative delves into Rossetti's experiences, friendships, and artistic contributions, providing readers with insights into his psyche and the influences that shaped his work. The opening of this work sets the stage for a deep exploration of Rossetti's life, beginning with his illness and the friendship he developed with Caine through correspondence. The conversation between them hints at the significance of their relationship and Caine's intention to compile Rossetti's letters and recollections as a tribute. Through Caine’s voice, we learn about Rossetti's character—his struggles, artistic aspirations, and the complexities of his nature, establishing a foundation for the more detailed accounts of Rossetti’s personal and artistic journey that follow in the subsequent chapters. The introduction not only contextualizes Rossetti’s life within the artistic movements of his time but also foreshadows the emotional depth and nuance that will characterize this portrayal of the iconic figure. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Thomas Henry Hall Caine, usually known as Hall Caine, was a British novelist, dramatist, short story writer, poet and critic of the late 19th and early 20th century. Caine's popularity during his lifetime was unprecedented. He wrote 15 novels on subjects of adultery, divorce, domestic violence, illegitimacy, infanticide, religious bigotry and women's rights, became an international literary celebrity, and sold a total of ten million books. Caine was the most highly paid novelist of his day. The Eternal City is the first novel to have sold over a million copies worldwide. In addition to his books, Caine is the author of more than a dozen plays and was one of the most commercially successful dramatists of his time; many were West End and Broadway productions. Caine adapted seven of his novels for the stage. He collaborated with leading actors and managers, including Wilson Barrett, Viola Allen, Herbert Beerbohm Tree, Louis Napoleon Parker, Mrs Patrick Campbell, George Alexander, and Arthur Collins. Most of Caine's novels were adapted into silent black and white films. A. E. Coleby's 1923 18,454 feet, nineteen-reel film The Prodigal Son became the longest commercially made British film. Alfred Hitchcock's 1929 film The Manxman, is Hitchcock's last silent film.