On the Old Road Vol. 1 (of 2) A Collection of Miscellaneous Essays and Articles on Art and Literature

"On the Old Road, Vol. 1" by John Ruskin is a collection of miscellaneous essays and articles on art and literature, written in the late 19th century. This volume serves as the first part of a broader exploration of artistic themes, touching on topics such as art history, criticism, and the principles of the Pre-Raphaelites. The compilation reflects Ruskin’s deep engagement with the artistic movements of his time and offers insights into the cultural and aesthetic values at play in 19th-century society. The opening of this work introduces an autobiographical reminiscence where Ruskin reflects on his formative years as a writer under the mentorship of W. H. Harrison, his first editor. In a nostalgic tone, he recounts their friendship and Harrison's rigorous standards for grammatical accuracy, which shaped Ruskin’s writing style. The text reveals Ruskin's insecurities and aspirations as he transitioned from a budding poet to a recognized art critic, setting the stage for a more extensive discussion on art and critical thought that follows in the subsequent essays. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Ruskin was an English polymath – a writer, lecturer, art historian, art critic, draughtsman and philanthropist of the Victorian era. He wrote on subjects as varied as art, architecture, political economy, education, museology, geology, botany, ornithology, literature, history, and myth.