Joseph Henry Shorthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Henry Shorthouse
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| Born | 9 September 1834 Birmingham, England
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| Died | 4 March 1903 (aged 68) |
| Education | Grove School, Tottenham |
Joseph Henry Shorthouse (born September 9, 1834 – died March 4, 1903) was an English writer. He wrote novels, which are long stories. His most famous book was called John Inglesant. People really liked it because it was a "philosophical romance," meaning it explored big ideas and feelings within a story. This book was about religious secrets and adventures in England during the 1600s.
Contents
About Joseph Henry Shorthouse
Joseph Henry Shorthouse was born in Birmingham, England, on September 9, 1834. He was the oldest of three sons. His father owned a factory that made chemicals. His mother's father started the first glass factory in Birmingham. Both of his families were Quakers. Quakers are a Christian group known for their simple lifestyle and peaceful beliefs.
Joseph studied at home and at Grove House School in Tottenham. After school, he became a chemical manufacturer, just like his father.
Family Life and Faith
On August 19, 1857, Joseph married his childhood friend, Sarah Scott. They got married at a Friends meeting house in Warwick.
In 1861, Joseph and Sarah joined the Church of England. This is the main Christian church in England. Joseph liked the freedom and reason he found in the Anglican church. He felt it allowed more personal thinking than some other religions.
Joseph's health started to get worse around 1900. He passed away at his home in Edgbaston on March 4, 1903. He did not have any children.
John Inglesant: A Famous Novel
Joseph Shorthouse spent ten years writing his first book, John Inglesant. He finished it in 1876. At first, it was only shared privately.
Later, a famous writer named Mrs. Humphry Ward discovered the book. She helped it get noticed by a publisher named Alexander Macmillan. He published the book for everyone to buy in 1881.
What is John Inglesant About?
John Inglesant is a story set in the 1600s. It's about religious secrets and faith during the English Civil War. The main character, John Inglesant, fights for the Royalist side. He moves between different Christian groups, including Anglicans and Catholics. A key part of the story is when he forgives the person who murdered his brother.
However, the book is not just about revenge. It's more about John's journey to understand his faith. It also shows the importance of the Anglican Church.
Why Was It So Popular?
When John Inglesant was published, it made Joseph Shorthouse famous right away. People loved the way it was written. It had a special, almost dream-like, religious feeling. It also had some very powerful scenes.
Today, many people say it's one of the best "philosophical romances" in English literature. This means it's a story that makes you think deeply about life and big ideas.
Many important people admired the book. These included scientists like T. H. Huxley and writers like Charlotte Yonge. Even the Prime Minister at the time, Gladstone, invited Shorthouse to breakfast! In its first year, the book sold 9,000 copies, which was a lot back then.
Other Books by Shorthouse
Joseph Shorthouse wrote other novels after John Inglesant. These included:
- The Little Schoolmaster Mark (1883)
- Sir Percival (1886)
- The Countess Eve (1888)
- A Teacher of the Violin (1888)
- Blanche, Lady Falaise (1891)
These books shared some of the same qualities as John Inglesant. However, they were not as successful or well-known as his first novel.
Shorthouse also wrote essays about literature. One of his essays was called "The Platonism of Wordsworth." This essay explored the ideas of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato in the poetry of William Wordsworth.
After Joseph Shorthouse passed away, his wife collected his writings. She edited and published a book called Life, Letters, and Literary Remains of J. H. Shorthouse in 1905. This book helps us learn more about his life and work.
