English Poet Alfred Austin

Alfred Austin DL (30 May 1835 – 2 June 1913) was a notable English poet who ascended to the prestigious position of Poet Laureate in 1896. His appointment came after a period of uncertainty following the death of the esteemed Alfred Lord Tennyson, during which other potential candidates either sparked controversy or declined the honor.

Austin’s elevation to Poet Laureate was perceived by some as a political reward for his support of the Conservative leader Lord Salisbury in the 1895 General Election. Although Austin held this esteemed title, his poetry has largely faded from contemporary memory, with his most enduring works being prose idylls that celebrate nature.

Critic Wilfred Scawen Blunt remarked on Austin’s intellectual prowess, noting his sharp reasoning and extensive knowledge in theology and science, while simultaneously expressing surprise at the perceived mediocrity of his poetry.

Early Life and Education

Alfred Austin was born on 30 May 1835 in Headingley, near Leeds, into a Roman Catholic family. His father, Joseph Austin, was a successful merchant based in Leeds, and his mother was the sister of Joseph Locke, a distinguished civil engineer and Member of Parliament for Honiton. This familial connection to Locke likely provided Austin with early exposure to both commerce and public service.

Austin received his education at several esteemed institutions. He attended Stonyhurst College in Clitheroe, Lancashire, known for its rigorous academic standards and strong Catholic heritage. He continued his studies at St Mary’s College, Oscott, further solidifying his educational foundation. In 1853, Austin graduated from the University of London, equipping him with the knowledge and credentials to pursue a professional career.

Transition from Law to Literature

Initially, Austin embarked on a legal career, becoming a barrister in 1857. However, his path took a significant turn when he inherited a substantial fortune from his uncle. This financial windfall allowed him to abandon his legal pursuits and dedicate himself to literature and poetry. This shift marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to the literary arts.

In addition to his literary endeavors, Austin ventured into politics. He stood as a Conservative Party candidate for Taunton in 1865 and Dewsbury in 1880, though he was unsuccessful in both attempts, finishing in fourth place in Taunton. His political ambitions, however, did not wane, and he remained actively involved in conservative circles.

Career in Journalism and Editing

Alfred Austin’s conservative leanings were evident in his editorial and journalistic work. Between 1866 and 1896, he served as the editor of the National Review, a prominent conservative publication. During this period, he also wrote leading articles for The Standard, a well-regarded newspaper of the time.

His role extended beyond mere editorial duties; he was actively engaged in reporting on foreign affairs, serving as the Foreign Affairs Correspondent for The Standard.

Austin’s journalistic prowess was further demonstrated when he acted as a special correspondent during significant historical events, including the Ecumenical Council of the Vatican in 1870, the Franco-Prussian War at the Headquarters of the King of Prussia in 1870, and the Congress of Berlin in 1878.

His coverage of these events included an audience with German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, showcasing his influential position in journalistic circles.

Austin was a staunch imperialist and a dedicated follower of Benjamin Disraeli, the prominent Conservative statesman. In 1883, he co-edited the National Review with W. J. Courthope and took over as the sole editor in 1887, a position he held until his appointment as Poet Laureate in 1896. His editorial work was marked by his unwavering support for conservative policies and his advocacy for the British Empire.

Appointment as Poet Laureate

The vacancy for Poet Laureate emerged following the death of Alfred Lord Tennyson in 1892. At that time, the literary landscape was such that few living poets were considered worthy of the esteemed position. Figures like Algernon Charles Swinburne and William Morris were deemed unsuitable for various reasons, leading to a prolonged period without a new Poet Laureate.

During this interregnum, multiple candidates were considered, but none were selected until 1896, when Alfred Austin was appointed to the role after William Morris declined the honor.

Austin’s appointment was controversial. Critics argued that his selection was influenced more by his political connections and editorial prominence than by his poetic merit. Sir Owen Seaman, in his poem “To Mr Alfred Austin” from In Cap and Bells (1900), suggested that Austin’s rise was facilitated by his ties to the Conservative establishment, particularly highlighting his association with Lord Salisbury.

Edmund Broadus, a contemporary critic, further elaborated on this perspective, asserting that Austin’s friendship with Lord Salisbury, his influential position as an editor, and his willingness to use his poetry to support the government were significant factors in his appointment.

For instance, Austin published a sonnet titled “A Vindication of England” shortly before his appointment, which defended Lord Salisbury’s government against accusations of abandoning Armenia to Turkish massacres. This alignment with political interests was seen by some as compromising the artistic integrity expected of a Poet Laureate.

Despite his appointment, Austin’s reputation among his literary peers was mixed. Many did not hold his poetic talents in high regard, often dismissing his work as mediocre. He was sometimes derogatorily referred to as a “Banjo Byron,” a nickname suggesting a lack of seriousness and depth in his poetic endeavors.

Personal Life and Marriage

On 14 November 1865, Alfred Austin married Hester Jane Homan-Mulock at St Marylebone Parish Church in London. Hester was the tenth child of Thomas Homan-Mulock and Frances Sophia Berry. Their courtship, as recounted in Austin’s autobiography, was somewhat serendipitous. Upon seeing a photograph of Hester in an album belonging to his friend Isa Blagden during a visit to Florence, Austin inquired about her identity. The reply he received suggested that Hester was someone he should consider marrying if possible. This led to a letter of introduction and subsequent visits to Hertfordshire, where Austin met Hester, her sister, their chaperone, and their friend Thomas Adolphus Trollope, brother of the famous novelist Anthony Trollope. These encounters ultimately led to their engagement and marriage.

Hester played a significant role in Austin’s literary and journalistic career, providing constant support and assistance. Their marriage produced three children: a son, Philip Sidney, born on 2 February 1857, who later emigrated to Australia, and two daughters, Gertrude and Florence Mabel. Gertrude married Ian Forbes Robertson and was the mother of Beatrice Forbes-Robertson Hale, a notable actress and theatrical manager. Florence Mabel married Edward Mansel Sympson of Lincoln in 1888. Hester survived Alfred, passing away on 1 February 1910 in Kensington, three years after Austin’s death.

Later Life and Death

Alfred Austin continued his literary and journalistic pursuits until his later years. He served as Deputy-Lieutenant for Herefordshire, reflecting his standing in society and his continued involvement in public affairs. Austin remained active in literary circles, maintaining connections with influential figures in the arts and politics.

He passed away on 2 June 1913 at Swinford Old Manor in Hothfield, near Ashford, Kent, after a period of illness. His final resting place is on the eastern side of Highgate Cemetery, a renowned burial site for many of London’s eminent personalities. In recognition of his contributions, a posthumous portrait in oils painted by Margaret Grose was gifted to the Garrick Club in 1912 by his friend Henry Benjamin Wheatley.

Literary Contributions and Works

Alfred Austin’s literary output was substantial, encompassing both poetry and critical works. Despite his relatively limited recognition today, his contributions during his lifetime were significant, particularly in the realm of dramatic criticism and theatre history.

Poetry

Austin’s poetry is characterized by its focus on nature and prose idylls, which celebrate the natural world in a serene and picturesque manner. His most recognized works include:

• “The Season: a Satire” (1861): This early work marked Austin’s first notable foray into poetry and fiction. The collection showcased his wit and observational skills, earning him some recognition for his poetic promise.
• “The Poetry of the Period” (1870): A critical volume that employed satire to critique contemporaneous poets such as Tennyson, Browning, Matthew Arnold, and Swinburne. While the book sparked discussion, its unbalanced and harsh judgments led Austin to later regret its tone, resulting in its withdrawal from circulation in 1873.

Despite his initial criticisms of other poets, Austin’s own poetic style was appreciated by some contemporaries. Walter Whyte, a literary critic, praised Austin’s “purity” of style, noting his clear and unaffected English. Whyte appreciated the freshness and vividness in Austin’s descriptions of nature, particularly his evocative portrayals of English landscapes. George Saintsbury, another critic, acknowledged that while Austin may not have deserved the Poet Laureate position, he was a “vigorous and accomplished writer of prose” and demonstrated competence in poetic forms, producing works like “Prince Lucifer” and “The Human Tragedy.”

Dramatic Criticism and Theatre History

Beyond his poetic endeavors, Alfred Austin was a significant figure in dramatic criticism and theatre history. His role as a critic for prominent publications such as the National Review, The Standard, and later the Daily Graphic allowed him to influence public opinion on contemporary theatre. His critiques were known for their depth and fairness, providing insightful analyses of plays, performances, and theatrical trends.

Austin’s contributions extended to historical scholarship, particularly through his extensive work on the Dictionary of National Biography (DNB). He was the primary contributor of biographies of actors for both the first edition and the first supplement of the DNB, authoring over 500 articles. These biographies were instrumental in documenting the lives and careers of numerous actors, ensuring their legacies were preserved for future generations.

Among his notable works are:

• “Theatrical Notes 1874-1879” (1893): A compilation of Austin’s articles from the Athenæum, offering insights into the drama and theatre of that period.
• “Roscius Anglicanus” (1886): Edited by Austin, this work by John Downes provided a historical account of English theatre, which Austin made more accessible to contemporary readers through his editing efforts.
• “The Life of Rossetti” (1887): Part of the “Great Writers” series, this biography focused on Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a key figure in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, highlighting Austin’s ability to capture the essence of influential literary and artistic personalities.

Editorial Work

In addition to his critical and historical writings, Austin served as the editor of Notes and Queries from July 1883 until his death. This scholarly journal focused on literary and historical questions, and under Austin’s leadership, it maintained its reputation for intellectual rigor and insightful discourse.

Political Involvement and Influence

Alfred Austin’s political activities were deeply intertwined with his literary career. As a committed Conservative, he used his platforms in the National Review and The Standard to advocate for conservative policies and support the British Empire. His political stance was evident in his poetry, particularly in works that defended or promoted governmental actions and imperialist ideals.

One notable example of his political poetry is the sonnet “A Vindication of England,” written in response to criticisms of Lord Salisbury’s government. This poem defended Salisbury’s policies regarding Armenia and countered accusations of governmental betrayal, illustrating how Austin leveraged his poetic talents to support political causes.

His close association with Lord Salisbury and his influential position as an editor were significant factors in his appointment as Poet Laureate. Critics like Edmund Broadus argued that Austin’s selection was less about his poetic merit and more about his political connections and willingness to use his poetry in service of the government.

Reception and Criticism

Alfred Austin’s work received mixed reviews from his contemporaries. While some appreciated his clear and graceful poetic style, others criticized the substance and originality of his poetry. Wilfred Scawen Blunt’s critique encapsulates this sentiment, highlighting Austin’s intellectual capabilities but questioning the quality of his poetic output.

His appointment as Poet Laureate was met with skepticism and criticism from many in the literary community. Some viewed it as a politically motivated decision rather than one based on literary excellence. His poetry, often perceived as unremarkable and overly aligned with political agendas, failed to secure a lasting place in the canon of English literature.

However, his contributions to dramatic criticism and theatre history were more widely recognized and appreciated. His extensive work on the DNB and his critical writings provided valuable insights into the development of English theatre, ensuring that his legacy in this field remained more enduring than his poetic achievements.

Personal Attributes and Legacy

Alfred Austin was known for his intellectual engagement and his ability to navigate both literary and political spheres effectively. His commitment to conservative principles and his active role in promoting and critiquing theatre made him a prominent figure in his time. Despite the criticisms of his poetry, his influence as a critic and historian was significant, shaping public perceptions of contemporary theatre and preserving the histories of notable actors through his biographical contributions.

Austin’s personal life was marked by a supportive marriage to Hester Jane Homan-Mulock, who played a crucial role in his professional endeavors. Their family connections extended into various notable circles, with his nephews including polar explorer Captain George Mulock and British diplomat Sir Howard William Kennard, reflecting the family’s broader engagement in public and international affairs.

Upon his death in 1913, Austin left behind a legacy as a dedicated critic and historian, even if his poetry did not achieve enduring acclaim. His efforts in documenting and analyzing the theatrical arts provided a foundation for future scholarship in English theatre history, ensuring that his contributions were remembered within those specialized fields.

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Conclusion

Alfred Austin’s life was a blend of literary ambition, political engagement, and dedicated scholarship. Born into a family with commercial and political connections, he leveraged his education and inherited wealth to pursue a career in literature and journalism.

His appointment as Poet Laureate, though controversial and criticized for its political undertones, marked the pinnacle of his literary recognition. However, it was his extensive work in dramatic criticism and theatre history, particularly his contributions to the Dictionary of National Biography, that solidified his enduring legacy.

While his poetry may not have secured a lasting place in the broader literary canon, Austin’s role as a critic and historian significantly influenced the understanding and appreciation of English theatre in the 19th century. His balanced critiques, historical documentation, and editorial leadership demonstrated his commitment to the arts and his ability to shape cultural discourse.