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The Autobiography of Mark Rutherford: Dissenting Minister
The Autobiography of Mark Rutherford (1881) has long been recognized as one of the minor classics of Victorian fiction. William Hale White, himself an apostate from Calvinism, recounts the compelling story of a young Dissenting clergyman who loses his faith and is forced to rebuild his life in the sceptical atmosphere of London (often known in his day as 'the modern Babylon'). As W. H. Massingham once remarked, 'Since Bunyan, English Puritanism has produced one imaginative genius of the highest order', and White, better than any of his contemporaries recreates the lost world of the Nonconformist chapel in nineteenth-century England. This edition also includes the short story 'A Mysterious Portrait', and two essays 'Notes on the Book of Job' and 'Principles'.
266 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1881
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 23, 2025
I enjoyed reading his perspective on life experiences that still trouble us today. It was interesting reading about the daily life and experiences of someone from 100+ years ago. I wish it didn’t end so abruptly and I got to hear more of his story and enjoy a conclusion from him personally.
September 13, 2022
a compelling read for students of Victorian literature. Deals with religious dissent and class issues.
December 8, 2015
It's the story of a soul cut free from any anchor. He chose to turn from a belief in the solid Word of God and floundered badly in a hopeless philosophy he created for himself. It's a very clear look at the despair of those who turn from the revealed God of the Bible, but it is utterly without hope.
White writes very well. His descriptions of the times and the places he was familiar with are very clear and interesting, but the hopelessness is so clear.
I haven't read the sequels to this, but if they continue on in this vein it's not worth the read.
White writes very well. His descriptions of the times and the places he was familiar with are very clear and interesting, but the hopelessness is so clear.
I haven't read the sequels to this, but if they continue on in this vein it's not worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews