Augustus C. L. Arnold

Augustus John Cuthbert Hare (1834–1903) was an English man of letters and painter. Born in Rome, he was adopted by his aunt Maria Hare. His upbringing was influenced by the evangelical circles of his aunt and uncle, Julius Hare, and the Maurice family, though he later described his home life and education as unhappy. He was educated at Harrow School and Oxford University, where he earned degrees in 1856 and 1859. After university, he lived with his adoptive mother, Maria, and they traveled extensively in Europe. Following Maria's death in 1870, Hare became a professional author. His works include "Memorials of a Quiet Life," which explored his evangelical background and achieved considerable success, and his autobiography, "The Story of My Life," which detailed his personal unhappiness and included encounters with ghosts. Hare also distinguished himself as a travel writer, contributing to "Murray's Handbooks for Travellers" and authoring popular guides such as "Walks in Rome."

Augustus John Cuthbert Hare was born in Rome in 1834, the youngest son of Francis George Hare and Anne Frances Paul. He was adopted by his aunt, Maria Hare, following the death of his uncle, Augustus William Hare, in Rome. His childhood was marked by his aunt's strong evangelical faith, influenced by figures like Priscilla Maurice. Hare often stayed at the rectory, where he experienced strict Sunday observances and felt mistreated by his governess, Esther Hare. These early experiences, colored by a sense of personal hardship and social snobbery, significantly shaped his later writings, particularly his autobiography.

After the death of his adoptive mother, Maria, in 1870, Hare embarked on a prolific writing career. His "Memorials of a Quiet Life" (1872–1876), which chronicled the evangelical milieu of his upbringing, became a significant success, opening doors to wider social acceptance. His autobiography, "The Story of My Life" (1896–1900), offered a detailed, albeit sometimes criticized for its indiscretion, account of his life, including his devotion to Maria and his unhappiness, as well as accounts of supernatural encounters. Hare also gained recognition as a travel writer and illustrator, beginning with "Murray's Handbooks for Travellers." His "Walks in Rome" (1871) was particularly successful, going through multiple editions and earning praise for its insights into the city.

Hare made a significant contribution to travel literature, initially for John Murray's "Handbooks for Travellers." His "Walks in Rome" (1871) became a widely respected guide, lauded for its detailed exploration of the city. He authored numerous other guidebooks, often illustrated with his own woodcut sketches. While not primarily remembered as a draughtsman, his illustrations are considered a notable appendix to Victorian woodcut art. Hare found the concise style required by Murray restrictive, preferring his own lighter approach, though he sometimes incorporated verbatim passages from other authors. His work in this genre led to legal disputes over copyright with the publishing house.

“His 'Walks in Rome' remains one of the most successful books, as it well deserves to be.”

“He is not remembered as a draughtsman, but these vignettes from his sketches form a most remarkable appendix to the great body of Victorian woodcuts.”

“hard, dry and incisive”

“unreadable”