Biblio-stalking

Spooky really......As I wrote in my last post, I find myself gradually acquiring the works of the theological author Frederic William Farrar (left). Farrar was a child of the British Empire, born in Bombay in 1831, educated initially in the Isle of Wight, then at King's College London and Trinity College, Cambridge. Over the years he rose from a humble schoolmaster to become the Dean of Canterbury - he is often referred to simply as Dean Farrar. His theological writings were copious - he was a humane and catholic scholar who believed, along with the church father Origen that no-one could be disqualified from redemption. Well, having purchased his 'Early Days of Christianity' just the other day, imagine my surprise when in the PDSA charity shop, there on the shelves amid the knick-knacks and single sherry glasses lay.....Farrar's 'Life of Christ', illustrated with engravings by the pre-Raphaelite artist Holman Hunt (he who painted 'The Light of the World' that hangs in St Paul's cathedral in London). Marvelling at such spooky serendipity, I took it to the counter where, for £3, it became part of my burgeoning collection.

I'll admit that his writings will certainly not be to all tastes - he is typical of the Victorian writer who writes with a great deal of sentiment and feels quite free to interpret facts and assert psychological motive. Neither is he averse to purple prose. But I rather enjoy it - it is a refreshing change from academic prose which, in its struggle to be factual and fair, often ends up as flat, dull and dry as dust. Who could resist a writer who writes

'It was natural that there should be some stir in the little household at the coming of such a Guest, and Martha, the busy, eager-heartyed, affectionate hostess, "on hospitable thoughts intent", hurried to and fro, and was distracted with excited energy to prepare for His proper entertainment. Her sister Mary, too, was anxious to receive him fittingly, but her notions of the reverence due to Him were of a different kind. Knowing that her sister was only too happy to do all that could be done for His material comfort, she, in deep humility, sat at His feet and listened to His words.'?