Hugh Miller Criticism
Hugh Miller (1802-1856) was a multi-faceted Scottish author, renowned for his contributions to nonfiction, journalism, and literary natural history. His works, such as The Old Red Sandstone and Foot-prints of the Creator, exemplify his blend of scientific inquiry, particularly geology, and literary prowess, as explored by W. M. Mackenzie. Born in Cromarty, Miller's life was shaped by his family's seafaring and religious traditions. Despite leaving school early due to disciplinary issues, he cultivated a profound love of literature and science. His career as a stonemason inspired his first literary endeavors and deepened his geological interests, leading to significant correspondences with noted geologists and the eventual publication of influential geological observations.
As the editor of The Witness, Miller expanded the publication to cover a broad range of topics, from theology to politics, which George Rosie notes included international issues like the guillotine in Constantinople. His editorial work at The Witness highlighted his commitment to social reform and church policies, though his candid views often clashed with the Free Church of Scotland. Health issues, exacerbated by years as a stonemason, along with mental health struggles, culminated in his tragic death by suicide.
Miller's major works, including his autobiography My Schools and Schoolmasters, reflect his deep religious convictions and efforts to reconcile these with scientific discoveries. His writings are seen as an early precursor to self-help literature, as discussed by Hanham and Shortland. Critics like James G. Paradis and Lynn L. Merrill laud his attention to natural description and the integration of scientific and literary elements, which made his works enduringly popular. Furthermore, David Alston regards his contributions to Scottish folklore as significant, praising his depth of exploration in local traditions. As celebrated in Hugh Miller and His Centenary, Miller's works are seminal in the development of literary natural history and continue to be esteemed for their engaging style and thematic complexity.
Contents
- Principal Works
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Essays
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Hugh Miller and His Centenary
(summary)
In the following essay, Clarke assesses Miller's reputation in his native Scotland and in America on the one hundredth anniversary of his birth.
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Literary Style
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Mackenzie analyzes Miller's prose style and the literary models that influenced his development as a writer.
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Hugh Miller: A Biography
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Rosie discusses Miller's editorship of the Witness.
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Hugh Miller and Evocative Geology
(summary)
In the following essay, Merrill maintains that Miller's The Old Red Sandstone appealed to Victorian readers because of its attention to the particulars of natural description.
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Introduction to Hugh Miller's Memoir: From Stonemason to Geologist
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Hanham and Shortland discuss Miller's autobiography and its relationship to the emerging field of self-help literature.
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The Natural Historian as Antiquary of the World: Hugh Miller and the Rise of Literary Natural History
(summary)
In the following essay, Paradis examines Scenes and Legends, The Old Red Sandstone and Footprints of the Creator.
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The Fallen Meteor: Hugh Miller and Local Tradition
(summary)
In the following essay, Alston emphasizes Miller's analytical and literary contributions as a folklorist of Scottish legends, myths, and stories.
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Hugh Miller and His Centenary
(summary)
- Further Reading