Froude

frood, James Anthony (1818-1894), an eminent English writer. The Froude family has been connected with the Church of England for generations. James Anthony was educated at the University of Oxford. In 1892 he succeeded the historian Freeman as regius professor of modern history in that institution. During a long and busy life he wrote many books, including a score or two that find place in public libraries. His most noted work is the History of England from the Fall of Wolsey to the Death of Elizabeth. It is popularly known as Froude's History of England. Its appearance created a sensation. The writer appeared to take a delight in shocking the prejudices of his readers. His style is brilliant, but he writes with a degree of prejudice unbecoming a historian. The principal characters in the period which he covers are Henry VIII, Elizabeth, and Queen Mary. His attitude toward Queen Mary is exceedingly hostile. Even those who do not approve her methods feel that he has not done her justice. He aims to vindicate the much married Henry VIII, but the popular verdict is that he has placed Henry in too favorable a light. His estimate of Elizabeth is accepted as his best work. It is pretty well agreed that in her case he has been fair.

Froude was an intimate friend of the Carlyles. Manuscripts and letters were turned over to him for such use as he might deem proper. His Reminiscences of Thomas Carlyle and Memorials of Jane Carlyle have given rise to a great deal of controversy. They give an inside view of the Carlyle family, and are read with the deepest interest. Some readers take the view that the private life of eminent people, like the Carlyles, should not be made public. Others sustain Froude in his position that the public is entitled to have all that is known of the lives of celebrated people.

See Freeman; Macaulay; Lingard; Green; Hallam; Hume; Clarendon