Roden Noel, English poet, critic, biographer, philosopher, humanitarian, and travel writer, was the youngest son of Charles Noel, Lord Barham, who became the first Earl of Gainsborough (second creation), and Lady Frances (Jocelyn) Noel, the daughter of the third Earl of Roden. At age twelve he was enrolled at Harrow; at fourteen, he went to Hindon in Wiltshire to study under the Reverend Charles Harbin, a private tutor. During his live-year residence in Hindon, he developed a strong interest in philosophy. At the age of twenty, he entered Trinity College, Cambridge, with the intention of studying for clerical duties.

During his college years, Noel made many trips with his parents to Italy, Germany, and France. In 1858 he graduated with the master's degree. After graduation he traveled alone for two years in the Mid-east, including Egypt, Nubia, Palestine, Palmyra, Lebanon, Greece, and Turkey. From these travel experiences he derived...