Title:  Atlantic Monthly, Vol. 11, No. 65, March, 1863

Author:  Various

Release Date:  June 12, 2004 [EBook #12593]

Language:  English

Character set encoding:  ASCII

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THE

Atlantic monthly.

A magazine of literature, art, and politics.

VOL.  XI.—­MARCH, 1863.—­NO.  LXV.

CHRISTOPHER NORTH.

Plutarch, when about to enter upon the crowded lives of Alexander and Caesar, declares his purpose and sets forth the true nature and province of biography in these words:—­“It must be borne in mind that my design is not to write histories, but lives.  And the most glorious exploits do not always furnish us with the clearest discoveries of virtue or vice in men.  Sometimes a matter of less moment, an expression or a jest, informs us better of their characters and inclinations than the most famous sieges, the greatest armaments, or the bloodiest battles whatsoever.  Therefore, as portrait-painters are more exact in the lines and features of the face, in which character is seen, than in the other parts of the body, so I must be allowed to give my more particular attention to the marks and indications of the souls of men, and while I endeavor by these to portray their lives, may be free to leave more weighty matters and great battles to be treated of by others.”

That these general principles of biography are correct, and that Plutarch, by adhering to them, succeeded, beyond all others, in making his heroes realities, men of flesh and blood, whom we see and know like those about us, in whom we feel the warmest interest, and from whom we derive lessons of deep wisdom, as from our own experience,—­all this could best be shown by the enduring popularity of his “Lives,” and the seal of approval set upon them by critics of the most opposite schools.  What a long array of names might be presented of those who have given their testimony to the wondrous fascination of this undying Greek!—­names of the great and wise through many long centuries, men differing in age, country, religion, language, and occupation.  For ages he has charmed youth, instructed manhood, and solaced graybeards.  His heroes have become household words throughout the world.  He has been equally familiar with court, with camp, and with cottage.  He has been the companion of the soldier, the text-book of the philosopher, and the vade-mecum of kings and statesmen.  And his name even now, after the lapse of so many generations, is fresher than ever.