Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1880 Excerpt:...intellect, the wealth of thought at her command, and her correct criticisms, had a powerful attraction tor all who came in contact with her. Everything about her was poetic and beautiful, and her innate tact and delicacy had given to her character such a harmonious finish that her influence upon everyone was soothing and beneficent. Far from the wild, rushing stream of a stormy life in the world, in the entire seclusion of the domestic circle, loved and guided by a tender mother, Julie early became susceptible to all noble influences which stir the soul. Poetry and music stand in a two-fold relation to human culture,--'that of form, since by clothing imagination in rhythmical expression, they seek to bring truth and instruction nearer,--and that of substance, because, seeking always what is sublimest and most beautiful, they endeaver to appropriate to man what is highest in his nature. But they do still more. They keep it always before his eyes that he must make passing enj lyment secondary to lasting satisfaction, the material to the spiritual, and, in the conflict of inclinations and duties, must, 1y conquering self, and rising above what is low, sacrifice everything to nobility and purity of thought. Amid such ideas Julie grew up and became not exactly a poetess and virtuoso, but rather a charming votary of poetry and music. She devoted herself to both arts with her pure, girlish heart, and pursued them with much taste for her enjoyment and higher culture. Therefore, in a short time her widowed mother had left her quiet retreat in the country, and had come with her daughter to Vienna, which might, at that time, have been called a high-school of music. Both found the warmest reception in Count Gallenberg's family, Julie's mother and the old Countess Galle...