
A classic of Victorian literature, and one of the earliest books written specifically for boys, Tom Brown's Schooldays has long had an influence well beyond the middle-class, public school world that it describes. An active social reformer, Hughes wrote with a freshness, a lack of cant, and a kind, relaxed tolerance which keeps this novel refreshingly distinct from other schoolboy adventures. This edition is the only one available, and comes with the outstanding 1869 illustrations by Arthur Hughes. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Tom Brown enters the rigid, hierarchical environment of Rugby School, where he must navigate the brutal social dynamics of nineteenth-century British public education. As he matures from a naive newcomer into a responsible leader, Tom faces the physical intimidation of bullies and the moral guidance of his mentors. The narrative follows his development through a series of episodic challenges that test his character, loyalty, and physical endurance. Written in a third-person perspective, the story emphasizes the importance of muscular Christianity and the cultivation of integrity within a structured institutional framework.
Readers and critics frequently identify this work as a foundational text in the school story genre that established many tropes still present in modern literature. Discussion often centers on the author's departure from the didactic tone common in Victorian writing, favoring a more grounded and empathetic approach to the protagonist's growth. Many highlight the effectiveness of the setting, which serves as a microcosm for the broader social values of the era. The balance between physical action and internal character development remains a primary point of interest for those examining the evolution of the bildungsroman. Scholars often note that the text provides significant insight into the historical expectations placed upon young men during the nineteenth century.
Page Count:
466
Publication Date:
2008-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0192669281
ISBN-13:
9780192669285
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