A. C. Benson

Arthur Christopher Benson (24 April, 1862 – 17 June, 1925) was one of six children of Edward White Benson, a late nineteenth-century Archbishop of Canterbury. An uncle of the family was philosopher Henry Sidgwick. The Benson family were exceptionally literate and accomplished, but their history was somewhat tragic. A son and daughter died young, and another daughter, as well as A C himself, suffered badly from a mental condition that was probably manic-depressive psychosis, which they had inherited from their father. None of the children ever married.

Related Topics:
24 April - 1862 - 17 June - 1925 - Edward White Benson - Archbishop of Canterbury - Henry Sidgwick

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Despite his illness, A C was a distinguished academic and a most prolific author. He was associated with Eton College and Magdalene College of Cambridge University. His poems and volumes of essays, such as From a College Window, were famous in his day, and he left one of the longest diaries ever written, some four million words.

Related Topics:
Eton College - Magdalene College - Cambridge University

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Today he is best remembered as the author of the words to one of Britain's best-loved patriotic songs, Land of Hope and Glory, and as a brother to novelist E. F. Benson.

Related Topics:
Land of Hope and Glory - E. F. Benson

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