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Cover of And Even Now

And Even Now

Written by Max Beerbohm

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English essays

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About this book

"And Even Now" by Sir Max Beerbohm is a collection of essays written during the early 20th century. The essays reflect Beerbohm's observations and musings on various topics, encapsulating the wit and wisdom of his experiences and literary engagements over a decade. The opening portion of the book introduces a reflective essay titled "A Relic," where the narrator discovers an old portmanteau that triggers memories and evokes a sense of nostalgia. He recounts the contents of the trunk, particularly a fragment of a fan belonging to a woman named Angélique, which leads him to reminisce about a dramatic encounter he witnessed on a terrace in Normandy. The narrative explores themes of memory, longing, and the creative impulse, as the narrator contemplates the woman’s emotional turmoil and how it inspires him to pursue writing, despite his fears of inadequacy. This initial essay sets the tone for the collection, revealing Beerbohm’s keen insights into human nature and the subtleties of everyday life.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in And Even Now, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • reflective
  • witty
  • nostalgic

Sir Max Beerbohm's "And Even Now" is a captivating collection of early 20th-century essays, showcasing his keen observational wit and profound reflections on life, art, and human nature. The book delves into a variety of topics, filtered through Beerbohm's distinctive, often nostalgic, lens. The opening essay, "A Relic," exemplifies the collection's tone, as the narrator's discovery of an old portmanteau sparks a cascade of memories, particularly of a dramatic encounter in Normandy involving a woman named Angélique. This initial piece beautifully sets the stage for the book's exploration of memory, the creative process, and the subtle complexities of everyday existence, revealing Beerbohm's mastery of the essay form.

“Memory, after all, is the truest artist, painting scenes with the hues of longing and the shadows of what might have been.”

Key themes

Memory and Nostalgia
The collection, particularly 'A Relic,' deeply explores the nature of memory—how it is triggered, its subjective quality, and its power to shape our understanding of the past and present. Nostalgia is a pervasive mood, reflecting a longing for past experiences and an appreciation for their enduring impact.
The Creative Impulse and Artistic Inadequacy
Beerbohm directly addresses the wellspring of creativity, often linking it to profound emotional experiences or observations of life. He also candidly explores the accompanying self-doubt and fear of not being able to adequately capture or express these inspirations.
Observation and Human Nature
Beerbohm's essays are characterized by his keen eye for detail and his insightful observations of human behavior, emotions, and social interactions. He delves into the subtleties of everyday life to reveal deeper truths about the human condition.

Worth discussing

How does Beerbohm use the concept of 'relics' or tangible objects to trigger and explore memory? What is the psychological significance of such triggers?

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