Philip Gilbert Hamerton: An Autobiography, 1834-1858, and a Memoir by His Wife, 1858-1894

“Philip Gilbert Hamerton” by Eugénie Hamerton and Philip Gilbert Hamerton is an autobiography combined with a memoir that recounts the author's life from 1834 to 1858, alongside additional insights provided by his wife from 1858 to 1894. Written during the late 19th century, the text weaves together personal reflections and significant life events, exploring themes of family, education, and the author's development as a writer and artist. The narrative begins with Hamerton's early childhood experiences, marked by the influence of his family and circumstances surrounding his upbringing. The opening of the autobiography introduces us to Hamerton’s motives for writing, emphasizing the importance of personal narrative and self-representation. He reflects on the significance of his early life, detailing the impact of his parents, particularly the tragic loss of his mother shortly after his birth. The narrative establishes a foundation of his childhood experiences, including the dualities of love and loss, as he recalls living with his loving aunts and later grappling with the harshness of his father's authoritarian nature. As he recounts pivotal moments—such as his father’s tumultuous behavior and eventual death—the reader gains insight into Hamerton’s complex relationship with family and his burgeoning artistic sensibilities.