Max Beerbohm

Max Beerbohm Biography

Sir Henry Maximilian "Max" Beerbohm (August 24, 1872 – May 20, 1956) was an English essayist, parodist, and caricaturist, celebrated for his sharp wit and artistic prowess. Born in London, he was the youngest of several children in a prosperous family. Beerbohm was educated at Charterhouse School and later attended Merton College, Oxford, where he began to make his mark as a humorist and dandy.

During his time at Oxford, Beerbohm contributed to publications like The Yellow Book, showcasing his talent for both writing and caricature. In 1898, he succeeded George Bernard Shaw as the drama critic for the Saturday Review, a position he held until 1910. His critiques were known for their elegance and incisiveness.

Beerbohm's only novel, Zuleika Dobson, published in 1911, is a satire of undergraduate life at Oxford and remains his most famous literary work. As a caricaturist, he was renowned for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with both affection and satire. His works are held in high regard and are part of several public collections.

In 1910, Beerbohm moved to Rapallo, Italy, where he spent much of his later life, though he remained a prominent figure in English literary and artistic circles. He was knighted in 1939 for his contributions to literature and the arts. Beerbohm passed away on May 20, 1956, in Rapallo, leaving behind a legacy of wit, artistry, and literary excellence.

Trivia About Max Beerbohm

• Beerbohm was the half-brother of the famous actor-manager Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree.
• He was known for his dandyism and was considered one of the leading figures of the aesthetic movement.
• Beerbohm's caricatures often featured prominent literary and political figures of his time.
• He was knighted in 1939 for his contributions to literature and the arts.

Famous Quotes by Max Beerbohm

• "Only mediocrity can be trusted to be always at its best. Genius must always have lapses proportionate to its triumphs."
• "You cannot make a man by standing a sheep on its hind-legs. But by standing a flock of sheep in that position you can make a crowd of men."
• "The one real goal of education is to leave a person asking questions."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Max Beerbohm?

Max Beerbohm was an English essayist, parodist, and caricaturist known for his sharp wit and artistic talent. He was a prominent figure in English literature and art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

What is 'Zuleika Dobson' about?

Zuleika Dobson is a satirical novel by Max Beerbohm that parodies undergraduate life at Oxford University, focusing on the eponymous character whose beauty causes a stir among the university's male students.

What was Max Beerbohm's contribution to caricature art?

Max Beerbohm was renowned for his caricatures that captured the personalities of prominent figures of his time with both affection and satire. His works are celebrated for their elegance and insight.

Related Literary Movements

Max Beerbohm was associated with the aesthetic movement and the decadents of the late 19th century, emphasizing art for art's sake and a focus on beauty and wit in literature and art.

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