Sesame and Lilies' is a profound collection of lectures written by the influential Victorian art critic and social thinker, John Ruskin. The book is divided into two sections: "Of Kings' Treasuries" and "Of Queens' Gardens," each exploring distinct themes related to education, literature, and gender roles. Throughout the book, Ruskin's writing is marked by eloquence, philosophical depth, and a strong moral compass. He explores themes of social inequality, the power of literature, and the interplay between gender, education, and culture. Ruskin's prose is thought-provoking and lyrical, drawing upon a wide range of references from literature, art, and history to support his arguments. The story remains a significant work in the field of Victorian literature and social criticism. It offers readers a profound exploration of education, the role of women, and the transformative power of literature, making it a valuable read for those interested in the intellectual and cultural climate of the Victorian era.
John Ruskin was an English writer, philosopher, art critic, and polymath during the Victorian era. He lived from 8 February 1819 to 20 January 1900. He published on a wide range of topics, including political economy, myth, ornithology, literature, education, and geology. Ruskin was very interested in Viollet le Duc's work, especially his Dictionary, which he regarded to be "the only book of any value on architecture." He taught it to all of his students, including William Morris. Ruskin used a variety of literary genres and writing styles. In addition to articles and treatises, he also published poems, lectures, travel instructions, correspondence, and even a fairy tale. Additionally, he created in-depth drawings and paintings of decorations, landscapes, birds, plants, and rocks. His early writings on art were written in an ornate style that eventually gave way to simpler language that served to better convey his ideas. He highlighted the links between nature, art, and society in all of his writing.
