Robert Browning: How to Know Him

William Lyon Phelps (1865-1943) was an eminent American educator, literary critic, and devoted advocate of the joys of reading. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Phelps earned his B.A. in 1887 and Ph.D. in 1891 from Yale University. During his tenure at Yale, he achieved the rank of Lampson Professor of English Literature and proved to be an inspirational figure in the classroom, passionately instilling the love of literature in generations of students. Phelps was not only a proponent of lifelong learning and reading but was also an engaging speaker and frequent lecturer, thereby extending his educational reach beyond academic walls. Phelps authored numerous books throughout his career, bringing keen introspection and scholarship to a wide readership. Notable among his works is 'Robert Browning: How to Know Him' (1915), which provides an accessible and insightful examination of Browning's work, offering readers interpretative keys to unlock the essence of the poet's dense and dramatic literary style. Phelps's literary style itself is characterized by clarity, enthusiasm, and a compelling conversational tone, making his scholarly work inviting to both casual readers and serious students of literature. As a critic, Phelps is remembered for his sincere appreciation of the moral dimension of literature and his belief in the transformative power of great books.