Thomas Hughes

Thomas Hughes

Thomas Hughes
1822 -1896

Thomas Hughes Biography

Thomas Hughes QC (October 20, 1822 – March 22, 1896) was an English lawyer, judge, politician, and author, best known for his novel Tom Brown's School Days (1857). Born in Uffington, Berkshire, Hughes was the son of John Hughes, a clergyman and author. He attended Rugby School from 1834 to 1842, where he was influenced by the school's headmaster, Thomas Arnold, an experience that would later inspire his most famous work.

After Rugby, Hughes studied at Oriel College, Oxford, graduating in 1845. He pursued a legal career, becoming a barrister and later a Queen's Counsel. Hughes was also active in politics, serving as a Liberal Member of Parliament for Lambeth from 1865 to 1868 and for Frome from 1868 to 1874. His political and social beliefs were deeply influenced by Christian socialism, and he was involved in various social reform movements, including the cooperative movement and the establishment of the Working Men's College in London.

In 1857, Hughes published Tom Brown's School Days, a semi-autobiographical novel that portrayed life at Rugby School. The book was a significant success, running into nearly 50 editions by 1890, and it helped popularize the ideology of Muscular Christianity, which advocated for the combination of physical strength and religious piety. Hughes later wrote a sequel, Tom Brown at Oxford (1861), though it did not achieve the same level of acclaim.

Beyond his literary and political endeavors, Hughes attempted to put his social principles into practice by founding a utopian community in the United States. In 1880, he established the town of Rugby in Tennessee, aiming to create a class-free, agrarian society. Despite initial enthusiasm, the settlement faced numerous challenges and eventually declined.

Thomas Hughes passed away on March 22, 1896, in Brighton, Sussex. He is remembered for his contributions to literature, education, and social reform, and his works continue to be read and appreciated for their insights into Victorian society and values.

Trivia About Thomas Hughes

  • Hughes was a co-founder of the Working Men's College in London, an institution aimed at providing education to the working class.
  • He was a strong advocate for the cooperative movement and supported the establishment of cooperative societies.
  • Hughes' sister, Jane Senior, was the first female civil servant in Britain.
  • He wrote under the pseudonym "An Old Boy."

Famous Quotes by Thomas Hughes

  • "Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God's best gifts."
  • "He is the greatest artist who has embodied, in the sum of his works, the greatest number of the greatest ideas."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Thomas Hughes?

Thomas Hughes was an English lawyer, judge, politician, and author, best known for his novel Tom Brown's School Days, which depicted life at Rugby School and promoted the ideals of Muscular Christianity.

What is 'Tom Brown's School Days' about?

Tom Brown's School Days is a semi-autobiographical novel that portrays the experiences of a young boy at Rugby School, emphasizing the development of character, sportsmanship, and moral integrity.

What was the Rugby, Tennessee settlement?

Rugby, Tennessee, was a utopian community founded by Thomas Hughes in 1880, intended to be a class-free, agrarian society. Despite initial interest, the settlement faced difficulties and eventually declined.

Related Literary Movements

Thomas Hughes is associated with the Victorian literature movement, particularly the genre of school novels. His works also reflect the principles of Muscular Christianity, which emphasized the combination of physical strength and religious faith.

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Thomas Hughes books

TitlePublished
Tom Brown at Oxford1861

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