Sebastian Evans
Sebastian Evans (1830-1909) was an English poet, translator, and artist known for his contributions to Victorian literature and medieval studies. Born in Leicestershire, he received his education from his father and later attended Cambridge University, where he graduated with a BA in 1853 and an MA in 1857. Influenced by notable figures such as publisher Alexander Macmillan, Evans published his first collection of poetry, "Sonnets on the Death of the Duke of Wellington," in 1852. His artistic talents extended to stained-glass design, which he showcased at the International Exhibition of 1862.
Evans's literary oeuvre includes "Brother Fabian's Manuscript, and Other Poems" (1865) and his acclaimed translation of "The High History of the Holy Graal" (1898), which significantly contributed to Arthurian studies. Additionally, he translated "Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of the Kings of England" in 1891, which features the earliest full account of King Arthur. Although considered a minor poet of his time, Evans's works continue to be of interest to scholars, particularly those investigating the intersections of medieval and Victorian literature. His legacy is preserved through the continued study and republication of his writings.
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Subject Terms
Sebastian Evans
Nonfiction Writer and Poet
- Born: March 2, 1830
- Birthplace: Market Bosworth, Leicestershire, England
- Died: December 19, 1909
Biography
Sebastian Evans was born on March 2, 1830, in Leicestershire, England, to Arthur and Ann Dickinson Evans. He was educated by his father, a clergyman. His older brother John became an eminent scholar, studying geology and archeology. His sister Anne became a well-known poet in her own right. Evans attended Cambridge University beginning in 1849; he earned his B.A. in 1853 and his M.A. in 1857.
While an undergraduate, Evans became acquainted with the publisher and bookseller Alexander Macmillan. Macmillan proved to be one of the most important influences on Evans’s life. While still an undergraduate, Evans composed Sonnets on the Death of the Duke of Wellington, published by the Macmillan in 1852. The volume received good reviews from Alfred, Lord Tennyson as well as Sir James Stephens.
Evans also had a talent for painting and design. In 1857, he became the manager of a glassworks, and designed stained-glass windows. He married Elizabeth Goldney the same year. Over the next ten years, Evans grew increasingly active in the art world; his stained glass windows were displayed at the famous International Exhibition of 1862. His art often featured the medieval subjects that also drew his literary interest.
In 1865, he published Brother Fabian’s Manuscript, and Other Poems. In this volume he exploits his interest in the Middle Ages. Most critics consider this his best work, although heavily derivative, drawing on themes and style originally employed by Robert Browning. Indeed, much of Evans’s work demonstrates heavy borrowing from Romantic poets.
Evans’s best-known work, however, is his 1898 translation of The High History of the Holy Graal. In this work, he drew on Welsh and French sources that predate those of Malory. The work is an important addition to medieval Arthurian studies. In addition, Evans also published in the same year In Quest of the Holy Graal: An Introduction to the Study of the Legend. In 1891, Evans produced a translation of Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of England, a twelfth century history that includes the first full telling of the story of King Arthur. Evans died on December 19, 1909.
While Evans is considered a minor Victorian poet, his work on the Arthurian legend continues to be used by scholars of the Middle Ages. His work on Geoffrey of Monmouth, as well as the Grail quest, was republished several times. Renewed critical interest in both medieval as well as Victorian Arthuriana assures Evans a spot in English literary history.