Chapter Martineau to Massey of M by Biographical Dictionary of English Literature

His language was too magnificent for his powers of thought, but he has passages where the rich diction has a pleasing effect.

Massey, Gerald (1828-1907).—Poet, born near Tring, Herts. As a boy he worked in a silk-factory, and as a straw-plaiter and errand boy. When he was 15 he came to London, where he was taken up by Maurice and Kingsley. His first book was published in 1851, but he first attracted attention by Babe Christabel (1854). This was followed by War Waits, Craigcrook Castle, and Havelock’s March. A selection from these was published 1889, under the title of My Lyrical Life. Later he wrote and lectured on spiritualism, and mysteries in The Book of Beginnings (1881), The Natural Genesis (1883), and Ancient Egypt: the Light of the World (1907). He also wrote a book on the sonnets of Shakespeare. Massey had a true lyrical vein, but though often musical, he was at times harsh and rugged, and did not give sufficient attention to form and finish.