Lytton Strachey

Context:

Referenced in the context of their General Gordon series. Tom explains that Strachey 'made him one of the eminent Victorians and kind of laughed at him' for being sexually repressed, but that when Gordon is situated in the context of his age, he emerges as a properly heroic figure rather than the risible one Strachey portrayed.

Context:

Referenced multiple times as a biography of Gordon that the hosts have listened to. Described as 'so damning of him, so negative' yet also containing phrases expressing admiration. Strachey's essay on Gordon in this book is discussed as bringing out Gordon's self-perception as a kind of messiah figure.

Context:

Discussed as a famous collection of biographies that 'skewered' Gordon and other Victorian figures including Dr. Arnold, Florence Nightingale, and Cardinal Manning. Referenced multiple times throughout the episode as a source that portrayed Gordon critically.

Context:

Referenced when discussing how long after historical events writers typically begin examining them. Dominic notes Strachey wrote this about 20-30 years after the Victorian era, using it as an example of gaining perspective on recent history.