Deaths on January 22

Arthur Bryant, English historian and journalist (b. 1899)

Sir Arthur Bryant: A Distinguished English Historian and Man of Affairs

Sir Arthur Wynne Morgan Bryant (18 February 1899 – 22 January 1985) was a highly influential English historian, a prominent columnist for The Illustrated London News, and a significant "man of affairs" who moved in the highest echelons of British society and government. Throughout his long and prolific career, Bryant captivated readers with his narrative style and distinct perspectives on British history.

A Prolific Author and His Notable Works

Bryant's extensive bibliography showcased his diverse historical interests and his commitment to bringing history to a wide audience. His major contributions included:

• Studies of Samuel Pepys: Bryant authored a widely acclaimed, multi-volume biography of the 17th-century diarist Samuel Pepys, including Samuel Pepys: The Man in the Making (1933), Samuel Pepys: The Years of Peril (1935), and Samuel Pepys: The Saviour of the Navy (1938). These works drew extensively from Pepys' famous diary but also expanded upon it with detailed historical context, painting a vivid picture of Restoration England and Pepys' pivotal role in the administration of the Royal Navy.
• Chronicles of English Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century History: He produced sweeping narratives that covered significant periods of British history, often focusing on themes of national character and resilience. Notable examples include his trilogy on the Napoleonic Wars: The Years of Endurance, 1793–1802 (1942), Years of Victory, 1802–1812 (1944), and The Age of Elegance, 1812–1822 (1950). Another key work, English Saga (1840-1940) (1940), offered a deeply felt account of Britain's journey through the Victorian and Edwardian eras up to the eve of World War II, reflecting on the profound changes in society.
• Biographies, including a Life of King George V: Beyond Pepys, Bryant also penned a comprehensive biography of King George V, published in 1936. This work provided an intimate look into the life and reign of the monarch who navigated Britain through World War I and significant social upheaval, contributing to the understanding of the British monarchy's role in the early 20th century.

Influence in High Government Circles

Sir Arthur Bryant's works were not only popular with the general public but also held significant sway within high government circles. His historical narratives resonated deeply with political leaders of his time, making him a rare figure whose scholarship directly influenced the perspectives of those in power. Remarkably, he was the favourite historian of three distinct British Prime Ministers:

• Winston Churchill: The wartime leader often found inspiration and confirmation of his own views on British resilience and destiny in Bryant's writings, particularly those on national endurance and wartime leadership.
• Clement Attlee: Despite their differing political ideologies—Bryant being a traditional conservative and Attlee a Labour socialist—Attlee appreciated Bryant's emphasis on national unity and the continuity of British history.
• Harold Wilson: Another Labour Prime Minister, Wilson also held Bryant's work in high regard, indicating the broad appeal of Bryant's historical interpretations across the political spectrum of mid-20th century Britain.

This widespread appreciation among leaders underscores the influence Bryant wielded through his accessible prose and strong narrative drive, shaping public and elite understanding of British heritage and identity.

Bryant's Distinctive Historiography and Ideology

Bryant's unique approach to history, known as his historiography, was deeply rooted in a particular ideological framework:

• English Romantic Exceptionalism and Agrarian Nostalgia: Central to Bryant's historical outlook was a belief in "English romantic exceptionalism." This concept posits that England possessed a unique historical trajectory and an inherent moral superiority, often linked to an idealised past. He frequently expressed a profound nostalgia for an agrarian, pre-industrial England, envisioning a simpler, more virtuous society based on traditional values and community ties. This idealised past stood in stark contrast to his perception of modern life.
• Critique of Modernity: Capitalism and Democracy: Sir Arthur Bryant harboured a strong antipathy towards modern commercial and financial capitalism. He viewed it as a corrosive force that undermined traditional social structures, promoted materialism, and detached individuals from their land and heritage. Furthermore, his views on democracy were often highly critical. He famously equated democracy, in its unbridled form, with the consent of "fools" and "knaves," implying a deep distrust of mass opinion and a preference for governance by an enlightened, perhaps aristocratic, elite who understood and preserved national character and duty.
• Emphasis on Duty Over Rights: Reflecting his conservative philosophy and his admiration for a perceived hierarchical past, Bryant consistently emphasised the importance of duty over individual rights. He believed that a stable and moral society was built upon individuals fulfilling their obligations to their community, nation, and historical legacy, rather than solely pursuing personal liberties or entitlements.

Assessing His Scholarly Legacy

Whilst Sir Arthur Bryant's scholarly reputation has undergone some re-evaluation and declined somewhat since his death, he continues to be widely read and remains the subject of detailed historical studies. Modern historians often critique his romanticised approach, his emphasis on grand narratives over nuanced social history, and the way his strong personal biases and political views occasionally shaped his historical interpretations, leading to what some consider a less critical engagement with sources. However, his enduring popularity is a testament to his engaging writing style, his ability to tell a compelling story, and his contribution to shaping a particular national historical consciousness in mid-20th century Britain. He is often studied today not only for his content but also as a significant figure in the history of British historiography itself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sir Arthur Bryant

Who was Sir Arthur Bryant?

Sir Arthur Bryant was a prominent English historian, columnist for The Illustrated London News, and an influential public figure known for his numerous books on British history and his strong conservative views.

What were some of his most famous books?

His most famous works include his multi-volume biography of Samuel Pepys, his trilogy on the Napoleonic Wars (e.g., The Years of Endurance), and English Saga (1840-1940).

Why was Sir Arthur Bryant so influential among Prime Ministers?

He was influential because his historical narratives, which often emphasised British resilience, national character, and the importance of duty, resonated deeply with leaders across the political spectrum, including Winston Churchill, Clement Attlee, and Harold Wilson.

What was Sir Arthur Bryant's view on modern capitalism and democracy?

He was largely critical of modern commercial and financial capitalism, viewing it as destructive to traditional society. He also held a skeptical view of democracy, sometimes equating it with the rule of "fools" and "knaves," preferring a more traditional and ordered society based on duty rather than individual rights.

Has Sir Arthur Bryant's historical reputation changed over time?

Yes, his scholarly reputation has somewhat declined since his death, with modern historians often critiquing his romanticised approach and potential biases. However, he remains widely read and is still studied for his engaging writing and his significant role in 20th-century British historiography.