Bio
Frederick Rolfe, also known as Baron Corvo, was an enigmatic English writer, artist, and eccentric, born on July 22, 1860, in Cheapside, London. Rolfe's literary career, though not widely celebrated during his lifetime, has attracted increasing interest posthumously, particularly for his novel 'Hadrian the Seventh' published in 1904. This historical novel is a fantastical account of an Englishman who becomes Pope, and it provides a trenchant exploration of Rolfe's own aspirations and self-image. Rolfe's literary style is characterized by its wit, elaborate language, and the subversion of the reader's expectations. His works often delve into autobiographical themes, including his failed attempts to join the priesthood, and are noted for their detail and precision, especially concerning ecclesiastical matters. Throughout his life, Rolfe struggled with financial instability and societal rejection but continued to produce a unique body of work that earned him a distinguished place among the curiosities of English literature. Despite a life marked by controversy and difficulty, Rolfe's contribution to the genre of historical fiction and his vivid portrayal of the fin-de-siècle Catholic artistic circles remain a subject of study and admiration.Frederick Rolfe Books
The Weird of the Wanderer
Frederick RolfeHadrian the Seventh A Romance
Frederick Rolfe