The range and the contrasts of his subjects are equally great.

And he did this work with a searching analysis, a humorous keenness, a joyous boldness, and an opulent imagination at once penetrative and passionate.

When, then, we realise this as we realise it now, we are the more astonished that appreciation of him lingered so long.

Why did it not come at first, and why did it come in the end?
The first answer to that question is a general one.

During the years between 1860 and 1890, and especially during the latter half of these years, science and criticism were predominant.