Date of Award
Spring 1937
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
History
Abstract
Edward Gibbon Wakefield: This interesting man wes an.enigma.
Nothing about himwas ordinary. Even his faults were extraordinary,
but generally of an amiable kind. He faced the
world with two extremely potent weapons: a vision capable of
piercing the thickest 'problem, ancl a mastery of the art of
convincing and persuading. His ultimate aims were always
laudable; but he applied, without quibble, any effective means
of execution at his disposal. As a widower with a passionately
loved little daughter, a kidnap-marriage.put him on the road
to prison as well as on the highway to fame. During his incarceration
he became the father of an idea which he reared
with deep devotion, single care, and remarkable success.
Joining the galaxy of spirits who conceived masterpieces while
in prison, he wrote the Art of Colonization and dedicated himself
to the British Empire ... to Englishmen both at home and
in the colonies. Parliamentarians and ministers crossed swords
with him in vain. His foibles were earthly; his fortes divine. He loved humanity!
Recommended Citation
Orschel, J. E., "Edward Gibbon Wakefield" (1937). Honors Theses. 255.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/255