John Ruskin  was born in London of Scottish parents in 1819. His mother taught him to read and write at a very early age, the Bible being his principal text-book.  Evidence of genius quickly emerged and he was tutored privately before attending Oxford University.  Health problems conspired to deny him a first class degree but shortly afterwards he wrote, anonymously, the first volume of his (now famous) Modern Painters.

Ruskin in his study at Brantwood.  (Watercolour by W.G.Collingwood)

      Ruskin's parents had wanted him to enter the Church and perhaps become a bishop but this was not to be.  His father's wealth, acquired by hard work and astute dealing as a wine merchant, ensured that Ruskin did not have to seek employment for a living. 
      The family made numerous trips around Britain and the Continent, during which the young man deepened his interest in geology, art and architecture.  He maintained his studies in the
Bible but his protestant faith was severely tested, particularly in the latter half of his life.  Much of his writing was stimulated by those visits to France, Italy and Switzerland where he gained a life-long love of mountains.  It is not surprising, therefore, that in 1872 he purchased his final home, Brantwood, on the eastern shore of Coniston Water, with its magnificent view of the Fells that he loved and came to know as friends. 

Ruskin Scholars are recommended to visit the Web site of the
Ruskin Library at Lancaster  where they will find much of interest.

Also the comprehensive site created by Professor George Landow.

Comprehensive list of links to Ruskin related sites

The Secret of True Happiness.   Upon this subject Ruskin wrote, "...all true happiness and nobleness are near us, and yet neglected by us; and till we have learned how to be happy and noble we have not much to tell…   To watch the corn grow, and blossoms set: to draw hard breath over plough-share or spade; to read, to think, to love, to hope, to pray, -  these are the things that make men happy;  they have always had the power of doing these, they never will have the power to do  more.  The world's prosperity or adversity depends upon our knowing  and teaching these few things…   And I am utopian enough to believe that the time will come when the world will discover this."    (Modern Painters, vol.3, Part 4. Ch.xvii)

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Brantwood in May