E. M. Forster on Edward Carpenter

“Edward Carpenter was born at Brighton one hundred years ago. Few people recall him to-day, and those who do probably dismiss him as a crank. But he was a remarkable fellow, lovable, charming, energetic, courageous, possibly great, and he was once an inspiration in the world of Labour. He deserves commemoration.”

“His prose is good, and reveals his sensible and affectionate character. He may have worn sandals, refused to eat meat, supported women’s rights before they were fashionable, and disbelieved in vivisection, but he was far, far from being a fool, and the reader who opens him patronisingly will encounter something challenging and tough.”