Abraham Hayward (30 November 1801 – 10 December 1884) was an English essayist, literary critic, and journalist prominent in the mid‑19th century. He is chiefly remembered for his contributions to The Quarterly Review and for a series of essays and pamphlets on literature, art, and social topics that were widely read in Victorian periodicals.
Early life and education
Hayward was born in London, the son of Samuel Hayward, a solicitor. He received his early education at Harrow School and subsequently entered the Inner Temple, where he was called to the bar in 1826. Although qualified as a lawyer, he rarely practiced law, turning instead to literary pursuits.
Career
- Journalism and criticism: Beginning in the 1820s, Hayward contributed essays and reviews to a number of leading periodicals, including The London Magazine, The Edinburgh Review, and The Athenaeum. In 1840 he became a regular contributor to The Quarterly Review, eventually serving as its editor from 1844 to 1852. His articles often combined moral commentary with literary analysis and were noted for their polished style.
- Essays and pamphlets: Hayward published several collections of his essays, such as Literary Sketches (1847) and The Beautiful in Art (1855). He also wrote pamphlets on contemporary social issues, including debates on education and the role of the church.
- Public roles: He was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (1848) and was an active member of several London clubs, notably the Athenaeum Club, where he was known for his conversational wit and connections with leading literary and political figures of the era, including Benjamin Disraeli and William Ewart Gladstone.
Personal life
Hayward married Margaret Barrett in 1832; the couple had three children. He maintained a residence in Bloomsbury and was a regular attendee at literary salons. His health declined in the 1870s, and he spent his final years largely retired from active writing.
Legacy
Although Hayward’s name has receded from popular memory, his essays provide a valuable perspective on Victorian cultural and moral attitudes. Contemporary scholars cite his Literary Sketches as illustrative of the period’s critical discourse, and his editorial work at The Quarterly Review helped shape the magazine’s conservative literary stance during a formative period in British journalism.
Selected works
- Literary Sketches (1847)
- The Beautiful in Art (1855)
- Essays on the Art of the Ballad (1859)
References
- “Hayward, Abraham.” Dictionary of National Biography, 1885–1900.
- The Quarterly Review, archival issues, 1840–1852.
This entry reflects information documented in established historical and literary reference works.