Robert Buchanan, published his critique in 1871, in the article titled "The Fleshly School of Poetry" under the pseudonym Thomas Maitland. In this essay, Buchanan attacked the Pre-Raphaelite poets for what he perceived as their excessive sensuality and moral decadence.
He singled out Dante Gabriel Rossetti, accusing him of producing poetry that was too focused on physical beauty and erotic themes, which Buchanan considered detrimental to moral standards and artistic integrity.
Buchanan criticized the Pre-Raphaelite's aesthetic principles, arguing that their emphasis on detailed visual imagery and sensual descriptions detracted from the moral and intellectual substance of their work.
He described their poetry as "fleshly," implying that it was too focused on the body and physical sensations rather than the mind and soul.
Dante Gabriel Rossetti himself responded to Buchanan's criticisms in a pamphlet titled "The Stealthy School of Criticism," defending his work and attacking Buchanan's pseudonymous critique.
Year-wise PYQs
