Kingsley, Charles

Charles Kingsley was a professor of history, a novelist, and a parish priest.  He wrote about Greek mythology and evolution - he was one of the first intellectuals to praise Darwin.  His novels chief strength is their vivid natural description.  Kingsley was associated with the Christian Socialism movement and with the phrase 'muscular Christianity,' which he detested.  A remark of his denigrating Catholic clergy led to John Henry Newman's Apologia Pro Vita Sua.

English novelist, clergyman and professor. Kingsley was one of the founders of the Christian Socialist Movement, and firmly believed in social welfare and democracy. His writings and teachings led to social development in Britain.