Accounting for Augustus Lamb: Theoretical and Methodological Issues in Biography and Historical Sociology

Abstract

This article explores theoretical and methodological issues in analysing accounts of the life story of Augustus Lamb and his experience of learning difficulties. Questions inherent in producing sociological biography are explored, notably in what sense, if any, can we know what Augustus was `like' from the data available; and what sociological understanding can we make from this single case about learning difficulties in the early nineteenth century. Competing accounts of Augustus and his `problems' are discussed, particularly those of Thomasine Webster, Robert Lee and Emily Lamb.