He took part in the Tractarian movement and was a contributor to the Lives of the Saints edited by its leader, Cardinal J. H. Newman, though he soon opposed Newman’s ideas in the novel *Venerable of Faith* (London 1849), which was burned at Exeter College. Author of noteworthy essays (*Short Studies*, 4 vols., ibid. 1867–83), his standing as a historian is diminished by anti-Catholic bias, persistent inaccuracy, and errors of perspective, as he tended to prioritize individuals over events in accordance with the principle of Carlyle, of whom he was a friend, admirer, and—though somewhat unscrupulous—biographer. Among his works, the monumental *History of England* in 12 volumes (ibid. 1856–70) stands out.
Bibl.: H. Paul, *The Life of J. A. F.*, London 1905; L. Stephen, *Studies of a Biographer*, III, 2nd ed., ibid. 1907; W. H. Duan, *F. and Carlyle*, New York 1930. Francesca Guerra-De Bellis