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Aeschylus :
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Sophocles : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Euripides :
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Heinrich Heine : De l'Allemagne
'I have just been reading Heine's "De l'Allemagne", a very amusing book.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Romano (Cecco) Oliphant Print: Book
: [newspaper]
'I think this extract from a western newspaper pretty nearly beats the record (slang again) for confusion of metaphors: "He [Sir Stafford Northcote] is a statesman, the blaze of whose parliamentary escutcheon has never yet been dimmed by the bar-sinister or inconsistency." What do you think of that?'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Romano (Cecco) Oliphant Print: Newspaper
Joseph Addison : The Spectator
'Hester Thrale compared herself to Swift's Vanessa who "held Montaigne and read- / while Mrs Susan comb'd her Head", and read the "Spectator" to her daughters while her "Maid... was dressing [her] Hair".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Thrale Print: Serial / periodical, Could have been periodical in bound form
Maria Edgeworth : [novels]
'Thomas Moore regularly read to his wife for two hours after dinner, at one point "going through Miss Edgeworth's works".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Moore Print: Book
Ann Radcliffe :
'Susan Sibbald knew Scottish shepherd Wully Carruthers who was a fellow-subscriber to the circulating library at Melrose, but while she borrowed Ann Radcliffe, he read "Ancient and Modern History", though he did sometimes read a "novel or nonsense buke", like "Sir Charles Grandison". He had also read Alan Ramsay's "The Gentle Shepherd", and contrasted it ironically with the life of a real shepherd.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Susan Sibbald Print: Book
Jane Austen : Sense and Sensibility
'Princess Charlotte wrote of reading as a "great passion"; in a poignant attempt to construct bourgeois domestic intimacy in the dysfunctional household of the divorced Prince Regent she discussed and exchanged books with her friend Margaret Mercer Elphinstone, including memoirs and recent history, Byron's poems, and novels including Gothic fiction and works by Anne Plumptre and Jane Austen. (The perceptive Charlotte especially enjoyed "Sense and Sensibility" because she discerned in herself"the same imprudence" as Marianne's).'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Charlotte Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : [poems]
'Princess Charlotte wrote of reading as a "great passion"; in a poignant attempt to construct bourgeois domestic intimacy in the dysfunctional household of the divorced Prince Regent she discussed and exchanged books with her friend Margaret Mercer Elphinstone, including memoirs and recent history, Byron's poems, and novels including Gothic fiction and works by Anne Plumptre and Jane Austen. (The perceptive Charlotte especially enjoyed "Sense and Sensibility" because she discerned in herself"the same imprudence" as Marianne's).'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Charlotte Print: Book
: [memoirs and history]
'Princess Charlotte wrote of reading as a "great passion"; in a poignant attempt to construct bourgeois domestic intimacy in the dysfunctional household of the divorced Prince Regent she discussed and exchanged books with her friend Margaret Mercer Elphinstone, including memoirs and recent history, Byron's poems, and novels including Gothic fiction and works by Anne Plumptre and Jane Austen. (The perceptive Charlotte especially enjoyed "Sense and Sensibility" because she discerned in herself"the same imprudence" as Marianne's).'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Charlotte Print: Book
Anne Plumptre : [novels]
'Princess Charlotte wrote of reading as a "great passion"; in a poignant attempt to construct bourgeois domestic intimacy in the dysfunctional household of the divorced Prince Regent she discussed and exchanged books with her friend Margaret Mercer Elphinstone, including memoirs and recent history, Byron's poems, and novels including Gothic fiction and works by Anne Plumptre and Jane Austen. (The perceptive Charlotte especially enjoyed "Sense and Sensibility" because she discerned in herself"the same imprudence" as Marianne's).'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Charlotte Print: Book
: [travels]
'During the Napoleonic Wars, Scottish cotton-spinner Charles Campbell earned 8s. to 10s. a week, but set aside a few pennies for a subscription library, where he read history, travels and the English classics. He joined a club of twelve men, mainly artisans and mechanics, who met weekly to discuss literary topics'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Campbell Print: Book
: [history]
'During the Napoleonic Wars, Scottish cotton-spinner Charles Campbell earned 8s. to 10s. a week, but set aside a few pennies for a subscription library, where he read history, travels and the English classics. He joined a club of twelve men, mainly artisans and mechanics, who met weekly to discuss literary topics'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Campbell Print: Book
: [English classics]
'During the Napoleonic Wars, Scottish cotton-spinner Charles Campbell earned 8s. to 10s. a week, but set aside a few pennies for a subscription library, where he read history, travels and the English classics. He joined a club of twelve men, mainly artisans and mechanics, who met weekly to discuss literary topics'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Campbell Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
'The son of a Methodist farm worker, he studied Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" and "The Two Covenants".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
: The Two Covenants
'The son of a Methodist farm worker, he studied Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" and "The Two Covenants".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
follower of Joanna Southcott :
'Proselytised by a follower of the mystic Joanna Southcott, he read some of his propaganda but found "Some things that did not Correspond with the bible and also that it was a trick to get money so I declined his religion and bid him adue".''
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Unknown
Hannah More : The Shepherd of Salisbury Plain
'Their Contents were Chiefly to perswade poor people to be satisfied in their situation an not to murmur at the dispensations of providence... those kinds of books were often put into my hands in a dictatorial way in order to convince me of my errors for instance there was [Hannah More's] the Shepherd of Salisbury Plain... the Farmers fireside and the discontented Pendulum and many others which drove me almost into despair for I could see their design'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
: The Farmer's Fireside
'Their Contents were Chiefly to perswade poor people to be satisfied in their situation an not to murmur at the dispensations of providence... those kinds of books were often put into my hands in a dictatorial way in order to convince me of my errors for instance there was [Hannah More's] the Shepherd of Salisbury Plain... the Farmers fireside and the discontented Pendulum and many others which drove me almost into despair for I could see their design'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
Robert Nelson : Life of Dr. George Bull
Last night sleep departed, I read almost all night Nelsons life of Bp Bull James Clre
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Clegg Print: Book
Richard Baxter : The Saints Everlasting Rest.
At night I read some of the lives and characters of of the Ejected ministers in Dr Calamys account and was much affected with their piety, Zeal and steadiness[...] concluded with reading Mr Baxters Saints. Rest and prayer as usual.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Clegg Print: Book
William Cobbett :
'he was receptive to the radical anticlericalism of William Cobbett, T.J. Wooler and Richard Carlile... "These books seemed to be founded upon Scripture and Condemned all the sins of oppression in all those that had supremacy over the lower order of people and when I Compared this with the preceptive part of the word of God I began to Conclude that most if not all professors of religion did it only for a Cloake to draw money out of the pockets of the Credulous..."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
Richard Carlile :
'he was receptive to the radical anticlericalism of William Cobbett, T.J. Wooler and Richard Carlile... "These books seemed to be founded upon Scripture and Condemned all the sins of oppression in all those that had supremacy over the lower order of people and when I Compared this with the preceptive part of the word of God I began to Conclude that most if not all professors of religion did it only for a Cloake to draw money out of the pockets of the Credulous..."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
Richard Baxter : An abridgement of Mr Baxter's life and times. With
At night I read some of the lives and characters of the Ejected ministers in Dr Calamys account and was much affected with their piety, Zeal and steadiness[...] concluded with reading Mr Baxters Saints. Rest and prayer as usual.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Clegg Print: Book
T.J. Wooler :
'he was receptive to the radical anticlericalism of William Cobbett, T.J. Wooler and Richard Carlile... "These books seemed to be founded upon Scripture and Condemned all the sins of oppression in all those that had supremacy over the lower order of people and when I Compared this with the preceptive part of the word of God I began to Conclude that most if not all professors of religion did it only for a Cloake to draw money out of the pockets of the Credulous..."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
William Whately : The New-Birth:or, a treatise of regeneration, deli
August 14. I had read Mr Whately of the new birth, and it affected mee exceedingly, and put mee upon prayer, and search of my selfe
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
Richard Sibbes : The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax
May 3. I found a case putt in Mr A's Vindiciae Pietatis, about a violent inclination from natural temper (which suits mee), wherin he sayeth there is to be a disowning, and resisting ... Soon after in Dr Sibbs his Bruised Reed, I found that resisting sin was one degree of victory, so that if I cannot root out ill thoughts, I will resi[s]t them...
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
Richard Alleine : Vindiciae Pietatis; or, a Vindication of Godliness
May 3. I found a case putt in Mr A's Vindiciae Pietatis, about a violent inclination from natural temper (which suits mee), wherin he sayeth there is to be a disowning, and resisting ... Soon after in Dr Sibbs his Bruised Reed, I found that resisting sin was one degree of victory, so that if I cannot root out ill thoughts, I will resi[s]t them...
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
Laetitia Elizabeth Landon : The Emerald Ring
'the emerald ring' 'it is agem which [...]' [transcribes poem] 'le landon'.
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elisabeth or Eliza Duncan
Miss Elizabeth Smith : Fragments of prose and verse: by a young lady
'happiness is a very common plant...' 'e. smith's fragments' 'greenock'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elisabeth or Eliza Duncan
Miss Elizabeth Smith : Fragments of prose and verse: by a young lady
'the christain life may be compared...' 'e. smith's fragments'. followed by extract ascribed to 'hannah more' 'those who are rendered unhappy by frivolous troubles seek comfort in frivolous enjoyments...'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elisabeth or Eliza Duncan
Miss Elizabeth Smith : Fragments of prose and verse: by a young lady
'the cause of all sin...' 'e.smith's fragments'. signed 'e.d.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elisabeth or Eliza Duncan
Robert Pollok : The course of time
''extract from the course of time' transcribes from 'true happiness had no localities...' to 'where happiness descending, sat and smiled.' signed 'aunt a.' 'quarry bank july 1830'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elisabeth or Eliza Duncan
James Montgomery : The world before the flood; a poem in ten cantos
'far less shall earth now hastening to decay...' 'world before the flood' 'isle of man June 15th 31'.
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elisabeth or Eliza Duncan
James Hogg : Stanzas for music
'stanzas for music by the ettrick shepherd' [transcribes 2 stanzas] 'my sweet little...'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elisabeth or Eliza Duncan
Hugh Blair : Sermons
'filled with profound reverence...' 'blair vii p.375' and 'since the time that heaven began...' 'blair's ser vii p.26'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elisabeth or Eliza Duncan
Pindar : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Callimachus : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Apollonius Rhodius : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Quintus Calaber : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Theocritus : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Herodotus : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Thucydides : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Xenophon : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Aristotle : Politics
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Aristotle : Organon
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plutarch : Lives
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Lucian : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Athenaeus : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plautus : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plautus : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Aeschylus : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Sophocles : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Pindar : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Theocritus : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Terence : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Lucretius : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Catullus : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Albius Tibullus : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Sextus Propertius : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Lucan : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Silius Italicus : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Livy : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Velleius Paterculus : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Sallust : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Caesar : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Cicero : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Aristophanes : unknown
'I have cast up my reading account, and brought it to the end of the year 1835. [?] During the last thirteen months I have read Aeschylus twice; Sophocles twice; Euripides once; Pindar twice; Callimachus; Apollonius Rhodius; Quintus Calaber; Theocritus twice; Herodotus; Thucydides; almost all Xenophon?s works; almost all Plato; Aristotle?s Politics, and a good deal of his Organon, besides dipping elsewhere in him; the whole of Plutarch?s Lives; about half of Lucian; two or three books of Athenaeus; Plautus twice; Terence twice; Lucretius twice; Catullus; Tibullus; Propertius; Lucan; Statius; Silius Italicus; Livy; Velleius Paterculus; Sallust; Caesar; and, lastly, Cicero. I have, indeed, still a little of Cicero left; but I shall finish him in a few days. I am now deep in Aristophanes and Lucian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Monk : Biography of Richard Bentley
'Macaulay began with the frontispiece, if the book possessed one. "Said to be very like, and certainly full of the character. Energy, acuteness, tyranny, and audacity in every line of the face." Those words are writen above the portrait of Richard Bentley, in Bishop Monk's biography of that famous writer.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Theocritus : Seventh Idyll
' "This is a very good Idyll. Indeed it is more pleasing to me than almost any other pastoral poem in any language. It was my favourite at College. There is a rich profusion of rustic imagery about it which I find nowhere else. It opens a scene of rural plenty and comfort which quite fills the imagination, - flowers, fruits, leaves, fountains, soft goatskins, old wine, singing birds, joyous friendly companions. The whole has an air of reality which is more interesting than the conventional world which Virgil has placed in Arcadia". So Macaulay characterises the Seventh Idyll of Theocritus.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Ben Jonson : The Alchemist
'Of Ben Jonson's Alchemist he writes: "It is very happily managed indeed to make Subtle use so many terms of alchemy, and talk with such fanatical warmth about his 'great art,' even to his accomplice. As Hume says, roguery and enthusiasm run into each other. I admire this play very much. The plot would have been more agreeable, and more rational, if Surly had married the widow whose honor he has preserved. Lovewit is as contemptible as Subtle himself. The whole of the trick about the Queen of Fairy is improbable in the highest degree. But, after all, the play is as good as any in our language out of Shakespeare."'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Catiline
'I am a reader in ordinary, and I cannot defend the introduction of the First Catilinarian oration, at full length, into a play. Catiline is a very middling play. The characters are certainly discriminated, but with no delicacy. Jonson makes Cethegus a mere vulgar ruffian. He quite fogets that all the conspirators were gentlemen, noblemen, politicians, probably scholars. He has seized only the coarsest peculiarities of character. As to the conduct of the piece, nothing can be worse than the long debates and narratives which make up half of it.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Alexander Pope : The Rape of the Lock
'Of Pope's Rape of the Lock, Macaulay says: "Admirable indeed! The fight towards the beginning of the last book is very extravagant and foolish. It is the blemish of a poem which, but for this blemish, would be as near perfection in its own class as any work in the world." '
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Horace : Satires
'He thus remarks on the Imitations of Horace's Satires: "Horace had perhaps less wit than Pope, but far more humour, far more variety, more sentiment, more thought. But that to which Horace chiefly owes his reputation, is his perfect good sense and self-knowledge, in whcih he exceeded all men."'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Paul Louis Courier : Le Simple Discours
[Marginalia] 'A most powerful piece of rhetoric as ever I read.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay
Paul Louis Courier : Le Simple Discours
'He used to read Courier aloud to his sister at Calcutta of a June afternoon, - in the darkened upstairs chamber, with the punkah swinging overhead, with as much enjoyment as ever Charles James Fox read the romances of Voltaire to his wife in the garden at St. Anne's Hill, though with a less irreproachable accent.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay
F.D. Hemans : The Homes of England
'The Homes of England' [transcribes text] 'Mrs Hemans'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Augusta Browne
F.D. Hemans : Evening Prayer at a Girl's School
'Mrs Hemans. Evening Prayer at a girls school' [transcribes text]
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Augusta Browne
F.D. Hemans : The Wings of the Dove
'The Wings of the Dove. Mrs Hemans' [transcribes text]
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Augusta Browne
William Law : A Practical Traetise Upon Christain Perfection
at home all day [...] at Oaks I met with Mr Laws practical discourse on christian perfection [...] I am now reading it
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Clegg Print: Book
Caesar : Commentaries On The Gallic War
'In the spring of 1826, after getting through Valpy's Delectus, and a part of Stewart's "Cornelius Nepos, " and also a part of Justin, but somewhat clumsily, with the help of Ainsworth's Dictionary, I commenced Caesar, and sped on well, so that by the time I had reached the third book, "De Bello Gallico, " I found myself able to read page after page, with scarcely more than a glance, now and then, at the dictionary. I remember wll myfirst triumphant feeling of this kind. I sat on Ping
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Book
Xenophon : Memorabilia
"In Lincoln, I now took up the Memorabilia of Xenophon..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Book
Anacreon : Odes of Anacreon
"In Lincoln, I now took up the Memorabilia of Xenophon, ran through the Odes of Anacreon, ..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Book
Homer : The Iliad
In Lincoln, I now took up the Memorabilia of Xenophon, ran through the odes of Anacreon, and then commenced the Iliad. I worked hard at Greek.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Book
Voltaire : Charles the Twelfth
"Under his instruction -while we read together part of Voltaire's 'Charles the Twelfth' and 'Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme' of Moliere - I caught hold of such good French pronunciation as would have enabled me soon to converse very pleasantly in the language, could I have found acompanion"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Book
Moliere : Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme
"Under his instruction - while we read together part of Voltaire's 'Charles the Twelfth' and Moliere's 'Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme' - I caught hold of such good French pronunciation as would have enabled me soon to converse very pleasantly in the language, could I have found a companion."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Book
Goldoni : Comedies
"As I thought I could easily learn Italian, I took lessons from Signor D'Albrione... So we read together part one of the comedies of Goldoni...."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Book
Tasso : Gerusalemme Liberata
So we read together ... a part of the beautiful "Gerusalemme Liberata", of Tasso, in that most beautiful tongue.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Book
Herder : [volume of tales]
I was soon able to make my way in a volume of tales by Herder, Lessing , and others. My school prospered for I took care to attend to its duties assiduously; and yet kept firm hold of my studies, rising early in the morning, and, with my book in my hand, as of old, walked from our little home in St. Mary's Street, along the Sincil Dyke, and on to Canwick Common, whenever weather permitted me to do so.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Book
Lessing : [volume of tales]
I was soon able to make my way in a volume of tales by Herder, Lessing , and others. My school prospered for I took care to attend to its duties assiduously; and yet kept firm hold of my studies, rising early in the morning, and, with my book in my hand, as of old, walked from our little home in St. Mary's Street, along the Sincil Dyke, and on to Canwick Common, whenever weather permitted me to do so.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Book
Hans Christian Anderson :
'Charles was reading Hans Andersen: I wanted the book, asked for it, fussed for it, and finally broke into tears.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Thomas Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : Essay on the Fates of Clergymen
[Marginalia by Macaulay on Swift's "Essay on the Fates of Clergymen"]: 'People speak of the world as they find it. I have been more fortunate or prudent than Swift or Eugenio.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : Vindication
Description of Marginalia by Macaulay on Edward Gibbon's 'Vindication' - the marginalia responds to the passage 'Fame is the motive, it is the reward, of our labours: nor can I easily comprehend how it is possible that we should remain cold and indifferent with regard to the attempts which are made to deprive us of the most valuable object of our possessions, or at least, of our hopes.' Macaulay writes: 'But what if you are confident that these attempts will be vain, and that your book will fix its own place?'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Conyers Middleton : Free Enquiry into the Miraculous Powers of the Christian Church
[Marginalia by Macaulay on Conyers Middleton's 'Free Enquiry into the Miraculous Powers of the Christian Church']: 'I do not at all admire this letter. Indeed Middleton should have counted the cost before he took his part. He never appears to so little advantage as when he complains in this way of the calumnies and invectives of the orthodox.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Romeo and Juliet
[Marginalia by Macaulay on the first page of his copy of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"]: 'An admirable opening scene, whatever the French critics may say. It at once puts us thoroughly in possession of the state of the two families.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Romeo and Juliet
[Marginalia by Macaulay by the passage about the biting of the thumbs in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"]: 'This is not what would be commonly called fine; but I would give any six plays of Rowe for it.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Romeo and Juliet
[Marginalia by Macaulay by the scene in the street beginning with Mercutio's lines: 'Where the devil should this Romeo be? / Came he not home to- night?' in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"]: 'This is the free conversation of lively, high-spirited young gentlemen.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
: 'Almanack' OR 'Almanick'
Mrs Winn told us our fortunes out of the Almanick, some things to me very strange...
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: (Mrs) Winn Print: Book, almanack
William Shakespeare : Romeo and Juliet
[Marginalia by Macaulay by the commencement of the third act in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"]: 'Mercutio, here, is beyond the reach of anybody but Shakespeare.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Romeo and Juliet
[Marginalia by Macaulay by the the lines 'Some consequence, yet hanging in the stars, / Shall bitterly begin his fearful date / With this night's revels'in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"]: 'This is as fine an instance of presentiment as I remember in poetry. It throws a sadness over all the gaiety that follows, and prepares us for the catastrophe.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Romeo and Juliet
[Marginalia by Macaulay at the close of the Third Act of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"]: 'Very fine is the way in which Juliet at once withdraws her whole confidence from the nurse without disclosing her feelings'.
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Romeo and Juliet
[Editorial commentary on Macaulay's marginalia]: 'When [...] the poor child commits her life to the hands of Friar Lawrence, Macaulay remarks on the wonderful genius with which the poet delineates a timid, delicate girl of fourteen excited and exalted to an act of desperate courage.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Robert Dodsley : The Economy of Human Life
I took up the Economy of Human Life, and was much pleased with the simplicity, ease and elegance of its style. The Biographical Sketch of Dodsley is drawn with much beauty and taste.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Horrocks Ainsworth Print: Book
Allan Ramsay : The Gentle Shepherd
I finished Allan Ramsay's "Gentle Shepherd", and with some parts have been much pleased - the Scotch is interesting to me from not being acquainted with it.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Horrocks Ainsworth Print: Book
: The Edinburgh Philosophical Journal
Looked through a volume of the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal - read an account of Gordon's Portable Gas Lamp, and of the tides of the Mediterranean. At Venice they...
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Horrocks Ainsworth Print: Serial / periodical
James Boswell : The Life of Samuel Johnson
Commenced Boswell's Life of Johnson and was much pleased with it.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Horrocks Ainsworth Print: Book
James Boswell : The Life of Samuel Johnson
Dined at five - went on with Boswell having discontinued it, since Saturday January 23rd.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Horrocks Ainsworth Print: Book
Walter Scott : Peveril of the Peak
Wholesome dinners produce haviness and ill humour commenced Peveril of the Peak.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Horrocks Ainsworth Print: Book
Walter Scott : Peveril of the Peak
Finished Peveril of the Peak.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Horrocks Ainsworth Print: Book
: [French play]
'Some three or four times during the reading of the French play...Charles ... neatly, but with becoming hesitation, spouted the Latin line.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Thomas Print: Book
: The Iris
The Iris came this morning, in it there was the following article: at Paris there is proposals for publishing by subscription Parisgraphy, or a language that may be read by any nation... I have not copied this exactlyas it is in the newspaper, but that is the substance.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Newspaper
: Monthly Review
I wrote out of the Monthly Review, an anecdote of Dr Franklin's [surgeon?] who said that the [king?] was the only gentleman in the kingdom. I began to make an index to this journal.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
: Gentleman's Magazine
I wrote out of the Gentleman's Magazine the various [games?] assigned for the 9 of diamonds... to which I added my opinion on the subject.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
: 'An old Hymn Book'
I will here give an account of the Hymns which I could say ... This I have copied from Mr E[vans] writing in an old hymn book of mine.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
William Seward : Anecdotes of Some Distinguished Persons, Chiefly o
Reading "Anedotes of Some Remarkable Persons Chiefly of The Present and Two Preceding Centuries'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Mark Noble : A Genealogical History of the Present Royal Famili
I drew out of a book entitled 'a genealogical History of the Present Royal Families of Europe' the pedigree of several of them.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Robert Ainsworth : Robert Ainsworth's Dictionary
Looked at Ainsworth's dictionary for the derivation of all the Christian names; Joseph is derived from the Hebrew of I will multiply ...
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
William Cobbett : A French Grammar, Or plain Instructions for the Le
Upon on of the interminable book-stalls, or rather book-walls, which display their leafy banners along the quays of the seine, I picked up a Cobbett's French Grammar for a Franc and a pocket dictionary for another. A fellow lodger lent me a Testament and a Telemaque, and to these materials I applied doggedly from six in the morningtill dinner time. I read the grammer through first, and then made an abridgement of it on a small pack of plain cards ...
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Print: Book
Richard Westall : A Day in Spring, and Other Poems
Have you seen a little volume of Westall's Poems containing a DAY in SPRING, and other detached pieces, with four lovely engravings from his own designs? One of them representing ayouthful Spenser, dreaming about knights, and squires, & Dames of high degree, and Fairies, & other entertaining whimsies. And all these visionary personages are dancing around him in the prettiest groupes you can imagine.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
William Mitford : The History of Greece
I have been steadily & delightedly reading Mitford's History. First of all, he is an Historian after my own heart, and I really believe a perfectly upright & honest man [...] the merit of this history is great, in proving that bad as the world is now, even under Christian regulations, it is not nationally anywhere so bad as it was in Pagan Greece - except during the height and fury of the French Revolution - and still and ever perhaps inTurkey.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Marie-Emilie, Comtesse de Flahaut Adelaide : Eugenie et Mathilde
Let us talk of Eugenie and Mathilde. It saddened but did not make me cry. I foresaw it would end like a Turk, nay I am not sure I did not peep, for I cannot bear to be graduallyworked up into an agony by these dismal stories... I shall not desire to look into it again...
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Hester Lynch Piozzi : Anecdotes of the Late Samuel Johnson
I wanted to have sent you a translation of the Epigram Flahaut has introduced in her book. It is Johnson's, and inserted in Piozzi's anecdotes - but my father has lent, & lost (often synomymous terms) his copy of that work, & I cannot immediately think of anybody to apply to. There are no bookish people here - on the contrary, they seem to me to look with an evil eye on every reader of every production save a newspaper.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Mary Masters : To Marinda at Parting
May heavenly Angels their soft wings display And guide you safe thro' ev'ry dangerous way In every step may you most happy be And tho far distant often think of me [some differences from the original]
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sophia
Gotthilf Heinrich von Schubert : Allgemeine Naturgeschichte
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling : Zeitschrift fur speculative Physik
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Gotthilf Heinrich von Schubert : Ansichten von der Nachtseite der Naturwissenschaft
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Sir Walter Scott : Novels and Tales of the Author of Waverley
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Sir Walter Scott : Historical Romances of the Author of Waverley
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Gotthilf Heinrich von Schubert : Die Symbolik des Traumes
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Sir Walter Scott : Novels and Romances of the Author of Waverley
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry Scougal : The Life of God in the Soul of Man OR The Nature a
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Sir Walter Scott : Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Charles Scudamore : A Chemical and Medical Report of the Properties of
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Amory : The Life of John Buncle
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry Augustus Zwick : Calmuc Tartary
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Edwin Atherstone : The Last Days of Herculaneum; and Abradates and Pa
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John and Michael Banim : Tales by the O'Hara Family
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Pietro Metastasio : Opere
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Richard Baxter : Reliquiae Baxteriana
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Leighton : The Genuine Works of R Leighton, D.D. Archbishop o
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[unknown] : La danse des morts
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : Vermischte Schriften
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[unknown] : Declaration of Principles
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottfried Herder : Verstand und Erfahrung
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry Augustus Dillon-Lee : The Life and Opinions of Sir Richard Maltravers, a
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Haslam : Medical Jurisprudence as it relates to Insanity, a
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
George Samouelle : The Entomologist's Useful Compendium
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Plays [various]
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Joseph Beaumont : Some Observations upon the Apologie of Dr Henry More
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Oliver Cromwell : His Highnesse the Lord Protector's speeches to the Parliament in the Painted Chamber
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Tindal : The History and Antiquities of the Abbey and Borough of Evesham
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
James MacPherson : The Poems of Ossian, the Son of Fingal
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost: a poem in twelve books
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Adam Weishaupt : Pythagoras
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Hewitt : [conjecture] Nine Select Sermons
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Ekkehart : De prima expeditione Attilae
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Plays
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Burton : The Anatomy of Melancholy
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry Augustus Dillon-Lee : The Life and Opinions of Sir Richard Maltravers
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Dunbar : The Poems of William Dunbar
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Hugh Farmer : A Dissertation on Miracles
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : A New Version of the Psalms of David
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Rachel Baker : Remarkable Sermons of Rachel Baker and pious ejaculations
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Aristaenetus : Epistolae graecae
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Ludwig Tieck : Phantasus
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Ludwig Heinrich Christoph Holty : Gedichte
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Edward Thomas Stanley Hornby : Childhood (?)
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Paul de Rapin-Thoyras : The History of England
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Heinrich Rimius : A Candid Narrative of the Rise and Progress of the Herrnhunters
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Daniel Sennert : [unknown]
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Giovanni Boccaccio : Opere (vols I-IV (of 6))
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : Vermischte Schriften (vols I-III (of 4))
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : The Parliamentary Debates from the Year 1803
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
: Apocalypsis graece Vol II (of 2)
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Dante Alighieri : [Divina Commedia]
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johannes Cocceius : Opera omnia theologica
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Chillingworth : The Works
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Chillingworth : The Works
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Gilbert Burnet : History of His Own Time
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Gilbert Burnet : The History of the Reformation of the Church of En
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry Peter Brougham : A Speech on the Present State of the Law of the Country
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : Vermischte Schriften (vol II (of 4))
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Donne : LXXX Sermons
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Donne : LXXX Sermons
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottfried Eichhorn : Einleitung in das Neue Testament
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottfried Eichhorn : Einleitung in das Neue Testament
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottfried Eichhorn : Commentarius in Apocalypsin Joannis
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottfried Eichhorn : Commentarius in Apocalypsin Joannis
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Christopher Harvey : The Synagogue, or, the Shadow of the Temple
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Christopher Harvey : The Synagogue, or, the Shadow of the Temple
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
George Herbert : The Temple and sacred poems and private ejaculations
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
George Herbert : The Temple and sacred poems and private ejaculations
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Abraham Cowley : The Works of Mr Abraham Cowley
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Charles Dallison : The Royalist's Defence
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Charles Bowker Ash : Adbaston: or Days of Youth
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Amory : The Life of John Buncle, Esq
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Paul Friedrich Richter : Palingenesien von Jean Paul
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Paul Friedrich Richter : Museum von Jean Paul
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Martin Luther : Samptliche Schrifften
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Wordsworth : Benjamin the Waggoner
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Plato : The Cratylus, Phaedo, Parmenides and Timaeus of Pl
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Christoph Friedrich Nicolai : Ueber meine gelehrte Bildung
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Blaise Pascal : Les Provinciales
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Gometius Pereira : Antoniana margarita, opus nempe physicis medicis
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Adam Weishaupt : Ueber Wahrheit und sittliche Vollkommenheit
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Albert Heinrich Reimarus : Ueber die Grunde der menschlichen Erkentniss und der nat?rlichen Religion
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Xenophon : Xenophon's Memoirs of Socrates, with the defence o
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Wilhelm Gottlieb Tennemann : Geschichte der Philosophie
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[unknown] : Sammlung vorzuglich schoner Gedichte...
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Kasper Lodewijk Valckenaer : Diatribe de Aristobulo Judaeo
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Sir Henry Vane the Younger : A Healing Question Propounded and Resolved
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : The Quarterly Journal of Foreign Medicine and Surgery
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Serial / periodical
Robert Vaughan : The Life and Opinions of John de Wycliffe, D.D.
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Francois Rabelais : The Works of Francis Rabelais
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Sir Walter Raleigh : The History of the World
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Vincent : The Greek Verb Analysed. An Hypothesis
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Randolph : Poems
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire : A Treatise on Toleration
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Gerardus Joannes Vossius : Poeticarum Institutionum, libri tres
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Edward Gibbon Wakefield : A letter from Sydney, the principal town of Australia
[Marginalia]
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Walker : A Dictionary of the English Language
[Marginalia]
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
James Relly : The Believer's Treasury
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Wall : A Conference between Two Men that had Doubts about Infant-Baptism
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Benn Walsh : On the Present Balance of Parties in the State
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Benn Walsh : Popular Opinions on Parliamentary Reform
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Reynolds : The Triumphes of God's Revenge against the Cryinge
[Marginalia]
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Jacob Rhenferd : Opera philologica, dissertationibus exquisitissimi argumenti constantia
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Daniel Waterland : The Importance of the Doctrine of the Holy Trinity
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Paul Friedrich Richter : Jean Pauls Geist oder Chrestomathie der vorzuglich
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Daniel Waterland : A Vindication of Christ's Divinity
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Paul Friedrich Richter : Das Kampaner Thal oder uber die Unsterblichkeit de
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Daniel Sandford : The Remains of the Late Right Reverend Daniel Sandford
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Whitaker : The Origin of Arianism Disclosed
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Jacopo Sannazaro : Jacobi Sannazarii, patricii neapolitani, opera
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Carl Von Savigny : Of the Vocation of our Age for Legislation and Jurisprudence
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Gilbert White : The Works, in Natural History
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Joannes Scapula : Joan. Scapulae Lexicon Graeco-Latinum
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Whitfield : A Discourse of Liberty of Conscience...
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Von Schelling : Darlegung des wahren Verhaltnisses der Naturphilosphe
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Christoph Martin Wieland : Comische Erzahlungen
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Von Schelling : Denkmal der Schrift von den gottlichen Dingen
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Von Schelling : Einleitung zu seinem Entwurf eines Systems der Naturphilosophie
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Von Schelling : Ideen zu einer Philosophie der Natur
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Von Schelling : Philosophie und Religion
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Anderson : The Works of the British Poets
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Anderson : The Works of the British Poets
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Karl Leonhard Reinhold : Versuch einer neueren Theorie des menschlichen Vorstellungsverm?
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Christoph Martin Wieland : Wielands Neueste Gedichte
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Publius Virgilius Maro : Georgica Publii Virgilii Maronis Hexaglotta
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
August Wilhelm Rehberg : Ueber das Verhaltniss der Metaphysik zu der Religion
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Bateman : A Practical Synopsis of Cutaneous Diseases
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
George Berkeley : Siris: a chain of philosophical reflexions
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : The Holy Bible
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Romeo and Juliet
Macaulay's marginalia, by the lines 'Now, afore God, this reverend holy friar/ All our whole city is much bound to him' in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet: "Warburton proposed to read 'hymn' for 'him'; - the most ludicrous emendation ever suggested".
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
[n/a] : The Apocryphal New Testament
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Romeo and Juliet
Macaulay's marginalia by the speech about Queen Mab in Romeo and Juliet: "This speech, - full of matter, of thought, of fancy, as it is, - seems to me, like much of this play, to be not in Shakspeare's [sic] very best manner. It is stuck on like one of Horace's 'purple patches'. It does not seem to spring naturally out of the conversation. This is a fault which, in his finest works, Shakspeare [sic] never commits."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Walter Birch : A Sermon on the Prevalence of Infidelity and Enthusiasm
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Romeo and Juliet
Macaulay's marginalia by the lines 'Hath Romeo slain himself' to 'Of those eyes shut, that make thee answer "I"' : "If this had been in Cibber, Cibber would never have heard the last of it."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
George Dyer : Academic Unity
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Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
George Dyer : Poems
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Romeo and Juliet
Macaulay's marginalia by the point where Balthazar brings the evil tidings to Mantua in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet: "Here begins a noble series of scenes. I know nothing grander than the way in which Romeo hears the news. It moves me even more than Lear's agonies."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Lucy Hutchinson : Memoirs of the Life of Colonel [John] Hutchinson
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Romeo and Juliet
Macaulay's marginalia in the scene in the vault of death in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet: "The desperate calmness of Romeo is sublime beyond expression; and the manner in which he is softened into tenderness when he sees the body of Juliet is perhaps the most affecting touch in all poetry."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Samuel Parr : A spital sermon preached at Christ Church
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Strype : The History of the Life and Acts of the most Reverend Father in God
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Abraham Parsons : Travels in Asia and Africa
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Hamlet, by the opening dialogue: "beyond praise".
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
John Strype : Memorials of the Most Reverend Father in God, Thomas Cranmer
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Hamlet, by the lines 'that season comes/ Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated" : "Sweet writing".
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
John Strype : Memorials of the Most Reverend Father in God, Thomas Cranmer
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Caspar Suicerus : Joh. Caspari Suiceri...Thesaurus Ecclesiasticus
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Hamlet, "The long story about Fortinbras, and all that follows from it, seems to me to be a clumsy addition to the plot".
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Giuseppe Luca Pasini : Vocabolario Italiano-Latino per uso degli studiosi
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Hamlet, in the scene of the royal audience in the room of state: "The silence of Hamlet during the earlier part of this scene is very fine, but not equal to the silence of Prometheus and Cassandra in the Prometheus and Agammemnon of Aeschylus."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Christian Franz Paullini : Christiani Francisci Paullini disquisitio curiosa
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Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Pearson : An Exposition of the Creed
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Emanuel Swedenborg : The Wisdom of Angels concerning Divine Love and Divine Wisdom
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Hamlet, by the scene with the strolling player's declamation about Pyrrhus: "the only thing deserving of much admiration in the speech is the manner in which it is raised above the ordinary diction which surrounds it. It is poetry within poetry, - a play within a play. It was therefore proper to make its language bear the same relation to the language, in which Hamlet and Horatio talk, which the language of Hamlet and Horatio bears to the common style of conversation among gentlemen. This is a sufficient defence of the style, which is undoubtedly in itself far too turgid for dramatic, or even for lyric, composition."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Emanuel Swedenborg : True Christian Religion
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Emanuel Swedenborg : De coelo et ejus mirabilibus, et de inferno
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Emanuel Swedenborg : De cultu et amore Dei
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Hamlet, at the opening of Act 1, Scene 4: "Nothing can be finer than this specimen of Hamlet's peculiar character. His intellect is out of all proportion to his will or his passions. Under the most exciting circumstances, while expecting every moment to see the ghost of his father rise before him, he goes on discussing questions of morals, manners, or politics, as if he were in the schools of Wittenberg."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Emanuel Swedenborg : De equo albo de quo in Apocalypsi
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Emanuel Swedenborg : De equo albo de quo in Apocalypsi
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Hamlet, by the lines 'Dost thou hear?/ Since my dear soul was mistress of her choice,/ And could of men distinguish, her election/ Hath sealed thee for herself, - ' : "An exquisitely beautiful scene. It always moved me more than any other in the play. There is something very striking in the way in which Hamlet, a man of a gentle nature, quick in speculation, morbidly sluggish in action, unfit to struggle with the real evils of life, and finding himself plunged into the midst of them, - delights to repose on the strong mind of a man who had been severely tried, and who had learned stoicism from experience. There is wonderful truth in this."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Emanuel Swedenborg : Oeconomia regni animalis, in transactiones divisa
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Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Emanuel Swedenborg : Oeconomia regni animalis, in transactiones divisa
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Percival : An Account of the Island of Ceylon
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Hamlet, by the conversation between Hamlet and the courtier, in Act 5: "This is a most admirable scene. The fooling of Osric is nothing; but it is most striking to see how completely Hamlet forgets his father, his mistress, the terrible duty imposed upon him, the imminent danger which he has to run, as soon as a subject of observation comes before him; - as soon as a good butt is offered to his wit."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Thomas Percy : Reliques of Ancient English Poetry
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
Macaulay's marginalia. By an editorial note by Dr Johnson, to the lines, 'Who would fardels bear, / To groan and sweat under a weary life'. Johnson wrote, "All the old copies have to 'grunt and sweat'. It is undoubtedly the true reading, but can scarcely be borne by modern ears." Macaulay writes: "We want Shakespeare, not your fine modern English."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Isaac Taylor : Natural History of Enthusiasm
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
Macaulay's marginalia. By the editorial notes in his copy of Hamlet: "It is a noble emendation. Had Warburton often hit off such corrections, he would be entitled to the first place among critics."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch) : Le Rime di Francesco Petrarca
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Jeremy Taylor : The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Alaric Alexander Watts : Poetical Sketches
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
Macaulay's marginalia by the editorial notes in his copy of Hamlet in the scene where Hamlet declines to kill his uncle in the act of praying. Johnson comments that the speech in which, "not content with taking blood for blood, he contrived damnation for his enemy, was too horrible to be read or uttered." Macaulay responds: "Johnson does not understand the character. Hamlet is irresolute; and he makes the first excuse that suggests itself for not striking. If he had met the King drunk, he would have refrained from avenging himself lest he should kill both soul and body."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : King Lear
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of King Lear, in Act 1, Scene 3: "Here begins the finest of all human performances."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : King Lear
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of King Lear, in Act 2, Scene 2, opposite Cornwall's description of the fellow who has been praised for bluntness: "Excellent! It is worth while to compare these moral speeches of Shakspeare [sic] with those which are so much admired in Euripides. The superiority of Shakspeare's [sic] observations is immense. But the dramatic art with which they are introduced, - always in the right place, - always from the right person, - is still more admirable."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : King Lear
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of King Lear, by the lines 'Now i pr'ythee, daughter, do not make me mad!/ I will not trouble thee, my child; farewell!' : "This last struggle between rage and tenderness is, I think, unequalled in poetry."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : King Lear
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of King Lear, by the apostrophe commencing, 'O, let not women's weapons, water-drops...' : "Where is there anything like this in the world"?
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : King Lear
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of King Lear, by opening of the play: "Idolising Shakspeare [sic] as I do, I cannot but feel that the whole scene is very unnatural. He took it, to be sure, from an old story. What miracles his genius has brought out from materials so unpromising!"
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : King Lear
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of King Lear, by the quarrel between Kent and Cornwall's steward: "It is rather a fault in the play, to my thinking, that Kent should behave so very insolently in this scene. A man of his rank and sense would have had more self-command and dignity even in his anger. One can hardly blame Cornwall for putting him in the stocks."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : King Lear
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of King Lear, in Act 3, Scene 4: "The softening of Lear's nature and manners, under the discipline of severe sorrow, is mot happily marked in several places."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : King Lear
Macaulay's marginalia in response to a note by Dr Johnson at the end of King Lear. Johnson protested against the unpleasing character of a story, "in which the wicked prosper, and the virtuous miscarry." Macaulay responds: "There is nothing like this last scene in the world. Johnson talks nonsense. Torn to pieces as Lear's heart had been, was he to live happily ever after, as the story-books say? Wonderful as the whole play is, this last passage is the triumph of Shakspeare's [sic] genius. Every character is perfectly supported."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
John Petvin : Letters Concerning Mind
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Jeremy Taylor : The Rules and Exercises of Holy Living
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Esaias Tegner : Die Frithiofs-Sage
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Antony and Cleopatra
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Antony and Cleopatra. A response to an editorial note by Steevens. "Solemn nonsense! Had Shakspeare [ sic] no eyes to see the sky with?"
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Lord Alfred Tennyson : Poems, Chiefly Lyrical
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Saint Teresa : Works
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Nicolaus Tetens : Philosophische Versuche
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Gaisford : Poetae Minores Graeci
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Jean de Thevenot : The Travels of Monsieur de Thevenot
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Sir John Pringle : Observations on the Diseases of the Army
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Pringle : African Sketches
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Ludwig Tieck : The Old Man of the Mountain, The Lovecharm
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Bryan Waller Procter : Dramatic Scenes and Other Poems
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Samuel Pepys : Memoirs of Samuel Pepys, Esq
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Taylor : An Essay on Money
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Jeremy Taylor : The Worthy Communicant, a discourse on the nature, effects and blessings consequent to the worthy receiving of the Lord's supper
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Jeremy Taylor : The Worthy Communicant, a discourse on the nature, effects and blessings consquent to the worthy receiving of the Lord's supper
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Plotinus Plotinus : Plotini Platonicorum facile coryphaei operum philosophie
[Marginalia]
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Proclus Proclus : The Philosophical and Mathematical Commentaries
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Charles Tennyson : Sonnets and Fugitive Pieces, by Charles Tennyson
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Aulus Persius Flaccus : Auli Persi Flacci Satirarum liber
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Henry V
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Henry V, by the Prologue. Macaulay responds to an editorial note by Dr Johnson, who remarks that to call a circle an O was a very mean metaphor. Macaulay responds: "Surely, if O were really the usual name of a circle there would be nothing mean in it, any more than in the Delta of the Nile."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Emanuel Swedenborg : Regnum animale anatomice, physice et philosophice
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : A Midsummer Night's Dream
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of A Midsummer Night's Dream, by Warburton's editorial note to the lines 'Now the hungry lions roar, / And the wolf beholds the moon'. Macaulay writes: "In my opinion, this is one of Warburton's very best corrections."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : A Midsummer Night's Dream
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of A Midsummer Night's Dream, by the lines 'the rattling tongue / Of saucy and audacious eloquence': This is Shakspeare's [sic] manly sense and knowledge of the world, introduced with perfect dramatic propriety. How different from Euripides's lectures on such subjects."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : A Midsummer Night's Dream
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of A Midsummer Night's Dream, by the lines 'Be, as thou wast wont to be' to 'Hath such force and blessed power": "Beautiful and easy beyond expression".
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : A Midsummer Night's Dream
Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of A Midsummer Night's Dream, on the last page: "A glorious play. The love-scenes Fletcher might perhaps have written. The fairy scenes no man but one since the world began could have written."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Aunt Lizzie : Persons for Whom our Prayers are Requested
'Charles...seized the list [of prayers for the redemption of sinners] hopefully, and hooted with delight when he found: "For a family of four boys and one girl [namely his own family]."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Thomas Print: Serial / periodical, Religious magazine with blank pages for individual prayers
Gregory : Odes
Finished not only the whole of Synesius?s poems, but four odes of Gregory, contained in the same little volume. And yet I really read nothing superficially. There is a great deal in Synesius which is very fine. He stands on a much higher step than Gregory does, as a poet; tho? occasional diffuseness is the fault of each. I like the 7th. hymn extremely. A slip of paper in the first leaf, tells me that in Mr. Boyd?s opinion the 1st. 5th. & 6th. are perhaps the finest, next to the 9th. I wd. lay a very strong emphasis on perhaps. The 9th. is, I agree with him, decidedly the finest.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Hugh Stuart Boyd Print: Book
Synesius : Poems
Finished not only the whole of Synesius?s poems, but four odes of Gregory, contained in the same little volume. And yet I really read nothing superficially. There is a great deal in Synesius which is very fine. He stands on a much higher step than Gregory does, as a poet; tho? occasional diffuseness is the fault of each. I like the 7th. hymn extremely. A slip of paper in the first leaf, tells me that in Mr. Boyd?s opinion the 1st. 5th. & 6th. are perhaps the finest, next to the 9th. I wd. lay a very strong emphasis on perhaps. The 9th. is, I agree with him, decidedly the finest.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Hugh Stuart Boyd Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
'The mother of Joseph Wright, the millworker-philologist, did not learn to read until age forty-eight, and then apparently never ventured beyond the New Testament, Pilgrim's Progress and a translation of Klopstock's Messiah'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: mother of Joseph Wright Print: Book
: New Testament
'The mother of Joseph Wright, the millworker-philologist, did not learn to read until age forty-eight, and then apparently never ventured beyond the New Testament, Pilgrim's Progress and a translation of Klopstock's Messiah'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: mother of Joseph Wright Print: Book
Friedrich Klopstock : Messiah
'The mother of Joseph Wright, the millworker-philologist, did not learn to read until age forty-eight, and then apparently never ventured beyond the New Testament, Pilgrim's Progress and a translation of Klopstock's Messiah'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: mother of Joseph Wright Print: Book
William Shakespeare :
'Christopher Thomson was a "zealous" Methodist until he discovered Shakespeare, Miilton, Sterne and Dr Johnson at a circulating library. When his absence from Sunday chapel was noticed, "I was called to account for it; by way of defence I pleaded my desire for, and indulgence in, reading. This appeared rather to aggravate than serve my cause. It was evidently their opinion, that all books, except such as they deemed religious ones, ought not be read by young men. I ventured somewhat timidly to hint, that it was possible for a young man to read novels, and other works of fiction, and still keep his mind free from irreligion and vice...".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
John Milton :
'Christopher Thomson was a "zealous" Methodist until he discovered Shakespeare, Miilton, Sterne and Dr Johnson at a circulating library. When his absence from Sunday chapel was noticed, "I was called to account for it; by way of defence I pleaded my desire for, and indulgence in, reading. This appeared rather to aggravate than serve my cause. It was evidently their opinion, that all books, except such as they deemed religious ones, ought not be read by young men. I ventured somewhat timidly to hint, that it was possible for a young man to read novels, and other works of fiction, and still keep his mind free from irreligion and vice...".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
Laurence Sterne :
'Christopher Thomson was a "zealous" Methodist until he discovered Shakespeare, Miilton, Sterne and Dr Johnson at a circulating library. When his absence from Sunday chapel was noticed, "I was called to account for it; by way of defence I pleaded my desire for, and indulgence in, reading. This appeared rather to aggravate than serve my cause. It was evidently their opinion, that all books, except such as they deemed religious, ones ought not be read by young men. I ventured somewhat timidly to hint, that it was possible for a young man to read novels, and other works of fiction, and still keep his mind free from irreligion and vice...".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson :
'Christopher Thomson was a "zealous" Methodist until he discovered Shakespeare, Miilton, Sterne and Dr Johnson at a circulating library. When his absence from Sunday chapel was noticed, "I was called to account for it; by way of defence I pleaded my desire for, and indulgence in, reading. This appeared rather to aggravate than serve my cause. It was evidently their opinion, that all books, except such as they deemed religious ones, ought not to be read by young men. I ventured somewhat timidly to hint, that it was possible for a young man to read novels, and other works of fiction, and still keep his mind free from irreligion and vice...".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
William Shakespeare :
'Circuit preacher Joseph Barker found that theology simply could not compete with Shakespeare: "What pleased me most was the simplicity and beauty of his style. He had always a meaning in what he said, and you could easily see his meaning. He never talked at random or lost himself in a mist. I had at this time been so accustomed to meet dull, mysterious and unmeaning stuff in many religious books as they are called, that I felt quite delighted to read something that was rational, plain, stirring, and straightforward".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
William Cowper :
'Shakespeare incited his appetite for poetry: Cowper, Pope, Dryden, Goldsmith, Thomson, Byron. Not only were they more interesting than the fifty volumes of Wesley's Christian Library: eventually Barker realised that "the reason why I could not understand them was, that there was nothing to be understood - that the books were made up of words, and commonplace errors and mystical and nonsensical expressions, and that there was no light or truth in them". When his superintendent searched his lodgings and found Shakespeare and Byron there, Barker was hauled before a disciplinary committee'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
Alexander Pope :
'Shakespeare incited his appetite for poetry: Cowper, Pope, Dryden, Goldsmith, Thomson, Byron. Not only were they more interesting than the fifty volumes of Wesley's Christian Library: eventually Barker realised that "the reason why I could not understand them was, that there was nothing to be understood - that the books were made up of words, and commonplace errors and mystical and nonsensical expressions, and that there was no light or truth in them". When his superintendent searched his lodgings and found Shakespeare and Byron there, Barker was hauled before a disciplinary committee'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
John Dryden :
'Shakespeare incited his appetite for poetry: Cowper, Pope, Dryden, Goldsmith, Thomson, Byron. Not only were they more interesting than the fifty volumes of Wesley's Christian Library: eventually Barker realised that "the reason why I could not understand them was, that there was nothing to be understood - that the books were made up of words, and commonplace errors and mystical and nonsensical expressions, and that there was no light or truth in them". When his superintendent searched his lodgings and found Shakespeare and Byron there, Barker was hauled before a disciplinary committee'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith :
'Shakespeare incited his appetite for poetry: Cowper, Pope, Dryden, Goldsmith, Thomson, Byron. Not only were they more interesting than the fifty volumes of Wesley's Christian Library: eventually Barker realised that "the reason why I could not understand them was, that there was nothing to be understood - that the books were made up of words, and commonplace errors and mystical and nonsensical expressions, and that there was no light or truth in them". When his superintendent searched his lodgings and found Shakespeare and Byron there, Barker was hauled before a disciplinary committee'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
James Thomson :
'Shakespeare incited his appetite for poetry: Cowper, Pope, Dryden, Goldsmith, Thomson, Byron. Not only were they more interesting than the fifty volumes of Wesley's Christian Library: eventually Barker realised that "the reason why I could not understand them was, that there was nothing to be understood - that the books were made up of words, and commonplace errors and mystical and nonsensical expressions, and that there was no light or truth in them". When his superintendent searched his lodgings and found Shakespeare and Byron there, Barker was hauled before a disciplinary committee'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : [unknown]
'Shakespeare incited his appetitie for poetry: Cowper, Pope, Dryden, Goldsmith, Thomson, Byron. Not only were they more interesting than the fifty volumes of Wesley's Christian Library: eventually Barker realised that "the reason why I could not understand them was, that there was nothing to be understood - that the books were made up of words, and commonplace errors and mystical and nonsensical expressions, and that there was no light or truth in them". When his superintendent searched his lodgings and found Shakespeare and Byron there, Barker was hauled before a disciplinary committee'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
George Gordon Byron :
'Byron had intoxicated him "with the freedom of his style of writing, with the fervour or passionateness of his feelings and with the dark and terrible pictures which he seemed to take pleasure in painting". The general effect of reading Milton, Hobbes, Locke and Newton had been "to make me resolve to be free. I saw that it was impossible for the soul of man to answer the end for which it was created, while tramelled by human authority, or fettered with human creeds. I saw that if I was to do justice to truth, to God, or to my own soul, I must break loose from all creeds and laws of men's devising, and live in full and unrestricted liberty..."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
John Milton :
'Byron had intoxicated him "with the freedom of his style of writing, with the fervour or passionateness of his feelings and with the dark and terrible pictures which he seemed to take pleasure in painting". The general effect of reading Milton, Hobbes, Locke and Newton had been "to make me resolve to be free. I saw that it was impossible for the soul of man to answer the end for which it was created, while tramelled by human authority, or fettered with human creeds. I saw that if I was to do justice to truth, to God, or to my own soul, I must break loose from all creeds and laws of men's devising, and live in full and unrestricted liberty..."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
Thomas Hobbes :
'Byron had intoxicated him "with the freedom of his style of writing, with the fervour or passionateness of his feelings and with the dark and terrible pictures which he seemed to take pleasure in painting". The general effect of reading Milton, Hobbes, Locke and Newton had been "to make me resolve to be free. I saw that it was impossible for the soul of man to answer the end for which it was created, while tramelled by human authority, or fettered with human creeds. I saw that if I was to do justice to truth, to God, or to my own soul, I must break loose from all creeds and laws of men's devising, and live in full and unrestricted liberty..."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
John Locke :
'Byron had intoxicated him "with the freedom of his style of writing, with the fervour or passionateness of his feelings and with the dark and terrible pictures which he seemed to take pleasure in painting". The general effect of reading Milton, Hobbes, Locke and Newton had been "to make me resolve to be free. I saw that it was impossible for the soul of man to answer the end for which it was created, while tramelled by human authority, or fettered with human creeds. I saw that if I was to do justice to truth, to God, or to my own soul, I must break loose from all creeds and laws of men's devising, and live in full and unrestricted liberty..."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
Isaac Newton :
'Byron had intoxicated him "with the freedom of his style of writing, with the fervour or passionateness of his feelings and with the dark and terrible pictures which he seemed to take pleasure in painting". The general effect of reading Milton, Hobbes, Locke and Newton had been "to make me resolve to be free. I saw that it was impossible for the soul of man to answer the end for which it was created, while tramelled by human authority, or fettered with human creeds. I saw that if I was to do justice to truth, to God, or to my own soul, I must break loose from all creeds and laws of men's devising, and live in full and unrestricted liberty..."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
William Shakespeare :
'Though one former ploughboy extolled Shakespeare for possessing a deep sense of the pure morality of the Gospel" and quoted from him on most of the 440 pages of his autobiography, he was anxious to insist that "Shakespeare can be far more appreciated and better understood in the closet than in a public theater".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Westcott Tilke Print: Book
Farell Lee Bevan : Peep of Day
'Farell Lee Bevan's Peep of Day (759,000 copies in print by 1888) supplied him with the frame of a totalistic religious ideology: "It was from these pages that I got my first idea of the moral foundations of the universe, was handed the first key with which to unlock the mysteries of the world in which I found myself. These little books served the purpose of an index or filing system; a framework of iron dogma, if you like, providing an orderly arrangement of the world and its history for the young mind, under two main categories, Good and Evil". But Jones also attended a board school, where he found "salvation" in an old cupboard of books presented by the local MP. They were mainly volumes of voyages and natural history, "which took a Rhymney boy away into the realms of wonder over the seas to the Malay Archipelago, to Abyssinia, to the sources of the Nile and the Albert Nyanza, to the curiosities of natural history, piloted by James Bruce, Samuel Baker and Frank Buckland".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jones Print: Book
James Bruce : Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile, In the Years 1768, 1769, 1770, 1771, 1772 and 1773.
'Farell Lee Bevan's Peep of Day (759,000 copies in print by 1888) supplied him with the frame of a totalistic religious ideology: "It was from these pages that I got my first idea of the moral foundations of the universe, was handed the first key with which to unlock the mysteries of the world in which I found myself. These little books served the purpose of an index or filing system; a framework of iron dogma, if you like, providing an orderly arrangement of the world and its history for the young mind, under two main categories, Good and Evil". But Jones also attended a board school, where he found "salvation" in an old cupboard of books presented by the local MP. They were mainly volumes of voyages and natural history, "which took a Rhymney boy away into the realms of wonder over the seas to the Malay Archipelago, to Abyssinia, to the sources of the Nile and the Albert Nyanza, to the curiosities of natural history, piloted by James Bruce, Samuel Baker and Frank Buckland".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jones Print: Book
Samuel Baker : [Probably] 'The Albert N'yanza, Great Basin of the Nile, and Explorations of the Nile Sources'
'Farell Lee Bevan's Peep of Day (759,000 copies in print by 1888) supplied him with the frame of a totalistic religious ideology: "It was from these pages that I got my first idea of the moral foundations of the universe, was handed the first key with which to unlock the mysteries of the world in which I found myself. These little books served the purpose of an index or filing system; a framework of iron dogma, if you like, providing an orderly arrangement of the world and its history for the young mind, under two main categories, Good and Evil". But Jones also attended a board school, where he found "salvation" in an old cupboard of books presented by the local MP. They were mainly volumes of voyages and natural history, "which took a Rhymney boy away into the realms of wonder over the seas to the Malay Archipelago, to Abyssinia, to the sources of the Nile and the Albert Nyanza, to the curiosities of natural history, piloted by James Bruce, Samuel Baker and Frank Buckland".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jones Print: Book
Frank Buckland :
'Farell Lee Bevan's Peep of Day (759,000 copies in print by 1888) supplied him with the frame of a totalistic religious ideology: "It was from these pages that I got my first idea of the moral foundations of the universe, was handed the first key with which to unlock the mysteries of the world in which I found myself. These little books served the purpose of an index or filing system; a framework of iron dogma, if you like, providing an orderly arrangement of the world and its history for the young mind, under two main categories, Good and Evil". But Jones also attended a board school, where he found "salvation" in an old cupboard of books presented by the local MP. They were mainly volumes of voyages and natural history, "which took a Rhymney boy away into the realms of wonder over the seas to the Malay Archipelago, to Abyssinia, to the sources of the Nile and the Albert Nyanza, to the curiosities of natural history, piloted by James Bruce, Samuel Baker and Frank Buckland".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jones Print: Book
Thomas Babington MacAulay :
'While he read little but the Bible and religious periodicals, his son was working his way through the Rhymney Workmen's Institute Library and Cassell's National Library of 3d paperbacks. MacAulay's essays, Goldsmith's History of England, Far from the Madding Crowd, Self-Help, Josephus, Plutarch, Shakespeare, Pepys, Johnson's Lives of the Poets, and The Sorrows of Young Werther were among the books Jones read, often on his employer's time. (He hid them under the ledger at the Rhymney Iron Works, where he worked a thirteen hour day as a timekeeper for 9s. a week.)'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jones Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : History of England
'While he read little but the Bible and religious periodicals, his son was working his way through the Rhymney Workmen's Institute Library and Cassell's National Library of 3d paperbacks. MacAulay's essays, Goldsmith's History of England, Far from the Madding Crowd, Self-Help, Josephus, Plutarch, Shakespeare, Pepys, Johnson's Lives of the Poets, and The Sorrows of Young Werther were among the books Jones read, often on his employer's time. (He hid them under the ledger at the Rhymney Iron Works, where he worked a thirteen-hour day as a timekeeper for 9s. a week.)'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jones Print: Book
Thomas Hardy : Far from the Madding Crowd
'While he read little but the Bible and religious periodicals, his son was working his way through the Rhymney Workmen's Institute Library and Cassell's National Library of 3d paperbacks. MacAulay's essays, Goldsmith's History of England, Far from the Madding Crowd, Self-Help, Josephus, Plutarch, Shakespeare, Pepys, Johnson's Lives of the Poets, and The Sorrows of Young Werther were among the books Jones read, often on his employer's time. (He hid them under the ledger at the Rhymney Iron Works, where he worked a thirteen hour day as a timekeeper for 9s. a week.)'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jones Print: Book
Josephus :
'While he read little but the Bible and religious periodicals, his son was working his way through the Rhymney Workmen's Institute Library and Cassell's National Library of 3d paperbacks. MacAulay's essays, Goldsmith's History of England, Far from the Madding Crowd, Self-Help, Josephus, Plutarch, Shakespeare, Pepys, Johnson's Lives of the Poets, and The Sorrows of Young Werther were among the books Jones read, often on his employer's time. (He hid them under the ledger at the Rhymney Iron Works, where he worked a thirteen hour day as a timekeeper for 9s. a week.)'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jones Print: Book
Plutarch :
'While he read little but the Bible and religious periodicals, his son was working his way through the Rhymney Workmen's Institute Library and Cassell's National Library of 3d paperbacks. MacAulay's essays, Goldsmith's History of England, Far from the Madding Crowd, Self-Help, Josephus, Plutarch, Shakespeare, Pepys, Johnson's Lives of the Poets, and The Sorrows of Young Werther were among the books Jones read, often on his employer's time. (He hid them under the ledger at the Rhymney Iron Works, where he worked a thirteen hour day as a timekeeper for 9s. a week.)'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jones Print: Book
William Shakespeare :
'While he read little but the Bible and religious periodicals, his son was working his way through the Rhymney Workmen's Institute Library and Cassell's National Library of 3d paperbacks. MacAulay's essays, Goldsmith's History of England, Far from the Madding Crowd, Self-Help, Josephus, Plutarch, Shakespeare, Pepys, Johnson's Lives of the Poets, and The Sorrows of Young Werther were among the books Jones read, often on his employer's time. (He hid them under the ledger at the Rhymney Iron Works, where he worked a thirteen hour day as a timekeeper for 9s. a week.)'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jones Print: Book
Samuel Pepys :
'While he read little but the Bible and religious periodicals, his son was working his way through the Rhymney Workmen's Institute Library and Cassell's National Library of 3d paperbacks. MacAulay's essays, Goldsmith's History of England, Far from the Madding Crowd, Self-Help, Josephus, Plutarch, Shakespeare, Pepys, Johnson's Lives of the Poets, and The Sorrows of Young Werther were among the books Jones read, often on his employer's time. (He hid them under the ledger at the Rhymney Iron Works, where he worked a thirteen hour day as a timekeeper for 9s. a week.)'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jones Print: Book
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : The Sorrows of Young Werther
'While he read little but the Bible and religious periodicals, his son was working his way through the Rhymney Workmen's Institute Library and Cassell's National Library of 3d paperbacks. MacAulay's essays, Goldsmith's History of England, Far from the Madding Crowd, Self-Help, Josephus, Plutarch, Shakespeare, Pepys, Johnson's Lives of the Poets, and The Sorrows of Young Werther were among the books Jones read, often on his employer's time. (He hid them under the ledger at the Rhymney Iron Works, where he worked a thirteen hour day as a timekeeper for 9s. a week.)'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jones Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Lives of the Poets
'While he read little but the Bible and religious periodicals, his son was working his way through the Rhymney Workmen's Institute Library and Cassell's National Library of 3d paperbacks. MacAulay's essays, Goldsmith's History of England, Far from the Madding Crowd, Self-Help, Josephus, Plutarch, Shakespeare, Pepys, Johnson's Lives of the Poets, and The Sorrows of Young Werther were among the books Jones read, often on his employer's time. (He hid them under the ledger at the Rhymney Iron Works, where he worked a thirteen hour day as a timekeeper for 9s. a week.)'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jones Print: Book
: The Bible
'While he read little but the Bible and religious periodicals, his son was working his way through the Rhymney Workmen's Institute Library and Cassell's National Library of 3d paperbacks. MacAulay's essays, Goldsmith's History of England, Far from the Madding Crowd, Self-Help, Josephus, Plutarch, Shakespeare, Pepys, Johnson's Lives of the Poets, and The Sorrows of Young Werther were among the books Jones read, often on his employer's time. (He hid them under the ledger at the Rhymney Iron Works, where he worked a thirteen hour day as a timekeeper for 9s. a week.)'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: father of Thomas Jones Print: Book
:
'While he read little but the Bible and religious periodicals, his son was working his way through the Rhymney Workmen's Institute Library and Cassell's National Library of 3d paperbacks. MacAulay's essays, Goldsmith's History of England, Far from the Madding Crowd, Self-Help, Josephus, Plutarch, Shakespeare, Pepys, Johnson's Lives of the Poets, and The Sorrows of Young Werther were among the books Jones read, often on his employer's time. (He hid them under the ledger at the Rhymney Iron Works, where he worked a thirteen hour day as a timekeeper for 9s. a week.)'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: father of Thomas Jones Print: Serial / periodical
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : [poetry]
'The propaganda of Robert Owen alone did not convert printer Thomas Frost... to socialism: "The poetry of Coleridge and Shelley was stirring within me and making me 'a Chartist and something more'". Frost had been an omnivorous reader since childhood, when he read his grandmother's volumes of The Spectator and The Persian Letters. Most subversive of all were the letters of the second Lord Lyttelton: "The attraction which this book had for me consisted, I believe, in the tinge of scepticism to be found in several of the letters, and in the metaphysical questions argued, lightly and cleverly, in others. I was beginning to assert for myself freedom of thought, and to rebel against custom and convention; and there was naturally much in common between the writer and the reader",'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Frost Print: Book
Percy Bysshe Shelley : [poetry]
'The propaganda of Robert Owen alone did not convert printer Thomas Frost... to socialism: "The poetry of Coleridge and Shelley was stirring within me and making me 'a Chartist and something more'". Frost had been an omnivorous reader since childhood, when he read his grandmother's volumes of The Spectator and The Persian Letters. Most subversive of all were the letters of the second Lord Lyttelton: "The attraction which this book had for me consisted, I believe, in the tinge of scepticism to be found in several of the letters, and in the metaphysical questions argued, lightly and cleverly, in others. I was beginning to assert for myself freedom of thought, and to rebel against custom and convention; and there was naturally much in common between the writer and the reader",'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Frost Print: Book
Joseph Addison : The Spectator
'The propaganda of Robert Owen alone did not convert printer Thomas Frost to socialism: "The poetry of Coleridge and Shelley was stirring within me and making me 'a Chartist and something more'". Frost had been an omnivorous reader since childhood, when he read his grandmother's volumes of The Spectator and The Persian Letters. Most subversive of all were the letters of the second Lord Lyttelton: "The attraction which this book had for me consisted, I believe, in the tinge of scepticism to be found in several of the letters, and in the metaphysical questions argued, lightly and cleverly, in others. I was beginning to assert for myself freedom of thought, and to rebel against custom and convention; and there was naturally much in common between the writer and the reader",'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Frost Print: Book, Serial / periodical, periodical bound into books
Charles de Secondat, Baron Montesquieu : The Persian Letters
'The propaganda of Robert Owen alone did not convert printer Thomas Frost to socialism: "The poetry of Coleridge and Shelley was stirring within me and making me 'a Chartist and something more'". Frost had been an omnivorous reader since childhood, when he read his grandmother's volumes of The Spectator and The Persian Letters. Most subversive of all were the letters of the second Lord Lyttelton: "The attraction which this book had for me consisted, I believe, in the tinge of scepticism to be found in several of the letters, and in the metaphysical questions argued, lightly and cleverly, in others. I was beginning to assert for myself freedom of thought, and to rebel against custom and convention; and there was naturally much in common between the writer and the reader",'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Frost Print: Book
Thomas Second Lord Lyttelton : Letters
'The propaganda of Robert Owen alone did not convert printer Thomas Frost to socialism: "The poetry of Coleridge and Shelley was stirring within me and making me 'a Chartist and something more'". Frost had been an omnivorous reader since childhood, when he read his grandmother's volumes of The Spectator and The Persian Letters. Most subversive of all were the letters of the second Lord Lyttelton: "The attraction which this book had for me consisted, I believe, in the tinge of scepticism to be found in several of the letters, and in the metaphysical questions argued, lightly and cleverly, in others. I was beginning to assert for myself freedom of thought, and to rebel against custom and convention; and there was naturally much in common between the writer and the reader",'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Frost Print: Book
Bryan Edwards : The History, Civil and Commercial, of the British Colonies in the West Indies
"As [S. T. Coleridge] recalled in the Friend, 'I had [when composing The Three Graves in 1798] been reading Bryan Edwards's account of the effects of the Oby Witchcraft on the Negroes in the West Indies, and Hearne's deeply interesting Anecdotes of similar workings on the imagination of the Copper Indians ...'"
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Samuel Hearne : A Journey from Prince of Wales's Fort in Hudson's Bay to the Northern Ocean, Undertaken ... for the Discovery of Copper Mines, a North West Passage, etc. in the Years 1769-1772
"As [S. T. Coleridge] recalled in the Friend [ii 89], 'I had [when composing The Three Graves in 1798] been reading Bryan Edwards's account of the effects of the Oby Witchcraft on the Negroes in the West Indies, and Hearne's deeply interesting Anecdotes of similar workings on the imagination of the Copper Indians ...'"
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Bernard Farish :
"W[ordsworth]'s note to Guilt and Sorrow 81 acknowledges a borrowing 'From a short MS. poem read to me when an under-graduate, by my schoolfellow and friend Charles Farish, long since deceased. The verses were by a brother of his [John Bernard Farish], a man of promising genius, who died young.'"
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Farish Manuscript: Unknown
John Milton : L'Allegro
'As a Manchester warehouse porter, Samuel Bamford found the same richness in Milton: "His 'L'Allegro' and 'Il Penseroso' were but expressions of thoughts and feelings which my romantic imagination had not unfrequently led me to indulge, but which, until now, I had deemed beyond all human utterance".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
John Milton : Il Penseroso
'As a Manchester warehouse porter, Samuel Bamford found the same richness in Milton: "His 'L'Allegro' and 'Il Penseroso' were but expressions of thoughts and feelings which my romantic imagination had not unfrequently led me to indulge, but which, until now, I had deemed beyond all human utterance".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Homer :
'Milton established a habit of serious reading, which brought Bamford to Homer, Virgil, Shakespeare, the great poets, classic histories and voyages, and ultimately William Cobbett's Political Register'.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Virgil :
'Milton established a habit of serious reading, which brought Bamford to Homer, Virgil, Shakespeare, the great poets, classic histories and voyages, and ultimately William Cobbett's Political Register'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
William Shakespeare :
'Milton established a habit of serious reading, which brought Bamford to Homer, Virgil, Shakespeare, the great poets, classic histories and voyages, and ultimately William Cobbett's Political Register'.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
[the great poets] :
'Milton established a habit of serious reading, which brought Bamford to Homer, Virgil, Shakespeare, the great poets, classic histories and voyages, and ultimately William Cobbett's Political Register'.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Unknown
: [classic histories]
'Milton established a habit of serious reading, which brought Bamford to Homer, Virgil, Shakespeare, the great poets, classic histories and voyages and, ultimately, William Cobbett's Political Register'.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
: [voyages]
'Milton established a habit of serious reading, which brought Bamford to Homer, Virgil, Shakespeare, the great poets, classic histories and voyages and, ultimately, William Cobbett's Political Register'.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
William Cobbett : Political Register
'Milton established a habit of serious reading, which brought Bamford to Homer, Virgil, Shakespeare, the great poets, classic histories and voyages and, ultimately, William Cobbett's Political Register'.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Thomas Carlyle : Sartor Resartus
'Keir Hardie remembered that a "real turning point" of his life was his discovery of Sartor Resartus at age sixteen or seventeen. He had to read it through three times before he understood it: "I felt I was in the presence of some great power, the meaning of which I could only dimly guess at".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: James Keir Hardie Print: Book
: Daily Advertiser
Witness statement in the trial of James Stewart for theft: James James (Witness): "afterwards I saw the advertisement in the 'Daily Advertiser' about the prisoner at the bar being detained with a piece of ticking on his shoulders, I went in consequence of that..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James James Print: Newspaper
: Daily Advertiser
Witness statement in trial of Sarah Evans for murder Thomas Aris: "The first thing I heard of the child being drowned, I saw it in the paper, saying, the child of Sarah Evans. On Tuesday the 16th, I think it was the 'Daily Advertiser', and seeing Sarah Evans in the paper..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Aris Print: Newspaper
: Morning Advertiser
Witness statement in trial for housebreaking/receiving stolen goods: Thomas Davies: "I think it was in the middle of November I saw it in the 'Morning Advertiser' -I never heard of it, or read it before, on my oath, I did not speak to my brother about it when I read it in the 'Morning Advertiser'..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Davies Print: Newspaper
: Daily Advertiser
Witness statement in trial for for theft: Thomas Jones: "reading the 'Daily Advertiser' and finding they were advertised, I went out and fetched them from Mr Humphreys, to whom they were sold..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jones Print: Newspaper
: Daily Advertiser
Witness statement in trial for for theft: Benjamin Bunn: "I am a pawnbroker and live in Houndsditch... I was reading the 'Daily Advertiser', and I saw an advertisement of a box, and some garden seeds, and a gown and thirteen yeards of blue silk, lost from the George on Snow-hill..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jones Print: Newspaper
: Advertiser
Witness statement in trial for for theft: Samuel Spencer: "The next day about 11 o'clock I read in the 'Advertiser', 'A silver pint mug, marked E.M.M. stole out of the Two Chairmen, in Warder-street, Soho..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Spencer Print: Newspaper
: Daily Advertiser
Witness statement in trial for for theft/ receiving stolen goods: Charles Clark: "On the 18th of November, in the forenoon, Mary English came and pledged four silver teaspoons with me... A little after I read the Advertiser, and I found by the description, they were stolen..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Clark Print: Newspaper
: Daily Advertiser
Witness statement in trial for pickpocketing: Thomas Burch: "On Monday morning the 7th of July, the prisoner brought this watch to me... I lent him two guineas on it; after that I read the Advertiser, the advertisement mentioned a green ribbon, but this is a white one, everything else answers; I immediately went with it to Justice Fielding..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burch Print: Newspaper
: Daily Advertiser
Witness statement in trial for fraud: Thomas Douglas: "I saw this advertisement in the Daily Advertiser of the 1st of March last. (It is read to the court)... In consequence of this advertisement, I went to the Globe Tavern..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Douglas Print: Newspaper
:
Witness statement in trial for theft: Joseph Dobree: "I am a pawnbroker: I took in this property of a witness who is here, Mary Brown, on the 5th of May; the next day a handbill came in, describing, as I thought, the property, directing to apply to Mr Rendington, Charles-street, Covent-Garden; I took it there, it proved to be part of the property lost..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Dobree Print: Handbill
:
Witness statement in trial for burglary: James Gideon: "On the 29th of October, between eight and nine o'clock in the morning, the prisoner Chord came and offered a small gold brooch set... I suspected him and sent for a constable who came; I showed him the brooch, which appeared to answer the description of one in a handbill which I had received before; I showed the constable the handbill in the prisoner's presence..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Gideon Print: Handbill
: Advertiser
Witness statement in trial for shoplifting: Elias Mordecai: "I set my Basket one Day upon a post, and saw Moses show a Watch to two Gentlemen... five or six days after, I read in the Advertiser, that there was a watch lost belonging to Mr Seddon..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elias Mordecai Print: Newspaper
: Advertiser
Witness statement in trial for theft: Josiah Howard: The 19th of May I and three journeyman-packers left work and came to the Bull-head in Jewin-street; I get much in liquor; ...[in Redcross-street] I tumbled down... I felt my watch, my hat and my handkerchief go from me... I advertised my watch the 27th of May and the 26th of June; I read in the Advertiser there were eight people taken up in Kingsland-road and divers things found upon them..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Josiah Howard Print: Newspaper
: Advertiser
Witness statement in trial for highway robbery: James Palace: "A night or two after I read in the Advertiser a watch, name Ingraham, describing it to be the same as I had received. I went away to the prosecutor's house by the direction of the advertisement..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Palace Print: Newspaper
:
Witness statement in trial for highway robbery: Thomas Brown: "I took an axe of Jones the same evening afterwards; that was on the Tuesday evening and on Wednesday there was a handbill mentioning these things; I was going up to Bow-street..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Brown Print: Handbill
:
Witness statement in trial for murder: Samuel Davis: [in reply to question about length of time he spent in the water closet] Some few minutes -I cannot say how long, not longer than was necessary... I had a newspaper reading there..." Jonathan Smithies [his defence]: "[Davis] asked me for my Sunday's newspaper, saying he wished to use the watercloset -he took the newspaper... [I waited] sufficient time for him to come out; I then went down again, having occasion to go to the watercloset myself, and asked him if he was coming out, when he said, 'I shall be half an hour yet' -he had the newspaper with him and I suppose he was reading it..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Davies Print: Newspaper
:
Witness statement in trial for theft: James Collins: "I was sitting near the bar reading the newspaper, when I turned my head, and saw the prisoner come out of the room, go up stairs, and come down again..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Collins Print: Newspaper
:
Witness statement in trial for theft: Robert Price: "I was standing reading a playbill that was stuck up, the prisoner came and laid his hand on my shoulder as before, and said, They will all be acted tonight, meaning the plays..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Pead Print: Advertisement, Handbill, Poster, Playbill
:
Witness statement in trial for assault: Charles Bradfield: "In the forenoon of Saturday, 4th of October, I went into the Bull public-house to have my breakfast -I was reading the newspaper and had a beef-steak, which I gave to Sherman, the servant, to be dressed -the prisoner came in, and asked me for the newspaper -I said he should have it in a minute or two -he said if it had not been for me, he should have been in service at that time... [fight ensues, prisoner stabs Bradfield with knife]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Bradfield Print: Newspaper
:
Witness statement in trial for theft: Isaac Reeve: "After this I happened to read in the Newspaper of a quart silver tankard being stole in the prosecutor's house. I went tither, and there was the prisoner. I told the affair before Sir Samuel Gower..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Reeve Print: Newspaper
:
Witness statement in trial for burglary: James Harrison: "I know both prisoners. On the 7th of September, I was in company with Underwood, at the Angel, Mr Fitzpatrick's, at Hoxton, between nine and ten o'clock. I took up the newspaper, to read it: I saw an account of the robbery of Mr Sharpe's house: I told him it was a great robbery..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Harrison Print: Newspaper
:
Witness statement in trial for burglary: Joseph Jackson: "I come on account of recollecting a circumstance in an advertisement, that I saw in the newspaper, concerning the robbery committed on the 25th of May...What brought me was to see whether it is either of the prisoners at the bar, on account of an advertisement that I read in a newspaper..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jackson Print: Newspaper
:
Defence of prisoner in his trial for theft James Lewis: "...we went to the Gun, and he asked me to go in; the gentlewoman said come into the parlour, we staid there, and drank the liquor out, then we went into the kitchen, I was reading the newspaper, I went out to the door..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lewis Print: Newspaper
:
Witness statement in trial for murder: Joshua Parish: "I know the middle man (Payne); it is near three weeks ago since I first saw him... after this I saw in a newspaper an advertisement that I thought applied to him; I gave information..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joshua Parish Print: Newspaper
: Gazetteer and Daily Advertiser
Witness statement in trial for theft: Esther Radford: [Bevan picks up parcel in Pond-street and takes it to Radford]... he gave them into my possession, and I put them into a bureau, and I desired my servant, when she went out, to get me a newspaper; which was produced to me on Monday; I read it through to see if such things were advertised; I saw no such thing... I fancy it was the Gazetteer and Daily Advertiser; it was the Monday's paper to the best of my knowledge, but I cannot particularly say; I looked the paper particularly through..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Radford Print: Newspaper
:
Witness statements in trial for theft: James Streeter: "...says I, Mich, how did you come by this, I am afraid you did not get it honestly; he persisted in it, that he had received it for his cousin's prize money; the next morning, I saw it advertised in the newspaper and sent for a constable..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Streeter Print: Newspaper
:
Witness statement in trial for burglary: Robinson: "I was reading the newspaper..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Robinson Print: Newspaper
:
prisoner's statement in trial for theft: Thomas Vaughan: "I got up in the morning to breakfast along with the man's wife. I never went out of the parlour, only through the parlour, I read the newspaper before I went out of the house..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Vaughan Print: Newspaper
:
witness statement in trial for theft: Charles Fenn: "I went into Mrs Bow's public house, the sign of the Wheat-sheaf, Holywell-street. I put my bankers book on the table, called for a glass of ale, I took up the newspaper; I staid in the house about five minutes, put down the newspaper and went out..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Fenn Print: Newspaper
:
witness statement in trial for theft: Samuel Leigh: "I lodge at the Elephant and Castle, Holborn. On the 12th of October I was sitting in the tap-room breakfasting...after I had finished my breakfast I removed two or three yards to look at a newspaper..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Leigh Print: Newspaper
Marie Jeanne Roland de la Platiere : An Appeal to Impartial Posterity, by Citizeness Roland
"[Thomas] Poole read the Appeal in March 1796; writing to Henrietta Warwick on 2 April, he revealed that 'I have lately perused with much delight La Citoyenne Roland.'"
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Poole Print: Book
Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller : The Robbers
"[S. T.] C[oleridge] stayed up until one o'clock in the morning to read Tytler's translation of The Robbers ... "
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
unknown : [Greek book]
Dorothy Wordsworth writes to Catherine Clarkson on 'Thursday Evening December 8th [1808]': 'Mr. De Quincey ... is beside me, quietly turning over the leaves of a Greek book ... '
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas De Quincey Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Julius Caesar
[Macaulay's marginalia by the conversation in the street between Brutus and Cassius, in the First Act of Julius Caesar] "These two or three pages are worth the whole French drama ten times over."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Julius Caesar
[Macaulay's marginalia at the end of Julius Caesar] "The last scenes are huddled up, and affect me less than Plutarch's narrative. But the working up of Brutus by Cassius, the meeting of the conspirators, the stirring of the mob by Antony, and (above all,) the dispute and reconciliation of the two generals, are things far beyond the reach of any other poet that ever lived."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Julius Caesar
[Macaulay's marginalia by the lines "Let me have men about me that are fat/ Sleek headed men, and such as sleep o' nights" in Julius Caesar] "Plutarch's hint is admirably expanded here".
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Juvenal : Satire X
William Wordsworth to Robert Shelton Mackenzie, 26 January 1838: 'When I was a very young Man the present Archdeacon Wrangham and I amused ourselves in imitating jointly Juvenal's Satire upon Nobility - or rather parts of it. How far the choice of a Subject might be influenced by the run at that time against Aristocracy, I am unable to say ... '
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Wrangham
Percy Bysshe Shelley :
'Emrys Daniel Hughes, [an] imprisoned CO and son of a Tonypandy miner, learned that the authorities were not unaware of the subversive potential of great literature. Following a Home Office directive to examine prisoners' books, the chaplain confiscated a volume of Shelley, though not before Hughes had a chance to read and discuss it. The padre also apparently removed Tristram Shandy from the prison library: Hughes found it whilst cleaning the chaplain's rookm and had read it on the sly... In More's Utopia he discovered a radical rethinking of criume and punishment. The World Set Free, in which HG Wells predicted the devastation of nuclear war, naturally spoke to his antiwar activism, and he was greatly impressed by the Quaker idealism in George Fox's journal, a biography of William Penn and Walt Whitman's poems.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Emrys Daniel Hughes Print: Book
Laurence Sterne : Tristram Shandy
'Emrys Daniel Hughes, [an] imprisoned CO and son of a Tonypandy miner, learned that the authorities were not unaware of the subversive potential of great literature. Following a Home Office directive to examine prisoners' books, the chaplain confiscated a volume of Shelley, though not before Hughes had a chance to read and discuss it. The padre also apparently removed Tristram Shandy from the prison library: Hughes found it whilst cleaning the chaplain's rookm and had read it on the sly... In More's Utopia he discovered a radical rethinking of criume and punishment. The World Set Free, in which HG Wells predicted the devastation of nuclear war, naturally spoke to his antiwar activism, and he was greatly impressed by the Quaker idealism in George Fox's journal, a biography of William Penn and Walt Whitman's poems.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Emrys Daniel Hughes Print: Book
Thomas More : Utopia
'Emrys Daniel Hughes, [an] imprisoned CO and son of a Tonypandy miner, learned that the authorities were not unaware of the subversive potential of great literature. Following a Home Office directive to examine prisoners' books, the chaplain confiscated a volume of Shelley, though not before Hughes had a chance to read and discuss it. The padre also apparently removed Tristram Shandy from the prison library: Hughes found it whilst cleaning the chaplain's rookm and had read it on the sly... In More's Utopia he discovered a radical rethinking of criume and punishment. The World Set Free, in which HG Wells predicted the devastation of nuclear war, naturally spoke to his antiwar activism, and he was greatly impressed by the Quaker idealism in George Fox's journal, a biography of William Penn and Walt Whitman's poems.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Emrys Daniel Hughes Print: Book
Herbert George Wells : The World Set Free
'Emrys Daniel Hughes, [an] imprisoned CO and son of a Tonypandy miner, learned that the authorities were not unaware of the subversive potential of great literature. Following a Home Office directive to examine prisoners' books, the chaplain confiscated a volume of Shelley, though not before Hughes had a chance to read and discuss it. The padre also apparently removed Tristram Shandy from the prison library: Hughes found it whilst cleaning the chaplain's rookm and had read it on the sly... In More's Utopia he discovered a radical rethinking of criume and punishment. The World Set Free, in which HG Wells predicted the devastation of nuclear war, naturally spoke to his antiwar activism, and he was greatly impressed by the Quaker idealism in George Fox's journal, a biography of William Penn and Walt Whitman's poems.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Emrys Daniel Hughes Print: Book
: [biography of William Penn]
'Emrys Daniel Hughes, [an] imprisoned CO and son of a Tonypandy miner, learned that the authorities were not unaware of the subversive potential of great literature. Following a Home Office directive to examine prisoners' books, the chaplain confiscated a volume of Shelley, though not before Hughes had a chance to read and discuss it. The padre also apparently removed Tristram Shandy from the prison library: Hughes found it whilst cleaning the chaplain's rookm and had read it on the sly... In More's Utopia he discovered a radical rethinking of criume and punishment. The World Set Free, in which HG Wells predicted the devastation of nuclear war, naturally spoke to his antiwar activism, and he was greatly impressed by the Quaker idealism in George Fox's journal, a biography of William Penn and Walt Whitman's poems.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Emrys Daniel Hughes Print: Book
Walt Whitman :
'Emrys Daniel Hughes, [an] imprisoned CO and son of a Tonypandy miner, learned that the authorities were not unaware of the subversive potential of great literature. Following a Home Office directive to examine prisoners' books, the chaplain confiscated a volume of Shelley, though not before Hughes had a chance to read and discuss it. The padre also apparently removed Tristram Shandy from the prison library: Hughes found it whilst cleaning the chaplain's rookm and had read it on the sly... In More's Utopia he discovered a radical rethinking of criume and punishment. The World Set Free, in which HG Wells predicted the devastation of nuclear war, naturally spoke to his antiwar activism, and he was greatly impressed by the Quaker idealism in George Fox's journal, a biography of William Penn and Walt Whitman's poems.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Emrys Daniel Hughes Print: Book
Thomas Babington Macaulay :
'[Emrys Hughes] read the social history of Macaulay, Froude, and J.R. Green; Thorold Rogers's Six Centuries of Work and Wages particularly appealed to him because it offered "not the history of kings and queens, but of the way ordinary people ha struggled to live throughout the centuries..." Hughes was one of those agitators who found a virtual Marxism in Thomas Carlyle. The French Revolution inspired the hope that a popular revolt somewhere would end the war...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Emrys Daniel Hughes Print: Book
James Anthony Froude :
'[Emrys Hughes] read the social history of Macaulay, Froude, and J.R. Green; Thorold Rogers's Six Centuries of Work and Wages particularly appealed to him because it offered "not the history of kings and queens, but of the way ordinary people ha struggled to live throughout the centuries..." Hughes was one of those agitators who found a virtual Marxism in Thomas Carlyle. The French Revolution inspired the hope that a popular revolt somewhere would end the war...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Emrys Daniel Hughes Print: Book
John Richard Green :
'[Emrys Hughes] read the social history of Macaulay, Froude, and J.R. Green; Thorold Rogers's Six Centuries of Work and Wages particularly appealed to him because it offered "not the history of kings and queens, but of the way ordinary people ha struggled to live throughout the centuries..." Hughes was one of those agitators who found a virtual Marxism in Thomas Carlyle. The French Revolution inspired the hope that a popular revolt somewhere would end the war...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Emrys Daniel Hughes Print: Book
Thorold Rogers : Six Centuries of Work and Wages
'[Emrys Hughes] read the social history of Macaulay, Froude, and J.R. Green; Thorold Rogers's Six Centuries of Work and Wages particularly appealed to him because it offered "not the history of kings and queens, but of the way ordinary people ha struggled to live throughout the centuries..." Hughes was one of those agitators who found a virtual Marxism in Thomas Carlyle. The French Revolution inspired the hope that a popular revolt somewhere would end the war...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Emrys Daniel Hughes Print: Book
Thomas Carlyle : The French Revolution
'[Emrys Hughes] read the social history of Macaulay, Froude, and J.R. Green; Thorold Rogers's Six Centuries of Work and Wages particularly appealed to him because it offered "not the history of kings and queens, but of the way ordinary people ha struggled to live throughout the centuries..." Hughes was one of those agitators who found a virtual Marxism in Thomas Carlyle. The French Revolution inspired the hope that a popular revolt somewhere would end the war...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Emrys Daniel Hughes Print: Book
Christoph Martin Wieland : Oberon
'"I am translating the Oberon of Wieland," C[oleridge] told [Thomas] Poole, 20 Nov 1797.'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Francis Wrangham : Brutoniad
'[Francis] Wrangham was ... in the habit of reading MS verses to his friends: C[oleridge] heard his "Brutoniad" in Sept. 1794.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Wrangham Manuscript: Unknown
unknown : Edda Soemundar hinns Froda
Robert Southey to William Taylor, April 1799: '[Amos Cottle] was in a hurry, and wanted northern learning, but seemed to have no idea of knowing how or where to look for it. The "Edda" [with facing Icelandic and Latin texts] fell into his hands and delighted him. His brother [Joseph], who knows no language but English, wanted to read it, and he had begun a prose translation, when I advised him to versify it ... '
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Amos Cottle Print: BookManuscript: Unknown
Amos Cottle : Italia, vastata
'Coleridge's interest in [Amos] Cottle dated back at least to May 1797, when he read his Latin poem, Italia, vastata ... '
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
William Wordsworth : Introduction to Select Views in Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Lancashire, by the Rev. Joseph Wilkinson, Rector of East and West Wretham, in the County of Norfolk and Chaplain to the Marquis of Huntly
Dorothy Wordsworth to Catherine Clarkson, 18 Novembr [1809]: 'Sara [Hutchinson] has been kept almost constantly busy in transcribing ... For William [Wordsworth] she has been transcribing the introduction to a collection of prints to be published by Mr. Wilkinson of Thetford (of which I believe you know the history as your husband's name is down among those of the subscribers). I hope you will be interested with William's part of the work (he has only finished the general introduction, being unable to do the rest until he has seen the prints). It is the only regular and I may say scientific account of the present and past state and appearance of the country that has yet appeared.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sara Hutchinson Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : The Friend, A Literary, Moral and Political Weekly Paper
Dorothy Wordsworth to Lady Beaumont, 28 February [1810], on departure of Sara Hutchinson after four years with Wordsworths: 'Coleridge most of all will miss her, as she has transcribed almost every Paper of the Friend for the press.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sara Hutchinson Manuscript: Unknown
Walter Scott : The Lady of the Lake
Extract of letter from Thomas De Quincey to Mary Wordsworth, given in 30 December 1810 letter from Dorothy Wordsworth to Catherine Clarkson: '"W. Scott's last novel, the Lady of the Lake, is the grand subject of prattle and chatter hereabouts. I have read it aloud to oblige my Mother, and a more disgusting Task I never had. I verily think that it is the completest magazine of all forms of the Falsetto in feeling and diction that now exists ... I have given great offence to some of Walter's idolaters ... in particular, by calling it a novel (which indeed it is; only a very dull one)."'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas De Quincey
: [a romance in the style of Ann Radcliffe]
Extract of letter from S. T. Coleridge to William Wordsworth, given in 30 December 1810 letter from Dorothy Wordsworth to Catherine Clarkson: "'I amused myself a day or two ago on reading a Romance in Mrs Radcliffe's style with making out a scheme which was to serve for all Romances a priori ... '"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Charles Dickens :
'Even before [Chaim Lewis] discovered the English novelists, he was introduced to Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Turgenev and Pushkin by a Russian revolutionary rag merchant who studied Dickens in the Whitechapel Public Library and read aloud from Man and Superman. Another friend - the son of a widowed mother, who left school at fourteen - exposed him to Egyptology, Greek architecture, Scott, Smollett, the British Musuem and Prescott's History of the Conquest of Peru'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: a revolutionary Russian rag merchant Print: Book
Charles Dickens :
'In a Sunday school library set up by a cotton mill fire-beater, [Thomas Thompson] read Dickens, Thackeray, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Marcus Aurelius'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Thompson Print: Book
William Makepeace Thackeray :
'In a Sunday school library set up by a cotton mill fire-beater, [Thomas Thompson] read Dickens, Thackeray, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Marcus Aurelius'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Thompson Print: Book
Oliver Wendell Holmes :
'In a Sunday school library set up by a cotton mill fire-beater, [Thomas Thompson] read Dickens, Thackeray, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Marcus Aurelius'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Thompson Print: Book
Marcus Aurelius : [Meditations]?
'In a Sunday school library set up by a cotton mill fire-beater, [Thomas Thompson] read Dickens, Thackeray, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Marcus Aurelius'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Thompson Print: Book
William Wordsworth : Excursion, The
Dorothy Wordsworth to Sara Hutchinson, 18 February 1815: 'William and Mary and little Willy paid a visit to old Mrs Knott yesterday with the Ex[cursio]n in hand, William intending to read to the old Lady the history of the Grasmere Knight. She could not hear his loud voice; but understood the story very well when her Niece read it, and was greatly delighted. Today they have returned the Book, and poor Miss K has written a complimentary but alas! unintelligible note ... she concludes by saying ... that she had written to Kendal to order the Book. She says she had been told by Mrs Green and others that it was above their capacity, and of course above hers, but what she had read had given her infinite delight. I tell William that the family made a trading voyage of it. Certainly the Book would never have been bought by Miss K. if Willy and his Father and Mother had stayed quietly at home.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Knott Print: Book
: Life of Nelson
Statement about juvenile offender: "attended the Independent Sunday-school three years, also the national school three years (same time). Learned to read and write. Can read and write still. He has read much since he left school; read the 'Life of Nelson' and 'Gilderoy' -a playbook, which gives an account of robberies and escaping from prison; also some story books"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: J.S. Print: Book
: Gilderoy
Statement about juvenile offender: "attended the Independent Sunday-school three years, also the national school three years (same time). Learned to read and write. Can read and write still. He has read much since he left school; read the 'Life of Nelson' and 'Gilderoy' -a playbook, which gives an account of robberies and escaping from prison; also some story books"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: J.S. Print: Book
: [story books]
Statement about juvenile offender: "attended the Independent Sunday-school three years, also the national school three years (same time). Learned to read and write. Can read and write still. He has read much since he left school; read the 'Life of Nelson' and 'Gilderoy' -a playbook, which gives an account of robberies and escaping from prison; also some story books"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: J.S. Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Antony and Cleopatra
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Antony and Cleopatra, by an editorial note by Steevens, which reminds the reader that Cleopatra's story of the salt fish on Antony's hook was taken from North's Plutarch]: "Yes, but how happily introduced, and with what skill and spirit worked up by Shakespeare!"
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Coriolanus
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Coriolanus, by a note by Warburton regarding the composition of the Senate] "Absurd! Who knows anything about the usages of the Senate, and the privileges of the Tribunes, in Coriolanus's time?"
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Coriolanus
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Coriolanus, by a note by Warburton regarding the history of the Roman Consular Government]: "Well! but there had certainly been elective magistracies in Rome before the expulsion of the kings, and there might have been canvassing. Shakspeare [sic] cared so little about historical accuracy that an editor who notices expressions, which really are not grossly inaccurate, is unpardonable."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Coriolanus
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Coriolanus, by a note by Warburton regarding the creation of the first Censor, which suggests that Shakespeare had misread his authorities]: "This undoubtedly was a mistake, and what DOES it matter?"
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Coriolanus
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Coriolanus, on the last page]: "A noble play. As usual, Shakspeare [sic] had thumbed his translation of Plutarch to rags."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Hesiod :
[Editorial commentary on Macaulay's reading]: "His manuscript notes extend through the long range of Greek authors from Hesiod to Athenaeus, and of Latin authors from Cato the Censor, - through Livy, and Sallust, and Tacitus, and Aulus Gellius, and Suetonius, -down to the very latest Augustan histories."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Athenaeus :
[Editorial commentary on Macaulay's reading]: "His manuscript notes extend through the long range of Greek authors from Hesiod to Athenaeus, and of Latin authors from Cato the Censor, - through Livy, and Sallust, and Tacitus, and Aulus Gellius, and Suetonius, -down to the very latest Augustan histories."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Cato :
[Editorial commentary on Macaulay's reading]: "His manuscript notes extend through the long range of Greek authors from Hesiod to Athenaeus, and of Latin authors from Cato the Censor, - through Livy, and Sallust, and Tacitus, and Aulus Gellius, and Suetonius, -down to the very latest Augustan histories."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Livy :
[Editorial commentary on Macaulay's reading]: "His manuscript notes extend through the long range of Greek authors from Hesiod to Athenaeus, and of Latin authors from Cato the Censor, - through Livy, and Sallust, and Tacitus, and Aulus Gellius, and Suetonius, -down to the very latest Augustan histories."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Sallust :
[Editorial commentary on Macaulay's reading]: "His manuscript notes extend through the long range of Greek authors from Hesiod to Athenaeus, and of Latin authors from Cato the Censor, - through Livy, and Sallust, and Tacitus, and Aulus Gellius, and Suetonius, -down to the very latest Augustan histories."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Tacitus :
[Editorial commentary on Macaulay's reading]: "His manuscript notes extend through the long range of Greek authors from Hesiod to Athenaeus, and of Latin authors from Cato the Censor, - through Livy, and Sallust, and Tacitus, and Aulus Gellius, and Suetonius, -down to the very latest Augustan histories."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Aulus Gellius :
[Editorial commentary on Macaulay's reading]: "His manuscript notes extend through the long range of Greek authors from Hesiod to Athenaeus, and of Latin authors from Cato the Censor, - through Livy, and Sallust, and Tacitus, and Aulus Gellius, and Suetonius, -down to the very latest Augustan histories."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Suetonius :
[Editorial commentary on Macaulay's reading]: "His manuscript notes extend through the long range of Greek authors from Hesiod to Athenaeus, and of Latin authors from Cato the Censor, - through Livy, and Sallust, and Tacitus, and Aulus Gellius, and Suetonius, -down to the very latest Augustan histories."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Cicero : De Finibus
[Editorial commentary on Macaulay's reading]: "Those two parallel lines in pencil, which were his highest form of compliment, are scored down page after page of the De Finibus, the Academic Questions, and the Tusculan Disputations."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Cicero : Academic Questions
[Editorial commentary on Macaulay's reading]: "Those two parallel lines in pencil, which were his highest form of compliment, are scored down page after page of the De Finibus, the Academic Questions, and the Tusculan Disputations."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Cicero : Tusculan Disputations
[Editorial commentary on Macaulay's reading]: "Those two parallel lines in pencil, which were his highest form of compliment, are scored down page after page of the De Finibus, the Academic Questions, and the Tusculan Disputations."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Cicero : De Finibus
[Macaulay's marginalia at the end of the first book of Cicero's De Finibus]: "Exquisitely written, graceful, calm, luminous and full of interest; but the Epicurean theory of morals is hardly deserving of refutation."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Cicero : De Natura Deorum
[Macaulay's marginalia in Cicero's De Natura Deorum]: "Equal to anything that Cicero ever did."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Cicero : De Divinatione
[Macaulay's marginalia in the Second Book of Cicero's De Divinatione]: double-lines down the margin of the argument against the credibility of visions and prophecies.
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Catiline
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Ben Jonson's Catiline, by the lines 'Lentulus: The augurs all are constant I am meant / Catiline: They had lost their science else.']: "The dialogue here is good and natural. but it is strange that so excellent a scholar as Ben Jonson should represent the Augurs as giving any encouragement to Lentulus's dreams. The Augurs were the first nobles of Rome. In this generation Pompey, Hortensius, Cicero, and other men of the same class, belonged to the College."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Ben Cicero : Tusculan Disputations
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Cicero's Tusculan Disputations, by the translations from Aeschylus and Sophocles in the Second Book]: "Cicero's best".
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Cicero : Letters
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Cicero's Letters, opposite the sentences 'Meum factum probari abs te [...] nihil enim malo quam et me mei similem esse, et illos sui', translated as 'I triumph and rejoice that my action should have sustained your approval [...] for there is nothing which I so much covet as that I should be like myself, and they like themselves]: "Noble fellow!"
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Cicero : Speeches
[Editorial commentary on Macaulay's marginalia on Cicero's speeches]: "Macaulay's pencilled observations upon each successive speech of Cicero form a continuous history of the great orator's public career, and a far from unsympathetic analysis of his mobile, and singularly interesting, character."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Cicero : Letters to Atticus
Macaulay's marginalia on Cicero's Epistles to Atticus]: "A kind-hearted man [Cicero], with all his faults." Later, "Poor fellow! He makes a pitiful figure. But it is impossible not to feel for him. Since I left England I have not despised Cicero and Ovid for their lamentations in exile as much as I did."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Cicero : Second Philippic
[Macaulay's marginalia on Cicero's Second Philippic]: "a most wonderful display of rhetorical talent, worthy of all its fame."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Cicero : Third Philippic
[Macaulay's marginalia on Cicero's Third Philippic]: "The close of this speech is very fine. His later and earlier speeches have a freedom and an air of sincerity about them which, in the interval between his Consulship and Caesar's death, I do not find. During that interval he was mixed up with the aristocratical party, and yet afraid of the Triumvirate. When all the great party-leaders were dead, he found himself at the head of the state, and spoke with a boldness and energy which he had not shown since his youthful days."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Cicero : Last Philippic
[Macaulay's marginalia at the end of Cicero's last Philippic]: "As a man, I think of Cicero much as I always did, except that I am more disgusted with his conduct after Caesar's death. I really think that he met with little more than his deserts from the Triumvirs. It is quite certain, as Livy says, that he suffered nothing more than he would have inflicted."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Euthydemus
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Euthydemus]: "It seems incredible that these absurdities of Dionysodorus and Euthydemus should have been mistaken for wisdom, even by the weakest of mankind. I can hardly help thinking that Plato has overcharged the portrait. But the humour of the dialogue is admirable."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Euthydemus
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Euthydemus]: "Glorious irony!"
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Euthydemus
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Euthydemus]: "Incomparably ludicrous!"
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Euthydemus
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Euthydemus]: "No writer, not even Cervantes, was so great a master of this solemn ridicule as Plato."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Euthydemus
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Euthydemus]: "There is hardly any comedy, in any language, more diverting than this dialogue. It is not only richly humorous. The characters are most happily sustained and discriminated. The contrast between the youthful petulance of Ctesippus and the sly, sarcastic mock humility of Socrates is admirable."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Euthydemus
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Euthydemus]: "Dulcissima hercle, eademque nobilissima vita."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Euthydemus
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Euthydemus, below the last line of the dialogue]: "Calcutta, May 1835."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Republic
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Republic]: "Plato has been censured with great justice for his doctrine about the community of women and the exposure of children. But nobody, as far as I remember, has done justice to him on one important point. No ancient politician appears to have thought so highly of the capacity of women, and to have been inclined to make them so important."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Republic
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Republic]: "You may see that Plato was passionately fond of poetry, even when arguing against it."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Republic
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Republic, by the passage where Plato recommends a broader patriotism]: "This passage does Plato great honour. Philhellenism is a step towards philanthropy. There is an enlargement of mind in this work which I do not remember to have found in any earlier composition, and in very few ancient works, either earlier or later."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Republic
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Republic, in the Second Book, by the discussion of abstract justice]: "This is indeed a noble dream. Pity that it should come through the gate of ivory!"
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Republic
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Republic, in the Eighth Book]: "I remember nothing in Greek philosophy superior to this in profundity, ingenuity, and eloquence."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Protagoras
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Protagoras]: "A very lively picture of Athenian manners. There is scarcely anywhere so interesting a view of the interior of a Greek house in the most interesting age of Greece."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Protagoras
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Protagoras]: "Callias seems to have been a munificent and courteous patron of learning. What with sophists, what with pretty women, and what with sycophants, he came to the end of a noble fortune."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Protagoras
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Protagoras]: "Alcibiades is very well represented here. It is plain that he wants only to get up a row among the sophists."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Protagoras
[Macaulay's marginalia in his copy of Plato's Protagoras]: "Protagoras seems to deserve the character he gives himself. Nothing can be more courteous and generous than his language. Socrates shows abundance of talent and acuteness in this dialogue; but the more I read of his conversation, the less I wonder at the fierce hatred he provoked. He evidently had an ill-natured pleasure in making men, - particularly men famed for wisdom and eloquence, - look like fools." [the comments continue at some length.]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Gorgias
[Macaulay's marginalia at the beginning of Plato's Gorgias]: "This was my favourite dialogue at College. I do not know whether I shall like it as well now. May 1, 1837."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Gorgias
[Macaulay's marginalia in Plato's Gorgias]: "Polus is much in the right. Socrates abused scandalously the advantages which his wonderful talents, and his command of temper, gave him."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Gorgias
[Maraulay's marginalia in Plato's Gorgias]: "You have made a blunder, and Socrates will have you in an instant."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Gorgias
[Macaulay's marginalia in Plato's Gorgias]: "Hem! Retiarium astutum!" [Cunning netter].
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Gorgias
[Macaulay's marginalia in Plato's Gorgias]: "There you are in the Sophist's net. I think that, if I had been in the place of Polus, Socrates would hardly have had so easy a job of it."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Gorgias
[Macaulay's marginalia in Plato's Gorgias]: "What a command of his temper the old fellow [Callicles] had, and what terrible, though delicate, ridicule! A bitter fellow, too, with all his suavity."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Gorgias
[Macaulay's marginalia in Plato's Gorgias]: "This is not pure morality; but there is a good deal of weight in what Callicles says. He is wrong in not perceiving that the real happiness, not only of the weak many, but of the able few, is promoted by virtue. [...] When I read this dialogue as a lad at college, I wrote a trifling piece for Knight's Magazine, in which some Athenian characters were introduced, I made this Callicles the villain of the drama. I now see that he was merely a fair specimen of the public men of Athens in that age. Although his principles were those of aspiring and voluptuous men in unquiet times, his feelings seem to have been friendly and kind."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Gorgias
[Macaulay's marginalia at the end of the dialogue in Plato's Gorgias]: "This is one of the finest passages in Greek literature. Plato is a real poet."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Gorgias
[Macaulay's marginalia at the end of the dialogue in Plato's Gorgias. He marks the the doctrine "that we ought to be more afraid of wronging than of being wronged, and that the prime business of every man is, not to seem good, but to be good, in all his private and public dealings" with three pencil lines, and writes]: "This just and noble conclusion atones for much fallacy in the reasoning by which Socrates arrived at it [...] it is impossible not to consider it [the Gorgias] as one of the greatest performances which have descended to us from that wonderful generation."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Gorgias
[Macaulay's marginalia in Plato's Gorgias, by the trial of Socrates, when Socrates expressed a serene conviction that to die is gain, even if death were nothing more than an untroubled and dreamless sleep]: "Milton thought otherwise" [Macaulay quotes the lines "Sad cure! For who would lose,/Though full of pain, this intellectual being;/ Those thoughts that wander through eternity?"] "I once thought with Milton; but every day brings me nearer and nearer the doctrine here laid down by Socrates."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
William Wordsworth : letter to Revd. John Russell
William Wordsworth to Christopher Wordsworth, 1 January 1819: 'Mr Monkhouse will probably have shewn you the copy of Mr Russel's Letter [on Madras method of education], as I learn he has already done of mine to him ... '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Wordsworth Manuscript: Letter
Samuel Rogers : Human Life, A Poem
William Wordsworth to Francis Wrangham, 19 February 1819: '[Samuel] Rogers read me his Poem when I was in Town about 2 months ago; but I have heard nothing of it since.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Rogers
Plato : Gorgias
[Macaulay's marginalia in Plato's Gorgias, at the end of the trial of Socrates]: "A most solemn and noble close! Nothing was ever written, or spoken, approaching in sober sublimity to the latter part of the Apology. It is impossible to read it without feeling one's mind elevated and strengthened."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plato : Crito
[Macaulay's marginalia on the last page of the Crito]: There is much that may be questioned in the reasoning of Socrates; but it is impossible not to admire the wisdom and virtue which it indicates. When we consider the moral state of Greece in his time, and the revolution which he produced in men's notions of good and evil, we must pronounce him one of the greatest men that ever lived."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
J. G. Crump :
Dorothy Wordsworth to Joanna Hutchinson, 5 September 1819: 'We have been very comfortable and without the least bustle until last night when before the Gentlemen had left the dining room our loquacious Friend Mr Myers arrived half tipsy. He produced a letter he had received from Mr Crump and his own answer to it, four sides of a folio sheet which he deputed Mr Monkhouse to read to the gentlemen, and his own comments upon it were loud and long, with stamping and gestures ... '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Monkhouse Manuscript: Letter, Sheet
unknown : unknown
Dorothy Wordsworth to Cathrine Clarkson, 19 December 1819: 'I do not know whther I ought to tell you that [Sara Hutchinson] is most eagerly and happily employed in knitting yarn stockings for Mr Clarkson. She knits and reads by the hour together.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sara Hutchinson
: prayers
Dorothy Wordsworth describes daily routine during stay at her brother Christopher's London residence in letter to Mary Hutchinson, 5 May 1820: ' ... he sits with me till tea is over - goes to his study with candles, and comes up again at 10 - reads prayers and we sit together till bed-time, and often do not part till twelve o'clock.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Wordsworth
Thomas Clarkson : sermon
Dorothy Wordsworth to Catherine Clarkson, 3 September [1820]: 'How admirable and to me astonishing the ardour and industry of your good husband - to think of writing a sermon to be read to his Family on the same evening!'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Clarkson
: [newspapers]
Dorothy Wordsworth to Thomas Hutchinson, 14 December 1820: 'The news from Hayti [ie Haiti, where revolution had taken place] has grieved Mr Clarkson [friend of King Henri Christophe] very much ... He is anxiously expecting private accounts, having at present heard nothing but through the Newspapers.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Clarkson Print: Newspaper
: An unfortunate Mother to the infant at her Breast
"[Mark L.] Reed [in Wordsworth: The Chronology of the Middle Years, 1975] judges that [S. T.] C[oleridge] copied this poem ['An unfortunate Mother to her infant at her Breast'] into the Wordsworth Commonplace Book (D[ove]C[ottage] MS 26) during early 1804, before 25 March."
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
John Barrow : Travels into the Interior of South Africa
'On 19 April 1809 S[ara] H[utchinson] wrote to Mary Monkhouse from Allan Bank, "The nicest model of a churn I ever saw was in 'Barrow's account of the interior of Africa.'"'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sara Hutchinson Print: Book
John Beaumont : An Epitaph upon my dear Brother Francis Beaumont
'[Charles] Lamb copied ... [John Beaumont, Bart., the elder, "An Epitaph upon my dear Brother Francis Beaumont"] into his copy of Beaumont and Fletcher's Fifty Comedies and Tragedies (1679).'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb Print: Unknown
John Beaumont : [poems]
'[Sir George] Beaumont wriote to W[ordsworth] on 10 Aug. 1806, saying: "I am sure you will be pleased with my ancestor (sir Johns) Poems. the more I read them the more I am pleased, his mind was elevated, pious & pure."'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir George Beaumont
William Bingley : North Wales: including its scenery, antiquities, customs, and some sketch of its natural history
'In her letter of 18 Oct. 1811 ... S[ara] H[utchinson] told Mary Monkhouse: "I have been dipping into Bingley's Tour of N. Wales." She goes on to copy out two quotations from vol.2 ... '
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sara Hutchinson Print: Book
Robert Bloomfield : Farmer's Boy, The
S. T. Coleridge to James Tobin, 17 Sept 1800: 'What Wordsworth & I have seen of the Farmer's Boy (only a few short extracts) pleased us very much.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Vincent Bourne : Latin Poems
'In a letter to W[ordsworth] dated 16 April 1815 Lamb remarks: "Since I saw you I have had a treat in the reading way which does not come every day. The Latin Poems of V. Bourne which were quite new to me."'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb
Frederika Brun : Chamouny beym Sonnenaufgange
'[In Germany] C[oleridge] read [Frederika] Brun's Chamouny beym Sonnenaufgange, which provided the inspiration for his Hymn Before Sunrise, in the Vale of Chamouni.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
George Buchanan : [poems]
'C[oleridge] read [George Buchanan] at Cambridge.'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Thomas Burnet : unknown
'C[oleridge] was reading Burnet in 1795 ... '
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Byrom : Epigram on the Feuds Between Handel and Bononcini
'De Qunicey's letter of 27 Aug 1810 to D[orothy] W[ordsworth] contains the last two lines of [John] Byrom's epigram ... which she in turn copied in her letter to Catherine Clarkson of 30 Dec. 1810.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas De Quincey
George Gordon, Lord Byron : English Bards and Scotch Reviewers
'De Quincey ... in a letter to the Wordsworths of 27 May 1809 said that he had read ... [Byron, English Bards and Scotch Reviewers] "some weeks - or perhaps months - ago: but it is so deplorably dull and silly that I never thought of mentioning it before.'''
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas De Quincey Print: Book
Thomas Campbell : Exile of Erin, The
' ... the first three stanzas and two concluding stanzas of [Thoms] Campbell's poem [The Exile of Erin] were copied and pasted by S[ara] H[utchinson] into the Wordsworth Commonplace Book ... '
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sara Hutchinson
George Carleton : Memoirs of Captain George Carleton, The
'C[oleridge] read ... [George Carleton, Memoirs] in April [1809] ... '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Clarkson : History of the Rise, Progress, and Accomplishment of the Abolition of the African Slave-Trade, The
'C[oleridge] read vol. 1 [of Thomas Clarkson, History ... of the Abolition of the African Slave-Trade] in proof in early Feb. 1808 ... '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: proof
William Cobbett : Weekly Political Register, The
'C[oleridge] consulted ... [the Weekly Political Register] while working on the Friend ... '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Serial / periodical
Charles Cotton : Winter
Wu notes that Charles Lamb copied stanzas 20-53 of Charles Cotton, Winter, in letter to Wordsworth of 5 March 1803.
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb
William Cowper : On the Loss of the Royal George
'Shortly after its first appearance in Hayley's Life and Posthumous Writings of Cowper (1803), Lamb copied ... out ['On the Loss of the Royal George'] in a letter to W[ordsworth] of 5 March ... On 31 March Lamb copied the same poem into C[oleridge]'s notebook.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb Print: Book
Samuel Daniel : Hymen's Triumph
'C[oleridge] read from Daniel, including Hymen's Triumph and Musophilus, during his stay at D[ove] C[ottage], 20 Dec. 1803-14 Jan. 1804 ... '
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Samuel Daniel : Musophilus
'C[oleridge] read from Daniel, including Hymen's Triumph and Musophilus, during his stay at D[ove] C[ottage], 20 Dec. 1803-14 Jan. 1804 ... '
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Kenelm Digby : Two Treatises, in the one of which, the nature of bodies; in the other, the nature of mans soule; is looked into: in way of discovery of the immortality of reasonable bodies
'Notebooks i 1002, 1004 and 1005 reveal that, 1-9 Nov. 1801, C[oleridge] was reading a copy of Digby's Two Treatises (1645) borrowed from Carlisle Cathedral Library.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Guillaume de Saluste Dubartas : Dubartas his Second Weeke: Babylon. The Second Part of the Second Day of the II. Weeke
'C[oleridge]was ... reading ... [Dubartas his Second Weeke] in 1807.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Fulke Greville : Treatie of Human Learning, A
'C[oleridge] read Greville's A Treatie of Human Learning ... in March 1810 at Allan Bank.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Fulke Greville : Inquisition upon Fame and Honour, An
'C[oleridge] read Greville's An Inquisition upon Fame and Honour... in March 1810 at Allan Bank.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Fulke Greville : Treatie on Warres, A
'C[oleridge] read Greville's ... A Treatie of Warres ... in March 1810 at Allan Bank.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Fulke Greville : Alaham
'C[oleridge] read Greville's ... Alaham in March 1810 at Allan Bank.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
George Herbert : [poems]
'C[oleridge] was reading Herbert in July-Sept 1809 ... during his residence at Allan Bank ... He was apparently reading his copy of The Temple ... '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
George Herbert : Temple, The
'C[oleridge] was reading Herbert in ... Mar. 1810, during his residence at Allan Bank ... He was apparently reading his copy of The Temple ... '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Mary Anne Lamb : Dialogue Between a Mother and Child
'Charles Lamb copied ... [Mary Anne Lamb, Dialogue Between a Mother and Child] for D[orothy] W[ordsworth] in a letter of 2 June 1804.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb Manuscript: Unknown
Mary Anne Lamb : Lady Blanch, regardless of her lovers' fears
'Charles Lamb copied ... [Mary Anne Lamb, The Lady Blanch, regardless of her lovers' fears] for D[orothy] W[ordsworth] in a letter of 2 June 1804.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb Manuscript: Unknown
Mary Anne Lamb : Virgin and Child
'Charles Lamb copied ... [Mary Anne Lamb, "Virgin and Child"] for D[orothy] W[ordsworth] in a letter of 2 June 1804.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb Manuscript: Unknown
Mary Anne Lamb : On the Same (Virgin and Child)
'Charles Lamb copied ... [Mary Anne Lamb, "On the Same" ("Virgin and Child")] for D[orothy] W[ordsworth] in a letter of 2 June 1804.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb Manuscript: Unknown
Thomas Robert Malthus : Essay on the Principle of Population, An
'C[oleridge] had read the Essay [on the Principle of Population] shortly after its first appearance in 1798.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: BookManuscript: Unknown
Martin Martin : Description of the Western Islands of Scotland, A
'In late 1808 S[ara] H[utchinson] copied the description of the gawlin from [Martin] Martin, pp.71-2, into C[oleridge]'s notebook ... '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sara Hutchinson Print: Book
Andrew Marvell : On a Drop of Dew
'C[oleridge]'s letter to S[ara] H[utchinson] of May 1807 contained a transcription of Marvell's "On a Drop of Dew".'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Wiliam Gifford : Introduction to The Plays of Philip Massinger
'C[oleridge] read Gifford's introduction and Ferriar's essay on Massinger in Dec. 1808-09.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Ferriar : [essay]
'C[oleridge] read Gifford's introduction and Ferriar's essay on Massinger in Dec. 1808-09.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Hannah More : Coelebs in Search of a Wife
'[Thomas De Quincey] got round to reading ... [Hannah More, Coelebs in Search of a Wife] only in late June or early July [1809], when "I read about 40 pages in the 1st. vol: such trash I really never did read."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas De Quincey Print: Book
Hannah More : Coelebs in Search of a Wife
'Lamb read ... [Hannah More, Coelebs in Search of a Wife] at around ... [June-July 1809] ... on 7 June he told C[oleridge] that "it is one of the very poorest sort of common novels with the drawback of dull religion in it."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb Print: Book
Daniel Defoe :
'In [Ashington Mechanics' Institute] library [Chester Armstrong] discovered a "new world", a "larger environment" in Defoe, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Dickens and Jules Verne.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Frederick Marryat :
'In [Ashington Mechanics' Institute] library [Chester Armstrong] discovered a "new world", a "larger environment" in Defoe, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Dickens and Jules Verne.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
James Fenimore Cooper :
'In [Ashington Mechanics' Institute] library [Chester Armstrong] discovered a "new world", a "larger environment" in Defoe, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Dickens and Jules Verne.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Charles Dickens :
'In [Ashington Mechanics' Institute] library [Chester Armstrong] discovered a "new world", a "larger environment" in Defoe, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Dickens and Jules Verne.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Jules Verne :
'In [Ashington Mechanics' Institute] library [Chester Armstrong] discovered a "new world", a "larger environment" in Defoe, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Dickens and Jules Verne.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
William Shakespeare :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Robert Burns :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Percy Bysshe Shelley :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
John Keats :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Alfred Lord Tennyson :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Walt Whitman :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
William Wordsworth :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Walter Scott :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Robert Browning :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Charles Darwin :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Thomas Henry Huxley :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
: British Weekly
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Serial / periodical
Emile Zola :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Henrik Johan Ibsen :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
George Meredith :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Oscar Wilde :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Herbert George Wells :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Arnold Bennett :
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
: [Marxist Economics]
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Aldous Huxley : Brave New World
'In 1898 Armstrong organised the Ashington Debating and Literary Improvement Society, and his reading broadened out to Shakespeare, Burns, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson, Byron, Whitman, Wordsworth, Scott, Robert Browning, Darwin and T.H. Huxley. Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly had introduced him to a more liberal Nonconformity that was hospitable to contemporary literature. The difficulty was that the traditional Nonconformist commitment to freedom of conscience was propelling him beyond the confines of Primitive Methodism, as far as Unitarianism, the Rationalist Press Association and the Independent Labour Party. His tastes in literature evolved apace: Ibsen, Zola. Meredith, and Wilde by the 1890s; then on to Shaw, Wells, and Bennett; and ultimately Marxist economics and Brave New World'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
David Moir : The Life of Mansie Wauch
'A joiner's son in an early-nineteenth century Scottish village recalled [reading] his first novel, David Moir's The Life of Mansie Wauch (1828): "I literally devoured it... A new world seemed to dawn upon me, and Mansie and the other characters in the book have always been historical characters with me, just as real as Caius Julius Caesar, Oliver Cromwell or Napoleon Bonaparte... So innocent, so unsophisticated - I may as well say, so green - was I, that I believed every word it contained".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: a Scottish joiner's son Print: Book
Petrarch : De Vita Solitaria
' ... C[oleridge] was reading ... [Petrarch, De Vita Solitaria] on arrival at Allan Bank in Sept. 1808 ... '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Pindar : Carmina
'C[oleridge]'s study of Pindar in Oct. 1806, apparently begun in London and completed in Bury St Edmunds, was dependent upon the copy of Schmied's edition (Wittenberg, 1616) now in the Wisbech Museum and Literary Institute ... '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Plato : Unknown
'... C[oleridge]was reading Plato during the mid-1790s ... '
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Plato : Parmenides
'[during winter 1801] C[oleridge] read Parmenides and Timaeus "with great care" ... '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Plato : Timaeus
'[during winter 1801] C[oleridge] read Parmenides and Timaeus "with great care" ... '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller : The Death of Wallenstein
'On 16 March 1840 W[ordsworth] told [Henry Crabb] Robinson that "C[oleridge]. translated the 2nd part of Wallenstein under my roof at Grasmere from MSS ..."'
UnknownCentury: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Walter Scott : Lady of the Lake, The
'C[oleridge] was a reader of ... [The Lady of the Lake]: he read Southey's copy in Sept. 1810 ... '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Sotheby : Saul, a Poem
'On 18 April 1807, C[oleridge] told Sotheby: "I read yesterday in a large company, where W. Wordsworth was present, about 150 lines of your Saul, respecting your country, Nelson, & the admirable transition to the main subject, which follows it - and it was delightful to me, to observe that the enthusiasm which had given animation & depth to my own tones, manifested itself with at least equal strength in the faces & voices of all the auditors."'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Robert Southey : Madoc
' ... James Losh reported in his diary for 4 Sept 1800 that Madoc "is ready for publication ... Southey showed me about two years ago two books of this poem which I admired but thought deficient in dignity of sentiment and style."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Losh Manuscript: Unknown
Robert Southey : History of Brazil
'In early Oct. 1810 C[oleridge] wrote to W[ordsworth]: "I send the Brazil which has entertained & instructed me."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: BookManuscript: Unknown
Joshua Sylvester : O Holy Peace
Entered by Coleridge in Wordsworth Commonplace Book: 'O holy peace by thee are only found The passing joys that every where abound Sylvester'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Manuscript: Unknown
anon : Courier
'Writing to Mary Monkhouse from Allan Bank on 19 April 1809, S[ara] H[utchinson] remarked that she had seen a churn "advertized in the Courier yesterday". She refers to the advertisement on the front page of the Courier for 13 April [which also appeared on 5 April] ... '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sara Hutchinson Print: Advertisement, NewspaperManuscript: Unknown
Henry Kirke White : ["literary remains"]
Southey describes arrival of "literary remains" of Henry Kirke White at Greta Hall in his preface to The Remains of Kirke White, of Nottingham (2 vols, 1807): 'Mr. Coleridge was present when I opened them, and was, as well as myself, equally affected and astonished at the proofs of industry which they displayed ... There were papers upon law, upon electricity, upon chemistry, upon the Latin and Greek languages ... upon history, chronology, divinity, the fathers, &c ... His poems were numerous.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Manuscript: Unknown
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Poems on Various Occasions
Byron to William J. Bankes, on having received 'two Critical opinions, from Edinburgh' (of Lord Woodhouselee and Henry Mackenzie) in praise of his Poems on Various Occasions: 'I am not personally acquainted with either of these Gentlemen ... their praise is voluntary, and transmitted through the Medium, of a Friend, at whose house, they read the productions.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Alexander Fraser Tytler, Lord Woodhouselee Print: Book
:
Witness statement in trial for libel; witness reads to the court the offending paragraphs published in newspaper. James Chetham: "...in that newspaper is the paragraph, which I will read, if you think proper..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Chetham Print: Newspaper
:
Witness statements in trial for coining: John Shobel: "Freeman, the inspector, stood by the fire, reading the newspaper at the time..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joshua Freeman Print: Newspaper
: The Times
Witness statements in trial for theft: George Baverstock: "I keep the Angel and Crown public house, opposite Whitechapel church; I have kept it thirteen years -I know the prisoner [Albin] well; he used to come often to read the Times newspaper"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Nicholas Benigne Ablin Print: Newspaper
:
Witness statements in trial for coining/forgery: John Limbrick: "I am an officer of Hatton Garden. I was with Read at the Lincoln's Inn coffee-house; we sat down and had a pint of beer, and saw the prisoner there, reading the newspaper, and leering under his hat at us"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Clark Print: Newspaper
: The Times
Witness statements in trial for theft: Thomas Stevenson: "...next day he said they [stolen property] were advertised. I looked in The Times, and said it was not there..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Stevenson Print: Newspaper
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
'When radical weaver Samuel Bamford first discovered Pilgrim's Progress, it impressed him as a thrilling illustrated romance: woodcuts of Christian's fight with Apollyon and his escape from Giant Despair encouraged "the exercise of my feeling and my imagination". Then The New Testament became "my story book and I read it all through and through, but more for the interest the marvellous passages excited, than from any religious impression which they created". At a bookshop he picked up stories about witches, Robin Hood, Jack the Giant Killer, St George and the Dragon and the History of the Seven Champions, all with the same deliciously garish woodcuts he had found in Bunyan. Since these stories followed the same narrative conventions, there was no reason to doubt them. "For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were 'trash' or 'nonsense', and 'could not be true', I, innocently enough contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I had read in books that 'it were a sin to disbelieve'."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
: [The New Testament]
'When radical weaver Samuel Bamford first discovered Pilgrim's Progress, it impressed him as a thrilling illustrated romance: woodcuts of Christian's fight with Apollyon and his escape from Giant Despair encouraged "the exercise of my feeling and my imagination". Then The New Testament became "my story book and I read it all through and through, but more for the interest the marvellous passages excited, than from any religious impression which they created". At a bookshop he picked up stories about witches, Robin Hood, Jack the Giant Killer, St George and the Dragon and the History of the Seven Champions, all with the same deliciously garish woodcuts he had found in Bunyan. Since these stories followed the same narrative conventions, there was no reason to doubt them. "For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were 'trash' or 'nonsense', and 'could not be true', I, innocently enough contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I had read in books that 'it were a sin to disbelieve'."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
: [tale of Robin Hood]
'When radical weaver Samuel Bamford first discovered Pilgrim's Progress, it impressed him as a thrilling illustrated romance: woodcuts of Christian's fight with Apollyon and his escape from Giant Despair encouraged "the exercise of my feeling and my imagination". Then The New Testament became "my story book and I read it all through and through, but more for the interest the marvellous passages excited, than from any religious impression which they created". At a bookshop he picked up stories about witches, Robin Hood, Jack the Giant Killer, St George and the Dragon and the History of the Seven Champions, all with the same deliciously garish woodcuts he had found in Bunyan. Since these stories followed the same narrative conventions, there was no reason to doubt them. "For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were 'trash' or 'nonsense', and 'could not be true', I, innocently enough contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I had read in books that 'it were a sin to disbelieve'."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
: Jack the Giant Killer
'When radical weaver Samuel Bamford first discovered Pilgrim's Progress, it impressed him as a thrilling illustrated romance: woodcuts of Christian's fight with Apollyon and his escape from Giant Despair encouraged "the exercise of my feeling and my imagination". Then The New Testament became "my story book and I read it all through and through, but more for the interest the marvellous passages excited, than from any religious impression which they created". At a bookshop he picked up stories about witches, Robin Hood, Jack the Giant Killer, St George and the Dragon and the History of the Seven Champions, all with the same deliciously garish woodcuts he had found in Bunyan. Since these stories followed the same narrative conventions, there was no reason to doubt them. "For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were 'trash' or 'nonsense', and 'could not be true', I, innocently enough contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I had read in books that 'it were a sin to disbelieve'."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
: [Story of St George and the Dragon]
'When radical weaver Samuel Bamford first discovered Pilgrim's Progress, it impressed him as a thrilling illustrated romance: woodcuts of Christian's fight with Apollyon and his escape from Giant Despair encouraged "the exercise of my feeling and my imagination". Then The New Testament became "my story book and I read it all through and through, but more for the interest the marvellous passages excited, than from any religious impression which they created". At a bookshop he picked up stories about witches, Robin Hood, Jack the Giant Killer, St George and the Dragon and the History of the Seven Champions, all with the same deliciously garish woodcuts he had found in Bunyan. Since these stories followed the same narrative conventions, there was no reason to doubt them. "For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were 'trash' or 'nonsense', and 'could not be true', I, innocently enough contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I had read in books that 'it were a sin to disbelieve'."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Richard Johnson : The History of The Seven Champions
'When radical weaver Samuel Bamford first discovered Pilgrim's Progress, it impressed him as a thrilling illustrated romance: woodcuts of Christian's fight with Apollyon and his escape from Giant Despair encouraged "the exercise of my feeling and my imagination". Then The New Testament became "my story book and I read it all through and through, but more for the interest the marvellous passages excited, than from any religious impression which they created". At a bookshop he picked up stories about witches, Robin Hood, Jack the Giant Killer, St George and the Dragon and the History of the Seven Champions, all with the same deliciously garish woodcuts he had found in Bunyan. Since these stories followed the same narrative conventions, there was no reason to doubt them. "For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were 'trash' or 'nonsense', and 'could not be true', I, innocently enough contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I had read in books that 'it were a sin to disbelieve'."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
'Soldier's son Joseph Barker... first read the Bible "chiefly as a work of history and was very greatly delighted with many of its stories... One effect was to lead me to regard miracles as nothing improbable". Consequently his response to Pilgrim's Progress was exactly the same: "My impression was, that the whole was literal and true"...Ghost stories, highwayman stories, fairy tales, Paradise Lost and Daniel Defoe were all equally credible. "I was naturally a firm believer in all that was gravely spoken or printed", he recalled. "I doubted nothing that was found in books... I had no idea at the time I read Robinson Crusoe, that there were such things as novels, works of fiction, in existence".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
: The Bible
'Soldier's son Joseph Barker... first read the Bible "chiefly as a work of history and was very greatly delighted with many of its stories... One effect was to lead me to regard miracles as nothing improbable". Consequently his response to Pilgrim's Progress was exactly the same: "My impression was, that the whole was literal and true"...Ghost stories, highwayman stories, fairy tales, Paradise Lost and Daniel Defoe were all equally credible. "I was naturally a firm believer in all that was gravely spoken or printed", he recalled. "I doubted nothing that was found in books... I had no idea at the time I read Robinson Crusoe, that there were such things as novels, works of fiction, in existence".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'Soldier's son Joseph Barker... first read the Bible "chiefly as a work of history and was very greatly delighted with many of its stories... One effect was to lead me to regard miracles as nothing improbable". Consequently his response to Pilgrim's Progress was exactly the same: "My impression was, that the whole was literal and true"...Ghost stories, highwayman stories, fairy tales, Paradise Lost and Daniel Defoe were all equally credible. "I was naturally a firm believer in all that was gravely spoken or printed", he recalled. "I doubted nothing that was found in books... I had no idea at the time I read Robinson Crusoe, that there were such things as novels, works of fiction, in existence".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
'Soldier's son Joseph Barker... first read the Bible "chiefly as a work of history and was very greatly delighted with many of its stories... One effect was to lead me to regard miracles as nothing improbable". Consequently his response to Pilgrim's Progress was exactly the same: "My impression was, that the whole was literal and true"...Ghost stories, highwayman stories, fairy tales, Paradise Lost and Daniel Defoe were all equally credible. "I was naturally a firm believer in all that was gravely spoken or printed", he recalled. "I doubted nothing that was found in books... I had no idea at the time I read Robinson Crusoe, that there were such things as novels, works of fiction, in existence".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
: [ghost stories]
'Soldier's son Joseph Barker... first read the Bible "chiefly as a work of history and was very greatly delighted with many of its stories... One effect was to lead me to regard miracles as nothing improbable". Consequently his response to Pilgrim's Progress was exactly the same: "My impression was, that the whole was literal and true"...Ghost stories, highwayman stories, fairy tales, Paradise Lost and Daniel Defoe were all equally credible. "I was naturally a firm believer in all that was gravely spoken or printed", he recalled. "I doubted nothing that was found in books... I had no idea at the time I read Robinson Crusoe, that there were such things as novels, works of fiction, in existence".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
: [highwayman stories]
'Soldier's son Joseph Barker... first read the Bible "chiefly as a work of history and was very greatly delighted with many of its stories... One effect was to lead me to regard miracles as nothing improbable". Consequently his response to Pilgrim's Progress was exactly the same: "My impression was, that the whole was literal and true"...Ghost stories, highwayman stories, fairy tales, Paradise Lost and Daniel Defoe were all equally credible. "I was naturally a firm believer in all that was gravely spoken or printed", he recalled. "I doubted nothing that was found in books... I had no idea at the time I read Robinson Crusoe, that there were such things as novels, works of fiction, in existence".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
: The Bible - Revelation, Kings, Chronicles, Gospels
[difficulty of uneducated readers grasping the idea that there could be two versions of a story]. 'Therefore [Thomas Carter]... not only read Revelations literally: he assumed that the books of Kings and Chronicles were "unconnected narratives of two distinct series of events; and also that the four gospels were consecutive portions of the history of Jesus Christ, so that I supposed there had been four crucifixions, four resurrections and the like".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
:
Witness statement in trial for theft: Joseph Canes: "I was reading in the newspaper at the public house that a man was taken about some pictures, and one of the people said that was Mulberry's name. George Dufflet was drinking with us."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Canes Print: Newspaper
: The Times
Witness statement in trial for conspiracy: Rev. Francis Lee: "In May last I saw an advertisement in the Times newspaper, in consequence of which, I went to no.3, Whitefriars. Goddard was in the stable there. I told him I came to see the horses which had been advertised in the Times..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Rev Francis Lee Print: Newspaper
:
Witness reads letter aloud to court as evidence in trial for assault: James Locke: "I have the letter. (reads) 'To Mr Reynolds, No.2 Little Peter Street...'"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Locke Manuscript: Letter
:
Witness statement in trial for highway robbery: Joseph Ortega: "On the 16th of December about a quarter past six o'clock at night, I had been to a coffee house to see the newspaper, and as I was going home..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Ortega Print: Newspaper
:
Witness statement in trial for theft: Thomas Husband: "I have heard of his [Bowers] being in custody; I saw it in the newspaper."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Husband Print: Newspaper
: The Times
Witness statement in trial for theft: Francis Gifford Banner: "On the Monday after the 30th of June, I saw, in the Times newspaper, an account of this robbery, and that the men had said they were employed by me; I went to Mansion-house, and saw the prisoners -I had not employed them..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Gifford Banner Print: Newspaper
:
Witness statement in trial for housebreaking: Stephen Davies: "on the 23rd of December he came again -I had the good fortune to read the newspaper that day"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Stephen Davies Print: Newspaper
:
Witness statements in trial for murder: William Lee: "I am a prisoner in the New prison, Clerkenwell, charged with felony... On Saturday, there was a talk about clubbing for a newspaper; he said he would not be one; but we joined, and had a paper between us -I was present after chapel; the prisoner [Birmingham] was lying on the bed; Arundel came running up with the paper, and said, 'Birmingham, here is your case in the paper, I will read it to you'..." Samuel Arundel: "I come from the New Prison, Clerkenwell... on Sunday morning, the 17th, he [Birmingham] was lying on the bed, when the newspaper was brought it -having it in my hand, I offered to read the article respecting the Kensington murder; he seemed not at all willing, but rather rejected it -I began to read, and after reading a few lines a stranger entered the room; Birmingham at that moment became alarmed..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Arundel Print: Newspaper
Edmund Spenser : The Faerie Queene
'Thomas Thompson, from a family of Lancashire weavers, grew up with tales of Robin Hood and the Black Hole of Calctta, as well as an abridged Faerie Queene and Pilgrim's Progress. So when a clergyman asked him why he read the Bible, he innocently replied "that I liked the battle scenes". That answer got him in serious trouble'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Thompson Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
'Thomas Thompson, from a family of Lancashire weavers, grew up with tales of Robin Hood and the Black Hole of Calctta, as well as an abridged Faerie Queene and Pilgrim's Progress. So when a clergyman asked him why he read the Bible, he innocently replied "that I liked the battle scenes". That answer got him in serious trouble'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Thompson Print: Book
: [Old Testament]
'Thomas Thompson, from a family of Lancashire weavers, grew up with tales of Robin Hood and the Black Hole of Calctta, as well as an abridged Faerie Queene and Pilgrim's Progress. So when a clergyman asked him why he read the Bible, he innocently replied "that I liked the battle scenes". That answer got him in serious trouble'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Thompson Print: Book
: [tale of Robin Hood]
'Thomas Thompson, from a family of Lancashire weavers, grew up with tales of Robin Hood and the Black Hole of Calctta, as well as an abridged Faerie Queene and Pilgrim's Progress. So when a clergyman asked him why he read the Bible, he innocently replied "that I liked the battle scenes". That answer got him in serious trouble'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Thompson Print: Book
:
Witness statements in trial for theft: Lucy Tring: "In the parlour with me and my husband, who was reading the newspaper." John Howe: "On Thursday, the 2nd of September, about ten minutes after five o'clock in the afternoon, I went to Tring's in Lisle-street, and saw the prisoner and her husband there... they were in the parlour, Mrs Tring was in the shop... He [Tring] was sitting by the fireplace reading a pamphlet to them..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Tring Print: Newspaper
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
'Emrys Daniel Hughes, son of a Welsh miner, first treated Pilgrim's Progress as an illustrated adventure story. When he was jailed during the first World War for refusing conscription, he reread it and discovered a very different book: "Lord Hategood could easily have been in the Government. I had talked with Mr Worldly Wiseman and had been in the Slough of Despond and knew all the jurymen who had been on the jury at the trial of Hopeful at Vanity Fair. And Vanity Fair would of course have been all for the War."'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Emrys Daniel Hughes Print: Book
Annabella Milbanke : [poems]
Byron to Lady Caroline Lamb, 1 May 1812: 'I have read over the few poems of Miss Milbank with attention ... A friend of mine (fifty years old & an author but not Rogers) has just been here, as there is no name to the MSS I shewed them to him, & he was much more enthusiastic in his praises than I have been ... '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [friend of Byron's, probably Dallas] anon Manuscript: Unknown
:
September 5 1840. Went this morning to the house in Ship and Anchor court. On the parlour window of the house formerly kept by my father was a bill, 'a first, second and third floor to be let unfurnished'. Saw a dirty, Ruffianly looking man in the Parlour in which there wa[s] an old mangle and great appearance of miserable poverty.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Advertisement, Handbill, Poster
: Dillworths Spelling Book
I was sent to another school in Wine Office Court, Fleet Street, when I was about seven years of age. At this old woman's school it can scarcely be said that I learnt anything, all I knew, when I left it, was how to read in Dilworths Spelling Book and that too badly.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: Bible
School hours were from 9 to 12 and from 2 to 5. The mode of teaching was this. Each of the boys had a column or half a column of spelling to learn by heart every morning He also wrote a copy every morning. In the afternoon he read in the Bible and did a sum, on Thursdays and Saturdays he was catechised, that is he was examined in the Church of England catechism.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: Aristotle's Compleat Master Piece; in Three Parts; Displaying the Secrets of Nature in the Generation of Man
I had read a book, at that time openly sold, on every stall, called Aristotle's Master Piece, it was a thick 18 mo, with a number of badly drawn cuts in it explanatory of the mystery of generation. This I contrived to borrow and compared parts of it with the accounts of the Miraculous Conception in Matthew and Luke, and the result was that spite of every effort I could make I could not believe the story...
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: Bible
I had read a book, at that time openly sold, on every stall, called Aristotle's Master Piece, it was a thick 18 mo, with a number of badly drawn cuts in it explanatory of the mystery of generation. This I contrived to borrow and compared parts of it with the accounts of the Miraculous Conception in Matthew and Luke, and the result was that spite of every effort I could make I could not believe the story...
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
I neither concealed my doubts nor my fears but communicated them freely to several persons, no one however said anything which appeared to me calculated to remove my doubts I read Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and parts of other equally absurd books, but all would not do, reason was too strong for superstition and at length the fiend was completely vanquished.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: various religious titles
I neither concealed my doubts nor my fears but communicated them freely to several persons, no one however said anything which appeared to me calculated to remove my doubts I read Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and parts of other equally absurd books, but all would not do, reason was too strong for superstition and at length the fiend was completely vanquished.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
:
It was the custom of my master to invite some of the oldest of the boys to visit him for an hour or two on half holidays, these were Thursdays and Saturdays. On these occasions he always took the boys into his study a small room on the second floor, he used to show the boys his books and encourage them to read and ask questions, his collection of books was small and they were mostly old books in bad condition. I remember his shewing me a book on Anatomy, which stron[g]ly excited me, and made me desirous of information on the subject, which he, as far as he understood it was willing to impart, I conclude however that he knew very little about it.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: various
My desire for information was however too strong to be turned aside and often have I been sent away from a book stall when the owner became offended at my standing reading which I used to do until I was turned away, as often as I found a surgical book, I used to borrow books from a man who kept a small shop in Maiden Lane Covent Garden leaving a small sum as a deposit and paying a trifle for reading them, having only one at a time.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: various
My desire for information was however too strong to be turned aside and often have I been sent away from a book stall when the owner became offended at my standing reading which I used to do until I was turned away, as often as I found a surgical book, I used to borrow books from a man who kept a small shop in Maiden Lane Covent Garden leaving a small sum as a deposit and paying a trifle for reading them, having only one at a time.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
Francis Place : Autobiography
On my having read some portion of the preceding narrative to Mr Fenn Bookseller at Charing Cross he related circumstances respecting some families in the Strand and its neighbourhood which were similar to those I have related.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Manuscript: unpublished memoirs
: unknown, histories of Greece and Rome
...a desire for information which was by no means whollly neglected even whilst I was an apprentice, I always found some time for reading, and I almost always found the means to procure books, useful books, not Novels. My reading was of course devoid of method, and very desultory. I had read in English the only language in which I could read, the histories of Greece and Rome, and some translated works of Greek and Roman writers. Hume, Smollett, Fieldings novels and Robertsons works, some of Humes Essays, some Translations from french writers, and much on geography -some books on Anatomy and Surgery, some relating to Science and the Arts, and many Magazines. I had worked all the Problems in the Introduction to Guthries Geography, and had made some small progress in Geometry.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: unknown, translated works by Greek and Roman writers
...a desire for information which was by no means whollly neglected even whilst I was an apprentice, I always found some time for reading, and I almost always found the means to procure books, useful books, not Novels. My reading was of course devoid of method, and very desultory. I had read in English the only language in which I could read, the histories of Greece and Rome, and some translated works of Greek and Roman writers. Hume, Smollett, Fieldings novels and Robertsons works, some of Humes Essays, some Translations from french writers, and much on geography -some books on Anatomy and Surgery, some relating to Science and the Arts, and many Magazines. I had worked all the Problems in the Introduction to Guthries Geography, and had made some small progress in Geometry.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
Tobias George Smollett :
...a desire for information which was by no means whollly neglected even whilst I was an apprentice, I always found some time for reading, and I almost always found the means to procure books, useful books, not Novels. My reading was of course devoid of method, and very desultory. I had read in English the only language in which I could read, the histories of Greece and Rome, and some translated works of Greek and Roman writers. Hume, Smollett, Fieldings novels and Robertsons works, some of Humes Essays, some Translations from french writers, and much on geography -some books on Anatomy and Surgery, some relating to Science and the Arts, and many Magazines. I had worked all the Problems in the Introduction to Guthries Geography, and had made some small progress in Geometry.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
Henry Fielding :
...a desire for information which was by no means whollly neglected even whilst I was an apprentice, I always found some time for reading, and I almost always found the means to procure books, useful books, not Novels. My reading was of course devoid of method, and very desultory. I had read in English the only language in which I could read, the histories of Greece and Rome, and some translated works of Greek and Roman writers. Hume, Smollett, Fieldings novels and Robertsons works, some of Humes Essays, some Translations from french writers, and much on geography -some books on Anatomy and Surgery, some relating to Science and the Arts, and many Magazines. I had worked all the Problems in the Introduction to Guthries Geography, and had made some small progress in Geometry.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
Robertson : unknown [Robertson's works?]
...a desire for information which was by no means whollly neglected even whilst I was an apprentice, I always found some time for reading, and I almost always found the means to procure books, useful books, not Novels. My reading was of course devoid of method, and very desultory. I had read in English the only language in which I could read, the histories of Greece and Rome, and some translated works of Greek and Roman writers. Hume, Smollett, Fieldings novels and Robertsons works, some of Humes Essays, some Translations from french writers, and much on geography -some books on Anatomy and Surgery, some relating to Science and the Arts, and many Magazines. I had worked all the Problems in the Introduction to Guthries Geography, and had made some small progress in Geometry.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
David Hume : [Hume's Essays]
...a desire for information which was by no means whollly neglected even whilst I was an apprentice, I always found some time for reading, and I almost always found the means to procure books, useful books, not Novels. My reading was of course devoid of method, and very desultory. I had read in English the only language in which I could read, the histories of Greece and Rome, and some translated works of Greek and Roman writers. Hume, Smollett, Fieldings novels and Robertsons works, some of Humes Essays, some Translations from french writers, and much on geography -some books on Anatomy and Surgery, some relating to Science and the Arts, and many Magazines. I had worked all the Problems in the Introduction to Guthries Geography, and had made some small progress in Geometry.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: translations from French writers
...a desire for information which was by no means whollly neglected even whilst I was an apprentice, I always found some time for reading, and I almost always found the means to procure books, useful books, not Novels. My reading was of course devoid of method, and very desultory. I had read in English the only language in which I could read, the histories of Greece and Rome, and some translated works of Greek and Roman writers. Hume, Smollett, Fieldings novels and Robertsons works, some of Humes Essays, some Translations from french writers, and much on geography -some books on Anatomy and Surgery, some relating to Science and the Arts, and many Magazines. I had worked all the Problems in the Introduction to Guthries Geography, and had made some small progress in Geometry.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: unknown various
...a desire for information which was by no means whollly neglected even whilst I was an apprentice, I always found some time for reading, and I almost always found the means to procure books, useful books, not Novels. My reading was of course devoid of method, and very desultory. I had read in English the only language in which I could read, the histories of Greece and Rome, and some translated works of Greek and Roman writers. Hume, Smollett, Fieldings novels and Robertson's works, some of Humes Essays, some Translations from french writers, and much on geography -some books on Anatomy and Surgery, some relating to Science and the Arts, and many Magazines. I had worked all the Problems in the Introduction to Guthries Geography, and had made some small progress in Geometry.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: unknown various [anatomy and surgery]
...a desire for information which was by no means whollly neglected even whilst I was an apprentice, I always found some time for reading, and I almost always found the means to procure books, useful books, not Novels. My reading was of course devoid of method, and very desultory. I had read in English the only language in which I could read, the histories of Greece and Rome, and some translated works of Greek and Roman writers. Hume, Smollett, Fieldings novels and Robertsons works, some of Humes Essays, some Translations from french writers, and much on geography -some books on Anatomy and Surgery, some relating to Science and the Arts, and many Magazines. I had worked all the Problems in the Introduction to Guthries Geography, and had made some small progress in Geometry.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: unknown [relating to the Arts]
...a desire for information which was by no means whollly neglected even whilst I was an apprentice, I always found some time for reading, and I almost always found the means to procure books, useful books, not Novels. My reading was of course devoid of method, and very desultory. I had read in English the only language in which I could read, the histories of Greece and Rome, and some translated works of Greek and Roman writers. Hume, Smollett, Fieldings novels and Robertsons works, some of Humes Essays, some Translations from french writers, and much on geography -some books on Anatomy and Surgery, some relating to Science and the Arts, and many Magazines. I had worked all the Problems in the Introduction to Guthries Geography, and had made some small progress in Geometry.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: unknown [many magazines]
...a desire for information which was by no means whollly neglected even whilst I was an apprentice, I always found some time for reading, and I almost always found the means to procure books, useful books, not Novels. My reading was of course devoid of method, and very desultory. I had read in English the only language in which I could read, the histories of Greece and Rome, and some translated works of Greek and Roman writers. Hume, Smollett, Fieldings novels and Robertson's works, some of Humes Essays, some Translations from french writers, and much on geography -some books on Anatomy and Surgery, some relating to Science and the Arts, and many Magazines. I had worked all the Problems in the Introduction to Guthries Geography, and had made some small progress in Geometry.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Serial / periodical
Guthrie : unknown [Guthries Geography]
...a desire for information which was by no means whollly neglected even whilst I was an apprentice, I always found some time for reading, and I almost always found the means to procure books, useful books, not Novels. My reading was of course devoid of method, and very desultory. I had read in English the only language in which I could read, the histories of Greece and Rome, and some translated works of Greek and Roman writers. Hume, Smollett, Fieldings novels and Robertsons works, some of Humes Essays, some Translations from french writers, and much on geography -some books on Anatomy and Surgery, some relating to Science and the Arts, and many Magazines. I had worked all the Problems in the Introduction to Guthries Geography, and had made some small progress in Geometry.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: unknown [Geometry]
...a desire for information which was by no means whollly neglected even whilst I was an apprentice, I always found some time for reading, and I almost always found the means to procure books, useful books, not Novels. My reading was of course devoid of method, and very desultory. I had read in English the only language in which I could read, the histories of Greece and Rome, and some translated works of Greek and Roman writers. Hume, Smollett, Fieldings novels and Robertsons works, some of Humes Essays, some Translations from french writers, and much on geography -some books on Anatomy and Surgery, some relating to Science and the Arts, and many Magazines. I had worked all the Problems in the Introduction to Guthries Geography, and had made some small progress in Geometry.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
Lord Sligo (2nd marquis of) : [letter on punishment of adultery in Turkey]
Byron's Journal (14 November 1813-19 April 1814), 5 Deecmber 1813: 'I showed ... [John Galt] Sligo's letter on the reports of the Turkish girl's aventure [ie punishment for adultery that became source of Byron's The Giaour] at Athens soon after it happened. He and Lord Holland, Lewis, and Moore, and Rogers, and Lady Melbourne have seen it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Moore Manuscript: Letter
Lord Sligo (2nd marquis of) : [letter on punishment of adultery in Turkey]
Byron's Journal (14 November 1813-19 April 1814), 5 Deecmber 1813: 'I showed ... [John Galt] Sligo's letter on the reports of the Turkish girl's aventure [ie punishment for adultery that became source of Byron's The Giaour] at Athens soon after it happened. He and Lord Holland, Lewis, and Moore, and Rogers, and Lady Melbourne have seen it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Rogers Manuscript: Letter
William Blackstone : Commentaries on the Laws of England
I now read Blackstone, Hale's Common Law, several other Law Books, and much biography. This course of reading was continued for several years until the death of my landlady.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
Matthew Hale : History and Analysis of the Common Laws of England
I now read Blackstone, Hale's Common Law, several other Law Books, and much biography. This course of reading was continued for several years until the death of my landlady.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: various [Law books]
I now read Blackstone, Hale's Common Law, several other Law Books, and much biography. This course of reading was continued for several years until the death of my landlady.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: various [biographies]
I now read Blackstone, Hale's Common Law, several other Law Books, and much biography. This course of reading was continued for several years until the death of my landlady.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
David Hume : [Essays and Treatises]
The whole or nearly the whole of the eight months when I was not employed was not lost. I read many volumes in history, voyages, and travels, politics, law and Philosophy. Adam Smith and Locke and especially Humes Essays and Treatises, these latter I read two or three times over, this reading was of great service to me, it caused me to turn in upon myself and examine myself in a way which I should not otherwise have done. It was this which laid the solid foundation of my future prosperity, and completed the desire I had always had to acquire knowledge.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
Adam Smith : Wealth of Nations
The whole or nearly the whole of the eight months when I was not employed was not lost. I read many volumes in history, voyages, and travels, politics, law and Philosophy. Adam Smith and Locke and especially Humes Essays and Treatises, these latter I read two or three times over, this reading was of great service to me, it caused me to turn in upon myself and examine myself in a way which I should not otherwise have done. It was this which laid the solid foundation of my future prosperity, and completed the desire I had always had to acquire knowledge.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
John Locke :
The whole or nearly the whole of the eight months when I was not employed was not lost. I read many volumes in history, voyages, and travels, politics, law and Philosophy. Adam Smith and Locke and especially Humes Essays and Treatises, these latter I read two or three times over, this reading was of great service to me, it caused me to turn in upon myself and examine myself in a way which I should not otherwise have done. It was this which laid the solid foundation of my future prosperity, and completed the desire I had always had to acquire knowledge.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: various [history]
The whole or nearly the whole of the eight months when I was not employed was not lost. I read many volumes in history, voyages, and travels, politics, law and Philosophy. Adam Smith and Locke and especially Humes Essays and Treatises, these latter I read two or three times over, this reading was of great service to me, it caused me to turn in upon myself and examine myself in a way which I should not otherwise have done. It was this which laid the solid foundation of my future prosperity, and completed the desire I had always had to acquire knowledge.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: various [voyages]
The whole or nearly the whole of the eight months when I was not employed was not lost. I read many volumes in history, voyages, and travels, politics, law and Philosophy. Adam Smith and Locke and especially Humes Essays and Treatises, these latter I read two or three times over, this reading was of great service to me, it caused me to turn in upon myself and examine myself in a way which I should not otherwise have done. It was this which laid the solid foundation of my future prosperity, and completed the desire I had always had to acquire knowledge.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: various [politics and law]
The whole or nearly the whole of the eight months when I was not employed was not lost. I read many volumes in history, voyages, and travels, politics, law and Philosophy. Adam Smith and Locke and especially Humes Essays and Treatises, these latter I read two or three times over, this reading was of great service to me, it caused me to turn in upon myself and examine myself in a way which I should not otherwise have done. It was this which laid the solid foundation of my future prosperity, and completed the desire I had always had to acquire knowledge.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: [geometry text]
I readily got through a small school book of Geometry and having an odd volume of the 1st of Williamsons Euclid I attacked it vigorously and perseveringly...
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
Williamson : Euclid
I readily got through a small school book of Geometry and having an odd volume of the 1st of Williamsons Euclid I attacked it vigorously and perseveringly...
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
Thomas Paine : Age of Reason
In this room was a number of books, and among them every thing which had been published by Thomas Paine, all these I had read and cheap editions were in my possession; but here was one which I had not seen, namely, "the Age of Reason Part 1". I read it with delight.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
William Godwin : Inquiry Concerning Political Justice
I was finally induced to come to this determination sooner than I should otherwise have done by reading Mr Godwins 'Enquiry concerning Political Justice'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
: unknown [French grammar]
I used to plod at the French Grammar as I sat at my work, the book being fixed before me I was diligent also in learning all I could after I left off working at night.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
Helvetius :
I usually when I had done with my french, read some book every night and having left the Corresponding Society I never went from home in the evening I always learned and read for three hours and sometimes longer, the books I now read were french; Helvetius, Rousseau and Voltaire. I never wanted books and could generally borrow those I most desired to peruse.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
Jean-Jacques Rousseau :
I usually when I had done with my french, read some book every night and having left the Corresponding Society I never went from home in the evening I always learned and read for three hours and sometimes longer, the books I now read were french; Helvetius, Rousseau and Voltaire. I never wanted books and could generally borrow those I most desired to peruse.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
Voltaire :
I usually when I had done with my french, read some book every night and having left the Corresponding Society I never went from home in the evening I always learned and read for three hours and sometimes longer, the books I now read were french; Helvetius, Rousseau and Voltaire. I never wanted books and could generally borrow those I most desired to peruse.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
:
I adhered steadily to the practice I had adopted and read for two or three hours every night after the business of the day was closed, which never happened till half past nine o'clock.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Place Print: Book
Annabella Milbanke : [letter to Byron]
Byron to Lady Melbourne, 23 September 1814: 'I am glad you liked Annabella [Milbanke]'s letter to you -- Augusta said that to me (the decisive one ) [ie accepting his marriage proposal] was the best & prettiest she ever read ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Augusta Leigh Manuscript: Letter
Sir John Trevor : [untitled]
His words were not manie, yet he read all he sayd to us, a thing very unbecoming the chaire, and which I never before did see.
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir John Trevor Manuscript: Sheet
Leigh Hunt : The Story of Rimini
Byron to Leigh Hunt, [?March-April 1816], on receptions of his poem The Story of Rimini: 'my sister and cousin ... were in fixed perusal & delight with it ...'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Augusta Leigh
George MacDonald : Alec Forbes of Howglen
"Read my birthday book from Walter. 'Alec Forbes of Howglen' by Mac Donald."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Agnes Blanche Hemming Print: Book
George MacDonald : Alec Forbes of Howglen
"Had a long morning to read 'Alec Forbes of Howglen'".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Agnes Blanche Hemming Print: Book
R.D. Blackmore : Lorna Doone
"Read Lorna Doone in the evening and helped Mother in to bed."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Agnes Blanche Hemming Print: Book
R.D. Blackmore : Lorna Doone
"Much interested in Lorna Doone. It is a truly romantic book."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Agnes Blanche Hemming Print: Book
R.D. Blackmore : Lorna Doone
"Finished reading Lorna Doone and like it very much."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Agnes Blanche Hemming Print: Book
R.D. Blackmore : Lorna Doone
"Read aloud to Maude from Lorna Doone. Very much taken with this little bit - 'the valley into which I gazed was fair with early promise, having shelter from the wind and taking all the sunshine. The willow bushes hung over the stream as if they were angling with tasseled floats of gold & silver, bursting like a bean-pod. Between them came the water laughing like a maid at her own dancing, and spread with that young blue which never lies beyond the April. And on either bank, the meadow ruffled as the breeze came by, opening (through new tufts of green) daisy-bud or celandine, or a shy glimpse now & then of a love-lorn primrose.'"
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Agnes Blanche Hemming Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron : travel journal
Byron to Thomas Moore, 25 March 1817, on Alpine travels in 1816: 'I kept a journal of the whole for my sister Augusta, which she copied and let Murray see.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Augusta Leigh Manuscript: Codex
D.K. Broster : The Flight of the Heron
Sheila read 'The Flight of the Heron' too, but was less impressed. I think she realised how I felt; she once teased me about it.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sheila Beer Print: Book
Charles Robert Maturin : Bertram
Byron to Charles, 8th Lord Kinnaird, 15 May 1819: 'Three years & some months ago when you were reding [sic] "Bertram" at your brother's -- on my exclaiming in the words of Parson Adams to his Son -- "Lege Dick -- Lege" (on occasion of some interruption ... ) ... you replied ... "my name is not Richard -- my Lord" ... This was a hint to me to address you in future with all Aristocratical decorum ...'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles 8th Lord Kinnaird
Caroline Clive : The Great Drought
["The Great Drought"] is 'full of a truth like that of Defoe... that story might be bound up with the History of the Great Plague.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Serial / periodical
Caroline Clive : The Queen's Ball: A Poem
'I am quite sure that you felt impelled to write these striking verses - that they would be written, that they, so to say, wrote themselves - & I rejoice at it since by non-exercise it is certainly a faculty that deserts us, & you are too truly a poetess to be lost to literature even through great domestic happiness...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Henri Balzac : La Recherche de L'Absolu
'[Balzac's] short works although not new are exquisite - La Recherche de L'Absolu- Eugenie Grandet- Modeste Mignon- The last good cheap English books that I remember were the holy verses by Dr. Kitto, & Duffy's Irish Songs & Ballads- For my own part I have been reading 21 volumes of Mirabeau & about as long of Memoires of that great statesman... What a story- & what a man! If you never read Lucas Montigny's Memoires from Mirabeau sa famille & ses ecrits. Do I conjure you. It is the most graphic book in that language of graphic memoires...Macaulay's book is very able- but one wished to find a greater sympathy especially with misfortune - He really likes nobody except that odious Dutchman.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Henri Balzac : Eugenie Grandet
'[Balzac's] short works although not new are exquisite - La Recherche de L'Absolu- Eugenie Grandet- Modeste Mignon- The last good cheap English books that I remember were the holy verses by Dr. Kitto, & Duffy's Irish Songs & Ballads- For my own part I have been reading 21 volumes of Mirabeau & about as long of Memoires of that great statesman... What a story- & what a man! If you never read Lucas Montigny's Memoires from Mirabeau sa famille & ses ecrits. Do I conjure you. It is the most graphic book in that language of graphic memoires...Macaulay's book is very able- but one wished to find a greater sympathy especially with misfortune - He really likes nobody except that odious Dutchman.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Henri Balzac : Modeste Mignon
'[Balzac's] short works although not new are exquisite - La Recherche de L'Absolu- Eugenie Grandet- Modeste Mignon- The last good cheap English books that I remember were the holy verses by Dr. Kitto, & Duffy's Irish Songs & Ballads- For my own part I have been reading 21 volumes of Mirabeau & about as long of Memoires of that great statesman... What a story- & what a man! If you never read Lucas Montigny's Memoires from Mirabeau sa famille & ses ecrits. Do I conjure you. It is the most graphic book in that language of graphic memoires...Macaulay's book is very able- but one wished to find a greater sympathy especially with misfortune - He really likes nobody except that odious Dutchman.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Dr Kitto : holy verses
'[Balzac's] short works although not new are exquisite - La Recherche de L'Absolu- Eugenie Grandet- Modeste Mignon- The last good cheap English books that I remember were the holy verses by Dr. Kitto, & Duffy's Irish Songs & Ballads- For my own part I have been reading 21 volumes of Mirabeau & about as long of Memoires of that great statesman... What a story- & what a man! If you never read Lucas Montigny's Memoires from Mirabeau sa famille & ses ecrits. Do I conjure you. It is the most graphic book in that language of graphic memoires...Macaulay's book is very able- but one wished to find a greater sympathy especially with misfortune - He really likes nobody except that odious Dutchman.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Duffy : Irish Songs and Ballads
'[Balzac's] short works although not new are exquisite - La Recherche de L'Absolu- Eugenie Grandet- Modeste Mignon- The last good cheap English books that I remember were the holy verses by Dr. Kitto, & Duffy's Irish Songs & Ballads- For my own part I have been reading 21 volumes of Mirabeau & about as long of Memoires of that great statesman... What a story- & what a man! If you never read Lucas Montigny's Memoires from Mirabeau sa famille & ses ecrits. Do I conjure you. It is the most graphic book in that language of graphic memoires...Macaulay's book is very able- but one wished to find a greater sympathy especially with misfortune - He really likes nobody except that odious Dutchman.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Mirabeau :
'[Balzac's] short works although not new are exquisite - La Recherche de L'Absolu- Eugenie Grandet- Modeste Mignon- The last good cheap English books that I remember were the holy verses by Dr. Kitto, & Duffy's Irish Songs & Ballads- For my own part I have been reading 21 volumes of Mirabeau & about as long of Memoires of that great statesman... What a story- & what a man! If you never read Lucas Montigny's Memoires from Mirabeau sa famille & ses ecrits. Do I conjure you. It is the most graphic book in that language of graphic memoires...Macaulay's book is very able- but one wished to find a greater sympathy especially with misfortune - He really likes nobody except that odious Dutchman.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Lucas Montigny : Memoires de Mirabeau sa famille et ses ecrits
'[Balzac's] short works although not new are exquisite - La Recherche de L'Absolu- Eugenie Grandet- Modeste Mignon- The last good cheap English books that I remember were the holy verses by Dr. Kitto, & Duffy's Irish Songs & Ballads- For my own part I have been reading 21 volumes of Mirabeau & about as long of Memoires of that great statesman... What a story- & what a man! If you never read Lucas Montigny's Memoires from Mirabeau sa famille & ses ecrits. Do I conjure you. It is the most graphic book in that language of graphic memoires...Macaulay's book is very able- but one wished to find a greater sympathy especially with misfortune - He really likes nobody except that odious Dutchman.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Thomas Babington Macaulay : The History of England, from the Accession of James the Second
'[Balzac's] short works although not new are exquisite - La Recherche de L'Absolu- Eugenie Grandet- Modeste Mignon- The last good cheap English books that I remember were the holy verses by Dr. Kitto, & Duffy's Irish Songs & Ballads- For my own part I have been reading 21 volumes of Mirabeau & about as long of Memoires of that great statesman... What a story- & what a man! If you never read Lucas Montigny's Memoires from Mirabeau sa famille & ses ecrits. Do I conjure you. It is the most graphic book in that language of graphic memoires...Macaulay's book is very able- but one wished to find a greater sympathy especially with misfortune - He really likes nobody except that odious Dutchman.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
'the book that featured most prominently in [Joseph Greenwood's] memoirs was a cheap edition of Robinson Crusoe. "To me Daniel Defoe's book was a wonderful thing, it opened up a world of adventure, new countries and peoples, full of brightness and change; an unlimited expanse".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Greenwood Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
'[Robinson Crusoe] was Thomas Jordan's favorite book, read through in one sitting at age eleven. The promise of "faraway places fired my imagination" and ultimately inspired him, the son of an iliterate miner, to leave the pits of his Durham mining village and join the Army'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jordan Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
'"The words I didn't understand I just skipped over, yet managed to get a good idea of what the story was about", wrote James Murray, the son of a Scottish shoemaker. "By the time I was ten or eleven years old I did not need to skip any words in any books because by then I had a good grounding in roots and derivations". Crusoe so aroused his appetite for literature that, when his school teacher asked the class to list all the books they had read, Murray rattled off titles by Ballantyne, Kingston and Dickens until "I realised the eyes of everyone in the room were on me..."'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Murray Print: Book
Charles Dickens : [novels]
'"The words I didn't understand I just skipped over, yet managed to get a good idea of what the story was about", wrote James Murray, the son of a Scottish shoemaker. "By the time I was ten or eleven years old I did not need to skip any words in any books because by then I had a good grounding in roots and derivations". Crusoe so aroused his appetite for literature that, when his schoolteacher asked the class to list all the books they had read, Murray rattled off titles by Ballantyne, Kingston and Dickens until "I realised the eyes of everyone in the room were on me..."'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Murray Print: Book
Robert Michael Ballantyne : [novels]
'"The words I didn't understand I just skipped over, yet managed to get a good idea of what the story was about", wrote James Murray, the son of a Scottish shoemaker. "By the time I was ten or eleven years old I did not need to skip any words in any books because by then I had a good grounding in roots and derivations". Crusoe so aroused his appetite for literature that, when his schoolteacher asked the class to list all the books they had read, Murray rattled off titles by Ballantyne, Kingston and Dickens until "I realised the eyes of everyone in the room were on me..."'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Murray Print: Book
William Henry Giles Kingston : [novels]
'"The words I didn't understand I just skipped over, yet managed to get a good idea of what the story was about", wrote James Murray, the son of a Scottish shoemaker. "By the time I was ten or eleven years old I did not need to skip any words in any books because by then I had a good grounding in roots and derivations". Crusoe so aroused his appetite for literature that, when his schoolteacher asked the class to list all the books they had read, Murray rattled off titles by Ballantyne, Kingston and Dickens until "I realised the eyes of everyone in the room were on me..."'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Murray Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Oliver Twist
'As a boy V.S. Pritchett read Oliver Twist "in a state of hot horror, It seized me because it was about London and the fears of the London streets. There were big boys at school who could grow up to be the Artful Dodger; many of us could have been Oliver...". Pritchett read Thackeray for escape, "a taste of the gentler life of better-off people", but in Dickens "I saw myself and my life in London".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
William Makepeace Thackeray :
'As a boy V.S. Pritchett read Oliver Twist "in a state of hot horror, It seized me because it was about London and the fears of the London streets. There were big boys at school who could grow up to be the Artful Dodger; many of us could have been Oliver...". Pritchett read Thackeray for escape, "a taste of the gentler life of better-off people", but in Dickens "I saw myself and my life in London".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
: [various]
In his Childe-hood he was so addicted to those means which his Parents applied him unto, for the implanting in him the seeds of good Literature, that he rather needed a bridle, than a spur: For his love of learning (equal to that admirable capacity, wherewith the Father of Lights had furnished him) was so active in the acquiring of it, that his Father was fain often gently to chide him from his book.
Century: 1500-1599 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Gataker Print: Book
: Scriptures
In this Family, partly by his own inclination, and partly by the encouragement of the Governours thereof, he performed Family Duties for the instruction and edification of the whole houshold, expounding to them a portion of Scripture every morning, that the Sun of Righteousness might as constantly arise in their hearts, as the day brake in upon them. In this Exercise, whereby he laboured to profit both himself and others, he went over the Epistles of the Apostles, the Prophesie of Isaiah, and a good part of the Book of Job, rendring the Text out of the Original Languages, and then delivering cleer Explications, and also deducing usefull Observations.
Century: 1500-1599 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Gataker Print: Book
St Augustine : St. Augustines Meditations
About the same time also he read over St. Augustines Meditations, which so affected him, that he wept often in the reading of them.
UnknownCentury: 1500-1599 Reader/Listener/Group: James Usher
Sleidans : Book of the Four Empires
At twelve years old he was so affected with the study of Chronology and Antiquity, that, reading over Sleidans Book of the four Empires, and some other Authors, he drew forth an exact Series of the times wherein each eminent person lived;
Century: 1500-1599 Reader/Listener/Group: James Usher Print: Book
: [various unknown]
At twelve years old he was so affected with the study of Chronology and Antiquity, that, reading over Sleidans Book of the four Empires, and some other Authors, he drew forth an exact Series of the times wherein each eminent person lived;
Century: 1500-1599 Reader/Listener/Group: James Usher Print: Book
Stapleton : Fortress of the Faith
Before he was Bachelor of Arts he read Stapletons Fortress of the Faith, and therein finding how confidently he asserted Antiquity for the Popish Tenets, withall, branding our Church and Religion with novelty in what we dissented from them, he was much troubled at it, not knowing but that his quotations might be right; and he was convinced that the Ancientest must needs be best, as the nearer the Fountain the sweeter, and clearer are the streams; yet withall, he suspected that Stapleton might mis-report the Fathers, or wrest them to his own sense; and therefore he took up a setled resolution, that in due time, if God prolonged his life and health, he would trust onely his own eyes by reading over all the Fathers for his satisfaction herein;
Century: 1500-1599 Reader/Listener/Group: James Usher Print: Book
Jonathan Swift :
[due to the fact that books in working class communities were generally cheap out of copyright reprints, not new works] Welsh collier Joseph Keating was able to immerse himself in Swift, Pope, Fielding, Richarson, Smollett, Goldsmith, Sheridan, Goldsmith, Keats, Byron, Shelley, Dickens and Greek philosophy, as well as the John Dicks edition of Vanity Fair in weekly installments. The common denominator among these authors was that they were all dead. "Volumes by living authors were too high-priced for me", Keating explained. "Our schoolbooks never mentioned living writers; and the impression in my mind was that an author, to be a living author, must be dead and that his work was all the better if he died of neglect and starvation".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Alexander Pope :
[due to the fact that books in working class communities were generally cheap out of copyright reprints, not new works] Welsh collier Joseph Keating was able to immerse himself in Swift, Pope, Fielding, Richarson, Smollett, Goldsmith, Sheridan, Goldsmith, Keats, Byron, Shelley, Dickens and Greek philosophy, as well as the John Dicks edition of Vanity Fair in weekly installments. The common denominator among these authors was that they were all dead. "Volumes by living authors were too high-priced for me", Keating explained. "Our schoolbooks never mentioned living writers; and the impression in my mind was that an author, to be a living author, must be dead and that his work was all the better if he died of neglect and starvation".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Henry Fielding :
[due to the fact that books in working class communities were generally cheap out of copyright reprints, not new works] Welsh collier Joseph Keating was able to immerse himself in Swift, Pope, Fielding, Richarson, Smollett, Goldsmith, Sheridan, Goldsmith, Keats, Byron, Shelley, Dickens and Greek philosophy, as well as the John Dicks edition of Vanity Fair in weekly installments. The common denominator among these authors was that they were all dead. "Volumes by living authors were too high-priced for me", Keating explained. "Our schoolbooks never mentioned living writers; and the impression in my mind was that an author, to be a living author, must be dead and that his work was all the better if he died of neglect and starvation".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Samuel Richardson :
[due to the fact that books in working class communities were generally cheap out of copyright reprints, not new works] Welsh collier Joseph Keating was able to immerse himself in Swift, Pope, Fielding, Richardson, Smollett, Goldsmith, Sheridan, Goldsmith, Keats, Byron, Shelley, Dickens and Greek philosophy, as well as the John Dicks edition of Vanity Fair in weekly installments. The common denominator among these authors was that they were all dead. "Volumes by living authors were too high-priced for me", Keating explained. "Our schoolbooks never mentioned living writers; and the impression in my mind was that an author, to be a living author, must be dead and that his work was all the better if he died of neglect and starvation".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Tobias Smollett :
[due to the fact that books in working class communities were generally cheap out of copyright reprints, not new works] Welsh collier Joseph Keating was able to immerse himself in Swift, Pope, Fielding, Richardson, Smollett, Goldsmith, Sheridan, Goldsmith, Keats, Byron, Shelley, Dickens and Greek philosophy, as well as the John Dicks edition of Vanity Fair in weekly installments. The common denominator among these authors was that they were all dead. "Volumes by living authors were too high-priced for me", Keating explained. "Our schoolbooks never mentioned living writers; and the impression in my mind was that an author, to be a living author, must be dead and that his work was all the better if he died of neglect and starvation".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith :
[due to the fact that books in working class communities were generally cheap out of copyright reprints, not new works] Welsh collier Joseph Keating was able to immerse himself in Swift, Pope, Fielding, Richardson, Smollett, Goldsmith, Sheridan, Goldsmith, Keats, Byron, Shelley, Dickens and Greek philosophy, as well as the John Dicks edition of Vanity Fair in weekly installments. The common denominator among these authors was that they were all dead. "Volumes by living authors were too high-priced for me", Keating explained. "Our schoolbooks never mentioned living writers; and the impression in my mind was that an author, to be a living author, must be dead and that his work was all the better if he died of neglect and starvation".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Richard Brinsley Sheridan :
[due to the fact that books in working class communities were generally cheap out of copyright reprints, not new works] Welsh collier Joseph Keating was able to immerse himself in Swift, Pope, Fielding, Richardson, Smollett, Goldsmith, Sheridan, Goldsmith, Keats, Byron, Shelley, Dickens and Greek philosophy, as well as the John Dicks edition of Vanity Fair in weekly installments. The common denominator among these authors was that they were all dead. "Volumes by living authors were too high-priced for me", Keating explained. "Our schoolbooks never mentioned living writers; and the impression in my mind was that an author, to be a living author, must be dead and that his work was all the better if he died of neglect and starvation".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
John Keats :
[due to the fact that books in working class communities were generally cheap out of copyright reprints, not new works] Welsh collier Joseph Keating was able to immerse himself in Swift, Pope, Fielding, Richardson, Smollett, Sheridan, Goldsmith, Keats, Byron, Shelley, Dickens and Greek philosophy, as well as the John Dicks edition of Vanity Fair in weekly installments. The common denominator among these authors was that they were all dead. "Volumes by living authors were too high-priced for me", Keating explained. "Our schoolbooks never mentioned living writers; and the impression in my mind was that an author, to be a living author, must be dead and that his work was all the better if he died of neglect and starvation".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron :
[due to the fact that books in working class communities were generally cheap out of copyright reprints, not new works] 'Welsh collier Joseph Keating was able to immerse himself in Swift, Pope, Fielding, Richardson, Smollett, Sheridan, Goldsmith, Keats, Byron, Shelley, Dickens and Greek philosophy, as well as the John Dicks edition of Vanity Fair in weekly installments. The common denominator among these authors was that they were all dead. "Volumes by living authors were too high-priced for me", Keating explained. "Our schoolbooks never mentioned living writers; and the impression in my mind was that an author, to be a living author, must be dead and that his work was all the better if he died of neglect and starvation".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Percy Bysshe Shelley :
[due to the fact that books in working class communities were generally cheap out of copyright reprints, not new works] Welsh collier Joseph Keating was able to immerse himself in Swift, Pope, Fielding, Richardson, Smollett, Sheridan, Goldsmith, Keats, Byron, Shelley, Dickens and Greek philosophy, as well as the John Dicks edition of Vanity Fair in weekly installments. The common denominator among these authors was that they were all dead. "Volumes by living authors were too high-priced for me", Keating explained. "Our schoolbooks never mentioned living writers; and the impression in my mind was that an author, to be a living author, must be dead and that his work was all the better if he died of neglect and starvation".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Charles Dickens :
[due to the fact that books in working class communities were generally cheap out of copyright reprints, not new works] Welsh collier Joseph Keating was able to immerse himself in Swift, Pope, Fielding, Richardson, Smollett, Sheridan, Goldsmith, Keats, Byron, Shelley, Dickens and Greek philosophy, as well as the John Dicks edition of Vanity Fair in weekly installments. The common denominator among these authors was that they were all dead. "Volumes by living authors were too high-priced for me", Keating explained. "Our schoolbooks never mentioned living writers; and the impression in my mind was that an author, to be a living author, must be dead and that his work was all the better if he died of neglect and starvation".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
: [Greek philosophy]
[due to the fact that books in working class communities were generally cheap out of copyright reprints, not new works] Welsh collier Joseph Keating was able to immerse himself in Swift, Pope, Fielding, Richardson, Smollett, Sheridan, Goldsmith, Keats, Byron, Shelley, Dickens and Greek philosophy, as well as the John Dicks edition of Vanity Fair in weekly installments. The common denominator among these authors was that they were all dead. "Volumes by living authors were too high-priced for me", Keating explained. "Our schoolbooks never mentioned living writers; and the impression in my mind was that an author, to be a living author, must be dead and that his work was all the better if he died of neglect and starvation".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
William Makepeace Thackeray : Vanity Fair
[due to the fact that books in working class communities were generally cheap out of copyright reprints, not new works] Welsh collier Joseph Keating was able to immerse himself in Swift, Pope, Fielding, Richardson, Smollett, Sheridan, Goldsmith, Keats, Byron, Shelley, Dickens and Greek philosophy, as well as the John Dicks edition of Vanity Fair in weekly installments. The common denominator among these authors was that they were all dead. "Volumes by living authors were too high-priced for me", Keating explained. "Our schoolbooks never mentioned living writers; and the impression in my mind was that an author, to be a living author, must be dead and that his work was all the better if he died of neglect and starvation".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Serial / periodical
Jerome K. Jerome : Three Men in a Boat
'[Joseph Keating's] initiation into modern literature came when his brother introduced him to Jerome K. Jerome's Three Men in a Boat: "I had thought that only Smollett and Dickens could make a reader laugh; and I was surprised to find that a man who was actually living could write in such a genuinely humorous way'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Serial / periodical
John Keats : [a minor poem]
'orphanage boy Thomas Burke... devoured books until "my mind became a lumber room". Inevitably, "criticism was beyond me; the hungry man has no time for the fastidiousness of the epicure. I was hypnotised by the word Poet. A poem by Keats (some trifle never meant for print) was a poem by Keats. Pope, Cowper and Kirke White and Mrs Hemans and Samuel Rogers were Poets. That was enough."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burke Print: Unknown
Alexander Pope :
'orphanage boy Thomas Burke... devoured books until "my mind became a lumber room". Inevitably, "criticism was beyond me; the hungry man has no time for the fastidiousness of the epicure. I was hypnotised by the word Poet. A poem by Keats (some trifle never meant for print) was a poem by Keats. Pope, Cowper and Kirke White and Mrs Hemans and Samuel Rogers were Poets. That was enough."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burke Print: Unknown
William Cowper :
'orphanage boy Thomas Burke... devoured books until "my mind became a lumber room". Inevitably, "criticism was beyond me; the hungry man has no time for the fastidiousness of the epicure. I was hypnotised by the word Poet. A poem by Keats (some trifle never meant for print) was a poem by Keats. Pope, Cowper and Kirke White and Mrs Hemans and Samuel Rogers were Poets. That was enough."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burke Print: Unknown
Kirke White :
'orphanage boy Thomas Burke... devoured books until "my mind became a lumber room". Inevitably, "criticism was beyond me; the hungry man has no time for the fastidiousness of the epicure. I was hypnotised by the word Poet. A poem by Keats (some trifle never meant for print) was a poem by Keats. Pope, Cowper and Kirke White and Mrs Hemans and Samuel Rogers were Poets. That was enough."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burke Print: Unknown
Felicia Hemans :
'orphanage boy Thomas Burke... devoured books until "my mind became a lumber room". Inevitably, "criticism was beyond me; the hungry man has no time for the fastidiousness of the epicure. I was hypnotised by the word Poet. A poem by Keats (some trifle never meant for print) was a poem by Keats. Pope, Cowper and Kirke White and Mrs Hemans and Samuel Rogers were Poets. That was enough."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burke Print: Unknown
Samuel Rogers :
'orphanage boy Thomas Burke... devoured books until "my mind became a lumber room". Inevitably, "criticism was beyond me; the hungry man has no time for the fastidiousness of the epicure. I was hypnotised by the word Poet. A poem by Keats (some trifle never meant for print) was a poem by Keats. Pope, Cowper and Kirke White and Mrs Hemans and Samuel Rogers were Poets. That was enough."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burke Print: Unknown
George T Chesney : Battle of Dorking
'The manager here Mr. Simpson hearing what I said of it [George Chesney's "The Battle of Dorking"] took a proof home at night and while he was still wrapt up in it was startled by his mother a most acute old lady (who had picked up the sheets as he let them fall) exclaiming "Surely George the Germans never were in England"'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Old Mrs Simpson Manuscript: Sheet, Proofs of article
George T Chesney : The Private Secretary
'Gentlemen. I am the fourth generation of my family that have taken in Blackwood's Magazine; the back numbers bound form a handsome library of themselves. I regret most sincerely that in consequence of the story called "The Private Secretary" I am compelled to give it up. I never read such disgusting filth before, and am very sorry that such a high class (formerly) Magazine should have admitted such garbage into its columns.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Philips Print: Serial / periodical
Ann Radcliffe : The Italian
Finished the second volume of Mrs Radcliffe's 'Italian'. She is the best writer in her way of anybody I [have?] heard of. There is one scene in this volume which cannot be easily equalled. I mean the scene [...] in the passage when they are going to murder Helena the heroine of the story.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Ann Radcliffe : The Italian
We got the last volume of the Italian, I think it does not equal the former production
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
George T Chesney : The Private Secretary
'As for the Private Secretary, I can sympathize with both you & Chesney. As Editor, I should have [?] to print it as it is; as Author, - if I had written it, - I am shy of writing anything in that style - I should have been very proud of it. The fact is, though risque it is devilish well done; & the merit & the objections to it are that it is so sensuously suggestive as to be [??] than far harder language.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Alex Innes Shand Print: Serial / periodical
: Javanese newspaper
Byron's Ravenna Journal (4 January-27 February 1821), 15 January 1821: 'In the year 1814, Moore ... and I were going together, in the same carriage, to dine with Earl Grey ... [John] Murray ... had just sent me a Java gazette ... Pulling it out, by way of curiosity, we found it to contain a dispute ... on Moore's merits and mine.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Moore Print: Newspaper
: Home Magazine
I had read every line of several volumes of the 'Home Magazine' -especially a grotesque serial called 'The Wallypug of Why', an enjoyable fantasy about the plots of a cathedral gargoyle: also bits from the 'Children's Encyclopaedia', 'Hereward the Wake', comics and 'Marriage on Two Hundred a Year', one of the popular handbooks of the period.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Serial / periodical
G.E. Farrow : The Wallypug of Why
I had read every line of several volumes of the 'Home Magazine' -especially a grotesque serial called 'The Wallypug of Why', an enjoyable fantasy about the plots of a cathedral gargoyle: also bits from the 'Children's Encyclopaedia', 'Hereward the Wake', comics and 'Marriage on Two Hundred a Year', one of the popular handbooks of the period.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Serial / periodical
: Children's Encyclopaedia
I had read every line of several volumes of the 'Home Magazine' -especially a grotesque serial called 'The Wallypug of Why', an enjoyable fantasy about the plots of a cathedral gargoyle: also bits from the 'Children's Encyclopaedia', 'Hereward the Wake', comics and 'Marriage on Two Hundred a Year', one of the popular handbooks of the period.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
: Hereward the Wake
I had read every line of several volumes of the 'Home Magazine' -especially a grotesque serial called 'The Wallypug of Why', an enjoyable fantasy about the plots of a cathedral gargoyle: also bits from the 'Children's Encyclopaedia', 'Hereward the Wake', comics and 'Marriage on Two Hundred a Year', one of the popular handbooks of the period.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
: [comics -unknown]
I had read every line of several volumes of the 'Home Magazine' -especially a grotesque serial called 'The Wallypug of Why', an enjoyable fantasy about the plots of a cathedral gargoyle: also bits from the 'Children's Encyclopaedia', 'Hereward the Wake', comics and 'Marriage on Two Hundred a Year', one of the popular handbooks of the period.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Serial / periodical
: Marriage on Two Hundred a Year
I had read every line of several volumes of the 'Home Magazine' -especially a grotesque serial called 'The Wallypug of Why', an enjoyable fantasy about the plots of a cathedral gargoyle: also bits from the 'Children's Encyclopaedia', 'Hereward the Wake', comics and 'Marriage on Two Hundred a Year', one of the popular handbooks of the period.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron : Don Juan (Cantos I and II)
Byron to John Murray, 6 July 1821: 'At the particular request of the Countess G[uiccioli] I have promised not to continue Don Juan ... She had read the two first [cantos] in the French translation -- & never ceased beseeching me to write no more of it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Countess Teresa Guiccioli Print: BookManuscript: Letter
Ford Madox Ford : English Review
Our first lessons were from Ford Madox Ford's 'English Review' which was publishing some of the best young writers of the time. We discussed Bridges and Masefield... For myself the suger-bag blue of the 'English Review' was decisive. One had thought literature was in books written by dead people who had been oppressively over-educated. Here was writing by people who were alive and probably writing at this moment...
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book, Serial / periodical
James Russell Lowell : The Vision of Sir Launfal
Bartlett dug out one of James Russell Lowell's poems, 'The Vision of Sir Launfal', though why he chose that dim poem I do not know: we went on to Tennyson, never learning by heart.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson :
Bartlett dug out one of James Russell Lowell's poems, 'The Vision of Sir Launfal', though why he chose that dim poem I do not know: we went on to Tennyson, never learning by heart.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
Richard Brinsley Sheridan : Monody on Garrick
Byron's "Detached Thoughts" (15 October 1821-18 May 1822), on R. B. Sheridan, 15 October 1821: 'One day I saw him take up his own "Monody
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Richard Brinsley Sheridan
unknown : Correspondence re Francis Rawdon Hastings, second Earl of Moira
Byron's "Detached Thoughts" (15 October 1821-18 May 1822), 15 October 1821: 'At the Opposition Meeting of the peers in 1812 at Lord Grenville's -- when Ld. Grey and he read to us the correspondence upon Moira's negotiation -- I sate next to the present Duke of Grafton -- when it was over -- I turned to him -- & said "What is to be done next?" -- "Wake the Duke of Norfolk["] (who was snoring away near us) replied he ...'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles 2nd Earl Grey Manuscript: Letter
George Gordon Lord Byron : Memoirs
Byron to John Murray, 24 November 1821, regarding his MS Memoirs: 'Is there anything in the M.S.S. that could be personally obnoxious to himself [John Cam Hobhouse]? ... Mr. Kinnaird & others had read them at Paris and noticed none such.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Douglas Kinnaird Manuscript: Unknown
Jane Austen : First Impressions
'I do not wonder at your wanting to read [italics for title] first impressions again, so seldom as you have gone through it, & that so long ago.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Cassandra Austen Manuscript: Book in Manuscript
Frederick Marryat : Masterman Ready
'When old enough to read for herself, Rose Macaulay entered into other realms of fictitious brave adventure. She devoured Masterman Ready, Ivanhoe, The Talisman, Coral Island, Treasure Island, A Tale of Two Cities, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Prince and the Page
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
Walter Scott : Ivanhoe
'When old enough to read for herself, Rose Macaulay entered into other realms of fictitious brave adventure. She devoured Masterman Ready, Ivanhoe, The Talisman, Coral Island, Treasure Island, A Tale of Two Cities, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Prince and the Page
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Talisman
'When old enough to read for herself, Rose Macaulay entered into other realms of fictitious brave adventure. She devoured Masterman Ready, Ivanhoe, The Talisman, Coral Island, Treasure Island, A Tale of Two Cities, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Prince and the Page
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
Robert Michael Ballantyne : Coral Island
'When old enough to read for herself, Rose Macaulay entered into other realms of fictitious brave adventure. She devoured Masterman Ready, Ivanhoe, The Talisman, Coral Island, Treasure Island, A Tale of Two Cities, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Prince and the Page
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : Treasure Island
'When old enough to read for herself, Rose Macaulay entered into other realms of fictitious brave adventure. She devoured Masterman Ready, Ivanhoe, The Talisman, Coral Island, Treasure Island, A Tale of Two Cities, The Murders in the Rue Morgoue, The Prince and the Page
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
Charles Dickens : A Tale of Two Cities
'When old enough to read for herself, Rose Macaulay entered into other realms of fictitious brave adventure. She devoured Masterman Ready, Ivanhoe, The Talisman, Coral Island, Treasure Island, A Tale of Two Cities, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Prince and the Page
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
Edgar Allan Poe : The Murders in the Rue Morgue
'When old enough to read for herself, Rose Macaulay entered into other realms of fictitious brave adventure. She devoured Masterman Ready, Ivanhoe, The Talisman, Coral Island, Treasure Island, A Tale of Two Cities, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Prince and the Page
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
Charlotte Mary Yonge : The Prince and the Page
'When old enough to read for herself, Rose Macaulay entered into other realms of fictitious brave adventure. She devoured Masterman Ready, Ivanhoe, The Talisman, Coral Island, Treasure Island, A Tale of Two Cities, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Prince and the Page'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
Johann David Wyss : Swiss Family Robinson
'[Rose Macaulay] relished such island shipwreck stories as Swiss Family Robinson'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
Alfred Lord Tennyson :
'Daughter of the editor father, [Rose Macaulay] was given a copy of the complete works of Tennyson when she was eight and remembers knowing it "practically by heart"... Shelley, too, she found "an intoxicant". A coplete works of Shelley joined her Tennyson a year later, starting a fascination with the poet which she remembers in a letter to Gilbert Murray in January 1945: "I, like you, read Shelley's Prometheus very young... I was entirely carried away by it; as I was, indeed, by all Shelley... Of course, I didn't understand all Prometheus; but enough to be fascinated".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
Percy Bysshe Shelley : Prometheus Unbound
'Daughter of the editor father, [Rose Macaulay] was given a copy of the complete works of Tennyson when she was eight and remembers knowing it "practically by heart"... Shelley, too, she found "an intoxicant". A complete works of Shelley joined her Tennyson a year later, starting a fascination with the poet which she remembers in a letter to Gilbert Murray in January 1945: "I, like you, read Shelley's Prometheus very young... I was entirely carried away by it; as I was, indeed, by all Shelley... Of course, I didn't understand all Prometheus; but enough to be fascinated".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
Thomas a Kempis : On The Imitation of Christ
Rose Macaulay had a 'craze' 'for the ascetic Thomas a Kempis's meditations and rule of conduct, On The Imitation of Christ, which her godmother gave her when she was 13'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
John Stuart Mill : probably 'On Liberty'
'She read Renan's Life of Jesus, which had proved so critical to George Eliot's subsitution of Duty for God. As a corollary text, Rose discovered the rousing, hopeful words of Mill, who argued for the sacredness of her larger duty to herself'.
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
Ernest Renan : Life of Jesus
'She read Renan's Life of Jesus, which had proved so critical to George Eliot's subsitution of Duty for God. As a corollary text, Rose discovered the rousing, hopeful words of Mill, who argued for the sacredness of her larger duty to herself'.
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
Alexander Pope :
'[T.A.] Jackson's tastes had been formed by the old books in his parents' home: "A fine set of Pope, an odd volume or two of the Spectator, a Robinson Crusoe, Pope's translation of Homer, and a copy of Paradise Lost".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
'[J.M. Dent's] reading was marked by the autodidact's characteristic enthusiasm and spottiness. He knew Pilgrim's Progress, Milton, Cowper, Thomson's Seasons and Young's Night Thoughts; but...did not read Shakespeare seriously until he was nearly thirty'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Malaby Dent Print: Book
John Milton :
'[J.M. Dent's] reading was marked by the autodidact's characteristic enthusiasm and spottiness. He knew Pilgrim's Progress, Milton, Cowper, Thomson's Seasons and Young's Night Thoughts; but...did not read Shakespeare seriously until he was nearly thirty'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Malaby Dent Print: Book
William Cowper :
'[J.M. Dent's] reading was marked by the autodidact's characteristic enthusiasm and spottiness. He knew Pilgrim's Progress, Milton, Cowper, Thomson's Seasons and Young's Night Thoughts; but...did not read Shakespeare seriously until he was nearly thirty'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Malaby Dent Print: Book
James Thomson : The Seasons
'[J.M. Dent's] reading was marked by the autodidact's characteristic enthusiasm and spottiness. He knew Pilgrim's Progress, Milton, Cowper, Thomson's Seasons and Young's Night Thoughts; but...did not read Shakespeare seriously until he was nearly thirty'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Malaby Dent Print: Book
Edward Young : Night Thoughts
'[J.M. Dent's] reading was marked by the autodidact's characteristic enthusiasm and spottiness. He knew Pilgrim's Progress, Milton, Cowper, Thomson's Seasons and Young's Night Thoughts; but...did not read Shakespeare seriously until he was nearly thirty'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Malaby Dent Print: Book
William Shakespeare :
'[J.M. Dent's] reading was marked by the autodidact's characteristic enthusiasm and spottiness. He knew Pilgrim's Progress, Milton, Cowper, Thomson's Seasons and Young's Night Thoughts; but...did not read Shakespeare seriously until he was nearly thirty'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Malaby Dent Print: Book
William Morris :
'[J.M. Dent's] cultural contacts broadened when he became an apprentice bookbinder in London, discovering the work of William Morris, Cobden-Sanderson and the Arts and Crafts Movement'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Malaby Dent Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Rasselas
'James Murray, a Glasgow woodcarver, represented the kind of reader Dent and Rhys were trying to reach. He credited Everyman magazine with "opening up an entirely new set of ideas to which I had previously been a stranger. I became familiar with the names and works of all the truly great authors and poets, and was now throughly convinced I had been misplaced in my life's work". His reading ranged from Rasselas to Looking Backward'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Murray Print: Book
: Everyman
'James Murray, a Glasgow woodcarver, represented the kind of reader Dent and Rhys were trying to reach. He credited Everyman magazine with "opening up an entirely new set of ideas to which I had previously been a stranger. I became familiar with the names and works of all the truly great authors and poets, and was now throughly convinced I had been misplaced in my life's work". His reading ranged from Rasselas to Looking Backward'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Murray Print: Serial / periodical
Edward Bellamy : Looking Backward: 2000-1887
'James Murray, a Glasgow woodcarver, represented the kind of reader Dent and Rhys were trying to reach. He credited Everyman magazine with "opening up an entirely new set of ideas to which I had previously been a stranger. I became familiar with the names and works of all the truly great authors and poets, and was now throughly convinced I had been misplaced in my life's work". His reading ranged from Rasselas to Looking Backward'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Murray Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : "Gulliver's Travels"
'every day Spike Mays ran to his East Anglia school, where he studied "Robinson Crusoe", "Gulliver's Travels" and "Tales from Shakespeare".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Spike Mays Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : "Robinson Crusoe"
'every day Spike Mays ran to his East Anglia school, where he studied "Robinson Crusoe", "Gulliver's Travels" and "Tales from Shakespeare".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Spike Mays Print: Book
Charles Lamb : Tales from Shakespeare
'every day Spike Mays ran to his East Anglia school, where he studied "Robinson Crusoe", "Gulliver's Travels" and "Tales from Shakespeare".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Spike Mays Print: Book
James George Frazer : "The Golden Bough"
'T.A. Jackson credited his Board school teachers with starting him on his career as a Marxist philosopher. They introduced him to Greek mythology, "which in time brought me to Frazer and the immensities and infinitudes of "The Golden Bough", and all that that implies".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
: [Greek myths]
'T.A. Jackson credited his Board school teachers with starting him on his career as a Marxist philosopher. They introduced him to Greek mythology, "which in time brought me to Frazer and the immensities and infinitudes of "The Golden Bough", and all that that implies".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : Christabel
Dorothy Wordsworth's Grasmere Journal, Sunday 31 August 1800: 'At 11 o'clock [pm] Coleridge came ... We sate and chatted till 1/2-past three, W[illiam]. in his dressing-gown. Coleridge read us a part of Christabel.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Manuscript: Sheet
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : Christabel
Dorothy Wordsworth's Grasmere Journal, Sunday 5 October 1800: 'Coleridge read a 2nd time Christabel; we had increasing pleasure. A delicious morning.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Manuscript: Sheet
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : Christabel
Dorothy Wordsworth's Grasmere Journal, Wednesday 22 October 1800: 'Wm. read after supper, Ruth etc.; Coleridge Christabel.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Manuscript: Sheet
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : verses
Dorothy Wordsworth's Grasmere Journal, Tuesday 4 May 1802, describing excursion to local river and waterfall: 'We [Dorothy and William Wordsworth, and S. T. Coleridge] ... rested upon a moss-covered rock, rising out of the bed of the river. There we lay ... and stayed there till about 4 o'clock. William and C[oleridge]. repeated and read verses.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Manuscript: Sheet
unknown : unknown
Dorothy Wordsworth's Grasmere Journal, Sunday 16 January 1803, describing visit to Matthew Newton's to obtain gingerbread: 'The blind Man [Matthew Newton] and his Wife and Sister were sitting by the fire all dressed very clean in their Sunday clothes, the sister reading.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Miss] Newton
Alexander Bower : An Account of the Life of James Beattie
My uncle has got the life of Doctor Beattie from the library [Halifax Subscription library?], I have not had time to read much of it yet, but I think he must have been a very clever man, and a great literary character.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Lister Print: Book
Richard Hakluyt : Voiages, and Discoveries of the English Nation
'[Rose Macaulay's] library comprised chiefly old tomes from the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries which she read and re-read with absorbed delight, from Hakluyt to Addison... Her most cherished books were the twelve volumes of the Oxford English Dictionary inherited from her father. As the daughter of a don and a lover of words, she added her own marginal annotations to those pencilled in by George Macaulay'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
Joseph Addison : [probably The Spectator]
'[Rose Macaulay's] library comprised chiefly old tomes from the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries which she read and re-read with absorbed delight, from Hakluyt to Addison... Her most cherished books were the twelve volumes of the Oxford English Dictionary inherited from her father. As the daughter of a don and a lover of words, she added her own marginal annotations to those pencilled in by George Macaulay'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book, Serial / periodical, numbers bound as volume?
n/a : Oxford English Dictionary
'[Rose Macaulay's] library comprised chiefly old tomes from the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries which she read and re-read with absorbed delight, from Hakluyt to Addison... Her most cherished books were the twelve volumes of the Oxford English Dictionary inherited from her father. As the daughter of a don and a lover of words, she added her own marginal annotations to those pencilled in by George Macaulay'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rose Macaulay Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Little Dorrit
'Frances Stevenson, born in 1888, recollected [in The years that Are Past, 1967] that she "read greedily [pre-1914] ... I formed an early acquaintance with Dickens, weeping copiously over Little Dorrit and Little Nell, and I knew by heart many of the passages in the Ingoldsby Legends, a volume that had been given me ... when I was ten years old! ... I lost myself in a magical world while reading the poems of Scott. I think I read them all one summer holiday, in a special spot in our garden ..."'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Stevenson Print: Book
Charles Dickens : The Old Curiosity Shop
'Frances Stevenson, born in 1888, recollected [in The years that Are Past, 1967] that she "read greedily [pre-1914] ... I formed an early acquaintance with Dickens, weeping copiously over Little Dorrit and Little Nell, and I knew by heart many of the passages in the Ingoldsby Legends, a volume that had been given me ... when I was ten years old! ... I lost myself in a magical world while reading the poems of Scott. I think I read them all one summer holiday, in a special spot in our garden ..."'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Stevenson Print: Book
Rev. Richard H. Barham : The Ingoldsby Legends
'Frances Stevenson, born in 1888, recollected [in The years that Are Past, 1967] that she "read greedily [pre-1914] ... I formed an early acquaintance with Dickens, weeping copiously over Little Dorrit and Little Nell, and I knew by heart many of the passages in the Ingoldsby Legends, a volume that had been given me ... when I was ten years old! ... I lost myself in a magical world while reading the poems of Scott. I think I read them all one summer holiday, in a special spot in our garden ..."'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Stevenson Print: Book
Sir Walter Scott : poems
'Frances Stevenson, born in 1888, recollected [in The years that Are Past, 1967] that she "read greedily [pre-1914] ... I formed an early acquaintance with Dickens, weeping copiously over Little Dorrit and Little Nell, and I knew by heart many of the passages in the Ingoldsby Legends, a volume that had been given me ... when I was ten years old! ... I lost myself in a magical world while reading the poems of Scott. I think I read them all one summer holiday, in a special spot in our garden ..."'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Stevenson Print: Book
Henryk Sienkiewicz : Quo Vadis
'Frances Stevenson, born in 1888, recollected [in The years that Are Past, 1967] that she "read greedily [pre-1914] ... Even before my teens my reading entered upon the romantic stage. I read Quo Vadis ... Rider Haggard's She ... Robert Ellesmere ..."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Stevenson Print: Book
Rider Haggard : She
'Frances Stevenson, born in 1888, recollected [in The years that Are Past, 1967] that she "read greedily [pre-1914] ... Even before my teens my reading entered upon the romantic stage. I read Quo Vadis ... Rider Haggard's She ... Robert Ellesmere ..."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Stevenson Print: Book
Mrs Meek : Ellesmere
'Frances Stevenson, born in 1888, recollected [in The years that Are Past, 1967] that she "read greedily [pre-1914] ... Even before my teens my reading entered upon the romantic stage. I read Quo Vadis ... Rider Haggard's She ... Robert Ellesmere ..."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Stevenson Print: Book
Sir Walter Scott : unknown
'[William Robertson] Nicoll's boyhood reading included Scott, Disraeli, the Brontes, Bulwer Lytton, Shelley, Johnson, Addison, Steele, Goldsmith, Emerson, Lowell, Longfellow ...' [Nicoll's father a Scottish clergyman who amassed library of 17,000 volumes.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Robertson Nicoll Print: Book
Benjamin Disraeli : unknown
'[William Robertson] Nicoll's boyhood reading included Scott, Disraeli, the Brontes, Bulwer Lytton, Shelley, Johnson, Addison, Steele, Goldsmith, Emerson, Lowell, Longfellow ...' [Nicoll's father a Scottish clergyman who amassed library of 17,000 volumes.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Robertson Nicoll Print: Book
Edward Bulwer Lytton : unknown
'[William Robertson] Nicoll's boyhood reading included Scott, Disraeli, the Brontes, Bulwer Lytton, Shelley, Johnson, Addison, Steele, Goldsmith, Emerson, Lowell, Longfellow ...' [Nicoll's father a Scottish clergyman who amassed library of 17,000 volumes.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Robertson Nicoll Print: Book
Percy Bysshe Shelley : unknown
'[William Robertson] Nicoll's boyhood reading included Scott, Disraeli, the Brontes, Bulwer Lytton, Shelley, Johnson, Addison, Steele, Goldsmith, Emerson, Lowell, Longfellow ...' [Nicoll's father a Scottish clergyman who amassed library of 17,000 volumes.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Robertson Nicoll Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : unknown
'[William Robertson] Nicoll's boyhood reading included Scott, Disraeli, the Brontes, Bulwer Lytton, Shelley, Johnson, Addison, Steele, Goldsmith, Emerson, Lowell, Longfellow ...' [Nicoll's father a Scottish clergyman who amassed library of 17,000 volumes.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Robertson Nicoll Print: Book
Joseph Addison : unknown
'[William Robertson] Nicoll's boyhood reading included Scott, Disraeli, the Brontes, Bulwer Lytton, Shelley, Johnson, Addison, Steele, Goldsmith, Emerson, Lowell, Longfellow ...' [Nicoll's father a Scottish clergyman who amassed library of 17,000 volumes.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Robertson Nicoll Print: Book
Richard Steele : unknown
'[William Robertson] Nicoll's boyhood reading included Scott, Disraeli, the Brontes, Bulwer Lytton, Shelley, Johnson, Addison, Steele, Goldsmith, Emerson, Lowell, Longfellow ...' [Nicoll's father a Scottish clergyman who amassed library of 17,000 volumes.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Robertson Nicoll Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : unknown
'[William Robertson] Nicoll's boyhood reading included Scott, Disraeli, the Brontes, Bulwer Lytton, Shelley, Johnson, Addison, Steele, Goldsmith, Emerson, Lowell, Longfellow ...' [Nicoll's father a Scottish clergyman who amassed library of 17,000 volumes.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Robertson Nicoll Print: Book
Ralph Waldo Emerson : unknown
'[William Robertson] Nicoll's boyhood reading included Scott, Disraeli, the Brontes, Bulwer Lytton, Shelley, Johnson, Addison, Steele, Goldsmith, Emerson, Lowell, Longfellow ...' [Nicoll's father a Scottish clergyman who amassed library of 17,000 volumes.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Robertson Nicoll Print: Book
James Russell Lowell : unknown
'[William Robertson] Nicoll's boyhood reading included Scott, Disraeli, the Brontes, Bulwer Lytton, Shelley, Johnson, Addison, Steele, Goldsmith, Emerson, Lowell, Longfellow ...' [Nicoll's father a Scottish clergyman who amassed library of 17,000 volumes.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Robertson Nicoll Print: Book
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow : unknown
'[William Robertson] Nicoll's boyhood reading included Scott, Disraeli, the Brontes, Bulwer Lytton, Shelley, Johnson, Addison, Steele, Goldsmith, Emerson, Lowell, Longfellow ...' [Nicoll's father a Scottish clergyman who amassed library of 17,000 volumes.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Robertson Nicoll Print: Book
Bronte : unknown
'[William Robertson] Nicoll's boyhood reading included Scott, Disraeli, the Brontes, Bulwer Lytton, Shelley, Johnson, Addison, Steele, Goldsmith, Emerson, Lowell, Longfellow ...' [Nicoll's father a Scottish clergyman who amassed library of 17,000 volumes.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Robertson Nicoll Print: Book
: newspapers
'... [William Robertson Nicoll] devoured even more newspapers than books [had grown up with clergyman father's library of 17,000 volumes and had own library of 25,000 volumes].'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: William Robertson Nicoll Print: Newspaper
: T. P.'s Weekly
"In 1932 Thomas Burke paid tribute to T. P.'s Weekly for having fired his imagination and given direction to his life ... 'I discovered literature by picking up a copy of T. P.'s Weekly in a tea-shop ...'"
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burke Print: Serial / periodical
: The British Weekly
On readers of William Robertson Nicoll's British Weekly: " ... [a] Lancashire man ... started reading the British Weekly as a newspaper boy, which 'gave me the taste for forming my own library ...'"
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: [a Lancashire man] anon Print: Serial / periodical
: The Bookman
Thomas Burke on reading The Bookman as teenager, in Son of London (1947, 1948): "'I lived through each month for it; after each issue I was looking impatiently for the next. It was my only peep-hole into ... the world where I was at home ... Its gossip, its reviews, its portraits ... its studies of the figures of English literature, and its publisher's advertisements, it was my Magic Lantern."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burke Print: Serial / periodical
George Gordon Byron : Childe Harold
At 3 1/4 down the old bank to the library. Miss Maria Browne there. Came up to me to say her sister had so bad a cold [...] she could not possibly stir out today [...] I walked slowly up Royston Rd [...] went up, found Miss Browne, not perhaps quite so unwell as I expected, sitting on the sopha reading the last canto of Childe Harold. Would not let her send for her mother till I had sat 40 minutes tete-a-tete with herself.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Browne Print: Book
Violet Hunt : White Rose of Withered Leaf
Thomas Hardy to Violet Hunt, [?Mar 1908]: "'Why should you have wasted a nice copy of your new book upon me -- a recluse who does not read a novel a twelvemonth nowadays. I am reading yours, however ...'"
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hardy Print: Book
Walter Scott : unknown
'"I owe more to Scott than to any other writer," [William] Robertson Nicoll stated. "Every year even in the busiest times I have read over his best stories."'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: William Robertson Nicoll Print: Book
Walter Scott : Rob Roy
'[William] Robertson Nicoll ... reckoned he had read ... [Rob Roy] sixty times.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: William Robertson Nicoll Print: Book
Charles Dickens : The Pickwick Papers
'It was in ... 1901 ... that Ernest Raymond as a teenager first took a Dickens from the shelf: "By the grace and favour of God, it was Pickwick Papers ... At some stage in the reading I knew with a happy breathless certainty that this was what I wanted to do with my life: to write books like this."'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest Raymond Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Nicholas Nickleby
'The first imaginative work by an Englishman ... [Joseph Conrad] read was Nicholas Nickleby (1839).'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Charles Dickens : unknown
Recorded in diary of Lady Cynthia Asquith, 15 January 1918: 'The Professor [of English Literature at Oxford, Sir Walter Raleigh] has just re-discovered Dickens -- having not touched him for years and approached him critically, he has now found himself caught up in a flame of love and admiration ...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Alexander Raleigh Print: Book
Elinor Glyn : Halcyone
' ... [F. H. Bradley] appeared as the retired professor, Cheiron, in [Elinor] Glyn's Halcyone (1912), having assiduously read the manuscript, corrected her spelling, and supplied Greek quotations.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Herbert Bradley Manuscript: Codex
Anthony Trollope : unknown
'... [J. M.] Barrie's secretary wrote, "One of his great solaces was Anthony Trollope, whom, like many others, he rediscovered after the First World War."'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Matthew Barrie Print: Book
Anthony Trollope : unknown
'Relishing the part of iconoclast, ... [Sir Walter Raleigh] wrote [to Miss C. A. Kerr] in 1905 [15 April], after lying abed reading Trollope, "I'm afraid it's no use anyone telling me that Thackeray is a better novelist than Trollope."'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
Robert Browning : Sordello
'Sordello (1840) was undoubtedly the toughest assignment [of Browning's works]. When Douglas Jerrold venured on it while convalescing, he entered a state of panic that his illness had destroyed his reason; then, having passed the book from his bedside to a visiting friend, who also exhibited utter incomprehension, he collapsed relieved on his pillow with a cry of "Thank God!"!'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Douglas Jerrold Print: Book
Charlotte Bronte : Jane Eyre
'Both ... [Elizabeth and Alice Thompson] were reading voraciously at that time [1854-57]. Their father, by reading "Jane Eyre" aloud to them (with omissions), had given them a fervent love for Charlotte Bronte ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Thompson Print: Book
William Shakespeare : unknown
' ... [Elizabeth and Alice Thompson] used to go for picnics at Porto Fino, loaded with books of verse, and Mrs Thompson and Mr [Alfred] Strettell would read aloud to them from Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Keats, and Tennyson.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Christiana Thompson Print: Book
William Wordsworth : unknown
' ... [Elizabeth and Alice Thompson] used to go for picnics at Porto Fino, loaded with books of verse, and Mrs Thompson and Mr [Alfred] Strettell would read aloud to them from Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Keats, and Tennyson.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Christiana Thompson Print: Book
John Keats : unknown
' ... [Elizabeth and Alice Thompson] used to go for picnics at Porto Fino, loaded with books of verse, and Mrs Thompson and Mr [Alfred] Strettell would read aloud to them from Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Keats, and Tennyson.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Christiana Thompson Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : unknown
' ... [Elizabeth and Alice Thompson] used to go for picnics at Porto Fino, loaded with books of verse, and Mrs Thompson and Mr [Alfred] Strettell would read aloud to them from Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Keats, and Tennyson.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Christiana Thompson Print: Book
n/a : Chambers's Journal
'As late as the First World War, a Manchester boy could find an epiphany in an old volume of the Journal rescued from a rubbish bin: "It was dog-eared and pages were missing but never before had I seen and held such a volume of reading matter and it provided months of utmost delight and interest. It was my introduction to life through the written word. The sciences, philosophy, religions, politics, literature, poetry, much of it far beyond my understanding".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: 'a Manchester boy' Print: Serial / periodical
Charles Dickens : The Pickwick Papers
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Charles Dickens : The Old Curiosity Shop
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Charles Dickens : David Copperfield
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Edward Bulwer-Lytton : [unknown]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Robert Michael Ballantyne : [unknown]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
George Alfred Henty : [unknown]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Walter Scott : Quentin Durward
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Walter Scott : Ivanhoe
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Walter Scott : Waverley
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : Kidnapped
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : Treasure Island
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Richard Henry Dana : Two Years Before the Mast
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
David Livingstone : [Travels: perhaps, 'Missionary Travels And Researches In South Africa']
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Fridtjof Nansen : [Travels - probably 'Farthest North']
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Matthew Peary : [Travels]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Robert Falcon Scott : [Travels in the Antarctic]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Private in an infantry regiment, formerly a skilled painter, age eighteen. Spends evenings painting, reading, working on model airplanes. Has attended art school....Patronizes Free Library. Has read The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield, Bulwer Lytton, Ballantyne, Henty, Robinson Crusoe, Quentin Dirward, Ivanhoe, Waverley, Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Two Years before the Mast, as well as the travels of David Livingstone, Fridtjof Nansen, Matthew Peary and Scott of the Antarctic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
n/a : Bible
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Wiliam Shakespeare : The Merchant of Venice
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Julius Caesar
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
William Shakespeare : The Tempest
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Much Ado about Nothing
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Alexander Pope : [unknown]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Alfred Lord Tennyson : [unknown]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
John Masefield : [unknown]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Ralph Waldo Emerson : [unknown]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Nicholas Nickleby
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Charles Dickens : David Copperfield
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Oliver Twist
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Charles Dickens : A Tale of Two Cities
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Charles Dickens : The Old Curiosity Shop
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Charles Dickens : A Christmas Carol
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Charles Reade : The Cloister and the Hearth
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Gilbert Keith Chesterton : [unknown]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw : Major Barbara
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw : John Bull's Other Island
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw : The Doctor's Dilemma
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw : Man and Superman
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw : The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw : The Devil's Disciple
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw : You Never Can Tell
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw : Socialism and Superior Brains
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw : Fabian Essays
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw : An Unsocial Socialist
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw : The Irrational Knot
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
John Galsworthy : [unknown]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Herbert George Wells : [unknown]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Enoch Arnold Bennett : [unknown]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris,, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The OLd Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superor Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Sidney and Beatrice Webb : Industrial Democracy
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Oliver Joseph Lodge : [unknown]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Edward Carpenter : Towards Democracy
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Edward Carpenter : The Intermediate Sex
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
John Atkinson Hobson : [unknown]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Alfred Marshall : [unknown]
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Plato : The Republic
[A Sheffield Survey organised by Arnold Freeman in 1918, assessing 816 manual workers, gives the following case:] 'Engine tenter, age twenty-seven...Often attends operas...Methodically building up a personal library following the guidelines of Arnold Bennett's Literary Taste. Has read the Bible, Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, The Tempest, Much Ado about Nothing), Pope, Tennyson, Masefield, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Emerson, William Morris, most of Ruskin, Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Christmas Carol), The Cloister and the Hearth, GK Chesterton, Bernard Shaw (Major Barbara, John Bull's Other Island, The Doctor's Dilemma, Man and Superman, The Shewing up of Blanco Posnet, The Devil's Disciple, You Never Can Tell, Socialism and Superior Brains, Fabian Essays, An Unsocial Socialist, The Irrational Knot), John Galsworthy, about a dozen books by H.G. Wells and perhaps twenty by Bennett, Sidney and Beatrice Webb's Industrial Democracy and other books on trade unionism, Sir Oliver Lodge, Edward Carpenter's Towards Democracy and The Intermediate Sex, J.A. Hobson and Alfred Marshall on Economics and Plato's Republic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Benjamin Seebohm Rowntree : Poverty, A Study of Town Life
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Munitions worker, age eighteen... Has read Seebohm Rowntree's "Poverty" and a basic economics textbook, as well as "Little Women".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
[unknown] : [basic economics textbook]
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Munitions worker, age eighteen... Has read Seebohm Rowntree's "Poverty" and a basic economics textbook, as well as "Little Women".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Louisa May Alcott : Little Women
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Munitions worker, age eighteen... Has read Seebohm Rowntree's "Poverty" and a basic economics textbook, as well as "Little Women".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [works]
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Machinist in a shell factory, age twenty-four... Has read Shakespeare, Burns, Keats, Scott, Tennyson, Dickens, Vanity Fair, The Rubiyat of Omar Khayyam, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, biography and history'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Robert Burns : [unknown]
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Machinist in a shell factory, age twenty-four... Has read Shakespeare, Burns, Keats, Scott, Tennyson, Dickens, Vanity Fair, The Rubiyat of Omar Khayyam, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, biography and history'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
John Keats : [unknown]
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Machinist in a shell factory, age twenty-four... Has read Shakespeare, Burns, Keats, Scott, Tennyson, Dickens, Vanity Fair, The Rubiyat of Omar Khayyam, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, biography and history'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Walter Scott : [unknown]
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Machinist in a shell factory, age twenty-four... Has read Shakespeare, Burns, Keats, Scott, Tennyson, Dickens, Vanity Fair, The Rubiyat of Omar Khayyam, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, biography and history'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Alfred, Lord Tennyson : [unknown]
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Machinist in a shell factory, age twenty-four... Has read Shakespeare, Burns, Keats, Scott, Tennyson, Dickens, Vanity Fair, The Rubiyat of Omar Khayyam, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, biography and history'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Charles Dickens : [unknown]
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Machinist in a shell factory, age twenty-four... Has read Shakespeare, Burns, Keats, Scott, Tennyson, Dickens, Vanity Fair, The Rubiyat of Omar Khayyam, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, biography and history'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
William Makepeace Thackeray : Vanity Fair
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Machinist in a shell factory, age twenty-four... Has read Shakespeare, Burns, Keats, Scott, Tennyson, Dickens, Vanity Fair, The Rubiyat of Omar Khayyam, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, biography and history'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
anon : The Rubiyat of Omar Khayyam
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Machinist in a shell factory, age twenty-four... Has read Shakespeare, Burns, Keats, Scott, Tennyson, Dickens, Vanity Fair, The Rubiyat of Omar Khayyam, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, biography and history'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Ella Wheeler Wilcox : [unknown]
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Machinist in a shell factory, age twenty-four... Has read Shakespeare, Burns, Keats, Scott, Tennyson, Dickens, Vanity Fair, The Rubiyat of Omar Khayyam, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, biography and history'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
[unknown] : [various history and biography]
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Machinist in a shell factory, age twenty-four... Has read Shakespeare, Burns, Keats, Scott, Tennyson, Dickens, Vanity Fair, The Rubiyat of Omar Khayyam, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, biography and history'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Charles Dickens : The Old Curiosity Shop
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Machine file cutter, age twenty-five... Has read The Old Curiosity Shop, Innocents Abroad, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and the Bible'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Mark Twain : The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrims' Progress
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Machine file cutter, age twenty-five... Has read The Old Curiosity Shop, Innocents Abroad, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and the Bible'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Emmusska, Baroness Orczy : The Scarlet Pimpernel
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Machine file cutter, age twenty-five... Has read The Old Curiosity Shop, Innocents Abroad, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and the Bible'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
n/a : Bible
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Machine file cutter, age twenty-five... Has read The Old Curiosity Shop, Innocents Abroad, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and the Bible'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Charles Dickens : David Copperfield
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Housewife, age twenty-eight... Has read "David Copperfield", "The Old Curiosity Shop", "Lorna Doone", Louisa May Alcott and the travels of Livingstone and Darwin'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Charles Dickens : The Old Curiosity Shop
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Housewife, age twenty-eight... Has read "David Copperfield", "The Old Curiosity Shop", "Lorna Doone", Louisa May Alcott and the travels of Livingstone and Darwin'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Richard Doddridge Blackmore : Lorna Doone
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Housewife, age twenty-eight... Has read "David Copperfield", "The Old Curiosity Shop", "Lorna Doone", Louisa May Alcott and the travels of Livingstone and Darwin'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Louisa May Alcott : [unknown]
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Housewife, age twenty-eight... Has read "David Copperfield", "The Old Curiosity Shop", "Lorna Doone", Louisa May Alcott and the travels of Livingstone and Darwin'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
David Livingstone : [Travels, probably 'Missionary Travels And Researches In South Africa']
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Housewife, age twenty-eight... Has read "David Copperfield", "The Old Curiosity Shop", "Lorna Doone", Louisa May Alcott and the travels of Livingstone and Darwin'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Charles Darwin : [probably 'The Voyage of the Beagle']
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Housewife, age twenty-eight... Has read "David Copperfield", "The Old Curiosity Shop", "Lorna Doone", Louisa May Alcott and the travels of Livingstone and Darwin'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow : [unknown]
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Cutlery worker, age seventy-two...Fond of Longfellow, Stevenson, Ruskin, William Morris and Charles Dickens'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : [unknown]
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Cutlery worker, age seventy-two...Fond of Longfellow, Stevenson, Ruskin, William Morris and Charles Dickens'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
John Ruskin : [unknown]
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Cutlery worker, age seventy-two...Fond of Longfellow, Stevenson, Ruskin, William Morris and Charles Dickens'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
William Morris : [unknown]
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Cutlery worker, age seventy-two...Fond of Longfellow, Stevenson, Ruskin, William Morris and Charles Dickens'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
Charles Dickens : [unknown]
[analysis of a female respondent in Arnold Freeman's 1918 Sheffield Survey] 'Cutlery worker, age seventy-two...Fond of Longfellow, Stevenson, Ruskin, William Morris and Charles Dickens'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: questionaire respondent Print: Book
[anon] : Aristotle's Masterpiece
'[according to Stan Dickens]"There was one book that we all thought was sensational" - Aristotle's Masterpiece. "At last we understood what was meant when, during Scripture lessons, reference was made to 'the mother's womb'".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stan Dickens Print: Book
Helkiah Crooke : [medical folio]
'At about age fifteen [Joseph Barker] found an old folio on anatomy and surgery by Helkiah Crooke (physician to James I) and was delighted by "certain parts of the work which treated on subjects whichare generally wrapt in mystery by people, and which my [Yorkshire Methodist] parents would have been least disposed for me to think about or understand." When he indiscreetly shared his knowledge with some friends, there was a general uproar and even death-threats. His angry parents confiscated the book then returned it "on condition that I would paste up two particular parts of it. But I soon took the liberty to break loose the sealed-up parts, and read them again".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Barker Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : Treasure Island
Bartlett's picture of the Hispaniola lying beached in the Caribbean, on the clean-swept sand, its poop, round house, mainsails and fore-tops easily identified, had grown out of the flat print words of Treasure Island. Bartlett was a good painter in water-colour. When we read Kidnapped he made us paint the Scottish moors. We laughed over Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : Kidnapped
Bartlett's picture of the Hispaniola lying beached in the Caribbean, on the clean-swept sand, its poop, round house, mainsails and fore-tops easily identified, had grown out of the flat print words of Treasure Island. Bartlett was a good painter in water-colour. When we read Kidnapped he made us paint the Scottish moors. We laughed over Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
Mark Twain : Tom Sawyer
Bartlett's picture of the Hispaniola lying beached in the Caribbean, on the clean-swept sand, its poop, round house, mainsails and fore-tops easily identified, had grown out of the flat print words of Treasure Island. Bartlett was a good painter in water-colour. When we read Kidnapped he made us paint the Scottish moors. We laughed over Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
Mark Twain : Huckleberry Finn
Bartlett's picture of the Hispaniola lying beached in the Caribbean, on the clean-swept sand, its poop, round house, mainsails and fore-tops easily identified, had grown out of the flat print words of Treasure Island. Bartlett was a good painter in water-colour. When we read Kidnapped he made us paint the Scottish moors. We laughed over Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
Washington Irving : Life of Columbus
That I understood very little of what I read did not really matter to me (Washington Irving's 'Life of Columbus' was as awful as the dictionary because of the long words). I was caught by the passion for print as an alcoholic is caught by the bottle.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
Nicholas Soyer : The Art of Paper Bag Cookery
I had also read 'Paper Bag Cookery' -one of my father's fads -because I wanted to try it. Now I saw 'The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius' in leatherL it defeated me. Wordsworth and Milton at least wrote in short lines with wide margins. I moved on to a book by Hall Caine called 'The Bondman'. It appeared to be about a marriage and I noticed that the men and women talked in the dangerous adult language which I associated with 'The bad girl of the family'. 'The Bondman' also suggested a doom -the sort of doom my mother sang about which was connected with Trinity Church and owing the rent.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
Marcus Aurelius : The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
I had also read 'Paper Bag Cookery' -one of my father's fads -because I wanted to try it. Now I saw 'The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius' in leather: it defeated me. Wordsworth and Milton at least wrote in short lines with wide margins. I moved on to a book by Hall Caine called 'The Bondman'. It appeared to be about a marriage and I noticed that the men and women talked in the dangerous adult language which I associated with 'The bad girl of the family'. 'The Bondman' also suggested a doom -the sort of doom my mother sang about which was connected with Trinity Church and owing the rent.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
Hall Caine : The Bondman
I had also read 'Paper Bag Cookery' -one of my father's fads -because I wanted to try it. Now I saw 'The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius' in leather: it defeated me. Wordsworth and Milton at least wrote in short lines with wide margins. I moved on to a book by Hall Caine called 'The Bondman'. It appeared to be about a marriage and I noticed that the men and women talked in the dangerous adult language which I associated with 'The bad girl of the family'. 'The Bondman' also suggested a doom -the sort of doom my mother sang about which was connected with Trinity Church and owing the rent.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
Marie Corelli : Free Opinions
I moved to Marie Corelli and there I found a book of newspaper articles called 'Free Opinions'. The type was large. The words were easy, rather contemptibly so. I read and then stopped in anger. Marie Corelli had insulted me. She was against popular education, against schools, against Public libraries and said that common people like us made the books dirty because we never washed, and that we infected them with disease.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book, Newspaper
Marie Corelli : Master Christain
I had a look at 'In tune with the infinite'. I moved on to my father's single volume, India paper edition of 'Shakespeare's Complete Works' and started at the beginning with the 'Rape of Lucrece' and the sonnets and continued slowly through the plays during the coming year. For relief I took up Marie Corelli's 'Master Christain' which I found more moving than Shakespeare and more intelligible than 'Thanatopsis'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Shakespeare's Complete Works
I had a look at 'In tune with the infinite'. I moved on to my father's single volume, India paper edition of 'Shakespeare's Complete Works' and started at the beginning with the 'Rape of Lucrece' and the sonnets and continued slowly through the plays during the coming year. For relief I took up Marie Corelli's 'Master Christain' which I found more moving than Shakespeare and more intelligible than 'Thanatopsis'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
William Cullen Bryant : Thanatopsis
I had a look at 'In tune with the infinite'. I moved on to my father's single volume, India paper edition of 'Shakespeare's Complete Works' and started at the beginning with the 'Rape of Lucrece' and the sonnets and continued slowly through the plays during the coming year. For relief I took up Marie Corelli's 'Master Christian' which I found more moving than Shakespeare and more intelligible than 'Thanatopsis'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
Ralph Waldo Trine : In Tune with the Infinite
I had a look at 'In tune with the infinite'. I moved on to my father's single volume, India paper edition of 'Shakespeare's Complete Works' and started at the beginning with the 'Rape of Lucrece' and the sonnets and continued slowly through the plays during the coming year. For relief I took up Marie Corelli's 'Master Christian' which I found more moving than Shakespeare and more intelligible than 'Thanatopsis'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
Robert Browning : A Death in the Desert
In Retrospect of an Unimportant Life (1934), the Bishop of Durham Herbert Hensley Henson reminisced about Browning's "A Death in the Desert": 'Sixty years have passed since first I read it at Oxford, and then it seemed to me convincing and consoling ... To-day I find myself unable to discover any conclusion better fitted to satisfy Christian thought ...'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Herbert Hensley Henson
: Illustrated Naval and Military Magazine
'Did you ever come across the "Illustrated Naval & Military Mag."? Genl. Sale-Hill, in the July no. of that periodical, controverts some statements made in "Broadfoot's Journal", published in 1888, and singles out especially the review of that book, in the "Athenaeum" of Feb.2, 1884, for attack.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: S.P. Oliver Print: Serial / periodical
Puigre : Journal
'In the course of editing the volume of Lequat for the Hakluyt Society, I have had occasion to make extracts from the French Astronomer Puigre's journal 1760-1761. It is still in MS. at the French Hydrographic department of the Marine, & has never been printed or published.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: S.P. Oliver Manuscript: Unknown
Jas (James) Hastie : Journal
'By leave of the Colonial Office I have obtained copies of a MS journal, never published or edited, kept by Jas Hastie, the Civil Agent of Governor Farquhar at the court of Radama I. from 1817-1828. The authorities of the Record office have detained the copy a few days in order to authorize them. & I think the Journal would make (with editing) a good book.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: S.P. Oliver Manuscript: Unknown
Andrew Lang : Life, Letters and Diaries of Sir Stafford Northcote
'Your kind present of Andrew Lang's two volumes has just reached me, and from what I have gleaned by a glimpse of the plates wh. I have opened, I have an intellectual treat for store this evening & subsequent nights'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: S.P. Oliver Print: Book
William Shakespeare : plays
Ex-Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey in the Falloden Papers, on how he spent his time after being deposed from the Cabinet in 1916: ' ... I spent some weeks alone in the country. During that time I read, or re-read, several of Shakespeare's plays.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Edward Grey Print: Book
Dilke : Article on Sir Stafford Northcote in the Athenaeum
'Have you read (Dilke's?) notice in the "Athenaeum", this day, on Sir Stafford Northcote? Andrew Lang had a most difficult task to fulfil. The judicious curtailment and necessary suppression of what people most want to know where unavoidable under the circumstances.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: S.P. Oliver Print: Serial / periodical
unknown : [Greek text/s]
Mrs Humphrey Ward would remember that 'in 1886, when her 10-year-old son was grappling with the classics, she "began seriously to read Greek."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Humphrey Ward Print: Book
George Gissing : New Grub Street
Thomas Burke on literary figures' responses to his requests, as a teenager, for advice on starting a career as a writer: '... they spoke of the stress and anxiety of the literary life, and its dolours, and advised me to read Gissing's "New Grub Street" (which I did) ...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burke Print: Book
William Watson : Wordsworth's Grave and Other Poems
'[William Watson] sent a copy [of "Wordsworth's Grave and Other Poems"] to [Thomas] Hardy, who replied appreciatively that he had already read it while staying with Edward Clodd ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hardy Print: Book
Lady Grove : The Social Fetich
'... [Thomas Hardy] did once chance a criticism of Lady Grove's description of her brush with an unhelpful shop assistant when he read the proofs of The Social Fetich (1907), her study of contemporary manners ...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hardy Print: Book
[unknown] : [reports on education in Prussia]
'[Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland was] an omnivorous reader -- "she could begin the day with reports on technical education in Prussia, continue it with Huxley's 'Life' and Shakespeare, and ... polish off seven love-stories at the same time ..."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland Print: Unknown
Thomas Huxley : Life
'[Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland was] an omnivorous reader -- "she could begin the day with reports on technical education in Prussia, continue it with Huxley's 'Life' and Shakespeare, and ... polish off seven love-stories at the same time ..."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland Print: Unknown
William Shakespeare : [unknown]
'[Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland was] an omnivorous reader -- "she could begin the day with reports on technical education in Prussia, continue it with Huxley's 'Life' and Shakespeare, and ... polish off seven love-stories at the same time ..."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland Print: Book
[unknown] : [romantic fiction]
'[Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland was] an omnivorous reader -- "she could begin the day with reports on technical education in Prussia, continue it with Huxley's 'Life' and Shakespeare, and ... polish off seven love-stories at the same time ..."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland Print: Unknown
: The Globe
'[Wilfrid] Meynell told [Wilfrid] Blunt that, as their train passed through the countryside [on way to visiting Blunt], [Francis] Thompson ignored the scenery and was "wholly absorbed in the Globe newspaper". [recorded by Blunt in Diary for 12 October 1898]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Thompson Print: Newspaper
Louisa May Alcott : Little Women
'Constance Smedley's favourite childhood reading was ... Louisa May Alcott's Little Women (1868-9)'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Constance Smedley Print: Book
John Ruskin : The Political Economy of Art
Letter 6/8/1858 - 'First let me thank you for your notes on Verona - & correction of my statement to the good folks on Manchester. (I will put it all right in the next edition)'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Marchioness of Waterford Print: Book
John Ruskin : Cestus of Aglaia
"He says careless work is a proof of something wrong in a person's whole moral character." From the editor's footnote 3 on letter W 38. "Writing in 1865, Lady Waterford, having read the beginning of Ruskin's Cestus of Aglaia (his papers on Art) commented to a friend."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Marchioness of Waterford Print: Book
John Ruskin : Sesame and Lilies
"Ford Cottage, July 18th, 1865. Have you read Ruskin's "Sesame and Lilies", his two last lectures? The book sent me to bed so unhappy, that all was wrong and out of joint, and he does not help one to mend it."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Marchioness of Waterford Print: Book
John Ruskin : Crown of Wild Olives
"Ford Castle, June 1st (1866). Dear Mr Ruskin. I am reading with delight your Crown of Wild Olives trying to fit the sermon on to myself and be the better for it... Yours sincerely, L. Waterford."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Marchioness of Waterford Print: Book
Alfred, Lord Tennyson : Locksley Hall
'Occasionally the discussions became acrimonious. My eldest brother was one day making disparaging remarks about Tennyson, and my mother, all agitated in defence of her idol, fetched his poems from the shelf, and with a "Listen now, children" began to declaim "Locksley Hall". When she reached "I to herd with narroe foreheads" she burst out, flinging down the book, "What awful rubbish this is!"
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Hughes Print: Book
Henry David Thoreau : unknown
Constance Smedley on readings in American literature: 'Thoreau ... opened the door to a philosophy of life when I was about fifteen ... in his train came Emerson and Lowell ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Constance Smedley Print: Unknown
Ralph Waldo Emerson : unknown
Constance Smedley on readings in American literature: 'Thoreau ... opened the door to a philosophy of life when I was about fifteen ... in his train came Emerson and Lowell ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Constance Smedley Print: Book
James Russell Lowell :
Constance Smedley on readings in American literature: "'Thoreau ... opened the door to a philosophy of life when I was about fifteen ... in his train came Emerson and Lowell ...'"
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Constance Smedley Print: Unknown
Mrs Humphrey Ward : Canadian Born
"When ... [Mrs Humphrey Ward] read aloud from Canadian Born (1910) to the assembled guests at Lord Stanley's part at Alderley Park, the verdict was that 'it was terribly boring' [as Venetia Stanley wrote to Violet Asquith, 12 October 1910]."
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Humphrey Ward
: Reise-Bilder
'... [Oscar] Wilde used the provincial [lecture] tour to educate himself in German: he "beguiled the tedium of the journeys ... by studying that language with a copy of the Reise-Bilder and a little pocket dictionary".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
: Pocket German dictionary
'... [Oscar] Wilde used the provincial [lecture] tour to educate himself in German: he "beguiled the tedium of the journeys ... by studying that language with a copy of the Reise-Bilder and a little pocket dictionary".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
: La Morte D'Abel
" Then my beloved read La Morte d'Abel"
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Ponsonby Print: Book
Mrs Henry Wood : East Lynne
'Annie Swan [from Leith] ... vividly recalled the occasion when her mother "surprised us all by retiring to her room for a whole day, abandoning everything. The mystery was explained by a copy of East Lynne, which had been brought surreptitiously into the [strictly Evangelical] house, and in which she became so engrossed that she ceased to care a han, as we expressed it, for anything or anybody".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Swan Print: Book
Elizabeth Inchbald : Nature and Art
Read the 2d volume of Mrs Inchbald's 'Nature & Art'. It is a pretty little thing, not in the same way as the 'Italian'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Elizabeth Inchbald : Nature and Art
I finished Mrs Inchbald's 'Nature and Art', the second volume is not so pleasing as the first, but yet it has a very pleasing conclusion, showing the destruction of vice & the hapiness of virtue.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Stephen Crane : Maggie: A Girl of the Streets
Charles Garvice in interview with T.P.'s Weekly, 5 May 1911 (p.556): 'I once found my daughter reading a book. I asked her what it was. "Oh," she replied, "It's Maggie" ... I took it up ... and to my horror I discovered it was the story of a New York courtesan ...'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Garvice Print: Book
Stephen Crane : Maggie: A Girl of the Streets
Charles Garvice in interview with T.P.'s Weekly, 5 May 1911 (p.556): 'I once found my daughter reading a book. I asked her what it was. "Oh," she replied, "It's Maggie" ... I took it up ... and to my horror I discovered it was the story of a New York courtesan ...'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Garvice Print: Book
Dutch Ambassador : [a speech]
"Back I went by Mr. Downing's order, and stayed there til 12 o'clock in expectation of one to come to read some writings, but he came not, so I stayed all alone reading the answer of the Dutch ambassador to our State, in which answer to the reasons of my lord's coming home which he gave for his coming, and did labour herein to contradict my Lord's arguments for his coming home."
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Letter
: [ballad]
"Here Swan showed us a ballat to the tune of Mardike, which was the most incomparably writ in a printed hand; which I borrowed, but the song proved silly and so I did not write it out."
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
: Declaration of Breda
"This morning my Lord showed me the King's declaration and his letter to the two Generalls to be communicated to the fleet. The contents of the letter are his offer of grave to all that will come in within 40 days, only excepting them that the Parliament shall hereafter except. .. The letter dated at Breda, April 4/14 1660, in the 212th year of his raigne. Upon the receipt of it this morning by an express, Mr. Phillips, one of the messengers of the Council from Generall Monke, my Lord summoned a council of war, and in the meantime did dictate to me how he would have pass this council. Which done, the commanders all came on board, and the council set in the coach (the first council of war that hath been in my time), where I read the letter and the declaration; and while they were discoursing upon it, I seemed to draw up a vote; which being offered, the passed.?
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Broadsheet, Handbill
Thomas Hardy :
13/3/1904 - "He was able to read on the last morning of his life, asking me to bring him an article on Shakespeare and a new poem by Thomas Hardy."
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
: [an article on Shakespeare]
13/3/1904 - "He was able to read on the last morning of his life, asking me to bring him an article on Shakespeare and a new poem by Thomas Hardy."
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
Oliver Wendell Holmes :
"I took in Mr Holmes' humorous poems & Davidson (a very jolly little friend of mine) another light work & we sat together with Romer in the furthest corner enjoying literature mixed with 'light conversation' after your style."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
:
"Do you know that I have just read in a book that my grandfather James Stephen invented the orders in council - which produced the American war of 1812 - wh. would have destroyed your national existence in about 10 days more & ripped the bloated democracy in the bud? Don't you respect me now?"
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
: Christie's Faith
"I am now going in for another shot at "Christie's Faith". I am feeling devilishly lazy - Oh! I will try a pipe - it may wake me up - 5 PM. 5.45 I have done it! both pipe & article."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
W Hepworth Dixon : New America
"I have hardly read a book except for strictly professional purposes for 3 months & more. One of the few I have read is Dixon's New America. I should like to know what you think of it. It has been a great success here having already passed six editions & being undeniably amusing. My own opinion about it is perhaps coloured by my opinion of Dixon, wh. I further believe to be almost the universal opinion? I think him an offensive snob. ? I think that his book is flashy & written entirely for effect & would probably give to most people a highly incorrect notion. Especially I fancy that he absurdly exaggerates the numbers & importance of Shakers, Junkers, &c&c &c even of Mormons ? but most of all the Spiritualists. Also, though his facts may be right, I should guess the colouring to be wrong. You may tell me what you think if you take the trouble to read the book; but I believe it will give to most English readers the impression that nearly all Americans believe in Spirittrapping, that most of them are either disbelievers in matrimony & hell ? or practisers of polygamy and that a large number live in queer phalansteries or other Socialist contrivances.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
: [Essays on Reform]
?Talking of books, you will perhaps be in the way of seeing a volume of Essays on Reform just published. You may find there some remarks by one you know on American experiences. I always think impudent in any one (let alone Dixon) to talk about a big country on the strength of 3 months experience & I admit that the remarks of the other author are open to this objection. Still they are chiefly directed to the negative conclusion that an argument from the US to England is necessarily unsafe & often directly fallacious? There is a more positive article by Goldwyn Smith on America & one or two of the other essays are worth reading especially one by Cracroft (nominally & really as to the facts by Goschen) giving an analysis of the House of Commons, wh. I think you would find instructive.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
: Newspapers
"From your account of the absence of newspapers - on wh. I congratulate you sincerely - you may possibly have heard that the lords [sic] have given in about the Irish church. I am far too sick of the whole subject to make any reflections upon it, and am chiefly longing to get beyond the reach of newspapers myself."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Newspaper
: [Some French novels]
"You say you have been reading some French novels lately. I am much given to that amusement though I never read de Musset - by the way. I don't quite agree with yr praise of them."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
:
'My father sat passive, taking no notice, with his paper, not perceiving much I believe, and poor Willie, tucked in the study that had been made for him, copying for me, reading old books, smoking'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Wilson Print: Newspaper
William Edmonstoune Ayton : The Execution of Montrose
'Suddenly he [William Edmonstoune Ayton] burst forth without any warning with "Come hither Evan Cameron" - and repeated the poem to us.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Edmonstoune Ayton Print: Serial / periodical
James Russell Lowell : Agassiz
"I read with satisfaction Lowell's poem wh. you sent me. The only fault I find with him is that he occasionally lets his criticism get mixed up in his poetry, but it is thoroughly good solid work - 'solid' is not a happy epithet for poetry but I mean weighty & not finicking."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
Robert Louis Stevenson : Ordered South
"I have read with great interest your article on Victor Hugo & also that which appeared in the last number of Macmillan."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
Frederick Denison Maurice :
"By an accidental combination of circumstances I only saw your article on my 'secularism' this afternoon. I have no complaints to make of it & no wish to carry on the controversy. But I do wish (for I value highly your good opinion on moral character & respect all your opinions) to acquit myself from one or two charges of unfairness to Mr Maurice."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Frederick Denison Maurice :
"Excuse all this; but though you may not easily give me credit I really admired Mr Maurice; I attended his lectures as a boy; I studied his books carefully & I should be sorry that you think of my errors as caused by carelessness or undue superciliousness. They are at least the outcome of a good deal of as conscientious thinking as I can give."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Robert Browning :
?I always have a profound impression that human beings have been much more like each other than we fancy since they got rid of their tails & that the great outbursts of speculation or art imply some special excitement more than a radical difference in people themselves. I have even a belief that if Browning had lived 200 years ago he would have been a small Shakespeare & perhaps Tennyson a second rate Milton ? though I agree that poor old Alfred has not quite the stuff in him.?
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
William Shakespeare :
?I always have a profound impression that human beings have been much more like each other than we fancy since they got rid of their tails & that the great outbursts of speculation or art imply some special excitement more than a radical difference in people themselves. I have even a belief that if Browning had lived 200 years ago he would have been a small Shakespeare & perhaps Tennyson a second rate Milton ? though I agree that poor old Alfred has not quite the stuff in him.?
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson :
?I always have a profound impression that human beings have been much more like each other than we fancy since they got rid of their tails & that the great outbursts of speculation or art imply some special excitement more than a radical difference in people themselves. I have even a belief that if Browning had lived 200 years ago he would have been a small Shakespeare & perhaps Tennyson a second rate Milton ? though I agree that poor old Alfred has not quite the stuff in him.?
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
John Milton :
?I always have a profound impression that human beings have been much more like each other than we fancy since they got rid of their tails & that the great outbursts of speculation or art imply some special excitement more than a radical difference in people themselves. I have even a belief that if Browning had lived 200 years ago he would have been a small Shakespeare & perhaps Tennyson a second rate Milton ? though I agree that poor old Alfred has not quite the stuff in him.?
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Margaret Oliphant : Passages in the Life of Margaret Maitland
'I was captivated by "Margaret Maitland" before the author came to [italic] bribe [end italic] me by the gift of a copy and a too flattering letter [...] Nothing half so true or so touching (in the delineation of Scottish character) has appeared since Galt published his "Annals of the Parish" - and this is purer and deeper than Galt, and even more absolutely and simply true.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Jeffrey Print: Book
Edna Lyall : We Two
'The Queen [Victoria] had ... [in 1886] read only "Donovan" [by Edna Lyall], but in sending this to her daughter together with "We Two" [1884] she added about the latter that Princess "Beatrice has ..."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Beatrice Print: Book
George Meredith : The Egoist
'[R. L. Stevenson] ... nominated ["The Egoist"], together with a couple of Scott's novels, a Dumas, Shakespeare, Montaigne, and Moliere, as one of that handful of books which ... he read repeatedly -- four or five times in the case of "The Egoist", he declared in 1887.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Walter Scott : [novels]
'[R. L. Stevenson] ... nominated ["The Egoist"], together with a couple of Scott's novels, a Dumas, Shakespeare, Montaigne, and Moliere, as one of that handful of books which ... he read repeatedly -- four or five times in the case of "The Egoist", he declared in 1887.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Alexandre Dumas : [novel]
'[R. L. Stevenson] ... nominated ["The Egoist"], together with a couple of Scott's novels, a Dumas, Shakespeare, Montaigne, and Moliere, as one of that handful of books which ... he read repeatedly -- four or five times in the case of "The Egoist", he declared in 1887.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [works]
'[R. L. Stevenson] ... nominated ["The Egoist"], together with a couple of Scott's novels, a Dumas, Shakespeare, Montaigne, and Moliere, as one of that handful of books which ... he read repeatedly -- four or five times in the case of "The Egoist", he declared in 1887.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Michel de Montaigne : [unknown]
'[R. L. Stevenson] ... nominated ["The Egoist"], together with a couple of Scott's novels, a Dumas, Shakespeare, Montaigne, and Moliere, as one of that handful of books which ... he read repeatedly -- four or five times in the case of "The Egoist", he declared in 1887.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Moliere [pseud] : [unknown]
'[R. L. Stevenson] ... nominated ["The Egoist"], together with a couple of Scott's novels, a Dumas, Shakespeare, Montaigne, and Moliere, as one of that handful of books which ... he read repeatedly -- four or five times in the case of "The Egoist", he declared in 1887.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
George Meredith : Modern Love
"[Wilfrid Scawen] Blunt was a great admirer of [Meredith's] Modern Love and, though he only read it thirty years after its publication when Meredith sent him a copy in 1892, Blunt was accused of plagiarising it in his own Songs of Proteus (1884)."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Wilfrid Scawen Blunt Print: Book
Edward Bliss Foote : Plain Home Talk and Cyclopaedia
'"This book [Dr Foote's Plain Home Talk and Cyclopaedia) made a great impression on me", wrote Glasgow foundryworker Thomas Bell "And I handed it round my workmates until it was as black as coal and the batters torn".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Bell Print: Book
Marie Stopes : [book on birth control]
'when Gladys [Teal] took a job at a draper's shop around 1930, a female assistant gave her a Marie Stopes book on birth control , which she gratefully read'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Gladys Teal Print: Book
: The Spectator
?To say the truth, my compliment is not so strong as it seems; for there is no English paper now wh. I can read without disgust. The Saturday, politically speaking, is intolerably wordy & pompous; the Spectator is Hutton; and the Pall Mall is Greenwood ? that is to say, a mere mass of petty rancour, always snarling in the attempt to be smart & as narrow-minded as if it was an ecclesiastical organ. My brother, I am thankful to say, does not write in it now & says he can?t read it. Really, it is hard to be without an organ; but even old Times, lying & trimming & idiotic as it is, is less offensive to me than these performances. The only paper wh. I am told has some go in it is The World & that is simply blackguard.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Newspaper
: The Pall Mall
?To say the truth, my compliment is not so strong as it seems; for there is no English paper now wh. I can read without disgust. The Saturday, politically speaking, is intolerably wordy & pompous; the Spectator is Hutton; and the Pall Mall is Greenwood ? that is to say, a mere mass of petty rancour, always snarling in the attempt to be smart & as narrow-minded as if it was an ecclesiastical organ. My brother, I am thankful to say, does not write in it now & says he can?t read it. Really, it is hard to be without an organ; but even old Times, lying & trimming & idiotic as it is, is less offensive to me than these performances. The only paper wh. I am told has some go in it is The World & that is simply blackguard.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Newspaper
: The Times
?To say the truth, my compliment is not so strong as it seems; for there is no English paper now wh. I can read without disgust. The Saturday, politically speaking, is intolerably wordy & pompous; the Spectator is Hutton; and the Pall Mall is Greenwood ? that is to say, a mere mass of petty rancour, always snarling in the attempt to be smart & as narrow-minded as if it was an ecclesiastical organ. My brother, I am thankful to say, does not write in it now & says he can?t read it. Really, it is hard to be without an organ; but even old Times, lying & trimming & idiotic as it is, is less offensive to me than these performances. The only paper wh. I am told has some go in it is The World & that is simply blackguard.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Newspaper
: The World
?To say the truth, my compliment is not so strong as it seems; for there is no English paper now wh. I can read without disgust. The Saturday, politically speaking, is intolerably wordy & pompous; the Spectator is Hutton; and the Pall Mall is Greenwood ? that is to say, a mere mass of petty rancour, always snarling in the attempt to be smart & as narrow-minded as if it was an ecclesiastical organ. My brother, I am thankful to say, does not write in it now & says he can?t read it. Really, it is hard to be without an organ; but even old Times, lying & trimming & idiotic as it is, is less offensive to me than these performances. The only paper wh. I am told has some go in it is The World & that is simply blackguard.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Newspaper
William Wordsworth :
?Do you sympathise with me when I say that the only writer whom I have been able to read with pleasure through this nightmare is Wordsworth? I used not to care for him especially; but now I love him. He is so thoroughly manly & tender & honest as far as his lights go that he seems to me the only consoler. I despise most of your religious people, who cultivate their maudlin humours & despise even more your sentimentalist of the atheist kind; but old W. W. is a genuine human being, whom I respect.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Frederick Farrar : The Life of Christ
?And this reminds me by a further association of ideas that you would do well to look ? if you like to have your stomach turned ? at Farrar?s Life of Christ ? the gospels done into Daily Telegraphese & drowned in a torrent of flummery. Lord? what are we coming to? If I have time, I think I must give Farrar a rap over the knuckles; though he was an old college friend of mine & a clever fellow; but his damned nonsense is really sickening & gives matter for the sneers of the cynic. I could lay on the whip with pleasure, & I know the beggar feels it.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
William Ernest Henley : Miss Grant
"Payn showed me yesterday an article of yours upon a Miss Grant of whom I confess, I have heard for the first time; but I thought the whole really well written & feel that you will be able to command a market for such wares & in better periodicals (if I may say so) than London."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
: [18th and 19th century sermons]
"I have been through a course of perhaps the dreariest reading in the whole of English literature - I mean, 18th century sermons. Lord! how dull they are - almost as dull, I guess, as 19th century ditto. Indeed they are possibly stupider in some respects, though not quite so full of lying."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
James Russell Lowell : Pictures from Appledore
"I go off tomorrow to Cumberland where I shall climb the British Mt Blanc & forget for a short time that there are such things as books to be written. I take 2 or 3 to read for alas I can't now quite reduce myself to the animal state as I used to in former days. I looked at something of Lowell's the other day & was amused to find that you have got a Saddleback and a great Haystack in America as well as in Cumberland."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Omar Khayyam :
"I have read, too, or repeated, for I know him by heart, our old friend Omar Khyyam. He is grand in his way & if spiritualised a little, strikes a right note at times but he needs to be a little spiritualised. Yet honestly, literature & religion are rather empty. The only thing is living affection & of that I have had most touching experience."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
anon : Land and Water
'One enthusiastic reader of "Land and Water" was the poet James Elroy Flecker, who, in the process of dying in a Swiss sanatorium, requested his parents to take out a subscription to the paper for him.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Elroy Flecker Print: Serial / periodical
Rider Haggard : Eric Brighteyes
'Thomas Hardy, to whom [Rider] Haggard sent his Norse adventure "Eric Brighteyes" (1891), was roused by "a wild illustration" to start reading a chapter nearer the end than the beginning ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hardy Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Man of Property
'[John] Galsworthy sent [Thomas] Hardy a presentation copy of "The Man of Property" [1906] and, Hardy told Florence Henniker, "I began it, but found the people too materialistic and sordid to be interesting".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hardy Print: Book
Stephen Phillips : Poems
Thomas Hardy to Sir George Douglas, 3 March 1898: "'[Stephen Phillips's] Poems was strongly recommended to me, & I bought him, but ... am bound to say that I was woefully disappointed on reading his book'."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hardy Print: Book
Charlotte M. Yonge : Heartsease
" ... Charles Kingsley ... told ... [its] publisher that ... [Heartsease] was 'the most delightful and wholesome novel I ever read ... I found myself wiping my eyes a dozen times before I got through it'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kingsley Print: Book
John Henry Newman : Loss and Gain
'When Wilfrid Blunt ... reread "Loss and Gain" he was struck how "Newman's mind ... seems never to have faced the real issues of belief and unbelief, those which have to be fought out with materialism ..."'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Wilfrid Scawen Blunt Print: Book
Mary Augusta Ward : Robert Elsmere
'The retired Governor of Madras Sir Mountstuart Grant Duff, to whom Mrs [Humphry] Ward read extracts from "Robert Elsmere "before it was published, was arrested by the novel's passages of "extraordinary power"...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Humphry Ward
J. Henry Shorthouse : John Inglesant
'One of the privately printed copies [of "John Inglesant" was] ... read by Mrs Humphry Ward and her advocacy persuaded Macmillan's to give it general release.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward
Plutarch : Lives
'The books which I am at present employed in reading to myself are in English, Plutarch's Lives and Milner's Ecclesiastical History'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
John Morley : On Compromise
"Morley has just published a book on 'Compromise'; out of the Fortnightly. I think his writing improves. It seems to me good & dignified without being too much like a sermon."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Milner : Ecclesiastical History
'The books which I am at present employed in reading to myself are in English, Plutarch's Lives and Milner's Ecclesiastical History'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
: Xenophon
'In my learning I do Xenophon every day'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
W E Gladstone : Ritualism and Ritual
"And that reminds me that the last Contemporary is worth looking at, not only for Gladstone's twaddle about Ritualism, wh. has sold ten editions of the number, twaddle though it is, but for an article of Mat Arnold's wh. amuses me."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
Homer : The Odyssey
In my learning I do Xenophon every day and twice a week the Odyssey, in which I am classed with Wilberforce.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Matthew Arnold : Review of Objections to Literature and Dogma
"And that reminds me that the last Contemporary is worth looking at, not only for Gladstone's twaddle about Ritualism, wh. has sold ten editions of the number, twaddle though it is, but for an article of Mat Arnold's wh. amuses me."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
Virgil :
'We get by heart Greek grammar or Virgil every evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
: [Novel]
"I am spending a quiet Sunday morning in Birbeck's smoking room - reading a novel."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Fenelon : Dialogues of the Dead
The books which I am reading to myself are [...] in French, Fenelon's Dialogues of the Dead.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Stephanie-Felicite de Genlis :
'I shall send you back the volumes of Madame de Genlis's [underline] petits romans [end underline] as soon as possible, and I should be very much obliged for one or two more of them.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
: Bible
[Every Sunday] 'After breakfast we learn a chapter in the Greek Testament, that is with the aid of our Bibles, and without doing it with a dictionary like other lessons'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Charlotte Bronte : Shirley
"It is very like Shirley except that there is no heather & the people are all of them of the Yorkshire kind as described by the Brontes."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
:
'We dine almost as soon as we come back, and we are left to ourselves till afternoon church. During this time I employ myself in reading, and Mr Preston lends me any books for which I ask him, so that I am nearly as well off in this respect as at home'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Anne Bronte : Tenant of Wildfell Hall
"He [Mr Morrison] breeds horses, & the colts came up & talked to us, & his great kennelfulls of dogs who came to be patted & generally would easily become a tenant of Wild Fell Hall."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Boccacio : Decameron
'Hear what I have read since I came here. Hear and wonder! I have in the first place read Boccacio's Decameron, a tale of a hundred cantos...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Francois de La Rochefoucauld : Reflexions ou sentences et maximes morales
"The longer you are married, the better you will like it & then I hope you will show proper gratitude to your adviser - not but that you will also heretically deny his influence in the matter. Man is ungrateful. If you doubt it read La Rochefoucauld & the other authors of reputation - I forget their names."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
:
'Everything here is going on in the common routine. The only things of peculiar interest are those which we get from the London papers.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Newspaper
Matthew Arnold : Literature and Dogma (possibly)
"Rather vexatiously Mat Arnold has sent in an article wh. I must read before it goes in because it is supposed to be heterodox & I can't get it back till tomorrow night."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Manuscript: proofs of article
Sir Oliver Wendell Holmes : The Poet at the Breakfast Table
We have all read, by the way, The Poet at the breakfast table & sent him our sincere compliments on his performance."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Charlotte Bronte : Shirley
"I think, for example, that Shirley is very superior to Dorothea Brooke. She has far more character & power, though she does not have such a young lady like admiration for Greek & Hebrew scholarship."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
George Eliot : Middlemarch
"I think, for example, that Shirley is very superior to Dorothea Brooke. She has far more character & power, though she does not have such a young lady like admiration for Greek & Hebrew scholarship."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Thomas Hardy :
"But if you mean seriously to ask me what critical books I recommend, I can only say that I recommend none. I think as a critic that the less authors read of criticisms the better. You, e.g., have a perfectly fresh and original vein & I think, that the less you bother yourself about critical cannons, the less chance there is of your becoming self-conscious and cramped."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve :
"S[ain]te Beuve & Mat. Arnold (in a smaller way) are the only modern critics wh. seem to me worth reading - perhaps, too, Lowell."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Matthew Arnold :
"S[ain]te Beuve & Mat. Arnold (in a smaller way) are the only modern critics wh. seem to me worth reading - perhaps, too, Lowell."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Lowell :
"S[ain]te Beuve & Mat. Arnold (in a smaller way) are the only modern critics wh. seem to me worth reading - perhaps, too, Lowell."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
George Sand : Les maitres Sonneurs
"If I were in the vein, I think I should exhort you above all to read George Sand, whose country stories seem to me perfect & have a certain affinity to yours. The last I read was the [Les] Maitres Sonneurs wh... I commend to you as wellnigh perfect. You could do something of the kind, though I won't flatter you by saying that I think you could equal her in her own line - I don't think anyone could. But the harmony & grace even if strictly inimitable are good to aim at."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
William Ernest Henley : Hospital Sonnets
"I may tell you that, although your Hospital Sonnets did not seem to attract much notice at the time, as, indeed, I always thought them rather wasted on a Magazine - yet I have heard them noticed since by more than one person in a way that would please you. A friend who called here two days ago appeared to have them by heart - at least he quoted the one about the two boys with great readiness of feeling."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
William Ernest Henley : Children: Private Ward
"I may tell you that, although your Hospital Sonnets did not seem to attract much notice at the time, as, indeed, I always thought them rather wasted on a Magazine - yet I have heard them noticed since by more than one person in a way that would please you. A friend who called here two days ago appeared to have them by heart - at least he quoted the one about the two boys with great readiness of feeling."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
Robert Bulwer-Lytton : Lucile
"I tried to read Lord Lytton's Lucile which is rot."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
: [biographies]
"I have led a specially quiet life of late; amusing myself by reading a little biography for a change - a good many Newmanite lives in particular. Some day I shall remark upon the extraordinary phenomenon that Mill and Newnham and Carlyle all lived in the same century."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Robert Browning :
"I have been amusing myself down here with reading Browning - some of him for the first time; & I wonder more and more at his extraordinary power occasionally & at its waste in some directions. I think him marvellously good, when at his best."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
[a thief] : [comic poem]
"The inn was shut up; but Mr Walker's friend (I suppose) had just looked in to see after his property & was quite amiable & showed me a newspaper cutting with a comic poem by a thief, which seemed to amuse him greatly."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Newspaper
: ["The Bear Book"]
"The little ones were very good: all 3 sitting on my knee to look at the bear book & listening whilst Nessa explained with great elocution what you were to do if you met a wild beast in the wood."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
: The Latterday Pamphlets
"I am, I see, talking pessimism. It is not very easy to talk anything else just now. When I read our debates, I sometimes think that we are doing our best to exemplify the Latterday Pamphlets."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
"I began Robinson Crusoe with Laura. I think that she will be up to it & we made a pretty good start."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : In the Valley of the Cauteretz
"This bit of Tennyson sticks in my head; so I write it down: - 'All along the valley where the waters flow / I walked with one I loved two & thirty years ago / All along the valley while I walked today / The two & thirty years were a mist that rolled away / All along the valley by rock & wood & tree / The voice of the dead was a living voice to me'."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
John Ruskin : Fors [Clavigera]
"Poor fellow! I really pity him; for his last numbers of the Fors [Clavigera] seem to imply growing distraction of mind, wh. is scarcely compatible with perfect sanity. Yet nobody can write better than he does still at times. I wish I could discover his secret for saying stinging things; but I suppose the secret is in a morbid sensibility wh. one would scarcely take, even for the power wh. gives it. He is a terrible wasted force.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Alphonse Daudet :
"I finished Daudet who is stupid & took to Plato who is first rate for sleeping purposes. I can just puzzle it out enough to get muddled."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Plato :
"I finished Daudet who is stupid & took to Plato who is first rate for sleeping purposes. I can just puzzle it out enough to get muddled."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
:
"I have read a book or two from the 'Library' here, wh. fills a small cupboard & passes time fairly."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
M.G. Lewis : The Monk
"I stayed at home this morning - not that there is anything new in that - until lunch, and did very little, very easy work - just finishing up a small life. It rained steadily and as I had been at home all yesterday, I could not stand it any longer. So I took a cab to the London Library where I read Lewis's 'Monk' 3 vols in 25 minutes."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
: Pall Mall Gazette
"I am really quite well though perhaps a few days more will be a good pick me up. My brain is quite dry. We don't even see a paper expect the Pall Mall Gazette wh. I read in about 3 minutes."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
E. E. Hale : James Russell Lowell and his friends
"Besides wh. I have been looking at Hale's book 'Lowell & his friends'; wh. is not, I think, very much of a book but which told some things of interest to me."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
William James : The varieties of religious experience
"I have read your book with keen interest. I always read you with the pleasure of a literary critic recognising (and envying) mastery in the art of putting things."
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Richard Grant White : [on Copyright]
'Is not your countryman Grant White a terrible bore? The question is prompted by the fact of me having just read a review of him in the Saturday. But my opinion is not formed upon the review but upon his just having sent me two books of his, one on Copyright & one called Washington Adams. As he was polite to me 20 years ago I ought to have acknowledged them; but after reading, I found it quite impossible to say anything civil. He seemed to me to be both silly & impertinent. But you need not tell me anything of him; for I guess I know the animal sufficiently.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Various : Saturday Review
'Is not your countryman Grant White a terrible bore? The question is prompted by the fact of me having just read a review of him in the Saturday. But my opinion is not formed upon the review but upon his just having sent me two books of his, one on Copyright & one called Washington Adams. As he was polite to me 20 years ago I ought to have acknowledged them; but after reading, I found it quite impossible to say anything civil. He seemed to me to be both silly & impertinent. But you need not tell me anything of him; for I guess I know the animal sufficiently.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
Richard Grant White : Washington Adams
'Is not your countryman Grant White a terrible bore? The question is prompted by the fact of me having just read a review of him in the Saturday. But my opinion is not formed upon the review but upon his just having sent me two books of his, one on Copyright & one called Washington Adams. As he was polite to me 20 years ago I ought to have acknowledged them; but after reading, I found it quite impossible to say anything civil. He seemed to me to be both silly & impertinent. But you need not tell me anything of him; for I guess I know the animal sufficiently.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Henry Sidgwick : Review of Leslie Stephen's The Science of Ethics
'I have ? read your criticism of my book. I will not say that you have given no twinges to my vanity; but I will say that I am in perfect charity with my critic. I should have preferred it if you had been a convert & admitted that every word I said was true. But I am quite satisfied to have a candid & generous critic & that you could not cease to be without ceasing to be yourself. Most of the points between us would require a treatise instead of a letter. As, for example, I can never understand what is meant to aversion & desire [to] expect anticipation of pain & pleasure. Therefore to me it is the same thing to say that conduct is determined by one or the other. But this implies a psychological difference not to be bridged over in a letter.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
Edmund Gosse : Life of Gray
'Dear Mr Gosse, I hope that I am not impertinent in telling you how heartily I have enjoyed your Gray. I think it one of the most charming biographies I ever read; & I would gladly subscribe to nearly all your criticism, if I had not a feeling that in some points wh. you touch, I am too much of an outsider for any subscription to have much value. The only criticism wh. I might cavil a bit would concern the Bard. I never could feel that the old gentleman ought to derive so much satisfaction from the advent of the Tudor destiny; & Gray?s desire to administer that bit of consolation seems to me to miss the point & rather spoil his design. Still I am fond of the Bard as one is fond of what one has already known by heart.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
William Shakespeare : unknown
'Dear Mr Gosse, I hope that I am not impertinent in telling you how heartily I have enjoyed your Gray. I think it one of the most charming biographies I ever read; & I would gladly subscribe to nearly all your criticism, if I had not a feeling that in some points wh. you touch, I am too much of an outsider for any subscription to have much value. The only criticism wh. I might cavil a bit would concern the Bard. I never could feel that the old gentleman ought to derive so much satisfaction from the advent of the Tudor destiny; & Gray?s desire to administer that bit of consolation seems to me to miss the point & rather spoil his design. Still I am fond of the Bard as one is fond of what one has already known by heart.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Chauncey Wright : Philosophical Discussions
'My dear Norton, since I wrote to you last, I have read Mr Chauncey Wright?s book or nearly all & - to say the truth ? found it a tolerably thorough morsel. It is like walking across a plough field, where one has to look very carefully at one?s footing & get every now & then stuck above the ankles. I admired & respected the man but found it hard to enjoy his work. This, however, can hardly be expected even from a professed metaphysician. He is strong & thoroughgoing; but one longs for a little liveliness & more capacity for bringing things to a focus. Perhaps I am a little spoilt by article-writing & inclined to value smartness of style too highly. The only point wh. struck me unpleasantly in the substance of the book was his rather contemptuous tone about Spence & Lewes. I don?t doubt that his criticisms of Spencer are tolerably correct; though I can see that Spencer really means to concede so much to the enemy as C. W. supposes; but I confess that Lewes seems to me to be a remarkably acute metaphysician & one who will really make his mark. C. W.?s criticism is unluckily so short that I could not quite catch the grounds of his antipathy. He seems to me to be too staunch a Millite & hardly to recognise the fact that we have got to go beyond the Mill school. But I can?t attempt a criticism here, if indeed, I were really capable of it. Anyhow Wright must be a great loss. Nobody can mistake the soundness & toughness of his intellect & his thorough honesty of purpose.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Various : Saturday Review, The
'The statement wh. I transmitted to you about Cortes was the vaguest but I will see if I can find out anything from my friend, whom I expect to see again. The general effect was that some recent sceptic had argued that the city of Mexico was not so gorgacious (a Yankee phrase) as the Spanish represented; but rather a big specimen of a kind of architecture still to be found amongst semi savage tribes in that region. I had seem some references to this in (I think) one of the notices of American literature in the Saturday Review, within the last few months ? I can?t remember when; and I have a further impression ? that the authority there given was one of the volumes ? the last if there are only two ? of Bancroft?s large book on the native races of the Pacific.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
G. B. Smith : The Brontes
'The hero seems to me superior to the Rochester or the Louis Moore type, who are all rather lay-figures. Nor do I admire the sister?s work [Wuthering Heights] so much as you do. I see in it more violence than real strength & more rant than genuine passion. However all this is a matter of taste. I will remark, by the way, that I think there is some excuse for the charge of coarseness, as, e.g., the scene where Jane Eyre is half inclined to go to Rochester?s bedroom. I don?t mean coarseness in the sense of prurience; for I fully agree that Miss Bronte writes as a thoroughly pureminded woman; but she is more close to the physical side of passion than young ladies are expected to be?There is also some coarseness in the artistic sense in Jane Eyre. The mad wife is I fancy, unnecessarily bestial? I don?t think justice is generally done to C Bronte now & I shall be glad for that reason to insert your eloquent article.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Manuscript: article
Charlotte Bronte : Jane Eyre
'The hero seems to me superior to the Rochester or the Louis Moore type, who are all rather lay-figures. Nor do I admire the sister?s work [Wuthering Heights] so much as you do. I see in it more violence than real strength & more rant than genuine passion. However all this is a matter of taste. I will remark, by the way, that I think there is some excuse for the charge of coarseness, as, e.g., the scene where Jane Eyre is half inclined to go to Rochester?s bedroom. I don?t mean coarseness in the sense of prurience; for I fully agree that Miss Bronte writes as a thoroughly pureminded woman; but she is more close to the physical side of passion than young ladies are expected to be?There is also some coarseness in the artistic sense in Jane Eyre. The mad wife is I fancy, unnecessarily bestial? I don?t think justice is generally done to C Bronte now & I shall be glad for that reason to insert your eloquent article.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Emily Bronte : Wuthering Heights
'The hero seems to me superior to the Rochester or the Louis Moore type, who are all rather lay-figures. Nor do I admire the sister?s work [Wuthering Heights] so much as you do. I see in it more violence than real strength & more rant than genuine passion. However all this is a matter of taste. I will remark, by the way, that I think there is some excuse for the charge of coarseness, as, e.g., the scene where Jane Eyre is half inclined to go to Rochester?s bedroom. I don?t mean coarseness in the sense of prurience; for I fully agree that Miss Bronte writes as a thoroughly pureminded woman; but she is more close to the physical side of passion than young ladies are expected to be?There is also some coarseness in the artistic sense in Jane Eyre. The mad wife is I fancy, unnecessarily bestial? I don?t think justice is generally done to C Bronte now & I shall be glad for that reason to insert your eloquent article.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Charlotte Bronte : Villette
'I prefer Villette to Shirley, on the whole.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Charlotte Bronte : Shirley
'I prefer Villette to Shirley, on the whole.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
John Henry Newman : An essay in aid of a grammar of assent
'I finished old Newman?s book coming down & as the book is too metaphysical to give you pleasure I will tell you what it comes to, it is an elaborate apology for the morality of persuading yourself that a thing is absolutely certain when you really know that it is not certain at all? Why shouldn?t I say that such a creature is a liar & that I despise him? I do most heartily.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
J.F. Stephen : Pall Mall Gazette, articles
'He [Leslie Stephen's brother] wrote articles for the Pall Mall Gazette all the way out to India; enough, he says, to pay his passage; and some of them were amongst the best things of his I have ever seen.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
unknown : [French novels]
'To say the truth, much as I like reading them & specially Balzac and Sand, & little as I am given to overstrictness in my tastes, I do believe that the commonplace criticism is correct. I do think they are as a rule prurient & indecent & that they treat love affairs a good deal too much from the point of view of the whore and the whoremonger. They are very clever and very artistic; but I don?t think delicate either in the sense of art or morals? The books are put together with great skill to produce a given effect; but the effect is apt to border on the nasty & they are too anxious to keep everything in due harmony to give proper contrasts & variety of real life.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
George Sand : unknown
'To say the truth, much as I like reading them & specially Balzac and Sand, & little as I am given to overstrictness in my tastes, I do believe that the commonplace criticism is correct. I do think they are as a rule prurient & indecent & that they treat love affairs a good deal too much from the point of view of the whore and the whoremonger. They are very clever and very artistic; but I don?t think delicate either in the sense of art or morals? The books are put together with great skill to produce a given effect; but the effect is apt to border on the nasty & they are too anxious to keep everything in due harmony to give proper contrasts & variety of real life.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Honore de Balzac : unknown
'To say the truth, much as I like reading them & specially Balzac and Sand, & little as I am given to overstrictness in my tastes, I do believe that the commonplace criticism is correct. I do think they are as a rule prurient & indecent & that they treat love affairs a good deal too much from the point of view of the whore and the whoremonger. They are very clever and very artistic; but I don?t think delicate either in the sense of art or morals? The books are put together with great skill to produce a given effect; but the effect is apt to border on the nasty & they are too anxious to keep everything in due harmony to give proper contrasts & variety of real life.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
William Thackeray :
?Of course, it is true that English writers ? Thackeray conspicuously so ? are injured by being cramped as to love in its various manifestations? Consequently within given limits & the limits are certainly too narrow, I consider the lovemaking of English novelists to be purer & more life-like. This touches certain theories or, if you like, crochets of mine, on wh. I could be voluminous.?
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Thomas Carlyle : Shooting Niagara
?I hope that you have read Carlyle in August Macmillan & that you appreciate him. Of course it is damned nonsense but nonsense of a genius & not without a certain point. We have a lot of effete things in this blessed old country & a good rush over Niagara will do us all good in the world? Only it is melancholy to see him begging the aristocracy to come & help poor England out of the slough. If that is it, we shall have to stick there, I fear, till doomsday.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
William Shakespeare : Henry VIII
"If it was not enough to have all the Catholic theology suddenly discharged upon one, I have suddenly taken a fancy to read some of the old dramatists, being prompted by Furnivall's society & to puzzle my head about 'stopt lines' as F. J. F. calls them & the share of Fletcher in Henry VIII and the Two Noble Kinsmen.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Thomas Aquinas :
?I bought the other day a copy of Aquinas & find him very good reading. Only to understand him one ought obviously to read a whole mass of contemporary stuff wh. would swamp me altogether. ? He is a kind of revelation to me ? but what interests one most is to find out how many things have been said over & over again for so many centuries.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
John Ruskin : Fors Clavigera: Letters to the workenand labourers of Great Britain
?There are plenty of things to groan over if so disposed; a fact wh. has been lately impressed upon me by reading some of Ruskin?s manifestoes to the world.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Thomas Hardy :
?I have read your MS with great pleasure; though I had seen most of it before. As you ask me for my opinion I will say frankly that I think the sheepshearing rather long for the present purpose? The chapter on the ?Great Barn? & that called ?merry time? seem to me to be excellent & I would not omit or shorten them.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Manuscript: Unknown
Herbert Fisher : Studies in Napoleonic statesmanship: Germany
?I have received your book and in spite of your permission to abstain, have read it from first to last? My ignorance of the subject was pretty exhaustive but I knew just enough to have some kind of pegs to which new knowledge might adhere.?
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
George Eliot : Romola
"Then I promised Morley to contribute to a continuation of the 'Men of Letters' series a book upon George Eliot. I find it very hard to tell you the truth. I admire English country novels as much as I could wish; but later performances are not to my taste. Romola bores me and the 'poetry' - does not appear to be poetry."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
John Ruskin : Praeterita
"Ruskin's death has set me reading some of his books and among others 'Praeterita' in wh. I read of your first acquaintance with him."
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
John Ruskin :
"Ruskin's death has set me reading some of his books and among others 'Praeterita' in wh. I read of your first acquaintance with him."
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Dante Alighieri :
"Why do you say that I don't like Dante? I read him through with the help of your crib & was profoundly impressed."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Thomas Hardy : Far from the madding crowd
?I have to thank you for the ?Wessex Poems? which came to me with the kind inscription and gave me a real pleasure? I am always pleased to remember that ?Far from the madding crowd? came out under my command. I then admired the poetry which was diffused through the prose; and can recognize the same note in the versified form.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Thomas Hardy : The Wessex Poems
?I have to thank you for the ?Wessex Poems? which came to me with the kind inscription and gave me a real pleasure? I am always pleased to remember that ?Far from the madding crowd? came out under my command. I then admired the poetry which was diffused through the prose; and can recognize the same note in the versified form.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Herbert Fisher : The Medieval Empire
?I have waited to thank you for your book till I had read it & write now ? before having quite finished ? because I can talk best with my pen & would rather anticipate tomorrow. I am, as you know, quite unable to criticize the substance. I am greatly ignorant of history & of that part of history beyond nearly all others. I can, however, see that you have got through an amount of work wh. amazes me? I thought well of you; but you have quite surpassed my expectations.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Benjamin Jowett : Life and Letters of Benjamin Jowett
?Another book is Jowett?s life; wh. I have read with a good deal of interest. It is too long & too idolatrous; but seems to give one on the whole a good account of the man. I tried to learn from him in my time how to be a good Christian by giving up all the creeds & deciding that there is no absurdity in holding contradictory beliefs.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
F. W. Maitland : History of English Law
?I have read two books lately wh. interested me. One for wh. you will not care is a history of English law down to the time of Edward I by F. W. Maitland? It is a wonderful piece of work as far as I can judge; & I should ask you to recommend it to some of your law professors, only that, as I take it, they will know about it already.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
James Boswell : The Life of Samuel Johnson
?Boswell showed his genius in setting forth Johnson?s weaknesses as well as his strength. But if Boswell had been Johnson?s brother? I cannot be simply eulogistic if the portrait is to be lifelike; but I find it very hard to speak of defects without either concealing my opinion that they were defects. Or on the other hand, taking a tone of superiority & condescension.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Lucy Clifford : Love letters of a worldly woman
'Then I called at Lucy Clifford?s. She showed me a short preface she has written to those stories of hers about "Worldly Women" wh. are coming out in a book. I found fault with a sentence about wh. we argued all the time I was there & consequently I had not time to speak about the book itself ? wh. was just as well. I am afraid that she will send it to me & that I will have to say something.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
: [a biography]
?The other day I was reading a life in wh. a biographer calmly states that his hero was imprisoned by the Long Parl[iament] in 1644 and goes on to remark in the next sentence that he died in 1635. That seems to me about the average in point of accuracy.?
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen
James Russell Lowell : Democracy and other addresses
?Meanwhile I have a book from you, wh. I ought to have acknowledged. I guess that Julia did my duty & I did it better than I should. But, though late, I will say thank you now. I admire your faculty of addressing but I should like an argument or two upon minor points.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Anne Isabella Ritchie : 'Mrs Browning' (life for the DNB)
"I think you have done Mrs B[rowning] very well. I have read it & put in some savage criticism, marking, however, what I really think should be omitted in a dictionary."
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen
James A. Froude : Thomas Carlyle: A History of his Life in London 1834-1881
?I finished poor old Carlyle last night. Froude?s case is curious. He expresses & I think, really feels, veneration & so forth; but there is something curiously complicated about the man wh. I have not yet found a name for. I think that he is rather a coward & likes snarling from behind Carlyle?s back. Luckily I have not to review him!?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Plato :
?the snow left off a bit after lunch & we strolled out for a walk? so after pounding a mile or two out & home along slushy snow-paths we came home rather disgusted & bought some queer earthenware animals at a shop & then I sat down in the hall & puzzled out a bit of Plato. It is first rate reading to take on a journey; because a small volume would last one month; & there is the pleasure of guessing at each sentence before I make something out of it.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Plato : Protagorus
"I had Plato in my pocket & intermittently read through the Protagorus - as well as I could - which lasted me till Bristol & I hope improved my Greek."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Sir Alfred Lyall : Eastern Studies, The
'Do you know his [Sir Alfred Lyall's] books? The "Eastern Studies" is, I think, the most interesting work of the kind that I have ever read. It explains from actual observation how gods are born in India at the present day; how they get promotion, if they have luck in the miraculous line of business & so forth.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Sir Alfred Lyall : Verses written in India
?His [Sir Alfred Lyall] little volume of poems too is very good in its way. When I came back from America last time, I made a reputation on board by reciting one of the poems ? Theology in Extremis ? at a sort of penny reading? I have never been the object of so many attentions before or since and gave my autograph to a dozen ladies. Independent of that, Lyall is a man worth knowing & unluckily so popular in society that I don?t often get a chance of seeing him.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
A. J. Balfour : Foundations of Belief
?I have read two books lately wh. interested me. One for wh. you will not care is a history of English law down to the time of Edward I by F. W. Maitland?. The other book is A. J. Balfour?s Foundations of Belief, wh. are, I think about the very oddest foundations that any man ever tried to lay ? being chiefly reasons for believing nothing. I preached a kind of sermon about it to the Ethical Society here; taking his arguments & working out their proper result. It will, I believe, appear in the Fortnightly for June; but it is not worth taking the trouble to read.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : Letters of Samuel Taylor Coleridge
?Another book, by the way, worth a glance is a collection of old S. T. Coleridge?s letters. I have had to write the beggar?s life & have a rather morbid familiarity with his history wh. makes me appreciate better than some people his amazing wriggling & self-reproaches & astonishing pouring out of unctuous twaddlings. After all Carlyle?s portrait of him has done the thing unsurpassably well & it is impossible to add much to it. But there are some delicious bits in this.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
George Santayana : unknown
'I find distraction in writing, with a growing sense that it is not worth the trouble; but at 64 it is too late to learn a new trade. I read a bit too; though books have become dull of late. However, they amuse me at times. You sent me one the other day by a certain Santayana; who seems to be a bright & fresh sort of person. He irritated me a little by a rather meaningless philosophy; "nothing", he said, I remember, "is objectively impressive." How the devil should it be?'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Dante Alighieri : unknown
'It occurred to me lately to read Dante again &, as I required a crib very constantly I took yours & by its help went through the whole. It suggested to me innumerable speculations upon which I should have liked to ask your questions? I should have liked to know, to suggest only one question, what Dante himself really believed? That is, of course, unanswerable; but I should like to get a little nearer to an answer at all conceivable to me.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
F W Maitland : History of English Law
?I have read your history; and when I say ?read? I mean that I have turned over the pages and read all such parts as were apparently on a level with my comprehension?I found a great deal that interested me very much. ?I could only read, as a rule, in all humility accompanied by constant admiration.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Swift : sermons
?The best I have read are two or three of Swift?s, who has a real go in him wh. cannot be quenched even by theology. There is a charming sermon on brotherly love; wh. he inculcates by showing that papists, dissenters, deists & all moderate members of the Church of England are a set of hateful & contemptible beings, who will be damned for not loving him & his friends.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
John Robert Seeley : Ecce Homo: a survey of the life and work of Jesus Christ
?In your last ? letter you spoke very highly of Ecce Homo. To say the truth I don?t agree in your estimate ? partly because the book seemed to me to be feeble rhetorically, but partly, it may be, from another cause. I cannot look upon theological dogmas with the same kind of indifference that you do. ? Now ?Ecce Homo? may be amiable & enthusiastic & all that; but in a theological point of view, it is to me hateful. It is a feeble attempt to make sentimental oratory do the work of logic, & to supersede all criticism by a sort of a priori gush of enthusiasm.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : article on Victor Hugo
?I have read with great interest your article on Victor Hugo & also that which appeared in the last number of Macmillan. I shall be happy to accept Hugo & if I have been rather long in answering you, it is only because I wished to give a second reading to the article? I think very highly of the promise shown in your writing & therefore think it worth while to write more fully than I often do to contributors.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Serial / periodical
Victor Hugo :
?To my mind Hugo is far more dramatic in spirit than Fielding, though his method involves (as you show exceedingly well) a use of scenery & background wh. would hardly be admissible in drama. I am not able ? I fairly confess ? to define the dramatic element in Hugo or to say why it is absent from Fielding & Richardson. Yet surely Hugo?s own dramas are a sufficient proof that a drama may be romantic as well as a novel.?
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Henry Fielding :
?To my mind Hugo is far more dramatic in spirit than Fielding, though his method involves (as you show exceedingly well) a use of scenery & background wh. would hardly be admissible in drama. I am not able ? I fairly confess ? to define the dramatic element in Hugo or to say why it is absent from Fielding & Richardson. Yet surely Hugo?s own dramas are a sufficient proof that a drama may be romantic as well as a novel.?
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Samuel Richardson :
?To my mind Hugo is far more dramatic in spirit than Fielding, though his method involves (as you show exceedingly well) a use of scenery & background wh. would hardly be admissible in drama. I am not able ? I fairly confess ? to define the dramatic element in Hugo or to say why it is absent from Fielding & Richardson. Yet surely Hugo?s own dramas are a sufficient proof that a drama may be romantic as well as a novel.?
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Matthew Arnold : Letters of Matthew Arnold: 1848-1888
?Have you read Mat Arnold?s letters? Some, I see, are addressed to you? I can imagine old Carlyle taking himself to be a prophet, as indeed he was; but Mat Arnold, I should have thought, was too much of a critic even of himself to wear his robes so gravely.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Margaret Veley : Marriage of Shadows and Other Poems
"I was thinking of Eliot [Norton] the other day. When he was here in the summer he came one day to see Miss Valey. She had a pleasant little talk with us & was pleased, I think, with his friendly admiration of her books... The poems, I think, showed a real talent but - well, not quite of the first order."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Clarissa
"By what unction of purity our great grand mothers were preserved when they studied Pamela without danger or disgust we know not. There are many points of Richardson?s writings more injurious, because less shocking, to virtue than the sonnets of Rochester. Clarissa is less objectionable, though many of the scenes at Mrs Sinclair?s are such as are wholly unfit for modern readers.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Pamela
"By what unction of purity our great grand mothers were preserved when they studied Pamela without danger or disgust we know not. There are many points of Richardson?s writings more injurious, because less shocking, to virtue than the sonnets of Rochester. Clarissa is less objectionable, though many of the scenes at Mrs Sinclair?s are such as are wholly unfit for modern readers.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Sir Charles Grandison
?In his Sir Charles Grandison, the inherent vulgarity, egotism and prolixity of Richardson?s character breakout with a latitude unexampled and uncontrolled. His personages, forever listening to or repeating their own eulogy, forever covering their own selfishness with arrogant humility, preaching forever in a monotonous key of maudlin morality, bowing on hands, and asking the benison of aunts and grandmothers, are now as flat and faded as the figures in an ancient tapestry but, like them, compensate in some measure for the dullness of the design by the fidelity of the costume.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth : Patronage
?Her next obvious defect (we hesitate to call it a defect) is a total moral inability to paint the strongest passion that can distract the human heart or agitate human life. Miss Caroline Percy, to the best of our recollection, makes one strong speech about love in Patronage, and that is the first and last we hear of it in her words.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth : Belinda
?In Belinda, Lady Delacour offers the heroine ?a silver penny for her thoughts?, and so fond is Miss Edgeworth of this bright image that she repeats it again in her Comic Dramas. Where could she have heard this silly vulgarism??
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth : Comic Dramas
?In Belinda, Lady Delacour offers the heroine ?a silver penny for her thoughts?, and so fond is Miss Edgeworth of this bright image that she repeats it again in her Comic Dramas. Where could she have heard this silly vulgarism??
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth : Tales of Fashionable Life
?Miss Edgeworth?s incomparable description of Mrs Beaumont?s marriage in Manoeuvering, where the interesting, almost fainting, lady is lifted out of the arms of her anxious bridesmaids and supported up the aisle, with the marked gallantry of true tenderness by her happy bridegroom Sir John Hunter.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Charlotte Lennox : The Female Quixote
?It would be necessary to notice here, when we profess to give a sketch of the progress of novel or romance writing, as indication of and connected with the state of manners, the few exceptions that occur to be our observations in the novels of Mrs Lennox, Mrs Sheridan and Cumberland. The Female Quixote of the former .. retains still a portion of its original interest.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Richard Cumberland : Arundel
?Cumberland attempted and failed to revive the classical English novel. We sit down in fact by Cumberlands? fireside and listen to his long dull stories as we would to the tales of a garrulous, good tempered, prosing old man, pleased with him sometimes for occasional amusement, and pleased with ourselves for our patience and charity.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Clara Reeve : The Old English Baron
?Walpole?s Catle of Otranto, though dramatized by Jephson, has few imitations. Clara Reeve?s English Baron was the best, but even she in vain beckoned authors to cross the magic threshold of Gothic romance. They paused on the verge, gazed with wistful romance, and forbore to enter its mysterious precincts.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Hannah More : Coelebs in search of a wife
??the work of Mrs Hannah More called Coelebs in search of a wife, as not knowing well where to class it. It is too pure and too profound to be ranked with novels, and too sprightly and entertaining to be wholly given up to philosophy, theology or dialectics. Mrs More?s works form a class of themselves; it is enough, perhaps, to say Coelebs is one of them.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Richard Lalor Sheil : The Apostate: a tragedy in five acts
?Upon the whole, this play with the powerful assistance of eminent actors and scenical illusion and burning palaces, and processions with towers of the Inquisition in perspective and Moors who preach the Gospel to Christians just as they are going to be burnt for not believing it and half mad, half poisoned heroines who visit their lovers in dungeons with wreaths of flowers on their heads, may produce an effect on the stage ? but what effect will it produce in the closet??
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Maturin Print: Book
Fanny Burney : Evelina
?Amid these dark middle ages of novel literature, Miss Burney?s Evelina strikes us with the first gleam of ?rescued nature and reviving sense.? Her novels, all her novels, impress us with an indescribable sense of their nationality. They could not have been written by any but an Englishwoman. Her sense is English, her humour is English, her character is English, so inveterately, untranslatably English, as to be absolutely unintelligible to any but those who have deeply studied the English character.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Maturin Print: Book
Henry Fielding : The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling
?In the works of Fielding our credulity is not taxed for superfluous admiration by any of those faultless monsters? Fielding?s chief excellence appears to lie in the delineation of his characters that combine simplicity, ignorance and benevolence. His Parson Adams and his Partridge will still induce us to tolerate even Joseph Andrews and Tom Jones. His mind appeared incapable of concocting a character of real virtue. His Allworthy is a prosing, self sufficient moral pedant; in Joseph Andrews virtue is ridiculous; in Tom Jones vice is honourable. Nobody now reads either but the school boy, and one of the earliest signs of an improved taste, and an advancement in Christian morality, is the rejection of both.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Maturin Print: Book
Charlotte Smith : The Old Manor House
?The transition from the vapid sentimentality of the novel of fifty years ago to the goblin horrors of the last twenty is so strong that it almost puzzles us to find a connecting link? Perhaps Charlotte Smith?s novels might have been the connecting link between these different species. ?The Old Manor House has really a great deal to answer for? Her heroines have all the requisites of persecuted innocence? The rage for lumbering ruins, for mildewed manuscripts.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Maturin Print: Book
Ann Radcliffe : The Mysteries of Udolpho
??in Mrs Radcliff?s romances. She was ? an extraordinary female, and her style of writing ? must be allowed to form an era in English romances. Her ignorance was nearly equal to her imagination and that is to say a great deal. Of the modest life on the continent (where scenes of all her romances ? are laid) she knew nothing. With all this, and more, her romances are irresistibly and dangerously delightful? The most extraordinary production of this period was the powerful and wicked romance of The Monk. The spirits raised by the Enchantress of Udolpho, compared to those evoked by Lewis, are like the attendants on Prospero in his enchanted island.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Maturin Print: Book
Matthew Gregory Lewis : The Monk
?The most extraordinary production of this period was the powerful and wicked romance of The Monk.?
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Maturin Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Childe Harold's Pilgrimage
?But Lord Byron ? he must write with great ease and rapidity.? ?That I don?t know. I could never finish the perusal of any of his long poems. There is something in them excessively at variance with my notions of poetry. He is too fond of the obsolete? It is a sort of a mixed mode, neither old nor new, but incessantly hovering between both.? ?What do you think of Childe Harold?? ?I do not know what to think of it; nor can I give you definitely my reasons for disliking his poems generally.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Maturin Print: Book
Thomas Otway : Complete Plays
"'Putting Shakespeare and his immediate followers out of the way, whom do you think the best dramatist?' 'Otway, Lee and Southern, unquestionably.'"
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Thomas Southern : Complete Plays
"'Putting Shakespeare and his immediate followers out of the way, whom do you think the best dramatist?' 'Otway, Lee and Southern, unquestionably. I speak, perhaps, from an old feeling of attachment, but, nevertheless, from deep conviction? Southern was a sweet and natural poet; he was the Goldsmith of tragedy.'"
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Maturin Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : Christabel and Other Poems
??Coleridge, who, en parenthesis, he disliked for a merciless attack on his tragedy. Which the ill success of the ?Remorse? had incited; and he had prepared a retaliation in the pages of ?Colburn?s Magazine? which I read in manuscript ? a review of ?Christabel?, but which I do not remember to have seen published.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Maturin Print: Book
Nathaniel Lee : The Rival Queens, or The Death of Alexander
?He ingenuously seized opportunities, when his parents were away from home, to construct his private theatricals, which he did by converting folding doors into a green curtain, the back apartment into a stage and the front into a pit, boxes and gallery for the accommodation of his imaginary or, at best, scanty audience. ? his favourite play was Alexander, in which he enacted the principal part himself. The mad poetry of that piece was his favourite recitation and it would have been difficult to discover an actor who could give greater force to the tempestuous passage of his Bucephalus than young Maturin.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
James Sheridan Knowles : Virginius
?In May 1820 Sheridan Knowles produced ?Virginius?. The extraordinary success of that play naturally excited Maturin?s curiosity, and he was impatient to read it. ? When ?Virginius? was first published, a friend of Maturin?s purchased a copy, with which he was so pleased that it always lay on his table and he constantly devoted hours of relaxation to its perusal.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Nathaniel Lee :
"I can see no difference between his case [Nathaniel Lee] and Shelley or Byron, except that they have method and he had none."
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Sir Walter Scott : complete works to 1820
?Of Sir Walter Scott I have heard Maturin speak in terms of rapture. He considered his extraordinary productions the greatest efforts of human genius, and often said that in the poetry of universal nature he considered him equal to Shakespeare. So sensibly imbued was he with the characteristics of those magic fictions, that he apprehended the publication of an intentional imitation of Ivanhoe. I believe the public however never perceived any imitation beyond that into which every novelist falls who happens to write after Sir Walter.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
George Crabbe : poetic works
??And which of the living poets fulfils your ideal standard of excellence?? ?Crabbe. He is all nature without pomp or parade and exhibits at times deep pathos and feelings. His characters are certainly homely and his scenes rather unpoethical; but then he invests his object with so much tenderness and sweetness that you care not who are the actors, or in what situations they are placed.??
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Thomas Moore : Complete Poems and Songs
??Moore, who is a poet of inspiration, could write in any circumstances. There is no man of the age labours harder than Moore. He is often a month working out the end of an epigram. Moore is a writer for whom I feel a strong affection, because he has done that which I would have done if I could; but after him it would be vain to try anything.??
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
James Hogg :
??And whom do you estimate after Crabbe?? ?I am disposed to say Hogg. His ?Queen?s wake? is splendid and impassioned work. I like it for its varieties and its utter simplicity? Take my word in what I say of Crabbe and Hogg. They have struck the cord of my taste, but they are not, perhaps, the first men of the day.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
: [boys' magazines]
'Joseph Keating read little but boys' magazines and 3d thrillers until he stumbled across Greek philosophy. He was particularly struck by the Greek precept 'Know thyself' and pursued that goal by reading until 3a.m.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Serial / periodical
: [thrillers]
'Joseph Keating read little but boys' magazines and 3d thrillers until he stumbled across Greek philosophy. He was particularly struck by the Greek precept 'Know thyself' and pursued that goal by reading until 3a.m.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
: [Greek Philosophy]
'Joseph Keating read little but boys' magazines and 3d thrillers until he stumbled across Greek philosophy. He was particularly struck by the Greek precept 'Know thyself' and pursued that goal by reading until 3a.m.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
James Hogg : Bonny Kilmeny
"Another favourite of his was Hogg, whose ballad of "Bonny Kilmery" he had by heart."
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Robert Maturin Print: Book
Barrow : [note on the qualities of tobacco]
I am so delighted with Barrow?s note on the qualities of Tobacco (communicated by Harfield) that I can think of nothing else.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: Unknown, possibly appeared in newspaper The Morning Chronicle
Alexander Pope :
'As a collier [Joseph Keating]... heard a co-worker sigh, "Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate". Keating was stunned: "You are quoting Pope". "Ayh", replied his companion, "me and Pope do agree very well". Keating had himself been reading Pope, Fielding, Smollett, Goldsmith and Richardson in poorly printed paperbacks. Later he was reassigned to a less demanding job at a riverside colliery pumping station, which allowed him time to tackle Swift, Sheridan, Byron, Keats, Shelley and Thackeray'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Henry Fielding :
'As a collier [Joseph Keating]... heard a co-worker sigh, "Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate". Keating was stunned: "You are quoting Pope". "Ayh", replied his companion, "me and Pope do agree very well". Keating had himself been reading Pope, Fielding, Smollett, Goldsmith and Richardson in poorly printed paperbacks. Later he was reassigned to a less demanding job at a riverside colliery pumping station, which allowed him time to tackle Swift, Sheridan, Byron, Keats, Shelley and Thackeray'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Tobias Smollett :
'As a collier [Joseph Keating]... heard a co-worker sigh, "Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate". Keating was stunned: "You are quoting Pope". "Ayh", replied his companion, "me and Pope do agree very well". Keating had himself been reading Pope, Fielding, Smollett, Goldsmith and Richardson in poorly printed paperbacks. Later he was reassigned to a less demanding job at a riverside colliery pumping station, which allowed him time to tackle Swift, Sheridan, Byron, Keats, Shelley and Thackeray'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith :
'As a collier [Joseph Keating]... heard a co-worker sigh, "Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate". Keating was stunned: "You are quoting Pope". "Ayh", replied his companion, "me and Pope do agree very well". Keating had himself been reading Pope, Fielding, Smollett, Goldsmith and Richardson in poorly printed paperbacks. Later he was reassigned to a less demanding job at a riverside colliery pumping station, which allowed him time to tackle Swift, Sheridan, Byron, Keats, Shelley and Thackeray'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Samuel Richardson :
'As a collier [Joseph Keating]... heard a co-worker sigh, "Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate". Keating was stunned: "You are quoting Pope". "Ayh", replied his companion, "me and Pope do agree very well". Keating had himself been reading Pope, Fielding, Smollett, Goldsmith and Richardson in poorly printed paperbacks. Later he was reassigned to a less demanding job at a riverside colliery pumping station, which allowed him time to tackle Swift, Sheridan, Byron, Keats, Shelley and Thackeray'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Jonathan Swift :
'As a collier [Joseph Keating]... heard a co-worker sigh, "Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate". Keating was stunned: "You are quoting Pope". "Ayh", replied his companion, "me and Pope do agree very well". Keating had himself been reading Pope, Fielding, Smollett, Goldsmith and Richardson in poorly printed paperbacks. Later he was reassigned to a less demanding job at a riverside colliery pumping station, which allowed him time to tackle Swift, Sheridan, Byron, Keats, Shelley and Thackeray'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Richard Brinsley Sheridan :
'As a collier [Joseph Keating]... heard a co-worker sigh, "Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate". Keating was stunned: "You are quoting Pope". "Ayh", replied his companion, "me and Pope do agree very well". Keating had himself been reading Pope, Fielding, Smollett, Goldsmith and Richardson in poorly printed paperbacks. Later he was reassigned to a less demanding job at a riverside colliery pumping station, which allowed him time to tackle Swift, Sheridan, Byron, Keats, Shelley and Thackeray'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : [unknown]
'As a collier [Joseph Keating]... heard a co-worker sigh, "Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate". Keating was stunned: "You are quoting Pope". "Ayh", replied his companion, "me and Pope do agree very well". Keating had himself been reading Pope, Fielding, Smollett, Goldsmith and Richarson in poorly printed paperbacks. Later he was reassigned to a less demanding job at a riverside colliery pumping station, which allowed him time to tackle Swift, Sheridan, Byron, Keats, Shelley and Thackeray'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
John Keats :
'As a collier [Joseph Keating]... heard a co-worker sigh, "Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate". Keating was stunned: "You are quoting Pope". "Ayh", replied his companion, "me and Pope do agree very well". Keating had himself been reading Pope, Fielding, Smollett, Goldsmith and Richardson in poorly printed paperbacks. Later he was reassigned to a less demanding job at a riverside colliery pumping station, which allowed him time to tackle Swift, Sheridan, Byron, Keats, Shelley and Thackeray'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Percy Bysshe Shelley :
'As a collier [Joseph Keating]... heard a co-worker sigh, "Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate". Keating was stunned: "You are quoting Pope". "Ayh", replied his companion, "me and Pope do agree very well". Keating had himself been reading Pope, Fielding, Smollett, Goldsmith and Richardson in poorly printed paperbacks. Later he was reassigned to a less demanding job at a riverside colliery pumping station, which allowed him time to tackle Swift, Sheridan, Byron, Keats, Shelley and Thackeray'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
William Makepeace Thackeray :
'As a collier [Joseph Keating]... heard a co-worker sigh, "Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate". Keating was stunned: "You are quoting Pope". "Ayh", replied his companion, "me and Pope do agree very well". Keating had himself been reading Pope, Fielding, Smollett, Goldsmith and Richardson in poorly printed paperbacks. Later he was reassigned to a less demanding job at a riverside colliery pumping station, which allowed him time to tackle Swift, Sheridan, Byron, Keats, Shelley and Thackeray'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Keating Print: Book
Amelia Opie : Adelaide
'And Holcroft, reading Adelaide, which must have been one of her earliest plays, wrote on the back of the manuscript: at seventeen, when scenes like this occurred, you promis?d much. Remember! Keep your word. T. H.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Holcroft Manuscript: Play script
Karl Marx : Das Kapital
'For Dunfermline housepainter James Clunie, Das Kapital and the Wealth of Nations both demonstrated that industrialism inevitably increased economic inequality, the exploitation of labour and class conflict. To this The Descent of Man added "the great idea of human freedom... It brought out the idea that whether our children were with or without shoes was due to poverty arising from the administration of society".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Clunie Print: Book
Adam Smith : Wealth of Nations
'For Dunfermline housepainter James Clunie, Das Kapital and the Wealth of Nations both demonstrated that industrialism inevitably increased economic inequality, the exploitation of labour and class conflict. To this The Descent of Man added "the great idea of human freedom... It brought out the idea that whether our children were with or without shoes was due to poverty arising from the administration of society".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Clunie Print: Book
Charles Darwin : The Descent of Man
'For Dunfermline housepainter James Clunie, Das Kapital and the Wealth of Nations both demonstrated that industrialism inevitably increased economic inequality, the exploitation of labour and class conflict. To this The Descent of Man added "the great idea of human freedom... It brought out the idea that whether our children were with or without shoes was due to poverty arising from the administration of society".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Clunie Print: Book
Karl Marx : Das Kapital
[George Scott disliked the Communism of fellow journalist, Stan] 'He had read Das Kapital (or parts of it) and could talk slickly about dialectical materialism. His own dialectic was derived from Straight and Crooked Thinking, a guide to identifying faulty logic, but he "enjoyed it because it taught him how to twist truth to his own ends...".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stan (acquaintance of George Scott) Print: Book
: Straight and Crooked Thinking
[George Scott disliked the Communism of fellow journalist, Stan] 'He had read Das Kapital (or parts of it) and could talk slickly about dialectical materialism. His own dialectic was derived from Straight and Crooked Thinking, a guide to identifying faulty logic, but he "enjoyed it because it taught him how to twist truth to his own ends...".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stan (acquaintance of George Scott) Print: Book
Charlotte Bronte : Jane Eyre
J. G. Lockhart to a friend, 29 December 1847: 'I have finished the adventures of Miss Jane Eyre, and think her far the cleverest that was written since Austen and Edgeworth were in their prime.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Gibson Lockhart Print: Book
: Blackwoods Magazine
They that cultivate literary small-talk have been greatly attracted for some / time by the late number of Blackwoods (formerly the Edinr) Magazine. It contains many slanderous insinuations against the Publisher's rivals - particularly a paper entitled 'translation of a Chaldee manuscript'...
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
various : [histories]
'After an arduous str[uggle] with sundry historians of grea[t and] small renown I sit down to answer the much-valued epistle of my friend. Doubtless you are disposed to grumble that I have been so long in doing so; but I have an argument in store for you.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter
William Wallace : 'Fluxions' in Encyclopedia Britannica
It is long since I told you that I had begun Wallace, and that foreign studies had cast him into the shade. The same causes still obstruct my progress You will perhaps be surprised that I am even now no farther advanced than the 'circle of curvature'. I have found his demonstrations circuitous but generally rigorous.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
David Hume : History of England
I suppose I had read Hume's England when I wrote last; and I need not repeat my opinion of it.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Tobias Smollett : History of England
I suppose I had read Hume's England when I wrote last; and I need not repeat my opinion of it. My perusal of the continuation - eight volumes, of history as it is called, by Tobias Smollett MD and others was a much harder and more unprofitable task.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire
I suppose I had read Hume's England when I wrote last; and I need not repeat my opinion of it. My perusal of the continuation - eight volumes, of history as it is called, by Tobias Smollett MD and others was a much harder and more unprofitable task. Next I read Gibbon's decline and fall of the Roman empire - a work of immense research and splendid execution.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
David Hume : Essays and Treatises on Several Subjects, 2 vols
But too much of one thing - as it is in the adage. Therefore I reserve the account of Hume's essays till another opportunity. At any rate the Second volume is not finished yet - and I do not like what I have read of any thing so well as I did the first.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
: Bible passages
Sarah Osborn recalls nursing eldest son in sickness: 'I endeavoured to improve every opportunity to discourse with him, and read to him such portions of Scripture as I thought suitable, with passages put of Mr. Allein's "Alarm".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Osborn Print: Book
Joseph Alleine : Alarm for the Unconverted
Sarah Osborn recalls nursing eldest son in sickness: 'I endeavoured to improve every opportunity to discourse with him, and read to him such portions of Scripture as I thought suitable, with passages put of Mr. Allein's "Alarm".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Osborn Print: Book
Mr. Erskine : [spiritual autobiography]
Joseph Croswell, journal of readings: "'In the evening realized some [spiritual] quickenings in reading the believer's journey to the heavenly Canaan, by Mr. Erskine.'"
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Croswell
Mr. Erskine :
Joseph Croswell, journal of readings: "'In the evening realized some [spiritual] quickenings in reading the believer's journey to the heavenly Canaan, by Mr. Erskine.'"
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Croswell
Henry Mackenzie : The Man of Feeling
I, who was the reader, had not seen it for several years, the rest did not know it at all. I am afraid I perceived a sad change in it, or myself ? which was worse; and the effect altogether failed. Nobody cried, and at some of the passages, the touches that I used to think so exquisite ? Oh Dear! They laughed.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Lady Louisa Stuart Print: Book
Henry Mackenzie : The Man of Feeling
I remember so well its first publication, my mother and sisters crying over it, dwelling upon it with rapture! And when I read it, as I was a girl of fourteen not yet versed in sentiment, I had a secret dread I should not cry enough to gain the credit of proper sensibility.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Lady Louisa Stuart Print: Book
Frank Richards : [stories in the Magnet]
'Louis Battye, the spastic child of former millworkers, was at first utterly bewildered by the Gem and Magnet, because he was being educated at home and had no school experience of any kind... "But I persevered and eventually familiarised myself with the conventions of the form... I continued to read the Gem and Magnet religiously until I was fourteen or fifteen, and from them I received what might be called the Schoolboy's Code"... [which] enabled him to get along with other children when he was sent to Heswall Hospital'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Louis Battye Print: Serial / periodical
Frank Richards : [stories in the Gem]
'Louis Battye, the spastic child of former millworkers, was at first utterly bewildered by the Gem and Magnet, because he was being educated at home and had no school experience of any kind... "But I persevered and eventually familiarised myself with the conventions of the form... I continued to read the Gem and Magnet religiously until I was fourteen or fifteen, and from them I received what might be called the Schoolboy's Code"... [which] enabled him to get along with other children when he was sent to Heswall Hospital'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Louis Battye Print: Serial / periodical
Frank Richards : [school stories in the Gem]
'V.S. Pritchett furtively devoured the Gem and Magnet with a compositor's son: both adopted Greyfriars nicknames and slang. Pritchett's father eventually found them, burnt them in the fireplace and ordered the boy to read Ruskin, though there was no Ruskin in the house'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Serial / periodical
Frank Richards : [school stories in the Magnet]
'V.S. Pritchett furtively devoured the Gem and Magnet with a compositor's son: both adopted Greyfriars nicknames and slang. Pritchett's father eventually found them, burnt them in the fireplace and ordered the boy to read Ruskin, though there was no Ruskin in the house'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Serial / periodical
Laurence Sterne : A Sentimental Journey
Frances Burney at seventeen observes that she is about "to charm myself for the third time with poor Sterne's 'Sentimental Journey'."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
: novels
'At the same time as she was entertaining herself with a variety of novels, [Frances] Burney was putting herself through an energetic course of solid reading, including Homer (in Pope's translation) and various histories of the ancient and modern world, as well as the works of major modern poets.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Homer :
'At the same time as she was entertaining herself with a variety of novels, [Frances] Burney was putting herself through an energetic course of solid reading, including Homer (in Pope's translation) and various histories of the ancient and modern world, as well as the works of major modern poets.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
: ancient history
'At the same time as she was entertaining herself with a variety of novels, [Frances] Burney was putting herself through an energetic course of solid reading, including Homer (in Pope's translation) and various histories of the ancient and modern world, as well as the works of major modern poets.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
:
'At the same time as she was entertaining herself with a variety of novels, [Frances] Burney was putting herself through an energetic course of solid reading, including Homer (in Pope's translation) and various histories of the ancient and modern world, as well as the works of major modern poets.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
:
'At the same time as she was entertaining herself with a variety of novels, [Frances] Burney was putting herself through an energetic course of solid reading, including Homer (in Pope's translation) and various histories of the ancient and modern world, as well as the works of major modern poets.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Unknown
Elizabeth and Richard Griffith : A Series of Genuine Letters between Henry and Frances
'In 1768, Burney read in rapid succession Elizabeth and Richard Griffith's "A Series of Genuine Letters between Henry and Frances" (1757) ... Oliver Goldsmith's "The Vicar of Wakefield" (1766); and Samuel Johnson's "Rasselas" (1759).'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : The Vicar of Wakefield
'In 1768, Burney read in rapid succession Elizabeth and Richard Griffith's "A Series of Genuine Letters between Henry and Frances" (1757) ... Oliver Goldsmith's "The Vicar of Wakefield" (1766); and Samuel Johnson's "Rasselas" (1759).'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Rasselas
'In 1768, Burney read in rapid succession Elizabeth and Richard Griffith's "A Series of Genuine Letters between Henry and Frances" (1757) ... Oliver Goldsmith's "The Vicar of Wakefield" (1766); and Samuel Johnson's "Rasselas" (1759).'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Plutarch : Lives
'In her teens [Frances] Burney was tackling on her own such works as Plutarch's "Lives" (in translation), Pope's "Iliad", and ... all the works of Pope, including the Letters; Hume's "History of England"; Hooke's "Roman History"; and Conyers Middleton's "Life of Cicero" ... She also ... studied music theory in Diderot's treatise ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Homer : Iliad
'In her teens [Frances] Burney was tackling on her own such works as Plutarch's "Lives" (in translation), Pope's "Iliad", and ... all the works of Pope, including the Letters; Hume's "History of England"; Hooke's "Roman History"; and Conyers Middleton's "Life of Cicero" ... She also ... studied music theory in Diderot's treatise ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Works
'In her teens [Frances] Burney was tackling on her own such works as Plutarch's "Lives" (in translation), Pope's "Iliad", and ... all the works of Pope, including the Letters; Hume's "History of England"; Hooke's "Roman History"; and Conyers Middleton's "Life of Cicero" ... She also ... studied music theory in Diderot's treatise ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Letters
'In her teens [Frances] Burney was tackling on her own such works as Plutarch's "Lives" (in translation), Pope's "Iliad", and ... all the works of Pope, including the Letters; Hume's "History of England"; Hooke's "Roman History"; and Conyers Middleton's "Life of Cicero" ... She also ... studied music theory in Diderot's treatise ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
David Hume : The History of England
'In her teens [Frances] Burney was tackling on her own such works as Plutarch's "Lives" (in translation), Pope's "Iliad", and ... all the works of Pope, including the Letters; Hume's "History of England"; Hooke's "Roman History"; and Conyers Middleton's "Life of Cicero" ... She also ... studied music theory in Diderot's treatise ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Nathaniel Hooke : Roman History
'In her teens [Frances] Burney was tackling on her own such works as Plutarch's "Lives" (in translation), Pope's "Iliad", and ... all the works of Pope, including the Letters; Hume's "History of England"; Hooke's "Roman History"; and Conyers Middleton's "Life of Cicero" ... She also ... studied music theory in Diderot's treatise ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Conyers Middleton : Life of Cicero
'In her teens [Frances] Burney was tackling on her own such works as Plutarch's "Lives" (in translation), Pope's "Iliad", and ... all the works of Pope, including the Letters; Hume's "History of England"; Hooke's "Roman History"; and Conyers Middleton's "Life of Cicero" ... She also ... studied music theory in Diderot's treatise ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Denis Diderot : treatise on music
'In her teens [Frances] Burney was tackling on her own such works as Plutarch's "Lives" (in translation), Pope's "Iliad", and ... all the works of Pope, including the Letters; Hume's "History of England"; Hooke's "Roman History"; and Conyers Middleton's "Life of Cicero" ... She also ... studied music theory in Diderot's treatise ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Frances Burney : Evelina; or, A Young Lady's Entrance into the World
Charles Burney on his first reading of Frances Burney, "Evelina": 'I perused the first Vol. with fear and trembling, not supposing she wd disgrace her parentage, but not having the least idea that without ... knowledge of the world, she cd write a book worth reading. The dedication to myself ... brought tears to my eyes, and [I] found so much good sense & good writing in the Letters of Mr. Villiers, that ... I hastn'd to tell her... that I had read part of the book with such pleasure, that instead of being angry, I congratulated her on being able to write so well ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Burney Print: Book
Frances Burney : The Witlings
'On 2 August [1779], Charles Burney at Chessington read ... [The Witlings] aloud to a party which included [Samuel] Crisp, Crisp's sister Sophia Gast and the other Chessington ladies, and two of the Burney sisters [including Susanna].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Burney Manuscript: Unknown
Frances Burney : The Witlings
Susanna Burney describes Charles Burney's reading of The Witlings at Chessington on 2 August 1779, to Frances Burney: " 'Good' sd. Mr. Crisp ... the name of Codger occasion'd a general Grin ... [re the "Milliners Scene"] 'It's funny -- it's funny indeed' sd. Mr. C[risp] ... Charlotte laugh'd till she was almost black in the face at Codger's part, as I had done before her ... My Father's voice, sight, & lungs were tired ... & beng entirely unacquainted wth. what was coming ... he did not always give the Expression you meant to be given ... " ... the Serious part seem'd even to improve upon me by the 2d. hearing, & made me for to cry in 2 or 3 places ...'"
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Burney Manuscript: Unknown
: newspapers
Frances Burney to Hester Thrale, 22 January 1781, on reading account of Thrale's apperance at court on 18 January 1781 in Pacific island-inspired costume: 'Lord, if you had seen how I smirked over the Account of your Dress in the News-papers!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Newspaper
Frances Burney : Cecilia
'Mrs. Thrale offered the kind of readings [of work in progress, ie Cecilia] Burney ... most valued, instant impressions before the whole novel had been read -- or finished.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Hoole : Aurelia
Copied by Frances Burney into her journal letters, from Samuel Hoole, "Aurelia" (1783): 'I stood, a favouring muse, at Burey's side, To lash unfeeling Wealth and stubborn Pride, Soft Affectation, insolently vain, And wild Extravagance with all her sweeping train; ed her that mdern Hydra to engage, And point a Harrell to a mad'ning age: Then bade the moralist, admir'd and prais'd, Fly from the loud applause her talent raised.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney
Virgil :
'I have heard Doctor Collier say [wrote Hester Thrale in undated letter] that Harry Fielding quite doated upon his Sister Sally till she had made herself through ... Dr. Collier's Assistance, a competent Scholar, & could construe the 6th. Book of Virgil ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Fielding Print: Book
William Falconer : The Shipwreck
'Colonel Digby had read Falconer's "The Shipwreck" aloud to Burney during her court service ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: The Hon. Stephen Digby Print: Book
Ann Radcliffe : The Mysteries of Udolpho
Frances Burney noted as having been 'an early reader' of Ann Radcliffe, "The Mysteries of Udolpho" (1794).
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Anne-Louise-Germaine baronne de Stael-Holstein :
'[Frances] Burney's little diary of "Consolatory Extracts Daily collected or read in my extremity of Grief at the sudden & tragical loss of my beloved Susan on the instant of her liberation & safe arrival in England" ... [included] Extracts culled from the work of ... Mme. de Stael, Miss Talbot, Mrs. Chapone ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney
Catherine Talbot :
'[Frances] Burney's little diary of "Consolatory Extracts Daily collected or read in my extremity of Grief at the sudden & tragical loss of my beloved Susan on the instant of her liberation & safe arrival in England" ... [included] Extracts culled from the work of ... Mme. de Stael, Miss Talbot, Mrs. Chapone ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney
Hester Chapone :
'[Frances] Burney's little diary of "Consolatory Extracts Daily collected or read in my extremity of Grief at the sudden & tragical loss of my beloved Susan on the instant of her liberation & safe arrival in England" ... [included] Extracts culled from the work of ... Mme. de Stael, Miss Talbot, Mrs. Chapone ...'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney
Charles Burney : Memoirs
'Frances Burney had thought that Charles Burney had written his autobiography more completely than he had done. When she read his Memoirs, she found them incomplete, and she was sadly dispoointed at the quality of what was there ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Manuscript: Unknown
Ann Radcliffe : The Mysteries of Udolpho
'[Frances] Burney had read both "The Mysteries of Udolpho" and "The Italian" when they first came out, preferring the latter ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Ann Radcliffe : The Italian
'[Frances] Burney had read both "The Mysteries of Udolpho" and "The Italian" when they first came out, preferring the latter ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
n/a : Mercure de France
'James Hanley's workmates laughed when he taught himself French by reading the Mercure de France...Working the night shift at a railway station, Hanley withdrew into the work of Moliere, Hauptmann, Calderon, Sudermann, Ibsen, Lie and Strindberg until he grew quite cozy in his literary shell. His parents were appalled that he had no friends. But I've hundreds of friends he protested. "Bazarov and Rudin and Liza and Sancho Panza and Eugenie Grandet". His father countered with Squeers, Nickleby, Snodgrass and Little Nell: "And they're a healthy lot I might say, whereas all your friends have either got consumption, or are always in the dumps".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hanley Print: Serial / periodical
Moliere : [unknown]
'James Hanley's workmates laughed when he taught himself French by reading the Mercure de France...Working the night shift at a railway station, Hanley withdrew into the work of Moliere, Hauptmann, Calderon, Sudermann, Ibsen, Lie and Strindberg until he grew quite cozy in his literary shell. His parents were appalled that he had no friends. But I've hundreds of friends he protested. "Bazarov and Rudin and Liza and Sancho Panza and Eugenie Grandet". His father countered with Squeers, Nickleby, Snodgrass and Little Nell: "And they're a healthy lot I might say, whereas all your friends have either got consumption, or are always in the dumps".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hanley Print: Book
Gerhart Hauptmann : [unknown]
'James Hanley's workmates laughed when he taught himself French by reading the Mercure de France...Working the night shift at a railway station, Hanley withdrew into the work of Moliere, Hauptmann, Calderon, Sudermann, Ibsen, Lie and Strindberg until he grew quite cozy in his literary shell. His parents were appalled that he had no friends. But I've hundreds of friends he protested. "Bazarov and Rudin and Liza and Sancho Panza and Eugenie Grandet". His father countered with Squeers, Nickleby, Snodgrass and Little Nell: "And they're a healthy lot I might say, whereas all your friends have either got consumption, or are always in the dumps".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hanley Print: Book
Pedro Calderon de la Barca : [unknown]
'James Hanley's workmates laughed when he taught himself French by reading the Mercure de France...Working the night shift at a railway station, Hanley withdrew into the work of Moliere, Hauptmann, Calderon, Sudermann, Ibsen, Lie and Strindberg until he grew quite cozy in his literary shell. His parents were appalled that he had no friends. But I've hundreds of friends he protested. "Bazarov and Rudin and Liza and Sancho Panza and Eugenie Grandet". His father countered with Squeers, Nickleby, Snodgrass and Little Nell: "And they're a healthy lot I might say, whereas all your friends have either got consumption, or are always in the dumps".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hanley Print: Book
Hermann Sudermann : [unknown]
'James Hanley's workmates laughed when he taught himself French by reading the Mercure de France...Working the night shift at a railway station, Hanley withdrew into the work of Moliere, Hauptmann, Calderon, Sudermann, Ibsen, Lie and Strindberg until he grew quite cozy in his literary shell. His parents were appalled that he had no friends. But I've hundreds of friends he protested. "Bazarov and Rudin and Liza and Sancho Panza and Eugenie Grandet". His father countered with Squeers, Nickleby, Snodgrass and Little Nell: "And they're a healthy lot I might say, whereas all your friends have either got consumption, or are always in the dumps".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hanley Print: Book
Henrik Ibsen : [unknown]
'James Hanley's workmates laughed when he taught himself French by reading the Mercure de France...Working the night shift at a railway station, Hanley withdrew into the work of Moliere, Hauptmann, Calderon, Sudermann, Ibsen, Lie and Strindberg until he grew quite cozy in his literary shell. His parents were appalled that he had no friends. But I've hundreds of friends he protested. "Bazarov and Rudin and Liza and Sancho Panza and Eugenie Grandet". His father countered with Squeers, Nickleby, Snodgrass and Little Nell: "And they're a healthy lot I might say, whereas all your friends have either got consumption, or are always in the dumps".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hanley Print: Book
Jonas Lie : [unknown]
'James Hanley's workmates laughed when he taught himself French by reading the Mercure de France...Working the night shift at a railway station, Hanley withdrew into the work of Moliere, Hauptmann, Calderon, Sudermann, Ibsen, Lie and Strindberg until he grew quite cozy in his literary shell. His parents were appalled that he had no friends. But I've hundreds of friends he protested. "Bazarov and Rudin and Liza and Sancho Panza and Eugenie Grandet". His father countered with Squeers, Nickleby, Snodgrass and Little Nell: "And they're a healthy lot I might say, whereas all your friends have either got consumption, or are always in the dumps".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hanley Print: Book
August Strindberg : [unknown]
'James Hanley's workmates laughed when he taught himself French by reading the Mercure de France...Working the night shift at a railway station, Hanley withdrew into the work of Moliere, Hauptmann, Calderon, Sudermann, Ibsen, Lie and Strindberg until he grew quite cozy in his literary shell. His parents were appalled that he had no friends. But I've hundreds of friends he protested. "Bazarov and Rudin and Liza and Sancho Panza and Eugenie Grandet". His father countered with Squeers, Nickleby, Snodgrass and Little Nell: "And they're a healthy lot I might say, whereas all your friends have either got consumption, or are always in the dumps".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hanley Print: Book
Miguel de Cervantes : Don Quixote
'James Hanley's workmates laughed when he taught himself French by reading the Mercure de France...Working the night shift at a railway station, Hanley withdrew into the work of Moliere, Hauptmann, Calderon, Sudermann, Ibsen, Lie and Strindberg until he grew quite cozy in his literary shell. His parents were appalled that he had no friends. But I've hundreds of friends he protested. "Bazarov and Rudin and Liza and Sancho Panza and Eugenie Grandet". His father countered with Squeers, Nickleby, Snodgrass and Little Nell: "And they're a healthy lot I might say, whereas all your friends have either got consumption, or are always in the dumps".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hanley Print: Book
Honore de Balzac : Eugenie Grandet
'James Hanley's workmates laughed when he taught himself French by reading the Mercure de France...Working the night shift at a railway station, Hanley withdrew into the work of Moliere, Hauptmann, Calderon, Sudermann, Ibsen, Lie and Strindberg until he grew quite cozy in his literary shell. His parents were appalled that he had no friends. But I've hundreds of friends he protested. "Bazarov and Rudin and Liza and Sancho Panza and Eugenie Grandet". His father countered with Squeers, Nickleby, Snodgrass and Little Nell: "And they're a healthy lot I might say, whereas all your friends have either got consumption, or are always in the dumps".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hanley Print: Book
Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev : Fathers and Sons
'James Hanley's workmates laughed when he taught himself French by reading the Mercure de France...Working the night shift at a railway station, Hanley withdrew into the work of Moliere, Hauptmann, Calderon, Sudermann, Ibsen, Lie and Strindberg until he grew quite cozy in his literary shell. His parents were appalled that he had no friends. But I've hundreds of friends he protested. "Bazarov and Rudin and Liza and Sancho Panza and Eugenie Grandet". His father countered with Squeers, Nickleby, Snodgrass and Little Nell: "And they're a healthy lot I might say, whereas all your friends have either got consumption, or are always in the dumps".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hanley Print: Book
George Anson : A Voyage Round the World
'A Scottish flax dresser gained his "first or incipient idea of localities and distances" when he was assigned to read aloud at work from Anson, Cook, Bruce and Mungo Park'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: "Jacques", a flax dresser Print: Book
James Cook : [Accounts of three voyages round the world]
'A Scottish flax dresser gained his "first or incipient idea of localities and distances" when he was assigned to read aloud at work from Anson, Cook, Bruce and Mungo Park'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: "Jacques", a flax dresser Print: Book
James Bruce : Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile, In the Years 1768, 1769,1770, 1771, 1772 and 1773.
'A Scottish flax dresser gained his "first or incipient idea of localities and distances" when he was assigned to read aloud at work from Anson, Cook, Bruce and Mungo Park'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: "Jacques", a flax dresser Print: Book
Mungo Park : Travels in the Interior Districts of Africa: Performed in the Years 1795, 1796, and 1797
'A Scottish flax dresser gained his "first or incipient idea of localities and distances" when he was assigned to read aloud at work from Anson, Cook, Bruce and Mungo Park'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: "Jacques", a flax dresser Print: Book
Elizabeth Gaskell : Cranford
'Mary Crawford Fraser recalled how a contemporary at the boarding-school run by her aunt, with a background in trade, was expelled for reading from unsuitable passages of "Cranford" in copy left in drawing-room used for music practice.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosie Print: Book
:
'Frances Buss ...grew up in a houseful of younger brothers: she was forced to hide under a sofa on the second floor of the house lived in by her family [to read], in the room of a Government clerk who was out all day.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Mary Buss
John Milton : Sonnets
' ... [13-to-14-year-old Constance Maynard's] most intimate contact with reading .. took place ... in a secluded corner of the garden, where she haphazardly consumed Milton's sonnets, Cowper, Irving's "Orations", and Tennyson ...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Constance Maynard Print: Book
William Cowper : poetry
' ... [13-to-14-year-old Constance Maynard's] most intimate contact with reading .. took place ... in a secluded corner of the garden, where she haphazardly consumed Milton's sonnets, Cowper, Irving's Orations, and Tennyson ...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Constance Maynard Print: Book
Washington Irving : Orations
' ... [13-to-14-year-old Constance Maynard's] most intimate contact with reading .. took place ... in a secluded corner of the garden, where she haphazardly consumed Milton's sonnets, Cowper, Irving's Orations, and Tennyson ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Constance Maynard Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : poetry
' ... [13-to-14-year-old Constance Maynard's] most intimate contact with reading .. took place ... in a secluded corner of the garden, where she haphazardly consumed Milton's sonnets, Cowper, Irving's Orations, and Tennyson ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Constance Maynard Print: Book
: miscellaneous novels
Phyllis Browne, "What Girls Can Do" (1880): 'When I was a girl I was passionately fond of reading ... I went to stay with a friend in the country, who had by some means or other become possessed of a number of three-volume novels of a questionable character. These were stored away in a box in the garret ... I discovered them ... I used to go into the garret, sit on the ground, and read all day long books of all kinds ...' (pp.104-05)
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Phyllis Browne Print: Book
Thomas Dick : Christian Philosopher
Phyllis Browne, "What Girls Can Do" (1880): '[Having agreed with her father that she would read only books approved by him] I begged him to give me something to read. He handed to me Dr. Dick's "Christian Philosopher," which he had just read himself and enjoyed exceedingly ... I tried hard to read it, but it was beyond me ...' (pp.104-05)
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Phyllis Browne Print: Book
: philosophical texts
'[Mary St Leger Harrison] ... had the run of [Charles] Kingsley [her father]'s library, where she read history, philosophy, and the poets ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary St Leger Harrison Print: Book
: poetry
'[Mary St Leger Harrison] ... had the run of [Charles] Kingsley [her father]'s library, where she read history, philosophy, and the poets ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary St Leger Harrison Print: Book
: The Arabian Nights
'Mary Paley Marshall ... one of Newnham's first students, recalls her father in the 1860s reading aloud "The Arabian Nights", "Gulliver's Travels", the "Iliad" and "Odyssey", Shakespeare, and, above all, Scott's novels ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Paley Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : Gulliver's Travels
'Mary Paley Marshall ... one of Newnham's first students, recalls her father in the 1860s reading aloud "The Arabian Nights", "Gulliver's Travels", the "Iliad" and "Odyssey", Shakespeare, and, above all, Scott's novels ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Paley Print: Book
Homer : The Iliad
'Mary Paley Marshall ... one of Newnham's first students, recalls her father in the 1860s reading aloud "The Arabian Nights", "Gulliver's Travels", the "Iliad" and "Odyssey", Shakespeare, and, above all, Scott's novels ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Paley Print: Book
Homer : The Odyssey
'Mary Paley Marshall ... one of Newnham's first students, recalls her father in the 1860s reading aloud "The Arabian Nights", "Gulliver's Travels", the "Iliad" and "Odyssey", Shakespeare, and, above all, Scott's novels ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Paley Print: Book
William Shakespeare :
'Mary Paley Marshall ... one of Newnham's first students, recalls her father in the 1860s reading aloud "The Arabian Nights", "Gulliver's Travels", the "Iliad" and "Odyssey", Shakespeare, and, above all, Scott's novels ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Paley Print: Book
Walter Scott : novels
'Mary Paley Marshall ... one of Newnham's first students, recalls her father in the 1860s reading aloud "The Arabian Nights", "Gulliver's Travels", the "Iliad" and "Odyssey", Shakespeare, and, above all, Scott's novels ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Paley Print: Book
George Eliot : Adam Bede
' ... as late as the 1890s, Harriet Shaw Weaver's mother was shocked when she came upon her adolescent daughter reading "Adam Bede" ... the local vicar was asked to call in order to explain the book's unsuitability.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Harriet Shaw Weaver Print: Book
George Moore : A Mummer's Wife
'Yeats forbade his sisters to read George Moore's "A Mummer's Wife": a proscription which led Susan Mitchell, who lived with the family, to "gulp ... guilty pages of it" as she went to bed.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Susan Mitchell Print: Book
: poetry
'[Lady Frances Balfour's] father and mother both read poetry aloud ...'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: George Douglas Campbell
Harriet Beecher Stowe : Uncle Tom's Cabin
' ...[Lady Frances Balfour] was forbidden to read the second volume of ... [Uncle Tom's Cabin] "but human nature cannot be denied, and of course I read it" ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Lady Frances Balfour Print: Book
Susan Warner : The Wide, Wide World
"Christine Longford, having read The Wide, Wide World in the first decade of the twentieth century, recalled that she had been especially impressed by the passage in which [the schoolgirl heroine follows some adults' French conversation and is able to supply the historical date that one of them forgets]. "
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Christine Longford Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : The Faerie Queene
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aenied, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
John Milton : Complete poetry
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aenied, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Dante Alighieri : Divina Commedia
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aenied, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Torquato Tasso : Gerusalemme Liberata
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aenied, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Homer : The Iliad
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aenied, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Homer : The Odyssey
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aenied, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Virgil : The Aeneid
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Lucan : Pharsalia
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Aeschylus :
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Sophocles :
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Euripedes :
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Ovid :
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Tacitus :
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Xenophon :
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Herodotus :
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Thucydides :
" ... it was whilst at a frivolous, rote-learning girls' school that ... [Frances Power Cobbe] developed her determined, methodical aproach [to reading] ... She read all the Faerie Queene, all of Milton's poetry, the Divina Commedia and Gerusalemme Liberata in the originals, and in translation the Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid, Pharsalia, and ... [nearly all] of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Ovid, Tacitus, Xenophon, Herodotus and Thucydides."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Anquetil du Perron : Zend Avesta
"... [the young Frances Power Cobbe] ... read, in what translations were ... accessible, in Eastern sacred philosophy, such as Anquetil du Perron's Zend Avesta, and Sir William Jones's Institutes of Menu, and found out as much as she could about the Greek and Alexandrian philosophers from Diogenes Laertius and the old translators, as well as from a large Biographical Dictionary."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Sir William Jones : Institutes of Menu
"... [the young Frances Power Cobbe] ... read, in what translations were ... accessible, in Eastern sacred philosophy, such as Anquetil du Perron's Zend Avesta, and Sir William Jones's Institutes of Menu, and found out as much as she could about the Greek and Alexandrian philosophers from Diogenes Laertius and the old translators, as well as from a large Biographical Dictionary."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Diogenes Laertius :
"... [the young Frances Power Cobbe] ... read, in what translations were ... accessible, in Eastern sacred philosophy, such as Anquetil du Perron's Zend Avesta, and Sir William Jones's Institutes of Menu, and found out as much as she could about the Greek and Alexandrian philosophers from Diogenes Laertius and the old translators, as well as from a large Biographical Dictionary."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
: translated ancient philosophical texts
"... [the young Frances Power Cobbe] ... read, in what translations were ... accessible, in Eastern sacred philosophy, such as Anquetil du Perron's Zend Avesta, and Sir William Jones's Institutes of Menu, and found out as much as she could about the Greek and Alexandrian philosophers from Diogenes Laertius and the old translators, as well as from a large Biographical Dictionary."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
: Biographical Dictionary
"... [the young Frances Power Cobbe] ... read, in what translations were ... accessible, in Eastern sacred philosophy, such as Anquetil du Perron's Zend Avesta, and Sir William Jones's Institutes of Menu, and found out as much as she could about the Greek and Alexandrian philosophers from Diogenes Laertius and the old translators, as well as from a large Biographical Dictionary."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Edward Gibbon :
"Deist" and "heathen" authors studied by the young Frances Power Cobbe: "Gibbon, Hume, Tindal, Collins, and Voltaire ... Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Plutarch's Moralia, Xenophon's Memorabilia, and a little Plato."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
David Hume :
"Deist" and "heathen" authors studied by the young Frances Power Cobbe: "Gibbon, Hume, Tindal, Collins, and Voltaire ... Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Plutarch's Moralia, Xenophon's Memorabilia, and a little Plato."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Tindal :
"Deist" and "heathen" authors studied by the young Frances Power Cobbe: "Gibbon, Hume, Tindal, Collins, and Voltaire ... Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Plutarch's Moralia, Xenophon's Memorabilia, and a little Plato."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Collins :
"Deist" and "heathen" authors studied by the young Frances Power Cobbe: "Gibbon, Hume, Tindal, Collins, and Voltaire ... Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Plutarch's Moralia, Xenophon's Memorabilia, and a little Plato."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Voltaire :
"Deist" and "heathen" authors studied by the young Frances Power Cobbe: "Gibbon, Hume, Tindal, Collins, and Voltaire ... Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Plutarch's Moralia, Xenophon's Memorabilia, and a little Plato."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Marcus Aurelius :
"Deist" and "heathen" authors studied by the young Frances Power Cobbe: "Gibbon, Hume, Tindal, Collins, and Voltaire ... Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Plutarch's Moralia, Xenophon's Memorabilia, and a little Plato."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Seneca :
"Deist" and "heathen" authors studied by the young Frances Power Cobbe: "Gibbon, Hume, Tindal, Collins, and Voltaire ... Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Plutarch's Moralia, Xenophon's Memorabilia, and a little Plato."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Epictetus :
"Deist" and "heathen" authors studied by the young Frances Power Cobbe: "Gibbon, Hume, Tindal, Collins, and Voltaire ... Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Plutarch's Moralia, Xenophon's Memorabilia, and a little Plato."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Plutarch : Moralia
"Deist" and "heathen" authors studied by the young Frances Power Cobbe: "Gibbon, Hume, Tindal, Collins, and Voltaire ... Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Plutarch's Moralia, Xenophon's Memorabilia, and a little Plato."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Xenophon : Memorabilia
"Deist" and "heathen" authors studied by the young Frances Power Cobbe: "Gibbon, Hume, Tindal, Collins, and Voltaire ... Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Plutarch's Moralia, Xenophon's Memorabilia, and a little Plato."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
Plato :
"Deist" and "heathen" authors studied by the young Frances Power Cobbe: "Gibbon, Hume, Tindal, Collins, and Voltaire ... Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Plutarch's Moralia, Xenophon's Memorabilia, and a little Plato."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Power Cobbe Print: Book
: The Bible
"At home, after leaving school in 1857 ... [Louisa Martindale's] reading was, at first, chiefly the Bible. On 16 September she started to take Fraser's Magazine, and her diary becomes full of references to this, and to articles in the Times on subjects as diverse as Fortification and The War in New Zealand. She read, and was charmed by, Symington on architecture, sculpture, and painting ... Further books which she read included Froude's History of England ... The Bible and Modern Thought, Butler's Analogy, Memorials of Fox, Bancroft's American Revolution, Rollin's Ancient History, Waddington's Church History, the Works of Paley, Locke on the Human Understanding, and Mrs Jameson's Characteristics of Women."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Martindale Print: Book
: Fraser's Magazine
'At home, after leaving school in 1857 ... [Louisa Martindale's] reading was, at first, chiefly the Bible. On 16 September she started to take Fraser's Magazine, and her diary becomes full of references to this, and to articles in the Times on subjects as diverse as Fortification and The War in New Zealand. She read, and was charmed by, Symington on architecture, sculpture, and painting ... Further books which she read included Froude's "History of England" ... "The Bible and Modern Thought", Butler's "Analogy", "Memorials of Fox", Bancroft's "American Revolution", Rollin's "Ancient History", Waddington's "Church History", the Works of Paley, Locke on the Human Understanding, and Mrs Jameson's "Characteristics of Women".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Martindale Print: Serial / periodical
: The Times
"At home, after leaving school in 1857 ... [Louisa Martindale's] reading was, at first, chiefly the Bible. On 16 September she started to take Fraser's Magazine, and her diary becomes full of references to this, and to articles in the Times on subjects as diverse as Fortification and The War in New Zealand. She read, and was charmed by, Symington on architecture, sculpture, and painting ... Further books which she read included Froude's History of England ... The Bible and Modern Thought, Butler's Analogy, Memorials of Fox, Bancroft's American Revolution, Rollin's Ancient History, Waddington's Church History, the Works of Paley, Locke on the Human Understanding, and Mrs Jameson's Characteristics of Women."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Martindale Print: Newspaper
: The Times
"At home, after leaving school in 1857 ... [Louisa Martindale's] reading was, at first, chiefly the Bible. On 16 September she started to take Fraser's Magazine, and her diary becomes full of references to this, and to articles in the Times on subjects as diverse as Fortification and The War in New Zealand. She read, and was charmed by, Symington on architecture, sculpture, and painting ... Further books which she read included Froude's History of England ... The Bible and Modern Thought, Butler's Analogy, Memorials of Fox, Bancroft's American Revolution, Rollin's Ancient History, Waddington's Church History, the Works of Paley, Locke on the Human Understanding, and Mrs Jameson's Characteristics of Women."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Martindale Print: Newspaper
Symington :
"At home, after leaving school in 1857 ... [Louisa Martindale's] reading was, at first, chiefly the Bible. On 16 September she started to take Fraser's Magazine, and her diary becomes full of references to this, and to articles in the Times on subjects as diverse as Fortification and The War in New Zealand. She read, and was charmed by, Symington on architecture, sculpture, and painting ... Further books which she read included Froude's History of England ... The Bible and Modern Thought, Butler's Analogy, Memorials of Fox, Bancroft's American Revolution, Rollin's Ancient History, Waddington's Church History, the Works of Paley, Locke on the Human Understanding, and Mrs Jameson's Characteristics of Women."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Martindale Print: Book
J. A. Froude : History of England
"At home, after leaving school in 1857 ... [Louisa Martindale's] reading was, at first, chiefly the Bible. On 16 September she started to take Fraser's Magazine, and her diary becomes full of references to this, and to articles in the Times on subjects as diverse as Fortification and The War in New Zealand. She read, and was charmed by, Symington on architecture, sculpture, and painting ... Further books which she read included Froude's History of England ... The Bible and Modern Thought, Butler's Analogy, Memorials of Fox, Bancroft's American Revolution, Rollin's Ancient History, Waddington's Church History, the Works of Paley, Locke on the Human Understanding, and Mrs Jameson's Characteristics of Women."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Martindale Print: Book
: The Bible and Modern Thought
"At home, after leaving school in 1857 ... [Louisa Martindale's] reading was, at first, chiefly the Bible. On 16 September she started to take Fraser's Magazine, and her diary becomes full of references to this, and to articles in the Times on subjects as diverse as Fortification and The War in New Zealand. She read, and was charmed by, Symington on architecture, sculpture, and painting ... Further books which she read included Froude's History of England ... The Bible and Modern Thought, Butler's Analogy, Memorials of Fox, Bancroft's American Revolution, Rollin's Ancient History, Waddington's Church History, the Works of Paley, Locke on the Human Understanding, and Mrs Jameson's Characteristics of Women."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Martindale Print: Book
Joseph Butler : Analogy of Religion
"At home, after leaving school in 1857 ... [Louisa Martindale's] reading was, at first, chiefly the Bible. On 16 September she started to take Fraser's Magazine, and her diary becomes full of references to this, and to articles in the Times on subjects as diverse as Fortification and The War in New Zealand. She read, and was charmed by, Symington on architecture, sculpture, and painting ... Further books which she read included Froude's History of England ... The Bible and Modern Thought, Butler's Analogy, Memorials of Fox, Bancroft's American Revolution, Rollin's Ancient History, Waddington's Church History, the Works of Paley, Locke on the Human Understanding, and Mrs Jameson's Characteristics of Women."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Martindale Print: Book
: Memorials of Fox
"At home, after leaving school in 1857 ... [Louisa Martindale's] reading was, at first, chiefly the Bible. On 16 September she started to take Fraser's Magazine, and her diary becomes full of references to this, and to articles in the Times on subjects as diverse as Fortification and The War in New Zealand. She read, and was charmed by, Symington on architecture, sculpture, and painting ... Further books which she read included Froude's History of England ... The Bible and Modern Thought, Butler's Analogy, Memorials of Fox, Bancroft's American Revolution, Rollin's Ancient History, Waddington's Church History, the Works of Paley, Locke on the Human Understanding, and Mrs Jameson's Characteristics of Women."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Martindale Print: Book
Bancroft : The American Revolution
"At home, after leaving school in 1857 ... [Louisa Martindale's] reading was, at first, chiefly the Bible. On 16 September she started to take Fraser's Magazine, and her diary becomes full of references to this, and to articles in the Times on subjects as diverse as Fortification and The War in New Zealand. She read, and was charmed by, Symington on architecture, sculpture, and painting ... Further books which she read included Froude's History of England ... The Bible and Modern Thought, Butler's Analogy, Memorials of Fox, Bancroft's American Revolution, Rollin's Ancient History, Waddington's Church History, the Works of Paley, Locke on the Human Understanding, and Mrs Jameson's Characteristics of Women."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Martindale Print: Book
Rollin : Ancient History
"At home, after leaving school in 1857 ... [Louisa Martindale's] reading was, at first, chiefly the Bible. On 16 September she started to take Fraser's Magazine, and her diary becomes full of references to this, and to articles in the Times on subjects as diverse as Fortification and The War in New Zealand. She read, and was charmed by, Symington on architecture, sculpture, and painting ... Further books which she read included Froude's History of England ... The Bible and Modern Thought, Butler's Analogy, Memorials of Fox, Bancroft's American Revolution, Rollin's Ancient History, Waddington's Church History, the Works of Paley, Locke on the Human Understanding, and Mrs Jameson's Characteristics of Women."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Martindale Print: Book
Waddington : Church History
"At home, after leaving school in 1857 ... [Louisa Martindale's] reading was, at first, chiefly the Bible. On 16 September she started to take Fraser's Magazine, and her diary becomes full of references to this, and to articles in the Times on subjects as diverse as Fortification and The War in New Zealand. She read, and was charmed by, Symington on architecture, sculpture, and painting ... Further books which she read included Froude's History of England ... The Bible and Modern Thought, Butler's Analogy, Memorials of Fox, Bancroft's American Revolution, Rollin's Ancient History, Waddington's Church History, the Works of Paley, Locke on the Human Understanding, and Mrs Jameson's Characteristics of Women."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Martindale Print: Book
Paley : Works
"At home, after leaving school in 1857 ... [Louisa Martindale's] reading was, at first, chiefly the Bible. On 16 September she started to take Fraser's Magazine, and her diary becomes full of references to this, and to articles in the Times on subjects as diverse as Fortification and The War in New Zealand. She read, and was charmed by, Symington on architecture, sculpture, and painting ... Further books which she read included Froude's History of England ... The Bible and Modern Thought, Butler's Analogy, Memorials of Fox, Bancroft's American Revolution, Rollin's Ancient History, Waddington's Church History, the Works of Paley, Locke on the Human Understanding, and Mrs Jameson's Characteristics of Women."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Martindale Print: Book
John Locke : An Essay Concerning Human Understanding
"At home, after leaving school in 1857 ... [Louisa Martindale's] reading was, at first, chiefly the Bible. On 16 September she started to take Fraser's Magazine, and her diary becomes full of references to this, and to articles in the Times on subjects as diverse as Fortification and The War in New Zealand. She read, and was charmed by, Symington on architecture, sculpture, and painting ... Further books which she read included Froude's History of England ... The Bible and Modern Thought, Butler's Analogy, Memorials of Fox, Bancroft's American Revolution, Rollin's Ancient History, Waddington's Church History, the Works of Paley, Locke on the Human Understanding, and Mrs Jameson's Characteristics of Women."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Martindale Print: Book
Mrs Jameson : Characteristics of Women
"At home, after leaving school in 1857 ... [Louisa Martindale's] reading was, at first, chiefly the Bible. On 16 September she started to take Fraser's Magazine, and her diary becomes full of references to this, and to articles in the Times on subjects as diverse as Fortification and The War in New Zealand. She read, and was charmed by, Symington on architecture, sculpture, and painting ... Further books which she read included Froude's History of England ... The Bible and Modern Thought, Butler's Analogy, Memorials of Fox, Bancroft's American Revolution, Rollin's Ancient History, Waddington's Church History, the Works of Paley, Locke on the Human Understanding, and Mrs Jameson's Characteristics of Women."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Martindale Print: Book
John Ruskin : Modern Painters
" .... when ... [Mark Pattison] ... met [Mrs Humphry Ward] as a girl of sixteen ... she was familiar ... with certain pieces of Ruskin's Modern Painters, which she had copied out and carried round with her ..."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Arnold Print: Book
: Texts in/on early Spanish
On advice of Mark Pattison, young Mrs Humphry Ward took up study of early Spanish, using Bodleian "'Spanish room'".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Arnold Print: Book
William Cowper :
"The popular religious poet Frances Ridley Havergal claimed 'I do not think I was eight when I hit upon Cowper's lines, ending 'My father made them all!' That was what I wanted above all to be able to say ...'"
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Ridley Havergal Print: Unknown
: popular serial fiction
" ... [Mrs Layton (b. 1855)] remembers, when she was in service, and about sixteen, being lent some 'trashy books' by the servant next door: narratives which came out in weeekly episodes and which created a compulsive desire in her ..."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Layton Print: Serial / periodical
: travel writing
In one place in which she worked as a servant, where "Mrs Layton's" reading approved of: "she became particularly keen on reading travel literature ..."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Layton Print: Unknown
: The Englishwoman's Journal
"[Jessie] Boucherett (b. 1825) ... 'one day ... caught sight, on a railway bookstall, of a number of the Englishwoman's Journal. She bought it, attracted by the title, but expecting nothing better than the inanities usually considered fit for women. To her surprise and joy she found her own unspoken aspirations [regarding women's employment] reflected in its pages'."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Jessie Boucherett Print: Serial / periodical
: The Bible
" ... Barbara Bodichon ... used to remember with delight the books whch James Buchanan, their father's friend and their own teacher, used to read them: 'the Bible, the Arabian Nights and Swedenborg'."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Buchanan Print: Book
: The Arabian Nights
" ... Barbara Bodichon ... used to remember with delight the books whch James Buchanan, their father's friend and their own teacher, used to read them: 'the Bible, the Arabian Nights and Swedenborg'."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Buchanan Print: Book
Emanuel Swedenborg :
" ... Barbara Bodichon ... used to remember with delight the books whch James Buchanan, their father's friend and their own teacher, used to read them: 'the Bible, the Arabian Nights and Swedenborg'."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Buchanan Print: Book
Walt Whitman : Leaves of Grass
"Harriet Shaw Weaver, as an adolescent, found Leaves of Grass 'a liberating influence and could even read it on Sundays as it wasn't a novel!'"
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Harriet Shaw Weaver Print: Book
: feminist writings
" ... from feminist literature proper ... [the Viscountess Rhondda] was led into other disciplines, reading widely in political science ... economics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology, in order to understad and contextualise the position of women in society."
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Viscountess Rhondda Print: Unknown
: works on political science
" ... from feminist literature proper ... [the Viscountess Rhondda] was led into other disciplines, reading widely in political science ... economics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology, in order to understad and contextualise the position of women in society."
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Viscountess Rhondda Print: Unknown
: works on economics
" ... from feminist literature proper ... [the Viscountess Rhondda] was led into other disciplines, reading widely in political science ... economics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology, in order to understad and contextualise the position of women in society."
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Viscountess Rhondda Print: Unknown
: works on psychology
" ... from feminist literature proper ... [the Viscountess Rhondda] was led into other disciplines, reading widely in political science ... economics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology, in order to understad and contextualise the position of women in society."
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Viscountess Rhondda Print: Unknown
: works in anthropology
" ... from feminist literature proper ... [the Viscountess Rhondda] was led into other disciplines, reading widely in political science ... economics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology, in order to understad and contextualise the position of women in society."
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Viscountess Rhondda Print: Unknown
Havelock Ellis : The Psychology of Sex
' ... [The Viscountess Rhondda] recounts the difficulty she had in acquiring ... Havelock Ellis's Psychology of Sex: even her father was not able to go straight to a shop and buy the set of volumes for himself.' "'One had to produce some kind of signed certificate from the doctor or lawer to the effect that one was a suitable person to read it. To his surprise he could not at first obtain it. I still remember his amused indignation that he was refused a book which his own daughter had already read.' " ... the Viscountess had been able to obtain it from the Cavendish Bentinck Library, the membership of which was limited to women."
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Viscountess Rhondda Print: Book
: Life of Joan of Arc
"By May 1909 ... [imprisoned suffragette] Mrs Reonold [had been] 'especially cheered and encouraged' by reading a life of Joan of Arc."
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Reonold Print: Book
Edna Lyall : novels
"Whilst the Viscountess Rhondda had taken with her [to prison, where sent as suffragettte] Morley's Life of Gladstone and ... famous speeches of famous men, she resorted in preference to the Edna Lyall novels which she borrowed from the prison library ..."
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Viscountess Rhondda Print: Book
n/a : Christian Science Monitor
'V.S. Pritchett's "popular educator" was the literary section of the Christian Science Monitor: "It was imbued with that unembarrassed seriousness about learning things which gives American life its tedium but also a moral charm".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Serial / periodical
n/a : Bible
'Methodist millworker Thomas Wood attended a school where there was only one book, the Bible, which was never read beyond the first chapter of St John. Therefore he later "read everythig I could lay hands on", which was precious little... He worked his way through most of the library at an independent Sunday school, and joined a mechanics' institute for 1 1/2d a week. His reading, though "very heterogenous" and undirected, could be quite intensive, as when he devoted almost a year to the six volumes of Rollin's Ancient History. That "left an impression on my mind which 40 years of wear and tear has not effaced".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Wood Print: Book
Charles Rollin : Ancient History
'Methodist millworker Thomas Wood attended a school where there was only one book, the Bible, which was never read beyond the first chapter of St John. Therefore he later "read everythig I could lay hands on", which was precious little... He worked his way through most of the library at an independent Sunday school, and joined a mechanics' institute for 1 1/2d a week. His reading, though "very heterogenous" and undirected, could be quite intensive, as when he devoted almost a year to the six volumes of Rollin's Ancient History. That "left an impression on my mind which 40 years of wear and tear has not effaced".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Wood Print: Book
: The Gem
'James Williams admitted that, growing up in rural Wales, "I'd read anything rather than not read at all. I read a great deal of rubbish, and books that were too 'old', or too 'young' for me". He consumed the Gem, Magnet and Sexton Blake as well as the standard boys' authors (Henty, Ballantyne, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Twain) but also Dickens, Scott, Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, even Prescott's "The Conquest of Peru" and "The Conquest of Mexico". He picked "The Canterbury Tales" out of an odd pile of used books for sale, gradually puzzled out the Middle English, and eventually adopted Chaucer as his favourite poet'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Williams Print: Serial / periodical, comic
: Magnet, The
'James Williams admitted that, growing up in rural Wales, "I'd read anything rather than not read at all. I read a great deal of rubbish, and books that were too 'old', or too 'young' for me". He consumed the Gem, Magnet and Sexton Blake as well as the standard boys' authors (Henty, Ballantyne, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Twain) but also Dickens, Scott, Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, even Prescott's "The Conquest of Peru" and "The Conquest of Mexico". He picked "The Canterbury Tales" out of an odd pile of used books for sale, gradually puzzled out the Middle English, and eventually adopted Chaucer as his favourite poet'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Williams Print: Serial / periodical, comic
: [Sexton Blake Stories]
'James Williams admitted that, growing up in rural Wales, "I'd read anything rather than not read at all. I read a great deal of rubbish, and books that were too 'old', or too 'young' for me". He consumed the Gem, Magnet and Sexton Blake as well as the standard boys' authors (Henty, Ballantyne, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Twain) but also Dickens, Scott, Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, even Prescott's "The Conquest of Peru" and "The Conquest of Mexico". He picked "The Canterbury Tales" out of an odd pile of used books for sale, gradually puzzled out the Middle English, and eventually adopted Chaucer as his favourite poet'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Williams Print: Serial / periodical, comics
George Alfred Henty :
'James Williams admitted that, growing up in rural Wales, "I'd read anything rather than not read at all. I read a great deal of rubbish, and books that were too 'old', or too 'young' for me". He consumed the Gem, Magnet and Sexton Blake as well as the standard boys' authors (Henty, Ballantyne, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Twain) but also Dickens, Scott, Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, even Prescott's "The Conquest of Peru" and "The Conquest of Mexico". He picked "The Canterbury Tales" out of an odd pile of used books for sale, gradually puzzled out the Middle English, and eventually adopted Chaucer as his favourite poet'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Williams Print: Book
Robert Michael Ballantyne :
'James Williams admitted that, growing up in rural Wales, "I'd read anything rather than not read at all. I read a great deal of rubbish, and books that were too 'old', or too 'young' for me". He consumed the Gem, Magnet and Sexton Blake as well as the standard boys' authors (Henty, Ballantyne, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Twain) but also Dickens, Scott, Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, even Prescott's "The Conquest of Peru" and "The Conquest of Mexico". He picked "The Canterbury Tales" out of an odd pile of used books for sale, gradually puzzled out the Middle English, and eventually adopted Chaucer as his favourite poet'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Williams Print: Book
Frederick Marryat :
'James Williams admitted that, growing up in rural Wales, "I'd read anything rather than not read at all. I read a great deal of rubbish, and books that were too 'old', or too 'young' for me". He consumed the Gem, Magnet and Sexton Blake as well as the standard boys' authors (Henty, Ballantyne, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Twain) but also Dickens, Scott, Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, even Prescott's "The Conquest of Peru" and "The Conquest of Mexico". He picked "The Canterbury Tales" out of an odd pile of used books for sale, gradually puzzled out the Middle English, and eventually adopted Chaucer as his favourite poet'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Williams Print: Book
James Fenimore Cooper :
'James Williams admitted that, growing up in rural Wales, "I'd read anything rather than not read at all. I read a great deal of rubbish, and books that were too 'old', or too 'young' for me". He consumed the Gem, Magnet and Sexton Blake as well as the standard boys' authors (Henty, Ballantyne, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Twain) but also Dickens, Scott, Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, even Prescott's "The Conquest of Peru" and "The Conquest of Mexico". He picked "The Canterbury Tales" out of an odd pile of used books for sale, gradually puzzled out the Middle English, and eventually adopted Chaucer as his favourite poet'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Williams Print: Book
Mark Twain :
'James Williams admitted that, growing up in rural Wales, "I'd read anything rather than not read at all. I read a great deal of rubbish, and books that were too 'old', or too 'young' for me". He consumed the Gem, Magnet and Sexton Blake as well as the standard boys' authors (Henty, Ballantyne, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Twain) but also Dickens, Scott, Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, even Prescott's "The Conquest of Peru" and "The Conquest of Mexico". He picked "The Canterbury Tales" out of an odd pile of used books for sale, gradually puzzled out the Middle English, and eventually adopted Chaucer as his favourite poet'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Williams Print: Book
Charles Dickens :
'James Williams admitted that, growing up in rural Wales, "I'd read anything rather than not read at all. I read a great deal of rubbish, and books that were too 'old', or too 'young' for me". He consumed the Gem, Magnet and Sexton Blake as well as the standard boys' authors (Henty, Ballantyne, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Twain) but also Dickens, Scott, Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, even Prescott's "The Conquest of Peru" and "The Conquest of Mexico". He picked "The Canterbury Tales" out of an odd pile of used books for sale, gradually puzzled out the Middle English, and eventually adopted Chaucer as his favourite poet'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Williams Print: Book
Walter Scott :
'James Williams admitted that, growing up in rural Wales, "I'd read anything rather than not read at all. I read a great deal of rubbish, and books that were too 'old', or too 'young' for me". He consumed the Gem, Magnet and Sexton Blake as well as the standard boys' authors (Henty, Ballantyne, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Twain) but also Dickens, Scott, Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, even Prescott's "The Conquest of Peru" and "The Conquest of Mexico". He picked "The Canterbury Tales" out of an odd pile of used books for sale, gradually puzzled out the Middle English, and eventually adopted Chaucer as his favourite poet'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Williams Print: Book
Anne/Charlotte/Emily Bronte :
'James Williams admitted that, growing up in rural Wales, "I'd read anything rather than not read at all. I read a great deal of rubbish, and books that were too 'old', or too 'young' for me". He consumed the Gem, Magnet and Sexton Blake as well as the standard boys' authors (Henty, Ballantyne, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Twain) but also Dickens, Scott, Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, even Prescott's "The Conquest of Peru" and "The Conquest of Mexico". He picked "The Canterbury Tales" out of an odd pile of used books for sale, gradually puzzled out the Middle English, and eventually adopted Chaucer as his favourite poet'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Williams Print: Book
George Eliot :
'James Williams admitted that, growing up in rural Wales, "I'd read anything rather than not read at all. I read a great deal of rubbish, and books that were too 'old', or too 'young' for me". He consumed the Gem, Magnet and Sexton Blake as well as the standard boys' authors (Henty, Ballantyne, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Twain) but also Dickens, Scott, Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, even Prescott's "The Conquest of Peru" and "The Conquest of Mexico". He picked "The Canterbury Tales" out of an odd pile of used books for sale, gradually puzzled out the Middle English, and eventually adopted Chaucer as his favourite poet'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Williams Print: Book
William Prescott : Conquest of Peru, The
'James Williams admitted that, growing up in rural Wales, "I'd read anything rather than not read at all. I read a great deal of rubbish, and books that were too 'old', or too 'young' for me". He consumed the Gem, Magnet and Sexton Blake as well as the standard boys' authors (Henty, Ballantyne, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Twain) but also Dickens, Scott, Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, even Prescott's "The Conquest of Peru" and "The Conquest of Mexico". He picked "The Canterbury Tales" out of an odd pile of used books for sale, gradually puzzled out the Middle English, and eventually adopted Chaucer as his favourite poet'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Williams Print: Book
William Prescott : Conquest of Mexico, The
'James Williams admitted that, growing up in rural Wales, "I'd read anything rather than not read at all. I read a great deal of rubbish, and books that were too 'old', or too 'young' for me". He consumed the Gem, Magnet and Sexton Blake as well as the standard boys' authors (Henty, Ballantyne, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Twain) but also Dickens, Scott, Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, even Prescott's "The Conquest of Peru" and "The Conquest of Mexico". He picked "The Canterbury Tales" out of an odd pile of used books for sale, gradually puzzled out the Middle English, and eventually adopted Chaucer as his favourite poet'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Williams Print: Book
Geoffrey Chaucer : Canterbury Tales, The
'James Williams admitted that, growing up in rural Wales, "I'd read anything rather than not read at all. I read a great deal of rubbish, and books that were too 'old', or too 'young' for me". He consumed the Gem, Magnet and Sexton Blake as well as the standard boys' authors (Henty, Ballantyne, Marryat, Fenimore Cooper, Twain) but also Dickens, Scott, Trollope, the Brontes, George Eliot, even Prescott's "The Conquest of Peru" and "The Conquest of Mexico". He picked "The Canterbury Tales" out of an odd pile of used books for sale, gradually puzzled out the Middle English, and eventually adopted Chaucer as his favourite poet'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Williams Print: Book
Henry Torrens [Sir] : Field exercises and evolutions of the army
And here I am on a wet Sunday looking out of a damned large bow window at the rain as it falls into the puddles opposite, wondering when it will be dinner time, and cursing my folly in having put no books into my portmanteau. The only book I have seen here, is one which lies upon the sofa. It is entitled ?Field Exercises and Evolutions of the Army by Sir Henry Torrens.? I have read it through so often, that I am sure I could drill a hundred recruits from memory.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : An account of the life of Mr. Richard Savage
I send you by George (who in Fred?s absence on business, is kind enough to be the bearer of this) the volume which contains the Life of Savage. I have turned down the leaf. Now do read it attentively; if you do, I know from your excellent understanding you will be delighted. If you slur it, you will think it dry.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: Book
Simon-Pierre Laplace : Exposition du systeme du monde
'I have done little since I wrote last but revised Leslie's conics, and read a part of Laplace's 'exposition du systeme du monde' not the mecanique celeste for I alas, am not one of the gifted half-dozen that can understand it - but the original of that book which Smeal once brought from Selkirk and lent to you.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Simon-Pierre Laplace : Exposition du systeme du monde
'I had read some little of Laplace when I saw you; & I continue to advance with a diminishing velocity. I turned aside into Leslie's conics - '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Sir John Leslie : Elements of Geometry, Geometrical Analysis, and Plane Trigonometry
'I had read some little of Laplace when I saw you; & I continue to advance with a diminishing velocity. I turned aside into Leslie's conics - & went thro' it, in search of two propositions, which when in your geometrical vein, you will find little difficulty in demonstrating'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Charles Bossut : Mecanique
'I likewise turned into Charles Bossut's Mecanique - to study his demonstration of pendulums, and his doctrine of forces. The text is often tediously explanatory - & in the notes, it is but a dim hallucination of the truth that I can obtain thro' the medium of integrals & differentials by which he communicates it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Thomas Moore : Lalla Rookh
'Moore's Lallah Rookh & Byron's Childe Harold canto fourth formed an odd mixture with these speculations. It was foolish, you may think, to exchange the truths of philosophy, for the airy nothings of these sweet singers: but I could not help it. Do not fear that I will spend some time in criticising the tulip-cheek.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron : Childe Harold (Canto IV)
'Moore's Lallah Rookh & Byron's Childe Harold canto fourth formed an odd mixture with these speculations. It was foolish, you may think, to exchange the truths of philosophy, for the airy nothings of these sweet singers: but I could not help it. Do not fear that I will spend some time in criticising the tulip-cheek.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Dr Chalmers : Title unknown
This is emphatic enough.- I need not speak of Dr Chalmers' boisterous treatise upon the causes & cure of pauperism in the last Edinr review. His reasoning (so they call it) is disjointed and absurd - & his language a barbarous jargon - agre[e]able neither to Gods nor men.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Dugald Stewart : Philosophy of the Human Mind
'27th June - The last book worth mentioning, which I perused was Stewart's preliminary dissertation - for the second time. The longer I study the works of this philosopher, the more I become convinced of two things. First, that in perspicacity & comprehensiveness of understanding he yields to several. But, secondly, that in taste, variety of acquirements, and, what is of more importance, in moral dignity of mind, he has no rival that I know of.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
: newspapers
"'At seven I had so far profited by her teaching,' wrote the Coventry ribbon weaver Joseph Gutteridge of his dame school teacher, 'as to be able to make out the contents of the local papers, and I derived much pleasure and knowledge from their perusal. Another means of learning that I made use of was the sign-board literature of public-houses and shops.'"
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Gutteridge Print: Newspaper
: public house and shop signs
"'At seven I had so far profited by her teaching,' wrote the Coventry ribbon weaver Joseph Gutteridge of his dame school teacher, 'as to be able to make out the contents of the local papers, and I derived much pleasure and knowledge from their perusal. Another means of learning that I made use of was the sign-board literature of public-houses and shops.'"
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Gutteridge Manuscript: Signboard
: notice of political meeting
"As a young man ... [James Watson] moved to Leeds, and was immediately immersed in the clandestine world of the unstamped press: "'It was in the autumn of 1818 that I first became acquainted with politics and theology. Passing along Briggate one evening, I saw at the corner of Union Court a bill, which stated that the Radical Reformers held their meetings in a room in that court."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Watson Print: Poster
Fidelis, pseud. : Thirty short addresses for family prayers or cottage meetings by Fidelis author of 'Simple preparation for the Holy Communion' containng addresses by the late Canon Kingsley, Rev. G.H. Wilkinson and Dr. Vaughan
A volume of sermons, marked with dates and what appears to be a system of initials - possibly some sort of reminder? Examples: [Sermon 1.] "SSC [?] 15 Jan 1922 & M.../ SSC 3/4/17/ Sunday morning". In addition, passages of text are sometimes deleted or marked up. Examples: [sermon 1, p.1] The title is ticked, the phrase "not interrupt him" is deleted from the 2nd para. and the word "see" is deleted from the 4th last line on the same page. On the following 2 pp of the same sermon, further single words, phrases and one complete paragraph are deleted.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Walker Harper Print: Book
William Cobbett : Political Register
'A customer of Old Willy's in the Leather and nail line, telling us he had heard Cobbett's register read lately, where he says in about a year or perhaps rather more from this time wheat will be at 3s 6d or 4s pr Bushell; I told him that I had heard that Cobbett was a false prophet...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [A customer of Old Willy's in the Leather and nail line] anon Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Secker : Lectures on the Catechism of the Church of England
'At church twice today as usual; the Parson at his work amongst the children, armed with a huge octavo which he called Archbishop Secker's Lectures on the Church Catechism which he fired off to the confusion of the understanding of the children... If he be not tired, I know I am with hearing him.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: 'The Parson' Print: Book
Sir Philip Sidney : The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia
"According to [James] Johnstoun, his supplement [to Sidney's Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia] grew out of his affection for Sidney's romance. Having read the Arcadia over and over, he became inspired by the two pairs of lovers ..."
UnknownCentury: 1500-1599 / 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: James Johnstoun
William Shakespeare : The Rape of Lucrece
" ... [Sir John] Suckling, coming across what he called 'an imperfect Copy' of [Shakespeare's The Rape of] Lucrece, decided to compose his own 'Supplement.'"
UnknownCentury: 1500-1599 / 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir John Suckling
: literary advertisements
Peter J. Manning, "Wordsworth in the Keepsake, 1829": "Charles Lamb, perusing the notices blazoning the annuals forthcoming in 1829, scoffed: 'Wordsworth I see has a good many pieces announced in one of em ...'"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb Print: Unknown
William Wordsworth : poetry
Stephen Gill, "Copyright and the Publishing of Wordsworth, 1850-1900": "Many eminent Victorians -- George Eliot, Mill, Ruskin, and Tennyson ... read Wordsworth in the collections [of his poetry] published in his lifetime ..."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
[n/a] : [a Latin-English Dictionary]
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's "Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
Robert Ingersoll : [speeches on agnosticism]
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's "Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
Ralph Waldo Emerson : Self Reliance
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's "Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
Washington Irving : [unknown]
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's "Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
Nathaniel Hawthorne : [unknown]
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio "Hearn's Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
Edgar Allan Poe : [unknown]
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's "Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
Walt Whitman : [unknown]
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's "Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
Mark Twain : [unknown]
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's "Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
William Hazlitt : [unknown]
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's "Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
Plutarch : Lives
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's "Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
Plato : [unknown]
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's "Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
John Locke : [unknown]
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's Life and Literature, and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : [unknown]
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's "Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
Sigmund Freud : Psychoneurosis
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's "Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
Lafcadio Hearn : Life and Literature
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's "Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
Henri Bergson : Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's "Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
Arthur Schopenhauer : The World as Will and Idea
'Charlie Chaplin was a classic autodidact, always struggling to make up for a dismally inadequate education, groping haphazardly for what he called "intellectual manna"... Chaplin could be found in his dressing room studying a Latin-English dictionary, Robert Ingersoll's secularist propaganda, Emerson's "Self- Reliance" ("I felt I had been handed a golden birthright"), Irving, Hawthorne, Poe, Whitman, Twain, Hazlitt, all five volumes of Plutarch's Lives, Plato, Locke, Kant, Freud's "Psychoneurosis", Lafcadio Hearn's "Life and Literature", and Henri Bergson - his essay on laughter, of course... Chaplin also spent forty years reading (if not finishing) the three volumes of "The World as Will and Idea" by Schopenhauer, whose musings on suicide are echoed in Monsieur Verdoux'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Spencer Chaplin Print: Book
L. Margery Bazett : After-Death Communications
"Sir Arthur Conan Doyle endorses many of the volumes in his collection of books about spiritualism and parapsychological experience with a signed note on the title page: of L. Margery Bazett's After-Death Communications (1918), for example, he says, 'A very useful little book with many good cases entirely beyond Criticism.'"
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Print: Book
Gerhard Voss : Poeticarum Institutionum, libri tres
" ... [S. T. Coleridge] in a copy of Gerhard Voss's Poeticarum institutionum, libri tres (1647): 'I have looked thro' this book with some attention, April 21, 1803 --, and seldom indeed have I read a more thoroughly worthless one.'"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Godwin : Abbas
" ... a large part of the manuscript for William Godwin's play Abbas, with Coleridge's commentary dating from 1801, has recently come to light ... there he ... adopted a set of symbols for common problems, 'false or intolerable English' ... 'common-place book Language,' and 'bad metre.'"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Manuscript: Unknown
Robert Southey : Joan of Arc
" ... a large part of the manuscript for William Godwin's play Abbas, with Coleridge's commentary dating from 1801, has recently come to light ... there he ... adopted a set of symbols for common problems, 'false or intolerable English' ... 'common-place book Language,' and 'bad metre.' He did the same for a copy of Joan of Arc that he annotated in 1814."
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus : Meditations
" ... to the coda of his copy of the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, 'depart, therefore, contented and in good humour ...' [Leigh] Hunt courteously adds, 'Thanks, and love to you, excellent Antoninus. L. H. Feb. 7th 1853. His second regular perusal.'"
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: James Henry Leigh Hunt Print: Book
Thomas Gray : Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard
H. J. Jackson describes and discusses ninth edition copy (1754) of Thomas Gray, Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard annotated (with 'reflective remarks') by owner, General James Wolfe, to whom it was given by his fiancee Katharine Lowther.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: General James Wolfe
John Whitaker : History of Manchester
In his copy of John Whitaker, The History of Manchester, Francis Douce "[backed] up a sarcastic note (I: vii) about the defects of the author's style and his overreliance on sentences beginning with the conjunctions 'and' or 'but' ... by underlining every single instance of a sentence beginning with 'and ' in the two volumes."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Douce Print: Book
Lady Bradshaigh : annotations to Samuel Richardson, Pamela
"When Samuel Richardson asked his friend Lady Bradshaigh for her opinion of his novels Pamela and Clarissa, she sent him her annotated copies -- and he 'devoted some of his last days to reading her comments and to making his own comments on them.'"
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson
Lady Bradshaigh : annotations to Samuel Richardson, Clarissa
"When Samuel Richardson asked his friend Lady Bradshaigh for her opinion of his novels Pamela and Clarissa, she sent him her annotated copies -- and he 'devoted some of his last days to reading her comments and to making his own comments on them.'"
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Manuscript: annotations in printed text
: religious work
"Samuel Johnson ... annotated a copy of a religious work in 1755 so he could exchange views with a woman he loved, Hill Boothby."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
: Conversations of Lord Byron with the Countess of Blessington
"Walter Savage Landor's copy of Conversations of Lord Byron with the Countess of Blessington takes issue with Byron's declaration that if they were married, he and the Countess Guiccioli would 'be cited as an instance of conjugal happiness,' by giving the counterevidence of a contemporary: 'yet Trelawney told me he was wearied to death by her fondness --'"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Walter Savage Landor Print: Book
Jane Austen : novels
" ... Macaulay ... did not annotate his copies of Jane Austen except to record the dates of reading and to correct a very small number of typographical errors."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Gerald Massey : Lyrics of Love
"Take, for instance, his 'Lyrics of Love', so full of beauty and tenderness. Nor are his 'Songs of Progress' less full of poetic power and beauty."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Smiles Print: Book
Gerald Massey : Songs of Progress
"Take, for instance, his 'Lyrics of Love', so full of beauty and tenderness. Nor are his 'Songs of Progress' less full of poetic power and beauty."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Smiles Print: Book
Falcon Harmonic Society : Notice of a Burns Supper
"It so happened that a retired Scotch physician, who had settled in the town, chanced to read this notice, and, interested in all related to his gifted countryman [Burns], timidly asked if he would be allowed admission [to a Burns' Night supper organised by the Falcon Harmonic Society]."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: a Scotch physician Print: Poster
Hester Lynch Piozzi : Observations and Reflections Made in the Course of...
'The book is one huge mass of entertainment from beginning to end - And written in such an unaffected spirit of Christian charity...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
John Horne Tooke : Epea Pteroenta, or the Diversions of Purley
'Horne Tooke is a dirty dog - he gives the derivation of such words! - There sits Mr Wilbraham two hours every morning in the library, sniggering and shaking his fat sides over such grave nastiness as is enough to make a modest soul like me blush or turn sick: and he always puts a little paper mark into the worst passages to show them to me when I go down. Was ever anything so impertinent & insulting! As if I loved dirt.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Lady of the Lake
'I have been reading, and am enchanted with The Lady of the Lake. It has all the spirit of either of its predecessors, (have you read it?) and ten times the interest. When I had finished it, I remained with such a relish for Walter Scott, that I immediately borrowed and sat down to a second perusal of Marmion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Walter Scott : Marmion: a Tale of Flodden Field
'I immediately borrowed and sat down to a second perusal of Marmion. I like the brave villain much for being so wholly divested of sneakiness...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, Marquise de Sevigne : Letters of Madame de Sevigne
'I have read some very delightful old books lately (for I now have just attained the wisdom to wish to make use of this ample library, and reject all borrowed or hired books) -Amongst others, two collections of letters, Sevigne's to her daughter, and Bussy Rabutin's to her and various others.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Roger de Rabutin, Comte de Bussy : Les Lettres de Messire Roger de Rabutin
'Rabutin de Bussy in his little way, is also delightful...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, Marquise de Sevigne : Letters of Madame de Sevigne
'I have finished all dear old Sevigne's Letters...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Louis-Pierre Anquetil : Louis XIV, Sa Cour et le Regent
'I have finished all dear old Sevigne's Letters and since then read Anquetil's "Louis XIV Sa Cour et le Regent" - A most admirably entertaining work in four moderate little volumes.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
n/a : The Monthly Review
'I have opened no other book, save the "Monthly Review" and "Appendix" since I came home... A book that I am sure would amuse Barrett, and perhaps you also, very much, is "Jouhaud's Paris dans le..."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Serial / periodical
Maria Edgeworth : Tales of Fashionable Life
'[Has heard story of Wellington] Is not this like the Irish Nurse in Ennui [this word underlined]? Emma told me when I said so, that it had struck her directly.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Adelaide Filleul, Countess de Flahaut : Eugenie et Mathilde
'I wanted to have sent you a translation of the epigram Flahaut has introduced in her book. It is Johnson's...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [plays]
'I have been with a nice little party of college friends, to see King John, and for a week after, I could do nothing but read Shakespear.' [Siddings was performing in Covent Garden between 12.05.1810 and 21.06.1810]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Mary Leadbetter and Maria Edgeworth : Cottage Dialogues Amongst the Irish Peasantry
'Have you seen the little book, 'Cottage Dialogues', by Mrs Leadbetter. Edgeworth's notes are lively and [nationally] characteristic as ever: but I own I am tired a little of the receipts to make cheap dishes.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
F. W. J. von Schelling :
S. T. Coleridge, annotation to Schelling: "'A book, I value, I reason & quarrel with as with myself when I am reasoning.'"
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Joseph Milner : History of the Church of Christ
H. J. Jackson notes annotations by Macaulay made in 1836 in his copy of Joseph Milner, History of the Church of Christ; these include: "'You bolt every lie that the Fathers tell as glibly as your Creed'," and "'Here I give in. I have done my best -- But the monotonous absurdity dishonesty & malevolence of this man are beyond me. Nov 13'.'"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Walter Scott : Quentin Durward
" ... [S. T. Coleridge's] copy of Quentin Durward includes a note that reveals his sense of public duty as an annotator [Coleridge takes issue with Scott's narrator's suggestion that traders miss their customers when they travel abroad]."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Jeremy Taylor : Polemicall Discourses
"Coleridge's many notes to Jeremy Taylor's Polemicall Discourses include some addressed to the author directly ('A sophism, dearest Jeremy!'); some to the owner of the volume, Charles Lamb; and some to a hypothetical other reader ..."
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Nathaniel Wraxall : Historical Memoirs of My Own Time
"For [Sir James] Fellowes, a prospective biographer ... [Hester Lynch Piozzi] annotated books by and about herself: Nathaniel Wraxall's Historical Memoirs of My Own Time (1815), the Johnson Anecdotes and Letters, and her own Observations and Retrospection."
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Piozzi Print: Book
Hester Lynch Piozzi : Anecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson, LL.D
"For [Sir James] Fellowes, a prospective biographer ... [Hester Lynch Piozzi] annotated books by and about herself: Nathaniel Wraxall's Historical Memoirs of My Own Time (1815), the Johnson Anecdotes and Letters, and her own Observations and Retrospection."
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Piozzi Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Letters
"For [Sir James] Fellowes, a prospective biographer ... [Hester Lynch Piozzi] annotated books by and about herself: Nathaniel Wraxall's Historical Memoirs of My Own Time (1815), the Johnson Anecdotes and Letters, and her own Observations and Retrospection."
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Piozzi
Hester Lynch Piozzi : Retrospection: or A Review of the Most Striking and Important Events, Characters, Situations, and their Consequences, which the Last Eighteen Hundred Years have Presented to the View of Mankind
"For [Sir James] Fellowes, a prospective biographer ... [Hester Lynch Piozzi] annotated books by and about herself: Nathaniel Wraxall's Historical Memoirs of My Own Time (1815), the Johnson Anecdotes and Letters, and her own Observations and Retrospection."
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Piozzi Print: Book
Hester Lynch Piozzi : Observations
"For [Sir James] Fellowes, a prospective biographer ... [Hester Lynch Piozzi] annotated books by and about herself: Nathaniel Wraxall's Historical Memoirs of My Own Time (1815), the Johnson Anecdotes and Letters, and her own Observations and Retrospection."
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Piozzi Print: Book
: The Bible
" ... [Hester Lynch Piozzi] voluminously annotated a Bible for [William Augustus, Lord] Conway's mother."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Piozzi Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Rasselas
H. J. Jackson discusses extensive annotations by Hester Lynch Piozzi in 1818 copy of Rasselas in the Houghton Library, Harvard (her marginalia include anecdotes and remembered quotes from Johnson, as well as comments on the text).
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Piozzi Print: Book
Le Sage : Gil Blas
'I have likewise read "Gil Blas", with unbounded admiration of the abilities of Le Sage.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Robert Southey : Thalaba
?Malden and I have read Thalaba together, and are proceeding to the Curse of Kehama.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Elizabeth Montague : [essay on Shakespeare]
'I have read the greater part of the History of James I and Mrs. Montagues?s essay on Shakespeare, and a great deal of Gibbon'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
unknown : History of James I
'I have read the greater part of the History of James I and Mrs. Montagues?s essay on Shakespeare, and a great deal of Gibbon'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'I have read the greater part of the History of James I and Mrs. Montagues?s essay on Shakespeare, and a great deal of Gibbon'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Hebrew Melodies
'John Smith, Bob Hankinson, and I, went over the "Hebrew Melodies" together'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Sir Charles Grandison
'In the year 1816 we were at Brighton for the summer holidays, and he read to us "Sir Charles Grandison". It was always habit in our family to read aloud every evening.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babbington Macaulay Print: Book
Walter Scott : Lay of the Last Minstrel
'He [Macaulay] was so fired up with reading Scott?s "Lay" and "Marmion", the former of which he got entirely, and the latter almost entirely, by heart, merely from his delight in reading them, that he determined on writing himself a poem in six cantos which he called the "Battle of Cheviot"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Walter Scott : Marmion
'He [Macaulay] was so fired up with reading Scott?s "Lay" and "Marmion", the former of which he got entirely, and the latter almost entirely, by heart, merely from his delight in reading them, that he determined on writing himself a poem in six cantos which he called the "Battle of Cheviot?'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Xenophon : Anabasis
[Marginalia in Macaulay's copy of Xenophon's "Anabasis"]: 'Decidedly his best work. Dec 17 1835'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Xenophon : Anabasis
[Marginalia] 'Most certainly. February 24, 1837'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Xenophon : Anabasis
[Marginalia] 'One of the very first works that antiquity has left us. Perfect in its kind. October 9, 1837'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plautus : unknown
'I read Plautus four times at Calcutta. The first in November and December 1834. The second in January and the beginning of February 1835'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plautus : unknown
'I read Plautus four times at Calcutta. The first in November and December 1834 The second in January and the beginning of February 1835 The third on the Sundays from the 24th of May to the 23rd of August 1835'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Plautus : unknown
'I read Plautus four times at Calcutta. The first in November and December 1834 The second in January and the beginning of February 1835 The third on the Sundays from the 24th of May to the 23rd of August 1835. The fourth on the Sundays beginning from the 1st of January 1837'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
John Burke : A general and heraldic dictionary of the peerage and baronetage of the British Empire ?
[Marginalia]: Copious marginal updates throughout the text. Many relate to entries and are linked to the item by an * in the text but some are for people not in the directory and are simply added at the appropriate alphabetical slot. Content varies from dates of death, marriage etc to more elaborate information e.g p.669 "Dowager - 84 rides every morning all seasons in Kings Ride Pimlico" [relates to the entry for James, seventh earl of Salisbury]; p.18 "Earl of Lichfield = Whig earl" [relates to entry for Viscount Anson];p.286 "Hop ... jump = 15 1/2 yds on the level = 46 1/2 feet. ... leaper cleared a few inches more at Innerleithen ... 1832" [relates to a new entry for Wilson]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Ker Print: Book
Edmund Lodge : The peerage of the British Empire, as at present existing, arranged and printed from the personal communications of the nobility ? to which is added a view of the baronetage of the three kingdoms
[Marginalia]: copious annotations throughout text, usually of the form of a marked item within the text followed by annotation in the margin but some are new entries inserted at the appropriate alphabetical slot. Contents vary from simple additions of dates of death, marriage etc to more detailed notes, mainly dated 1836-38. e.g. p. 534 "To Asia/ 8 yrs" [&] " Egypt - Arabia - Turkey - Archipelago" [refers to entry for Major Sir Grenville Temple]; "Ordered by Louis Philippe to quit Bayone in 24 hours for meeting the mercenary ... of the Whigs. Earliest .... = Constructive Treason Jany 37" [refers entry for Viscount Ranelagh]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Ker Print: Book
William Wordsworth : annotations on Shakespeare's sonnets in The Works of the British Poets
"[in November 1803, when Coleridge was thirty-one] Wordsworth had been reading Shakespeare's sonnets in Coleridge's copy of a set of the Works of the British Poets, in which both he and Coleridge's brother-in-law Robert Southey had made manuscript notes. Taking up the Shakespeare volume and coming upon a pencilled note of Wordsworth's critical of the sonnets, Coleridge answered with a long note of his own, in ink [disagreeing with Wordsworth's judgements]."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Manuscript: annotations in printed text
Thomas Malthus : Essay on the Principle of Population
"In January 1804 Coleridge annotated, heavily, in pencil, the first dozen or so pages of a copy of Thomas Malthus's Essay on the Principle of Population by way of assistance to Southey, who had to review it."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Browne :
"By ... [January 1804 Coleridge] ... had probably ... begun to write brief notes, appreciative and explanatory, in copies of the works of Sir Thomas Browne destined for Sara Hutchinson, Wordsworth's sister-in-law, with whom he was hopelessly in love."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Samuel Daniel : The History of the Civil War
"[Charles] Lamb must have spoken dismissively of [Samuel] Daniel's poem The History of the Civil War, but Coleridge, when he read it through [in Lamb's copy of Daniel's Poetical Works], thought quite well of it, so he annotated it to try to win Lamb over ... [writing]: "'Dear Charles, I think more highly, far more, of the 'Civil Wars,' than you seemed to do (on Monday night, Feb. 9th 1808) -- the Verse does not Teize me; and all the while I am reading it, I cannot but fancy a plain England-loving English Country Gentleman, with only some dozen Books in his whole Library ...'"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Samuel Daniel : The History of the Civil War
"[Charles] Lamb must have spoken dismissively of [Samuel] Daniel's poem The History of the Civil War, but Coleridge, when he read it through [in Lamb's copy of Daniel's Poetical Works], thought quite well of it, so he annotated it to try to win Lamb over ... [writing]: "'Dear Charles, I think more highly, far more, of the 'Civil Wars,' than you seemed to do (on Monday night, Feb. 9th 1808) -- the Verse does not Teize me; and all the while I am reading it, I cannot but fancy a plain England-loving English Country Gentleman, with only some dozen Books in his whole Library ...'"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : annotations to Samuel Daniel's poetry
Charles Lamb's response to reading marginal comments by S. T. Coleridge in his copy of Samuel Daniel's Poetical Works, in letter to Coleridge: "'I wish every book I have were so noted. They have thoroughly converted me to relish Daniel, or to say I relish him ... Your notes are excellent. Perhaps you've forgot them.'"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb Manuscript: annotations in printed text
Richard Field : Of the Church
H. J. Jackson notes S. T. Coleridge's presentation of a copy of Richard Field, Of the Church, annotated by himself, to his son Derwent in 1819.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Barry Cornwall : Dramatic Scenes
H. J. Jackson notes S. T. Coleridge's annotations, at owners' requests, of copies of Barry Cornwall, Dramatic Scenes, and Charles Tennyson Turner, Sonnets and Fugitive Pieces.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Charles Tennyson Turner : Sonnets and Fugitive Pieces
H. J. Jackson notes S. T. Coleridge's annotations, at owners' requests, of copies of Barry Cornwall, Dramatic Scenes, and Charles Tennyson Turner, Sonnets and Fugitive Pieces.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
James Boswell : Life of Johnson
H. J. Jackson discusses Leigh Hunt's responsive annotations, including personal reminiscences and observations, as well as critical remarks, to his copy of James Boswell's Life of Johnson.
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: James Leigh Hunt Print: Book
James Boswell : The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D
H. J. Jackson notes John Gibson Lockhart's annotations, including personal reminiscences in response to sections of text, in his copy of James Boswell's Life of Samuel Johnson.
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: John Gibson Lockhart Print: Book
: Illustrated Chatterton
Thomas Dibdin, in The Bibliomania; or Book-Madness (1809), on "illustration" of printed texts, with annotations and insertions, by readers: "'I almost ridiculed the idea of an ILLUSTRATED CHATTERTON, in this way, till I saw Mr. Haslewood's copy, in twenty-one volumes, which riveted me to my seat!' (pp.64-65)"
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Frognall Dibdin Print: Book
Arnold Bennett : Pretty Lady, The
'Bonar Law told him that "his sister had been a very great admirer", but that since this book she had "done with" him.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Law Print: Book
Robert Lowth : A short introduction to English grammar: with critical notes
[Marginalia]: ms notes on binding pages: (1) "an English verb has/ not above six or seven/ different ... /whereas a french has/ very often more than/forty"; (2) "The English language/ has the the [sic] advantage/ of the French in ... /to personification"
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Erskine Print: Book
Horace Walpole : Castle of Otranto
'If you like it try the "Castle of Otranto" by Horace Walpole. That is the best stilted romance style I know. "Well may the blood" says an expiring viscount to a peasant youth who has fallen in love with a countess and been recognised by a friar as his son, the friar thereupon proving himself a duke, and the detection of his son arising from a markt on the son's neck, which was being bared for execution, - "well may the blood which has so lately traced itself to its source boil over in the veins". (The boy had shown signs of annoyance.) I never saw anything like that before.The killing and stabbing and the wonderment produced as to why all the characters stay about the old castle, (most of them have no business there), when at least three quarters are searching for the blood of the other three quarters for monetary reasonsor for none! There are three discoveries, I think of long lost children and no end of supernaturalism; all produces a gorgeous effect.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
Silvio Pellico : Prisons
'I also read again Silvio Pellico's "Prisons". I read it once at Granton- a lovely book (same edition) and "Adam Bede" and a French Novel and other new works. I like all Adam Bede immensely except the extremely inartistic plot. Geo. Eliot loves to draw self-righteious people with good instincts being led into crime or misery by circumstances.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
n/a : [newspaper]
'I came across the news of the death of Bradshaw in the papers just now.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Newspaper
James Martineau : Types of Ethical Theory
'I am reading Martineau ["Types of Ethical Theory"] and like it, indeed I think I shall leave of writing this and go on.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
William Wordsworth : [unknown]
'I am reading Wordsworth with one of the younger classes but it is difficult to explain to people of purely Indian associations Wordsworth's love for nature.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
Arthur Helps : Realmah
'I read Helps's Realmah yesterday and the day before. [...] His essays are old-womanish. I have to "set a paper" on that book and am quite unprepared to ask a single question about it. The last generation of readers was so fond of what is elegant.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
Walt Whitman : [unknown]
'I spent the morning reading dramatists, to qualify myself to teach English Literature [...] while in the evening I read Walt Whitman's last book aloud to Alice, thus establishing myself as a (qualified) Whitmaniac.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : The Black Arrow
'Last night I spent with Charles Strachey; we each had an arm chair with a chair between us to hold books as we passed judgment on them. I am sending you Stevenson's last book which came out a few days ago, which I bought and read this afternoon (I had a meddlesome red pencil with which I slightly disfigured it) and which I think spendidly spirited.' [followed by a judgment on the book]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
[unknown] : [Life of Scott]
'I have read a good many things, a life of Scott, the "Pleasures of Memory" by S. Rogers, Roman History and other things.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
Samuel Rogers : Pleasures of Memory
'I have read a good many things, a life of Scott, the "Pleasures of Memory" by S. Rogers, Roman History and other things.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
Plato : Banquet
'I have been reading the Banquet of Plato. When you come here I will read it to you.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
John Ruskin : The Stones of Venice
[checkweighman Chester Armstrong wrote] "The fact of Ruskin's gallant and successful defence of Turner the great landscape painter, and his still more valiant stand against the orthodox economists, cast a spell over me which was irresistible... To read 'Modern Painters', 'The Seven Lamps of Architecture', 'The Stones of Venice', 'The Crown of Wild Olives', was a kind of aesthetic intoxication".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
John Ruskin : Modern Painters
[checkweighman Chester Armstrong wrote] "The fact of Ruskin's gallant and successful defence of Turner the great landscape painter, and his still more valiant stand against the orthodox economists, cast a spell over me which was irresistible... To read 'Modern Painters', 'The Seven Lamps of Architecture', 'The Stones of Venice', 'The Crown of Wild Olives', was a kind of aesthetic intoxication".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
John Ruskin : The Seven Lamps of Architecture
[checkweighman Chester Armstrong wrote] "The fact of Ruskin's gallant and successful defence of Turner the great landscape painter, and his still more valiant stand against the orthodox economists, cast a spell over me which was irresistible... To read 'Modern Painters', 'The Seven Lamps of Architecture', 'The Stones of Venice', 'The Crown of Wild Olives', was a kind of aesthetic intoxication".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
John Clare : Poems Descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery
H. J. Jackson discusses copy of John Clare, Poems Descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery (1820) annotated by Eliza Louisa Emmerson for Lord Radstock.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Eliza Louisa Emmerson Print: Book
John Ruskin : The Crown of Wild Olives
[checkweighman Chester Armstrong wrote] "The fact of Ruskin's gallant and successful defence of Turner the great landscape painter, and his still more valiant stand against the orthodox economists, cast a spell over me which was irresistible... To read 'Modern Painters', 'The Seven Lamps of Architecture', 'The Stones of Venice', 'The Crown of Wild Olives', was a kind of aesthetic intoxication".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Chester Armstrong Print: Book
Alfred Russel Wallace : Contributions to the Theory of Natural Selection
H. J. Jackson notes how annotations made in 1871 by Francis Palgrave in his copy of Alfred Russel Wallace, Contributions to the Theory of Natural Selection (1870) show development of Palgrave's response (including objections) to the argument of the text.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Palgrave Print: Book
T. J. Mathias : Pursuits of Literature
H. J. Jackson notes annotations by T. B. Macaulay in T. J. Mathias, Pursuits of Literature, including "'Bah!'" "'A contemptible heap of rant & twaddle'" and "'Noisome pedantry'."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Edward Coke : The First Part of the Institutes of the Laws of England; or, A Commentary upon Littleton
H. J. Jackson notes annotations (including corrections and updatings to text and notes) by Francis Hargrave in copy of his own edition of Edward Coke's Commentary upon Littleton (1775).
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Hargrave Print: Book
Adam Smith : [unknown]
'After a miserable Catholic school education...periodic unemployment allowed [Joseph Toole] to study in the Manchester Reference Library. There he discovered, Adam Smith, Ricardo, Herbert Spencer, Huxley, Mill, Emerson, Dickens, Morris, Blatchford, Shaw and Wells, and of course John Ruskin..."Study always left me with a deep feeling that there was so much amiss with the world. It seemed that it had been started at the wrong end, and that it was everybody's business to put the matter right".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Toole Print: Book
David Ricardo : [unknown]
'After a miserable Catholic school education...periodic unemployment allowed [Joseph Toole] to study in the Manchester Reference Library. There he discovered, Adam Smith, Ricardo, Herbert Spencer, Huxley, Mill, Emerson, Dickens, Morris, Blatchford, Shaw and Wells, and of course John Ruskin..."Study always left me with a deep feeling that there was so much amiss with the world. It seemed that it had been started at the wrong end, and that it was everybody's business to put the matter right".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Toole Print: Book
Herbert Spencer : [unknown]
'After a miserable Catholic school education...periodic unemployment allowed [Joseph Toole] to study in the Manchester Reference Library. There he discovered, Adam Smith, Ricardo, Herbert Spencer, Huxley, Mill, Emerson, Dickens, Morris, Blatchford, Shaw and Wells, and of course John Ruskin..."Study always left me with a deep feeling that there was so much amiss with the world. It seemed that it had been started at the wrong end, and that it was everybody's business to put the matter right".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Toole Print: Book
Thomas Henry Huxley : [unknown]
'After a miserable Catholic school education...periodic unemployment allowed [Joseph Toole] to study in the Manchester Reference Library. There he discovered, Adam Smith, Ricardo, Herbert Spencer, Huxley, Mill, Emerson, Dickens, Morris, Blatchford, Shaw and Wells, and of course John Ruskin..."Study always left me with a deep feeling that there was so much amiss with the world. It seemed that it had been started at the wrong end, and that it was everybody's business to put the matter right".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Toole Print: Book
John Stuart Mill : [unknown]
'After a miserable Catholic school education...periodic unemployment allowed [Joseph Toole] to study in the Manchester Reference Library. There he discovered, Adam Smith, Ricardo, Herbert Spencer, Huxley, Mill, Emerson, Dickens, Morris, Blatchford, Shaw and Wells, and of course John Ruskin..."Study always left me with a deep feeling that there was so much amiss with the world. It seemed that it had been started at the wrong end, and that it was everybody's business to put the matter right".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Toole Print: Book
Ralph Waldo Emerson : [unknown]
'After a miserable Catholic school education...periodic unemployment allowed [Joseph Toole] to study in the Manchester Reference Library. There he discovered, Adam Smith, Ricardo, Herbert Spencer, Huxley, Mill, Emerson, Dickens, Morris, Blatchford, Shaw and Wells, and of course John Ruskin..."Study always left me with a deep feeling that there was so much amiss with the world. It seemed that it had been started at the wrong end, and that it was everybody's business to put the matter right".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Toole Print: Book
Charles Dickens : [unknown]
'After a miserable Catholic school education...periodic unemployment allowed [Joseph Toole] to study in the Manchester Reference Library. There he discovered, Adam Smith, Ricardo, Herbert Spencer, Huxley, Mill, Emerson, Dickens, Morris, Blatchford, Shaw and Wells, and of course John Ruskin..."Study always left me with a deep feeling that there was so much amiss with the world. It seemed that it had been started at the wrong end, and that it was everybody's business to put the matter right".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Toole Print: Book
William Morris : [unknown]
'After a miserable Catholic school education...periodic unemployment allowed [Joseph Toole] to study in the Manchester Reference Library. There he discovered, Adam Smith, Ricardo, Herbert Spencer, Huxley, Mill, Emerson, Dickens, Morris, Blatchford, Shaw and Wells, and of course John Ruskin..."Study always left me with a deep feeling that there was so much amiss with the world. It seemed that it had been started at the wrong end, and that it was everybody's business to put the matter right".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Toole Print: Book
Robert Peel Glanville Blatchford : [unknown]
'After a miserable Catholic school education...periodic unemployment allowed [Joseph Toole] to study in the Manchester Reference Library. There he discovered, Adam Smith, Ricardo, Herbert Spencer, Huxley, Mill, Emerson, Dickens, Morris, Blatchford, Shaw and Wells, and of course John Ruskin..."Study always left me with a deep feeling that there was so much amiss with the world. It seemed that it had been started at the wrong end, and that it was everybody's business to put the matter right".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Toole Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw : [unknown]
'After a miserable Catholic school education...periodic unemployment allowed [Joseph Toole] to study in the Manchester Reference Library. There he discovered, Adam Smith, Ricardo, Herbert Spencer, Huxley, Mill, Emerson, Dickens, Morris, Blatchford, Shaw and Wells, and of course John Ruskin..."Study always left me with a deep feeling that there was so much amiss with the world. It seemed that it had been started at the wrong end, and that it was everybody's business to put the matter right".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Toole Print: Book
Herbert George Wells : [unknown]
'After a miserable Catholic school education...periodic unemployment allowed [Joseph Toole] to study in the Manchester Reference Library. There he discovered, Adam Smith, Ricardo, Herbert Spencer, Huxley, Mill, Emerson, Dickens, Morris, Blatchford, Shaw and Wells, and of course John Ruskin..."Study always left me with a deep feeling that there was so much amiss with the world. It seemed that it had been started at the wrong end, and that it was everybody's business to put the matter right".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Toole Print: Book
John Ruskin : [unknown]
'After a miserable Catholic school education...periodic unemployment allowed [Joseph Toole] to study in the Manchester Reference Library. There he discovered, Adam Smith, Ricardo, Herbert Spencer, Huxley, Mill, Emerson, Dickens, Morris, Blatchford, Shaw and Wells, and of course John Ruskin..."Study always left me with a deep feeling that there was so much amiss with the world. It seemed that it had been started at the wrong end, and that it was everybody's business to put the matter right".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Toole Print: Book
John Morfitt : poems in poems including Lines on Hatton
H. J. Jackson discusses "sarcastic" marginal remarks by Samuel Parr in his copy of Poems by Mrs Pickering (1794), a volume including poems by John Morfitt and Joseph Weston; Morfitt's poem "Lines on Hatton" includes a "verse portrait" of Parr, who was parson and schoolmaster of the village of Hatton.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Parr Print: Book
Joseph Weston : poems including Written on Returning from Lichfield
H. J. Jackson discusses "sarcastic" marginal remarks by Samuel Parr in his copy of Poems by Mrs Pickering (1794), a volume including poems by John Morfitt and Joseph Weston; Morfitt's poem "Lines on Hatton" includes a "verse portrait" of Parr, who was parson and schoolmaster of the village of Hatton.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Parr Print: Book
William Wycherley : Plays
H. J. Jackson notes observations by Leigh Hunt written into back of a copy of William Wycherley's Plays originally belonging to Charles Lamb, as well as other annotations by Hunt and by Lamb.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Leigh Hunt Print: Book
William Wycherley : Plays
H. J. Jackson notes observations by Leigh Hunt written into back of a copy of William Wycherley's Plays originally belonging to Charles Lamb, as well as other annotations by Hunt and by Lamb.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb Print: Book
Thomas Babington Macaulay : Lays of Ancient Rome: with "Ivry" and "The Armada"
H. J. Jackson notes annotations made by John James Raven over period of around 40-50 years in copy of Macaulay's Lays of Ancient Rome given to him in 1848, "when Raven was a schoolboy of fifteen."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: John James Raven Print: Book
William Verral : A Complete System of Cookery
"Thomas Gray's copy of William Verral's Complete System of Cookery contains several marks and additions, allegedly in Gray's hand [including records of success or failure of recipes] ..."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Gray Print: Book
: The Imperial Family Bible
H. J. Jackson notes Hester Lynch Piozzi's extensive 1819-20 annotations to The Imperial Family Bible, lent to her by its owner, Mrs Susanna Rudd.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Piozzi Print: Book
James Andrew Pettit : Anecdotes, &c Ancient and Modern
H. J. Jackson notes Hester Lynch Piozzi's notes to Pettit's Anecdotes (borrowed from her friend Edward Mangin in 1817), written by her onto separate sheets of paper, which were cut up and pasted into the relevant sections of the text by Mangin.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Piozzi Print: Book
James Sedgwick : Hints to the Public and Legislature, on the Nature and Effect of Evangelical Preaching
H. J. Jackson notes that Coleridge wrote "an extraordinary set of notes ... designed to help [Robert] Southey with a review" into a copy of James Sedgwick, Hints to the Public and Legislature, on the Nature and Effect of Evangelical Preaching (1810).
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Paracelsus :
"In Part I of the Religio [Medici] (i:30), [Thomas] Browne confesses himself a writer of marginalia, quoting a passage of Paracelsus that he declare 'I never could pass ... without an asterisk or annotation.'"
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Browne Print: Book
John Donne : Poems
H. J. Jackson notes Coleridge's 1811 annotation of Charles Lamb's copy of Donne's Poems, in which he wrote "'N.B. Spite of Appearances, this Copy is better for the Mss. Notes. The Annotator himself says so.' (1:221)"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Novalis : Heinrich von Ofterdingen (vol 2)
H. J. Jackson notes 1818 letter from S. T. Coleridge to Joseph Henry Green in which, "having mentioned Novalis's Heinrich von Ofterdingen, [Coleridge] says, '(Your short critique of which pencilled at the end of the IInd. Vol contains my full judgement & convictions thereon).'"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Henry Green Print: Book
Thomas Hardy : [unknown]
'As a ?1-a-week warehouse clerk in the early 1920s, H.E. Bates spent most of the workday with Conrad, Hardy, Wells, Bennett, Galsworthy, Edith Wharton and Willa Cather'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Herbert Ernest Bates Print: Book
Joseph Conrad : [unknown]
'As a ?1-a-week warehouse clerk in the early 1920s, H.E. Bates spent most of the workday with Conrad, Hardy, Wells, Bennett, Galsworthy, Edith Wharton and Willa Cather'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Herbert Ernest Bates Print: Book
Herbert George Wells : [unknown]
'As a ?1-a-week warehouse clerk in the early 1920s, H.E. Bates spent most of the workday with Conrad, Hardy, Wells, Bennett, Galsworthy, Edith Wharton and Willa Cather'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Herbert Ernest Bates Print: Book
Arnold Bennett : [unknown]
'As a ?1-a-week warehouse clerk in the early 1920s, H.E. Bates spent most of the workday with Conrad, Hardy, Wells, Bennett, Galsworthy, Edith Wharton and Willa Cather'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Herbert Ernest Bates Print: Book
John Galsworthy : [unknown]
'As a ?1-a-week warehouse clerk in the early 1920s, H.E. Bates spent most of the workday with Conrad, Hardy, Wells, Bennett, Galsworthy, Edith Wharton and Willa Cather'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Herbert Ernest Bates Print: Book
Edith Wharton : [unknown]
'As a ?1-a-week warehouse clerk in the early 1920s, H.E. Bates spent most of the workday with Conrad, Hardy, Wells, Bennett, Galsworthy, Edith Wharton and Willa Cather'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Herbert Ernest Bates Print: Book
Willa Cather : [unknown]
'As a ?1-a-week warehouse clerk in the early 1920s, H.E. Bates spent most of the workday with Conrad, Hardy, Wells, Bennett, Galsworthy, Edith Wharton and Willa Cather'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Herbert Ernest Bates Print: Book
Gerard Langbaine : An Account of the English Dramatic Poets (Oxford, 1691)
"One of the interleaved British Library copies of the 1691 edition [of Gerard Langbaine's Account of the English Dramatic Poets] graphically represents the circulation of annotated books in the eighteenth century and the early nineteenth, for it contains not only the notes of the current owner in 1813, John Haslemere, and those of his predecessor Richard Wright, but also notes transcribed from another copy that had been annotated by George Steevens who had himself collected notes from yet another annotated by Thomas Percy and William Oldys."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Percy Print: Book
John Brand : Observations on Popular Antiquities
"When John Brand had a copy of his Observations on Popular Antiquities (1777) interleaved to take materials for a revised edition, he drafted a paragraph of acknowledgements [on one of the interleaves of the same copy] with specific reference to [Francis] Douce, 'who had enriched an interleaved Copy of my former Book with many very pertinent notes & illustrations ...'"
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Douce Print: Book
James Granger : Biographical History
H. J. Jackson notes Francis Douce's reading and annotation of James Granger, Biographical History (1779).
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Douce Print: Book
John Whitaker : The Ancient Cathedral of Cornwall Historically Surveyed
H. J. Jackson notes Francis Douce's reading and annotations (which are "not generous") of copies of John Whitaker, The Ancient Cathedral of Cornwall Historically Surveyed (1804) and The History of Manchester (1771; 1775), both bequeathed by him to the British Museum; quotes extensive note in which Douce attacks Whitaker's scholarship at point where Whitaker has attempted to correct one of his (Douce's) previous remarks on etymology.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Douce Print: Book
John Whitaker : The History of Manchester
H. J. Jackson notes Francis Douce's reading and annotations (which are "not generous") of copies of John Whitaker, The Ancient Cathedral of Cornwall Historically Surveyed (1804) and The History of Manchester (1771; 1775), both bequeathed by him to the British Museum; quotes extensive note in which Douce attacks Whitaker's scholarship at point where Whitaker has attempted to correct one of his (Douce's) previous remarks on etymology.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Douce Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : The Vicar of Wakefield
'She was "surprised into tears" by "The Vicar of Wakefield", although she did not much like it.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Denis Diderot : Les bijous indiscrets
'But my dear, what a book! I am ashamed of it! I have read it right through and because I would not conceal from you the worse actions of my life, I send it to you, to show what a wicked book has engrossed your chaste wife these last two days. But is you, my dear, who have caused this vulgarity, for if I had not sought your amusement, I should not have amused myself with such an improper book.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Boscawen Print: Book
Thucydides : [unknown]
'the young Burney's paranoia about being detected in classical learning. When in 1769 she read Thucydides, she emphasised even in her private diary that she did not read "the original Greek... I think the precaution necessary!". '
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Cicero : [unknown]
'Burney haunted the Thrales' library at Streatham, hiding her book when a man appeared: "she instantly put away [her] book", in this instance a translation of Cicero, when Mr Steward entered the library, or hid under her gloves his "Life of Waller" when Johnson approached.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
: [A history of Europe]
During my stay with the clergyman my mother again became a servant in the family and well do I remember reading by the kitchen fire, during the long winter nights. My favourite books were two folio volumes, with illustrations- one a history of Europe, the other a history of England. My interest in those books was intense, and many times have I thought whilst poring over them, 'shall I ever see any of the places here described?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Watson Print: Book
: [A history of England]
'During my stay with the clergyman my mother again became a servant in the family and well do I remember reading by the kitchen fire, during the long winter nights. My favourite books were two folio volumes, with illustrations- one a history of Europe, the other a history of England. My interest in those books was intense, and many times have I thought whilst poring over them, "shall I ever see any of the places here described?"'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Watson Print: Book
n/a : [a 'bill' advertising a meeting].
'It was in the autumn of 1818 that I first becam acquainted with politics and theology. Passingalong Briggate one evening, I saw at the corner of Union Court a bill, which stated that the Radical Reformers held their meetings in a room in that court. Curiosity prompted me to go and hear what was going on. I found them reading Woller's Black Dwarf, Carlile's Republican, and Cobbett's Register. I remembered my mother being in the habit of reading Cobbett's Register, and saying she '"ondered people spoke so much against it; she saw nothing bad in it, but she saw a great many good things in it." After hearing it read in the the meeting room, I was of my mother's opinion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Watson Print: Advertisement, Handbill, Poster
Johann Lorenz von Mosheim : An Ecclesiastical History, ancient and modern
'During these twelve months [in prison] I read with deep interest and much profit Gibbon's "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire", Hume's "History of England", and many other standard works- amongst others, Mosheims "Ecclesiastical History". The reading of that book would have made me a freethinker if I had not been one before.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Watson Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'During these twelve months [inprison] I read with deep interest and much profit Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Hume's "History of England", and many other standard works- amongst others, Mosheims "Ecclesiastical History". The reading of that book would have made me a freethinker if I had not been one before.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Watson Print: Book
David Hume : The History of England
'During these twelve months [in prison] I read with deep interest and much profit Gibbon's "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire", Hume's "History of England", and many other standard works- amongst others, Mosheims "Ecclesiastical History". The reading of that book would have made me a free thinker if I had not been one before.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Watson Print: Book
James Cook : Voyage to the Pacific Ocean
Burney's reading group reading two books - "the last voyage of Captain Cook" and the "letters of Madame de Sevigne". She makes little progress with Cook because of her fascination with Sevigne, a "siren" who "seduces me from all other reading"; she feels such an intense response to the letters that it is as if Sevigne "were alive and even now in my room and permitting me to run into her arms."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Marie de Sevigne : letters
Burney's reading group reading two books - 'the last voyage of Captain Cook and the letters of Madame de Sevigne. She makes little progress with Cook because of her fascination with Sevigne, a 'siren' who 'seduces me from all other reading'; she feels such an intense response to the letters that it is as if Sevigne 'were alive and even now in my room and permitting me to run into her arms.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Life of Waller
'Burney haunted the Thrales' library at Streatham, hiding her book when a man appeared: "she instantly put away [her] book", in this instance a translation of Cicero, when Mr Seward entered the library, or hid under her gloves his "Life of Waller" when Johnson approached.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Unknown
Hannah More : Coelebs in search of a wife
[Burney was] 'not impressed by Samuel James Arnold's "The Creole", Lady Morgan's "The Missionary", Edgeworth's "Patronage", which she found "dull and heavy" or Hannah More's "Coelebs", which she found "monotonously without interest of ANY kind", despite her approval of its politics.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth : Patronage
'[Burney was] 'not impressed by Samuel James Arnold's "The Creole", Lady Morgan's "The Missionary", Edgeworth's "Patronage", which she found "dull and heavy" or Hannah More's "Coelebs", which she found "monotonously without interest of ANY kind", despite her approval of its politics.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Samuel James Arnold : The Creole
'[Burney was] 'not impressed by Samuel James Arnold's "The Creole", Lady Morgan's "The Missionary", Edgeworth's "Patronage", which she found "dull and heavy" or Hannah More's "Coelebs", which she found "monotonously without interest of ANY kind", despite her approval of its politics.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Lady Morgan : The Missionary
'[Burney was] 'not impressed by Samuel James Arnold's "The Creole", Lady Morgan's "The Missionary", Edgeworth's "Patronage", which she found "dull and heavy" or Hannah More's "Coelebs", which she found "monotonously without interest of ANY kind", despite her approval of its politics.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
: some new novels
'she read some new novels, though not often with approval: she disliked the politics of Caleb Williams.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
William Godwin : Caleb Williams
'she read some new novels, though not often with approval: she disliked the politics of Caleb Williams.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Joseph Addison : The spectator
'In 1782 Hester Thrale read the Spectator to her daughters, who found hilariously improper the "Idea of a Lady saying her Stomach ach'd, or that something stuck between her teeth".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Thrale Print: Serial / periodical
Sutherland : Tour of Constantinople
'Larpent listened while her husband and stepson read aloud to her from the newspapers and Sutherland's "Tour of Constantinople".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: stepson of Anna Larpent Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Regained
'Soon Pritchett was reading Penny Poets editions of "Paradise Regained", Wordsworth's "Prelude", Cowper, and Coleridge. He formulated plans to become Poet Laureate by age twenty-one'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
William Wordsworth : Prelude, The
'Soon Pritchett was reading Penny Poets editions of "Paradise Regained", Wordsworth's "Prelude", Cowper, and Coleridge. He formulated plans to become Poet Laureate by age twenty-one'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
William Cowper :
'Soon Pritchett was reading Penny Poets editions of "Paradise Regained", Wordsworth's "Prelude", Cowper, and Coleridge. He formulated plans to become Poet Laureate by age twenty-one'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge :
'Soon Pritchett was reading Penny Poets editions of "Paradise Regained", Wordsworth's "Prelude", Cowper, and Coleridge. He formulated plans to become Poet Laureate by age twenty-one'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
John Ruskin : Modern Painters
'[Pritchett] was... unprepared for the intimidating greatness of Ruskin's "Modern Painters"... "There was too much to know. I discovered that Ruskin was not so very many years older than I was when he wrote that book".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
George du Maurier : [unknown]
'as an office boy, Pritchett tried to read widely and dreamt of an escape to Bohemia. But his knowledge of the Latin Quarter was gleaned not from Flaubert, only from third-raters like George du Maurier, W.J. Locke, and Hilaire Belloc'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
W.J. Locke : [unknown]
'as an office boy, Pritchett tried to read widely and dreamt of an escape to Bohemia. But his knowledge of the Latin Quarter was gleaned not from Flaubert, only from third-raters like George du Maurier, W.J. Locke, and Hilaire Belloc'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
Hilaire Belloc : [unknown]
'as an office boy, Pritchett tried to read widely and dreamt of an escape to Bohemia. But his knowledge of the Latin Quarter was gleaned not from Flaubert, only from third-raters like George du Maurier, W.J. Locke, and Hilaire Belloc'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Sawdon Pritchett Print: Book
Arnold Bennett : Riceyman Steps
'Riceyman Steps' had brought him new prestige; it was read by lords and barbers, and Conrad was reported to say that it showed 'Bennett victorious'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Thomas Stearns Eliot : The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
'With autodidact diligence [Leslie Paul] closed in on the avant-garde. He read "Prufrock" and "The Waste Land", though not until the 1930s. He smuggled "Ulysses" and "Lady Chatterley's Lover" past customs. In "John O'London's" and "The Nation", in William MacDougall's Home University Library volume on "Psychology" and F.A. Servante's "Psychology of the Boy", he read up on Freud. In a few years he knew enough to ghost-write BBC lectures on modern psychology'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Paul Print: Book
Thomas Stearns Eliot : The Waste Land
'With autodidact diligence [Leslie Paul] closed in on the avant-garde. He read "Prufrock" and "The Waste Land", though not until the 1930s. He smuggled "Ulysses" and "Lady Chatterley's Lover" past customs. In "John O'London's" and "The Nation", in William MacDougall's Home University Library volume on "Psychology" and F.A. Servante's "Psychology of the Boy", he read up on Freud. In a few years he knew enough to ghost-write BBC lectures on modern psychology'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Paul Print: Book
David Herbert Lawrence : Lady Chatterley's Lover
'With autodidact diligence [Leslie Paul] closed in on the avant-garde. He read "Prufrock" and "The Waste Land", though not until the 1930s. He smuggled "Ulysses" and "Lady Chatterley's Lover" past customs. In "John O'London's" and "The Nation", in William MacDougall's Home University Library volume on "Psychology" and F.A. Servante's "Psychology of the Boy", he read up on Freud. In a few years he knew enough to ghost-write BBC lectures on modern psychology'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Paul Print: Book
James Joyce : Ulysses
'With autodidact diligence [Leslie Paul] closed in on the avant-garde. He read "Prufrock" and "The Waste Land", though not until the 1930s. He smuggled "Ulysses" and "Lady Chatterley's Lover" past customs. In "John O'London's" and "The Nation", in William MacDougall's Home University Library volume on "Psychology" and F.A. Servante's "Psychology of the Boy", he read up on Freud. In a few years he knew enough to ghost-write BBC lectures on modern psychology'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Paul Print: Book
[unknown] : John O' London's
'With autodidact diligence [Leslie Paul] closed in on the avant-garde. He read "Prufrock" and "The Waste Land", though not until the 1930s. He smuggled "Ulysses" and "Lady Chatterley's Lover" past customs. In "John O'London's" and "The Nation", in William MacDougall's Home University Library volume on "Psychology" and F.A. Servante's "Psychology of the Boy", he read up on Freud. In a few years he knew enough to ghost-write BBC lectures on modern psychology'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Paul Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : The Nation
'With autodidact diligence [Leslie Paul] closed in on the avant-garde. He read "Prufrock" and "The Waste Land", though not until the 1930s. He smuggled "Ulysses" and "Lady Chatterley's Lover" past customs. In "John O'London's" and "The Nation", in William MacDougall's Home University Library volume on "Psychology" and F.A. Servante's "Psychology of the Boy", he read up on Freud. In a few years he knew enough to ghost-write BBC lectures on modern psychology'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Paul Print: Serial / periodical
William MacDougall : Psychology
'With autodidact diligence [Leslie Paul] closed in on the avant-garde. He read "Prufrock" and "The Waste Land", though not until the 1930s. He smuggled "Ulysses" and "Lady Chatterley's Lover" past customs. In "John O'London's" and "The Nation", in William MacDougall's Home University Library volume on "Psychology" and F.A. Servante's "Psychology of the Boy", he read up on Freud. In a few years he knew enough to ghost-write BBC lectures on modern psychology'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Paul Print: Book
F.A. Servante : Psychology of the Boy
'With autodidact diligence [Leslie Paul] closed in on the avant-garde. He read "Prufrock" and "The Waste Land", though not until the 1930s. He smuggled "Ulysses" and "Lady Chatterley's Lover" past customs. In "John O'London's" and "The Nation", in William MacDougall's Home University Library volume on "Psychology" and F.A. Servante's "Psychology of the Boy", he read up on Freud. In a few years he knew enough to ghost-write BBC lectures on modern psychology'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Paul Print: Book
: popular chapbooks
J. R. R. Aadams quotes from memoirs of Seamus MacManus (The Rocky Road to Dublin, 1939) on how MacManus (b. Donegal, c.1868) read the merchandise [mainly popular song and story chapbooks] on sale from bookstalls at country fairs, concluding " ... the young Jaimie managed, by persistently parking himself at the left-hand corner of the stand where the books were displayed, to get through the entire stock a little at a time, when the owner was not looking or was feeling indulgent."
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Seamus MacManus Print: Book
Richard Steele : The Conscious Lovers
'Mary Martin came to live with me at 30s per year. Read "The Conscious Lovers" in the even.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
: The Spectator
'This day made an end of instructing Miss Day. Read part of "The Spectator"; prodigiously admire the beauties pointed out in the eighth book of Milton's "Paradise Lost" by "The Spectator's" criticism wherein is beautifully expressed Adam's conference with the Almighty, and likewise his distress on losing sight of the phantom in his dream, and his joy in finding it a real creature when awake.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
James Hervey : Meditations among the tombs: in a letter to a lady
'I at home all day. Read part of Hervey's "Meditations".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
: The Universal Magazine of Knowledge and Pleasure
'At home all day a-writing. In the even read "The Universal Magazine" for December; think the following observations worth notice: [lists several observations from the magazine -direct quote?]'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'At home all day. In the even read the 9th book of "Paradise Lost".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'Read the 10th book of "Paradise Lost" in the even.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Regained
'At home all day. In the even read the 11th and 12th books of "Paradise Regained", which I think is much inferior for the sublimity of style to "Paradise Lost".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Joseph Pitton de Tournefort : Voyage into the Levant
'In the even began Tournefort's "Voyage into the Levant". Read his "Life" and the "Eulogium" on it by M. Fountenelle. Memorandums on his life: [describes life of Tournefort in detail].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Joseph Pitton de Tournefort : Voyage into the Levant
'After supper read part of Tournefort's "Voyage into the Levant".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Joseph Addison : Cato, A Tragedy
'After supper finished "The Tragedy of Cato".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Joseph Pitton de Tournefort : Voyage into the Levant
'After supper read part of Tournefort's "Voyage into the Levant".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Macbeth
'After supper read the "Tragedy of Macbeth", which I like very well.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
William Roscoe : Life of Lorenzo Di Medici, 2 vols
'You will readily believe that I have not read much since I wrote to you. Roscoe's life of Lorenzo di'Medici - a work concerning which I shall only observe, in the words of the Auctioneer that it is "well worth any gentleman's perusal" - is the only thing almost that I recollect aught abo[ut.]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
anon : The West County Clothier
'In the even read part of a simple thing called "The West Country Clothier" and, notwithstanding the meanness of the language, I think the character of the midwife and gossips is in some measure painted in their true colours; and the thoughtlessness and extravagance of many women are in some respects justly exposed by its often terminating in the husband's ruin...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Unknown
anon : The History of England
'In reading "The History of England" I find that England first took that name under Egbert the 1st monarch of England after the Saxon Heptarchy, anno 801.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
anon : The History of England
'Found in "The History of England" that England was first divided into counties, parishes, etc. in King Alfred's reign, about the year 890...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
William Derham : Physico-Theology
'At home all day. Not at church all day. Read part of Boyle's lectures and Smart's poem on eternity and immensity.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Christopher Smart : On the eternity of the Supreme Being: a poetical essay
'At home all day. Not at church all day. Read part of Boyle's lectures and Smart's poem on eternity and immensity.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
: The Tatler
'Not at church all day, neither looked in any book all day except "The Tatler".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
: The Tatler
'In the even read part of the 4th volume of "The Tatler", in which I find some very agreeable stories, in particular one wherein a beautiful and virtuous young lady is ruined by a young debauchee and a sordid parent, his father.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
: The Tatler
'In the even read part of the 4th volume of "The Tatler", which I think the oftener I read the better I like it. I think I never found the vice of drinking so well exploded in my life as in one of the numbers.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
: The Tatler
'Came home about 7 o'clock; read several numbers in the 4th volume of "The Tatler".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
William Derham : Physico-Theology
'In the even read Derham's "Sermons at Boyle's Lectures", wherein I find a man evacuates as much in one day by insensible perspiration as in 14 by stool.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Tillotson : Sermons
'In the even T Davy brought a p[ai]r Shoes for my nephew and stayed and Supp'd w[i]th us and I read him the 4th of Tillotson's Sermons.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Unknown
Joseph Pitton de Tournefort : Voyage into the Levant
'In the evening read Tournefort's "Voyage into the Levant", where I find the Turks think the dead are relieved by prayer.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
William Derham : Physico-Theology
'At home all day. On reading Derham's notes on Boyle's lectures I find he says that Mr Boyle demonstrates that so slender a wire may be drawn from gold that from once ounce of gold a wire may be drawn 777,600 feet in length or 155 miles and a half. In the even Tho. Davy here and supped with us and stayed until 11 o'clock but drunk nothing, only 1 pint of mild beer. We read Smart's poems on immensity, omniscience and power.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Christopher Smart : On the immensity of the Supreme Being: a poetical essay
'At home all day. On reading Derham's notes on Boyle's lectures I find he says that Mr Boyle demonstrates that so slender a wire may be drawn from gold that from once ounce of gold a wire may be drawn 777,600 feet in length or 155 miles and a half. In the even Tho. Davy here and supped with us and stayed until 11 o'clock but drunk nothing, only 1 pint of mild beer. We read Smart's poems on immensity, omniscience and power.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Germaine de Stael : Delphine
'Maria Josepha Holroyd in her teens was "enchanted" with the "all for Love" of de Stael's "Delphine", which in mature years she viewed more critically (if still with enjoyment, although her husband was "disgusted" by it).'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Maria Josepha Holroyd Print: Book
:
'. . . You must, doubtless, have seen in the Gazette the account of 2 ships appearing in the north of Russia which are presumed to have been those of Captn Cooke & Capt. Clerke'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Newspaper
:
'. . . the Morning Post had yesterday this Paragraph?We hear Lieutenant Burney has succeeded to the command of Capt. Clerke?s ship.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Newspaper
John Tillotson : Sermons
'On Christmas day of 1756 he read seven of Tillotson's Sermons during the day and evening.'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner
: unknown sermon
'in the Even my Wife and I read part of the Sermon preach'd... at the opening of St Peters Cornhill 1681.'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner
Homer : Odyssey
'In reading the "Odyssey" last night among many curious passages these two lines I think applicable to the present times, Viz, "why cease ye then ye wreath of Heaven to stay; be humbled all and Lead ye great the way".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Tillotson : Sermons
'Mr Elles and I read 3 of Tillotson's sermons.'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner
John Tillotson : Sermons
'Joseph Fuller Jun. And Tho. Durrant drank some Coffee with me... to whom I read One of Tillotson's Sermons.'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'in the Even Tho. Davy at our House to whom I read the 4th Book of Milton's "Paradise Lost".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Giles Widdowes : Lawlesse Kneelesse Schismaticall Puritan
"In 1630 [William] Prynne saracastically claimed [in Lame Giles his Haltings 2-3] that he had 'repaired to the Printing House' to examine the sheets of Giles Widdowes's Lawlesse Kneelesse Schismaticall Puritan as they were being printed. He reported that he had 'found the written Copie' there, 'so mangled, so interlined and razed by Mr Page, and others who perused it before its approbation, that there was scarce one page in all the Coppie, in which there were not severall written Errours, Absurdities and Impertinences quite expunged.'"
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: anon ("others") Print: Book, proof copy
: "useful Discourses"
Adrian Johns notes 17th-century bookseller Thomas Bennett (d. 1706)'s practice of reading "'Useful Discourses'" to his servants every Sunday.
Century: 1600-1699 / 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Bennett Print: Unknown
: books on laws and statutes
Adrian Johns notes Samuel Pepys's use of printed lawbooks "to inform himself of 'law-notions'"
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
: The Bible
"Francis Bishop [a member of the preacher John Rogers's Dublin congregation in the early 1650s], condemned to be shot, 'turned open the Bible' and read a passage enjoining him to trust in God; when he resolved to do so, he was freed."
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Bishop Print: Book
William Shakespeare : The Merry Wives of Windsor
'Read "The Merry Wives of Windsor" wherein I think the genius of the author shows itself in a very conspicuous manner as to humour. But I cannot find in my heart to say I think there is one good moral character.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Joseph Pitton de Tournefort : Voyage into the Levant
'After supper read part of Tournefort's "Voyage into the Levant" wherein I find the following remark: They breed (says he) the finest goats in the world in the Champaign of Angora. They are of a dazzling white, and their hair, which is fine as silk, naturally curled in locks of 8 or 9 inches long, is worked up into the finest stuffs, especially camlet. But they don't suffer these fleeces to be exported because the country people get their living thereby. Their young are degenerate if carried far.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Homer : Odyssey
'In the even read 2 books of Homer's "Odyssey", translated by Pope.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Homer : Odyssey
'Came home about 8.10. Read part of Homer's "Odyssey".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
:
'In the even read the writings of a farm called Chillys in Mayfield, which was entailed to Mrs Virgoe's father and his heirs forever, but he cut the said entailment off and entailed it again to Mrs Virgoe and her heirs for ever after the death of her mother...
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Manuscript: Unknown
Homer : Odyssey
'After supper read the 13th book of Homer's "Odyssey", wherein I think the soliloquy which Ulysses makes when he finds the Phaeacians have, in his sleep, left him on shore with all his treasure, and on his native shore of Ithaca (though not known to him), contains a very good lesson of morality.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Tacitus : Siege of Jerusalem, The
'Even during their elopement in Switzerland and Germany in 1814, Shelley read to her: "the siege of Jerusalem" from Tacitus is read by Lake Lucerne, and as they sail to Mainz he "read aloud to us Mary Wollstonecraft's 'Letters from Norway'."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Mary Wollstonecraft : Letters written during a short residence in Sweden, Norway and Denmark
'Even during their elopement in Switzerland and Germany in 1814, Shelley read to her: "The Siege of Jerusalem" from Tacitus is read by Lake Lucerne, and as they sail to Mainz he "read to us Mary Wollstonecraft's 'Letters from Norway'."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Ariosto :
'Sarah Harriet Burney read Ariosto with "delight", but "Here and there he is a bad boy, and as the book is my own, & I do not like indecency, I cut out whole pages that annoy me, & burn them before the Author's face."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Patrick Gordon : Geography anatomized: or a compleat geographical grammar
'Tho. Davy came in after supper and stayed with us about 2 1/2 hours. He and I looked over Gordon's "Geographical Grammar", and in particular the religions of all nations.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
: The Monitor; or the British Freeholder
'In the even read several numbers of the "Freeholder" which I think is a proper book for anyone to look into at this critical juncture of affairs.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
Homer : Odyssey
'At home all day... In reading Homer's "Odyssey", I think the character which Menelaus gives Telemachus of Ulysses, when he is a-speaking of his war-like virtues in the 4th book, is very good.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
: Sussex Weekly Advertiser, or Lewes Journal
'Saw in the Lewes newspaper of this day that on Saturday last there was several explosions heard in the bowels of the earth like an earthquake in the parishes of Waldron and Hellingly, as also by one person in this parish.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Newspaper
: The History of England
'Read some of "The History of England".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
James Hervey : Theron and Aspasio: or, a series of dialogues and letters upon the most important and interesting subjects
'Read part of Hervey's "Theron and Aspasio".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
: [newspaper]
'This afternoon very bad with tooth-ache. Read the newspaper wherein I find the nation is all in a ferment upon the account of losing dear Minorca.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Newspaper
John Tillotson : Sermons
'In the evening read 3 of Tillotson's sermons.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Tillotson : Sermons
'In the even read one of Tillotson's sermons and which I think a very good one.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
[Byng] : An appeal to the people: containing the genuine and entire letter of Admiral Byng to the Secr[etary] of the Ad[miralt]y
'In the even read to Tho. Davy an appeal to the public on behalf of Admiral Byng wherein he is clearly proved to be no ways guilty of what has been laid to his charge, nay even so far from it that he behaved like a prudent and courageous commander in the Mediterranean; and his bad luck proceeded from an inferior fleet, and one which our treacherous or simple ministers, or the Lords of the Admiralty, or whoever the planners of the voyage were, could never expect to have success, having but few men, not one hospital, nor fireship...I also read Bally's poem...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner
George Bally : The Wisdom of the Supreme Being
'In the even read to Tho. Davy an appeal to the public in behalf of Admiral Byng ...I also read Bally's poem on the wisdom of the Supreme Being, which I think is a very sublime piece of poetry and almost too much so for my mean capacity. But as I find the author's views are good, I do, as I am bound in duty, like it very much.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Locke : An essay concerning human understanding
'Read part of Locke's "Essay on Human Understanding", which I find to be a very abstruse book.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Tillotson : Sermons
'In the even read 4 of Tillotson's sermons.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Tillotson : Sermons
'In the even Tho. Davy sat with us about 3 hours and to whom and in the day I read 7 of Tillotson's sermons.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
: Lewes Journal
'In the even in reading the "Lewes Journal" I found the following remarkable character, which I admire not for the diction, but for the justness of it and for imitation: "On Sunday the 9th Jan: died Suddenly the Rev. Mr Lyddell, Rector of Ardingly, Sussex, aged 59;..."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Newspaper
Richard Haworth : [Sermon]
'In the even read a sermon preached at this church on the 1st of August 1716 by the Rev. Mr Richard Haworth on the wonders of providence in the defence of the reformation, which in my opinion is an excellent discourse...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Unknown
William Burkitt : The poor man's help and the young man's guide
'Read in the day part of Burkitt's "Poor Man's Help or Young Man's Guide", which I think the best book I ever read of the size.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
: The Universal magazine of knowledge and pleasure
'In perusing an abridgment of the "Life of Madame de Maintenon" in "The Universal Magazine" for March, I find the following, being the advice given her by her mother Madame d'Aubigne: to act in such a manner as fearing all things from men and hoping all from God.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
: The London Gazette
'This day read in the "Gazette" of the 20th instant that the King of Prussia had on the 6th instant gained a complete victory over the whole combined forces of Austria (near Prague) taking their whole camp and 250 pieces of cannon and 6 or 7,000 prisoners.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Newspaper
: The London Magazine
'Today in reading "The London Magazine" for May, I find the following description of a comet that is shortly expected to appear, viz., that it has appeared 6 times already, viz., in the years 1305, 1380, 1456, 1531, 1607, 1682, and that it revolves about the sun at the intervals of 75 and 76 years alternately...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
: The Universal Magazine of Knowledge and Pleasure
'Read part of "The Universal Magazine" for June wherein I find the following receipt recommended (in an extract from Dr Lind's essay on the most effectual means of preserving the health of the seamen in the Royal Navy) as a specific against all epidemical and bilious fevers and also against endemic disorders.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
Flavius Josephus : The antiques of the Jews
'In reading Josephus's "Jewish Antiques" I find his opinion was (or at least it was a prevailing notion in his time) that the earth was the centre of the planetary system.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Tillotson : Sermons
'In the evening read one of Tillotson's sermons.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
James Hervey : The time of danger, and the means of safety; to which is added, the way of holiness. Being the substance of three sermons preached on the late public fast days
'In the even Tho. Davy to our house, to whom I read a sermon preached by the Rev. Mr James Hervey, A.M., rector of Weston-Favell in Northamptonshire, being preached on some of the late fast days. I bought 3 of them today at Lewes, being lately published and stitched together.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
anon : Medical Essays and Observations, revised and published by a society in Edinburgh
'In the even read part of the 5th volume of "Medical Essays and Observations", published at Edinburgh by a society of physicians.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Alexander Macaulay : A dictionary of medicine, designed for popular use
[Marginalia]: p. 465 has a bookmark and marginal mark against item 'Regimen'; opposite the half-title there is reference to another medical work 'An Essay on The Action of Medicines in the system, or: on the Mode in which Therapeutic Agents introduced in the Stomack ... awarded ... Frederick William [Headland] ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe Erskine Print: Book
John Tillotson : Sermons
'Tho. Davy at our house in the even, to whom, and in the day, I read 6 of Tillotson's sermons.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Nicholas Rowe : Tamerlane
'In the even read the play of "Tamerlane", wrote by Rowe, which I think a very good play; the character of Tamerlane is such as I think should be the character of all mankind.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Unknown
John Carter : [will]
'About 5.40 I set out to the house from which John Carter was this day buried in order to read the will of the deceased (by desire of Mr Burges) to his relations, they being all met to hear the same.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Manuscript: Sheet
: The London Gazette
'In reading "The Gazette" for the 22nd instant I find the King of Prussia, with about 20,000, has beat the combined forces of the empire and France, which were about 60,000; he having been totally routed by them and taken almost or quite all their cannon, baggage, etc., taking and killing in the field of battle and the pursuit 10,000 men.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Newspaper
: [almanacs]
'In the day read part of several new almanacs which came down today, and I doubt but few will be sold by reason of the additional duty of one penny on the sheets, and two pence on the stitched.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Broadsheet, almanac
John Tillotson : Sermons
'In the even and the day read 2 of Tillotson's sermons and part of Sherlock upon death. I this day completed reading of Tillotson's sermons over the second time, and so far as I am a judge I think them to be a complete body of divinity, they being wrote in a plain familiar style, but far from what may be deemed low.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
William Sherlock : A practical discourse concerning death
'In the even and the day read 2 of Tillotson's sermons and part of Sherlock upon death. I this day completed reading of Tillotson's sermons over the second time, and so far as I am a judge I think them to be a complete body of divinity, they being wrote in a plain familiar style, but far from what may be deemed low.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
William Sherlock : A practical discourse concerning death
'...in the even read part of Sherlock upon death.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Joseph Price : Letter to Edmund Burke, Esq; on the latter part of the late report of the Select Committee on the state of justice in Bengal. With some curious particulars and original anecdotes concerning the forgery committed by Maha Rajah Nundcomar Bahadar[...]
[Marginalia]: ms note at foot of p.8 of Appendix: 'J. Claver ...[ J. Clavering is the first signatory of the letter on this page] We condemn the political mistakes of the late administration'.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: N.S. Cornith Print: Book
John Flamsteed : astronomical calculations (lunar positions)
"When [Isaac] Newton arrived at Greenwich in September 1694, the astronomer [John Flamsteed] showed him 157 lunar positions calculated at the observatory ... Newton asked permission to take copies of them."
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Newton Manuscript: Unknown
Abraham Sharp : shorthand writings
" ... when he (and all other readers) had failed to decipher the shorthand of [John] Flamsteed's most informed correspondent, Abraham Sharp, [Francis] Baily turned to Charles Babbage ... Babbage agreed to assist, and eventually succeeded in decoding Sharp's text."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Babbage Manuscript: Unknown
William Sherlock : A practical discourse concerning death
'This day completed the reading of Sherlock on death and which I esteem a very plain, good book, proper for every Christain to read; that is, rich and poor, men and women, young and old.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
: The Monitor; or the British Freeholder
'In the day read part of some "Monitors" lent me by Mr Calverley, but which paper the author endeavours to point out the only way to restore this nation to its former strength and dignity, which is by suppressing vice and immorality and encouraging virtue and merit.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
Edward Young : The Complaint: or night thoughts
'Tho. Davy to our house in the evening to whom I read two nights of "The Complaint", one of which was the Christian triumph against the fear of death, which must be allowed by all Christians a noble subject, it being the redemption of mankind by Jesus Christ, and I think the author has treated it in a very moving and pathetic manner.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Edward Young : The Complaint: or night thoughts
'Tho. Davy at our house in the latter part of the even to whom I read the last of "The Complaint" and part of Sherlock on death. I now having read "The Complaint" through, think it an extreme good book, the author having treated many parts of religion in a very noble and spiritual manner wherein I think every deist, free-thinker, as also every irreligious person may read himself a fool. For what is wit or wisdom (without religion) but foolishness?'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
William Sherlock : A practical discourse concerning death
'Tho. Davy at our house in the latter part of the even to whom I read the last of "The Complaint" and part of Sherlock on death. I now having read "The Complaint" through, think it an extreme good book, the author having treated many parts of religion in a very noble and spiritual manner wherein I think every deist, free-thinker, as also every irreligious person may read himself a fool. For what is wit or wisdom (without religion) but foolishness?'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Anthony Horneck : The great law of consideration; or, a discourse, wherein the nature, usefulness and absolute necessity of consideration, in order to a truly serious and religious life is laid open
'In the even finished reading of Horneck's "Great Law of Consideration", which I think a very good subject, and I am thoroughly persuaded that the only motive the author had in writing it was the salvation of men's souls. But in my private opinion it is not written so well as many pieces of divinity which I have read, there being too great a redundancy of words to express one and the same thing.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Daniel Dobel : Primitive Christianity propounded; or an essay to revive the ancient mode or manner of preaching the gospel
'In the day read part of "The Universal Magazine" for December, and in the evening read a pamphlet entitled "Primitive Christianity propounded or an Essay To revive the Ancient Mode or manner of Preaching the Gospel". This is a pamphlet which I imagine to be wrote by a Baptist preacher in favour of preaching without notes. I must in my own private opinion say that I can see no harm consequent on our method of reading, as the author is pleased to call it. ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner
: The Universal Magazine of knowledge and pleasure
'In the day read part of "The Universal Magazine" for December, and in the evening read a pamphlet entitled "Primitive Christianity propounded or an Essay To revive the Ancient Mode or manner of Preaching the Gospel". This is a pamphlet which I imagine to be wrote by a Baptist preacher in favour of preaching without notes. I must in my own private opinion say that I can see no harm consequent on our method of reading, as the author is pleased to call it. ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
: The Universal Magazine of knowledge and pleasure
'We dined on the remains of Wednesday and yesterday's dinners with the addition of a cheap kind of soup, the receipt for making of which I took out of "The Universal Magazine" for December as recommended (by James Stonhouse MD at Northampton) to all poor families as a very cheap and nourishing food. The following is a receipt: [copies out recipe in diary]... This in my opinion is a very good, palatable, cheap and nourishing diet...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
Richard Allestree : The new whole duty of man, containing the faith as well as the practice of a Christain
'In the even read part of the "New Whole Duty of Man".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Richard Burn : The Justice of the Peace and Parish Officer
'In the day read part of Burn's "Justice".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Charles Leadbetter : The royal gauger; or gauging made perfectly easy
'In the even read part of Leadbetter's "General Gauger".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Richard Allestree : The whole new duty of man, containing the faith as well as the practice of a Christain
'In the day read part of the "New Whole Duty of Man". And in the even Tho. Davy at our house to whom I read part of Sherlock on death.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
William Sherlock : A practical discourse concerning death
'In the day read part of the "New Whole Duty of Man". And in the even Tho. Davy at our house to whom I read part of Sherlock on death.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
: The London Magazine
'Read part of "The London Magazine" for February.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
Arthur Collins : The peerage of England
'In the even read part of Collins's "Peerage of England".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Arthur Collins : The peerage of England
'In the day read part of the 1st volume of "The Peerage of England".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Arthur Collins : The peerage of England
'Read part of "The Peerage of England".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
William Wake : The principles of the Christain religion explained in a brief commentary upon the church catechism
'In the even finished reading Wake's "Catechism", which I think is a very good book and proper for all families, there being good instructions in it and also something which is prodigious moving. It is wrote in a lively, brisk manner and not as if the author wrote more out of form than for the good of people's souls, and at the same time it is a very plain, familiar style, suitable I think to the meanest capacities that can read. And so far as I can judge there is everything contained in it necessary to a man's salvation.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'In the even read the 6th book of Milton's "Paradise Lost".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'In the even read the 12th and last book of Milton's "Paradise Lost", which I have now read twice through and in my opinion it exceeds anything I ever read for sublimity of language and beauty of similes; and I think the depravity of human nature entailed upon us by our first parent is finely drawn.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
: Sussex Weekly Advertiser, or Lewes Journal
'This day I saw in the "Lewes Journal", which was an extract from "The Gazette", that our troops under the command of the Duke of Marlborough had landed at St Malo in the province of Brittany (in France) and had burnt and otherwise destroyed 137 vessels of all denominations...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Newspaper
John Gay : Fables
'I completed the reading of Gay's "Fables", which I think contains a very good lesson of morality; and I think the language very healthy, being very natural.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Thomas Salmon : A critical essay concerning marriage
'Read part of Salmon "On Marriage".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Thomas Salmon : A critical essay concerning marriage
'In the even finished reading Salmon "On Marriage", which I think to be a very indifferent thing, for the author appears to me to be a very bad logician.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Francis Lord Bacon : essays
'After the breakdown of her marriage in 1752, Sarah Scott read voraciously and eclectically, the "history of Florence" and Lord Bacon's essays, and the Old Plays, Christianity not founded on argument, Randolph's answer to it... and some of David's Simple Life... an account of the Government of Venice, Montaigne's Essays.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Scott Print: Book
Sarah Fielding : David Simple
'After the breakdown of her marriage in 1752, Sarah Scott read voraciously and eclectically, the History of Florence and Lord Bacon's essays, and the Old Plays, Christianity not founded on argument, Randolph's answer to it... and some of David's Simple Life... an account of the Government of Venice, Montaigne's Essays.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Scott Print: Book
Michel de Montaigne : Essays
'After the breakdown of her marriage in 1752, Sarah Scott read voraciously and eclectically, the "History of Florence" and Lord Bacon's essays, and the Old Plays, Christianity not founded on argument, Randolph's answer to it... and some of David's Simple Life... an account of the Government of Venice, Montaigne's Essays.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Scott Print: Book
Niccolo Machiavelli : History of Florence
'After the breakdown of her marriage in 1752, Sarah Scott read voraciously and eclectically, the "History of Florence" and Lord Bacon's essays, and the Old Plays, Christianity not founded on argument, Randolph's answer to it... and some of David's Simple Life... an account of the Government of Venice, Montaigne's Essays.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Scott Print: Book
: an account of the government in Venice
'After the breakdown of her marriage in 1752, Sarah Scott read voraciously and eclectically, the "History of Florence" and Lord Bacon's essays, and the Old Plays, Christianity not founded on argument, Randolph's answer to it... and some of David's Simple Life... an account of the Government of Venice, Montaigne's Essays.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Scott Print: Book
Thomas Randolph : his answer to Christianity not founded on argument
'After the breakdown of her marriage in 1752, Sarah Scott read voraciously and eclectically, the "History of Florence" and Lord Bacon's essays, and the Old Plays, Christianity not founded on argument, Randolph's answer to it... and some of David's Simple Life... an account of the Government of Venice, Montaigne's Essays.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Scott Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Pamela
'While I was writing the two volumes [of Pamela], my worthy-hearted wife, and the young lady who is with us, when I had read them some part of the story, which I had begun without their knowing it, used to come in to my little closet every night with - "Have you any more of Pamela, Mr R...?"'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Manuscript: Unknown, manuscript of his novel
Alexander Pope : Dunciad
'Methinks, Sir, Mr Pope might employ his Time, and his admirable Genius better than in exposing Insects of a Day: For if these Authors would live longer, they should not be put down as Dunces.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: BookManuscript: Unknown
Aaron Hill : Fanciad
'what a charming instance have you given me, good sir, of the Restoration of [your health], if I may be permitted to infer it from the noble strength and Vigor of your verses. It is impossible, Sir, not to be animated by the Subject and the Poem'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Manuscript: Unknown, Richardson is about to print the manuscript
William Whitehead : Essay on Ridicule
'[I am] pleased with Mr Whitehead's Essay on Ridicule, a Piece which shews the Goodness of the Author's Heart, so much preferable to that of the Head alone'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: UnknownManuscript: Unknown
Alexander Pope : Dunciad
'I have bought Mr Pope over so often, and his "Dunciad" before his last new-vampt one, that I am tired of the Extravagance; and wonder every Body else is not. Especially, as now by this, he confesses that his Abuse of his first hero was for Abuse sake, having no better object for his Abuse. I admire Mr Pope's Genius, and his Versification: But forgive me, Sir, to say, I am scandaliz'd for human Nature, and such Talents, sunk so low'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: BookManuscript: Unknown
Samuel Richardson : Clarissa
'The Persons who have seen [the manuscript of "Clarissa"], and whom I could not deny, are Dr Heylin, and his Lady, both excellent Judges and fond of Writings of Amusement: Miss Cheyne, Daughter of my late dear Friend the Doctor; a young Lady of Taste and Reading. Mr Freke, the Surgeon, whom once I mentioned to you, and who read it with a Friend of his. Dr Young has seen a great Part of it; and Mr Cibber Senior, having heard of it, and liking "Pamela", was very desirous to see it; and I being put in hope, that he would not spare it, was desirous he should'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Heylin Manuscript: Unknown, early MS version
Samuel Richardson : Clarissa
'The Persons who have seen [the manuscript of "Clarissa"], and whom I could not deny, are Dr Heylin, and his Lady, both excellent Judges and fond of Writings of Amusement: Miss Cheyne, Daughter of my late dear Friend the Doctor; a young Lady of Taste and Reading. Mr Freke, the Surgeon, whom once I mentioned to you, and who read it with a Friend of his. Dr Young has seen a great Part of it; and Mr Cibber Senior, having heard of it, and liking "Pamela", was very desirous to see it; and I being put in hope, that he would not spare it, was desirous he should'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Cheyne Manuscript: Unknown, early MS version
Sophia Westcomb : [letter]
'While I read [your letter], I have you before me in person: I converse with you and your dear Anna, as arm in arm you traverse the happy terrace...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Manuscript: Letter, Unknown
Lady Bradshaigh : [letter]
'There was no need to bespeak my Patience, nor anything but my Gratitude, on reading such a Letter as you have favoured me with. Indeed I admire it; and have reason to plume myself upon the Interest you take in my Story...from many passages in your Letters [I look upon you] as a Daughter of my own Mind'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Manuscript: Letter
Homer : Iliad
'I admire you for what you say of the fierce fighting "Iliad"... I am afraid this poem, noble as it truly is, has done infinite mischief for a series of ages; since to it, and its copy the "Eneid", is owing, in a great measure, the savage spirit that has actuated, from the earliest ages to this time, the fighting fellows that, worse than lions or tigers, have ravaged the earth, and made it a field of blood'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Virgil : Aeneid
'I admire you for what you say of the fierce fighting "Iliad"... I am afraid this poem, noble as it truly is, has done infinite mischief for a series of ages; since to it, and its copy the "Eneid", is owing, in a great measure, the savage spirit that has actuated, from the earliest ages to this time, the fighting fellows that, worse than lions or tigers, have ravaged the earth, and made it a field of blood'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Pliny the Elder : [observations and transcriptions from work]
'I am very much obliged to you, for your transcriptions and observations from Pliny; as you say, I should never find time to read the book. What stores of knowledge do I lose, by my incapacity of reading, and by my having used myself to write, till I can do nothing else, nor hardly that'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Manuscript: Unknown, transcriptions by Susanna Highmore
Abraham Cowley :
'I am glad that Cowley takes his turn with you. Cowley has great merit with me; and the greater, as he is out of fashion in this age of taste. And yet I wonder he is so absolutely neglected, as he wants not point and turn, and wit, and fancy, and an imagination very brilliant: nor puts the reader to vast trouble to understand him
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Abraham Cowley :
'I am glad that Cowley takes his turn with you. Cowley has great merit with me; and the greater, as he is out of fashion in this age of taste. And yet I wonder he is so absolutely neglected, as he wants not point and turn, and wit, and fancy, and an imagination very brilliant: nor puts the reader to vast trouble to understand him.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Susanna Highmore Print: Book
Edmund Spenser :
'I don't wonder that you are in such raptures with Spenser! What an imagination! What an invention! What painting! What colouring displayed throughout the works of that admirable author! and yet, for want of time, or opportunity, I have not read his "Fairy Queen" through in series, or at a heat, as I may call it'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Susanna Highmore Print: Book
Edmund Spenser :
'I don't wonder that you are in such raptures with Spenser! What an imagination! What an invention! What painting! What colouring displayed throughout the works of that admirable author! and yet, for want of time, or opportunity, I have not read his "Fairy Queen" through in series, or at a heat, as I may call it'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Flavius Josephus : The genuine works of Flavius Josephus
'In the even read part of Josephus's "Jewish Antiques".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Flavius Josephus : The genuine works of Flavius Josephus
'In the evening read part of the "Jewish Antiques".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
: The London Magazine
'After I came home, I read part of "The London Magazine" for October, as also a poor empty piece of tautology called "A Series Advice to the Public to Avoid the Danger of Inoculation", in which he says a physician can only know and be the proper person to perform the operation, and that a surgeon can know nothing about it.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
anon : A Serious Address to the Public, concerning the most probable means of avoiding the dangers of innoculation
'After I came home, I read part of "The London Magazine" for October, as also a poor empty piece of tautology called "A Series Advice to the Public to Avoid the Danger of Inoculation", in which he says a physician can only know and be the proper person to perform the operation, and that a surgeon can know nothing about it.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner
Richard Wiseman : Several Chirurgical Treatises
'In the even read part of Wiseman's "Chyrurgery".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Joseph Addison : The evidences of the Christian Religion
'In the even read part of Addison's "Evidences of the Christian Religion".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Tillotson : Sermons
'In the even and the day read two of Tillotson's sermons and part of the 2nd volume of Hervey's "Meditations".
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
James Hervey : Meditations among the tombs: in a letter to a lady
'In the even and the day read two of Tillotson's sermons and part of the 2nd volume of Hervey's "Meditations".
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
: The London Gazette
'In the even read the extraordinary "Gazette" for Wednesday, which gives an account of our army in America, under the command of General Wolfe, beating the French army under General Montcalm (near the city of Quebec) wherein both generals were killed, as also two more of the French generals, and the English general Monckton, who took command after General Wolfe was killed, was shot through the body, but is like to do very well; as also the surrender of the city of Quebec, with the articles of capitulation. Oh, what a pleasure it is to every true Briton to see with what success it pleases Almighty God...
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Newspaper
William Derham : Physico-Theology
'In the even read part of Derham's "Physico-Theology".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Thomas Sherlock : Sermons on various subjects, moral and theological, now first published
'In the even and the day read 6 of Bishop Sherlock's sermons, which I think extremely good, there being sound reasoning in them and seem wrote with an ardent spirit of piety, being mostly levelled against the deists.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Henry Bracken : The traveller's pocket-farrier: or a treatise upon the distempers and common incidents happening to horses upon a journey
'In the day read part of Bracken's "Pocket Farrier", which I look upon as a very complete thing of its kind.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Edmund Gibson : The evil and danger of lukewarmness in religion
'In the even read Gibson on lukewarmness in religion, and a sermon of his entitled "Trust in God, the best remedy against fears of all kinds", both of which I look upon as extreme good things.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Edmund Gibson : Trust in God the best remedy against fears of all kinds
'In the even read Gibson on lukewarmness in religion, and a sermon of his entitled "Trust in God, the best remedy against fears of all kinds", both of which I look upon as extreme good things.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Tillotson : Sermons
'In the even read one of Tillotson's sermons.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Tillotson : Sermons
'In the even Tho. Davy at our house, to whom I read three of Tillotson's sermons.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Edward Young : The complaint or night thoughts
'In the even read part of Young's "Night Thoughts".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Tillotson : Sermons
'...read part of Drelincourt on death and in the even one of Tillotson's sermons.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Charles Drelincourt : The Christian's defence against the fears of death
'...read part of Drelincourt on death and in the even one of Tillotson's sermons.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Henry Wharton : A defence of pluralities, or, holding two benefices with cure of souls
'In the morning read part of a book entitled "A Defence of Plurality of Church Benefices", but I cannot be persuaded by his reasons that it is always beneficial to promote our most holy religion.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Laurence Sterne : Tristram Shandy
'In the even Mr Tipper read to me part of a -I know not what to call it but "Tristram Shandy".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Tipper Print: Book
Edward Young : A vindication of providence; or, a true estimate of human life
'Read part of Young's "Estimate of Human Life".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Rambler, The
'Though I have constantly been a purchaser of the Ramblers from the first five that you were so kind as to present me with, yet I have not had time to read any farther than those first five, till within these two or three days past. But I can go no further than the thirteenth, now before me, till I have acquainted you, that I am inexpressibly pleased with them. I remember not a thing in the Spectators, in those Spectators that I read, for I never found time... to read them all, that half so much struck me; and yet I think of them highly.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Serial / periodical
Joseph Addison : The Spectator
'Though I have constantly been a purchaser of the Ramblers from the first five that you were so kind as to present me with, yet I have not had time to read any farther than those first five, till within these two or three days past. But I can go no further than the thirteenth, now before me, till I have acquainted you, that I am inexpressibly pleased with them. I remember not a thing in the Spectators, in those Spectators that I read, for I never found time... to read them all, that half so much struck me; and yet I think of them highly.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Serial / periodical
Philip Skelton : Ophiomaches: or, Deism Revealed
'Have you seen two volumes called "Deism Revealed"? 'Tis a well written piece, and much approved here. I think it is not harsh against the religion of France; but scourges our infidels, sceptics, deists, &c. as well by name as by works.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Manuscript: Unknown, MS of work Richardson printed
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'I wish you would cannonade this N[ewto]n. I cannot bear, that another of Apollo's genuine Offspring should pass down to future Times with such crude and unworthy Notes.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: BookManuscript: Unknown
Henry Fielding : Amelia (1st vol.)
'You guess that I have not read "Amelia". Indeed I have read but the first volume. I had intended to go through with it; but I found the characters and situations so wretchedly low and dirty, that I imagined I could not be interested for any one of them; and to read and not to care what became of the hero and heroine, is a task that I thought I would leave to those who had more leisure than I am blessed with'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: BookManuscript: Unknown
Lord Orrery : Remarks on the Life and Writings of Dr Swift
'I have read through Lord Orrery's History of Swift. I greatly like it.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: BookManuscript: Unknown
William Shakespeare : A Midsummer Night's Dream
Henry James to William James, 8 January 1873, on meeting with Mrs Kemble on previous evening: "She is very magnificent, and was very gracious, and being draped (for an evening call) in lavender satin lavishly decollete, reminded me strangely, in her talk and manner, of the time when as infants, in St. John's Wood, we heard her read the Midsummer Night's Dream."
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Anne Kemble
John Tillotson : Sermons
'Sam. Jenner drank tea with me, and to whom in the evening I read two of Tillotson's sermons.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
William Shakespeare : As you like it
'In the evening wrote my London letters and read Shakespeare's "As you Like It" and "Taming a Shrew", both of which I think good comedies.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
William Shakespeare : The taming of the shrew
'In the evening wrote my London letters and read Shakespeare's "As you Like It" and "Taming a Shrew", both of which I think good comedies.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Works
'After the fatigue of the day was over, I read part of Shakespeare's "Works".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Works
'In the even read part of Shakespeare's "Works", which I think extreme good in their kind.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
William Beveridge : Private thoughts upon religion digested into twelve articles, with practical resolutions form'd thereupon
'In the even read part of Beveridge's "Thoughts".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Wilkes : The North Briton
'In the even read several political papers called "The North Briton", which are wrote by John Wilkes Esq., member for Aylesbury in Bucks, for the writing of which he has been committed to the Tower, and procured his release by a writ of habeas corpus. I really think they breathe forth such a spirit of liberty that it is an extreme good paper.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Newspaper, Serial / periodical
Marcus Tullius Cicero :
'The fault of the great author, whose letters to his friend you have been reading, is, that Tully is wholly concerned for the fame of Cicero; and that for fame and self-exaltation sake. In some of his orations, what is called his vehemence (but really is too often insult and ill manners) so transports him, that a modern pleader... would not be heard, if he were to take the like freedoms... Cicero's constitutional faults seem to be vanity and cowardice. Great geniuses seldom have
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Conyers Middleton : History of the Life of Marcus Tullius Cicero
'The fault of the great author, whose letters to his friend you have been reading, is, that Tully is wholly concerned for the fame of Cicero; and that for fame and self-exaltation sake. In some of his orations, what is called his vehemence (but really is too often insult and ill manners) so transports him, that a modern pleader... would not be heard, if he were to take the like freedoms... Cicero's constitutional faults seem to be vanity and cowardice. Great geniuses seldom have
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Colley Cibber : The Character and Conduct of Cicero Considered
'The fault of the great author, whose letters to his friend you have been reading, is, that Tully is wholly concerned for the fame of Cicero; and that for fame and self-exaltation sake. In some of his orations, what is called his vehemence (but really is too often insult and ill manners) so transports him, that a modern pleader... would not be heard, if he were to take the like freedoms... Cicero's constitutional faults seem to be vanity and cowardice. Great geniuses seldom have
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : [letters and poetical scraps]
'I remember once to have seen a little collection of letters and poetical scraps of Swift's, which passed between him and Mrs Van Homrigh, this same Vanessa, which the bookseller then told me were sent him to be published, from the originals, by this lady, in resentment of his perfidy'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Manuscript: Letter
Charlotte Lennox : The Female Quixote
'"The Female Quixote" is written by a woman...Lennox her name. Her husband and she have often visited me together. Do you not think, however her heroine over-acts her part, that Arabella is amiable and innocent? The writer has genius. She is hardly twenty four, and has been unhappy. She wrote a piece, called "Harriet Stuart''.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Charlotte Lennox : The Life of Harriet Stuart, Written by Herself
'"The Female Quixote" is written by a woman...Lennox her name. Her husband and she have often visited me together. Do you not think, however her heroine over-acts her part, that Arabella is amiable and innocent? The writer has genius. She is hardly twenty four, and has been unhappy. She wrote a piece, called "Harriet Stuart".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Tom Paine : Age of Reason
'As the trade we did... was not sufficient to require my continual attention, I found time to read a good many of the books with which the shelves were stored. The "Age of Reason" was among the first; and, in order that both sides of the question might be fairly presented to my mind, was immediately followed by Bishop Watson's "Apology for the Bible". I should have read neither. What mischief the infidel writer effected the Bishop failed to repair.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Print: Book
Bishop Watson : Apology for the bible
'As the trade we did... was not sufficient to require my continual attention, I found time to read a good many of the books with which the shelves were stored. The "Age of Reason" was among the first; and, in order that both sides of the question might be fairly presented to my mind, was immediately followed by Bishop Watson's "Apology for the Bible". I should have read neither. What mischief the infidel writer effected the Bishop failed to repair.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'I rose with a heavy heart on the Sunday morning, and read mechanically a chapter in the little Bible in which my mother had blotted my name upon the title page: but my thoughts were far away, and I knew not what I had read.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Print: Book
William Cobbett : [French Grammar]
'Upon one of the interminable book-stalls, or rather book-walls, which displayed their leafy barrens along the quays of the Seine, I picked up a Cobbett's French Grammar for a franc, and a pocket dictionary for another. A fellow lodger lent me a Testament and a Telemaque; and to these materials I applied dogedly from six in the morning til dinnertime. I read the Grammar through first, and then made an abridgement of it on a small pack of plain cards... By these means ... I made rapid progress.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Print: Book
[unknown] : [French pocket dictionary]
'Upon one of the interminable book-stalls, or rather book-walls, which displayed their leafy barrens along the quays of the Seine, I picked up a Cobbett's French Grammar for a franc, and a pocket dictionnary for another. A fellow lodger lent me a Testament and a Telemaque; and to these materials I applied dogedly from six in the morning til dinnertime. I read the Grammar through first, and then made an abridgement of it on a small pack of plain cards... By these means ... I made rapid progress.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Print: Book
[n/a] : Testament
'Upon one of the interminable book-stalls, or rather book-walls, which displayed their leafy barrens along the quays of the Seine, I picked up a Cobbett's French Grammar for a franc, and a pocket dictionary for another. A fellow lodger lent me a Testament and a Telemaque; and to these materials I applied dogedly from six in the morning til dinnertime. I read the Grammar through first, and then made an abridgement of it on a small pack of plain cards... By these means ... I made rapid progress.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Print: Book
[n/a] : Telemaque
'Upon one of the interminable book-stalls, or rather book-walls, which displayed their leafy barrens along the quays of the Seine, I picked up a Cobbett's French Grammar for a franc, and a pocket dictionary for another. A fellow lodger lent me a Testament and a Telemaque; and to these materials I applied dogedly from six in the morning til dinnertime. I read the Grammar through first, and then made an abridgement of it on a small pack of plain cards... By these means ... I made rapid progress.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : [newspaper advertisements]
'In the course of a fortnight I could manage, with the help of a dictionary, to read the advertisements in the French newspapers, which I now began to peruse, not without a hope of finding employment of some other kind, in case the printing should fail.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
[n/a] : Moniteur
'One day, [after] an hour's study, I managed to get all the meaning of an advertisement in the Moniteur...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
Dr D of Prospect Villa : [letter]
"'ne morning as we were sitting at breakfast, about 9 o'clock, ... in the garden, the postman, who had been knocking at the door, ... flung a paid letter on the path. Patty picked it up - it was directed to my father, and my mother opened it... My mother put a half-sheet into my hand from Dr D of Prospect Villa, ... "There", said she, "is something which I hope will prevent your going to Caudon - read it". The note was an acknowledgement...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Manuscript: Letter
Dr D of Prospect Villa : [letter]
'One morning as we were sitting at breakfast, about 9 o'clock, ... in the garden, the postman, who had been knocking at the door, ... flung a paid letter on the path. Patty picked it up - it was directed to my father, and my mother opened it... My mother put a half-sheet into my hand from Dr D of Prospect Villa, ... "There", said she, "is something which I hope will prevent your going to Caudon - read it". The note was an acknowledgement...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Smith Manuscript: Letter
[unknown] : [unknown]
[Smith describes evening activities while working as the private printer of Dr D.] 'Sometimes I played dices with madam - sometimes I read aloud from some work of history of philosophy selected by the Doctor.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Print: Book
Dr D : [manuscript of his book]
[Smith describes evening activities while working as the private printer of Dr D.] 'By the middle of March 1831, I had completed the first volume, amounting to above four hundred pages, of the Doctor's book. So far as I was capable of finding, it was an admirable work, profound in thought, simple in style, and full of matter, though somewhat disfigured by virulent remarks upon Methodism and Dissent in all forms.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Manuscript: manuscript of book
[n/a] : The Times
'"The Times" newspaper was taken in daily, and it was the office of each compositor in town to read the debates and leaders aloud for the benefit of the rest. When it came to my turn, they could never understand my "professional" mode of reading, and made me many humble requests for explanation.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Print: Newspaper
: [letters]
'My excellent mother had a fair education - at all events she could read and write fairly well - and she was often asked to read and write letters for neighbours who could not read or write for themselves.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Tinsley Manuscript: Letter
Benjamin Franklin : The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
'Two little books that I read in my boyhood impressed and stimulated me greatly. They helped me in my efforts to live bravely and to use my life for noble ends. These were the autobiographies of Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
Frederick Douglass : Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American slave
'Two little books that I read in my boyhood impressed and stimulated me greatly. They helped me in my efforts to live bravely and to use my life for noble ends. These were the autobiographies of Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
Richard Hildreth : The white slave, or memoirs of a fugitive
'That would be in the year 1852, when I was fifteen. About the same time I read "The White Slave" and the autobiography of Frederick Douglass. Thus began a keen, lasting interest in the anti-slavery agitation.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
Horace Benedict Saussure : Voyage dans les Alpes
'I have no enthusiasm-cui bono? I always ask myself. It would be irksome, & impossible, in this state of my sheet, to criticise the elegant and ingenious rather than powerful or philosophical narrative which Horace Benedict Saussure gives of his journeys in the Alps. I am in the third quarto-'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Jean Baptiste Biot : Traite de Physique
'I have no enthusiasm-cui bono? I always ask myself. It would be irksome, & impossible, in this state of my sheet, to criticise the elegant and ingenious rather than powerful or philosophical narrative which Horace Benedict Saussure gives of his journeys in the Alps. I am in the third quarto- Nor shall I speak about Biot's traite de physique of which, to tell the truth, I have scarcely read 100 pages.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Anne Louise Germaine de Sta?l-Holstein : 'Considerations on the French Revolution'
'There is also Madame de Stael on the French revolution - first volume only finished - remarks (if any) in the next letter.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Robert Jameson : Unknown
'With regard to reading, you would think I have enough of time upon my hands at present: yet the truth is, I have often read more, almost never studied less!... There is Jameson with his most crude theories - his orders Mammalia, Digitala & fencibles of gli[illegible]rac & bruta with [chi[sel]-shaped foreteeth && grieves me every day.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Anne Louise Germaine de Sta?l-Holstein : Considerations Sur La Revolution Francaise
'In conformity with ancient custom, I ought now to transmit you some account of my studies- But I have too much conscience to dilate upon this subject. Besides, it is not so easy to criticise the brilliant work of Madame de Stael-considerations sur quelques evenemen[t]s de la revolution - as to tell you, what I learnt from a small Genevese attending Jameson's class, that she was very ugly and very immoral- yet had fine eyes, and was very kind to the poor people of Coppet & the environs.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Horace Benedict Saussure : Voyages dans les Alpes
'In conformity with ancient custom, I ought now to transmit you some account of my studies- But I have too much conscience to dilate upon this subject... On the same authority [a small Genevese], I inform you that Horace Benedict Saussure (whose beautiful voyages I have not yet finished) died 20 years ago; but Theodore, his son, is still living.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Jean Sylvain Bailly : Memoires D'un Temoin De La Revolution
'I read Bailly's memoires d'un temoin de la revolution, with little comfort. The book is not ill-written: but it grieved me to see the august historian of astronomy, the intimate of Kepler, Gallileo & Newton- "thrown into tumult, raptur'd or alarm'd," at the approbation or the blame of Parisian tradesmen - not to speak of the "pouvres ouvriers" [poor workers], as he fondly names the dogs, du faubourg St Antoine.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Thomas Edwards : [letter relating story of a real life 'Pamela']
'I am very charmed, my dear Mr Edwards, with your sweet Story of a Second Pamela. Had I drawn mine from the very Life, I should have made a much more perfect Piece of my first Favourite.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Manuscript: Letter
Ludovico Ariosto : Orlando Furioso
'Did you never, madam, wish for Angelica's Invisible Ring, in Ariosto's "Orlando"? - I remember when I first read of it, I laboured under a real uneasiness for a whole week, from the strong desire I had to be master of such a one. I was a very sheepish boy, and thought I should make very happy use of it on a multitude of occasions.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Lady Bradshaigh : 'Determinta'
'In a visit the Author of the Rambler made me on Monday last, I read to him your "Determinta", and expressed my wonder that he had not made a Paper of it, as I thought it would have been a very good one. He remembered it not; and spoke handsomely of it.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Manuscript: unpublished piece of writing
William Shakespeare : [illustrated, edited version]
'I have nothing to say in favour or disfavour of the Shakespeare illustrated. Some pieces are not calculated for more than the present Age, or Time, I should rather say. But this, endeavouring to rob Shakespeare of his Invention, proposes possibly a more durable Existence. Yet, I would not wish to be the Author of so invidious a Piece.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Lady Bradshaigh : [comments on MS of Sir Charles Grandison]
'I have read your Objections to Sir Charles's Divided Love to Mrs Donellan. Just her sentiments, she said. And Harriet's frequent declarations of her love, she also censured; and honours you for both Opinions. Miss Mulso exulted, by clapping her wings, as I may say, on your Ladyship's Censure of the divided Love. She admires every word you say by way of Censure or Objection'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Manuscript: Letter
David Mallett : Amyntor and Theodora, or, The Hermit
'You did not tell me before, that you had read "the Hermit" and "Alfrida". There are charming Things in both. I read them when they first came out, having a great opinion of the poetical capacity of both gentlemen. I was not disappointed. I forget the story of the Hermit, and its management: But in general I was pleased with it. Mr Mason has a fine genius... But I thought his piece was rather too poetical. - A strange censure of a fine piece of poetry. In other words, that he was too lavish, in other words. of his poetical talents...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
William Mason : Elfrida
'You did not tell me before, that you had read the Hermit and Alfrida. There are charming Things in both. I read them when they first came out, having a great opinion of the poetical capacity of both gentlemen. I was not disappointed. I forget the story of the Hermit, and its management: But in general I was pleased with it. Mr Mason has a fine genius... But I thought his piece was rather too poetical. - A strange censure of a fine piece of poetry. In other words, that he was too lavish, in other words. of his poetical talents...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Sarah Scott (attrib) : A Journey Thro' Every Stage of Life
'A bookseller made me a present of 2 vols of a piece intituled, A Journey thro' Life. My wife and girls, and Miss Collier say it is not very interesting, but has some moral sentiments in it. It seems to me, by the Contents, to be a collection of tales or Stories.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Collier Print: Book
Marie de Rabutin-Chantal Marquise de Sevigne : Letters
'Have you read Mad. Sevigne's Letters from the [French]? Fine passages and Sentiments there are in it, & a notion given of the French manner tho' written in the middle reign of Louis XIV. What are the Two volumes called the History of Man from the French also. There is a volume which is not chaste enough to be recommended to your Ladiship. It is truly French. Its language good. But for the knowledge of the hearts of people given up to what is called Gallantry, particularly French Gallantry, I have not seen its equal. It is called Letters of Ninon de Lenclos to the marquis of Sevigne. Son of the above-named Lady, and her contemporary. It will not offend the Ear. But I would not by any means recommend it to a very young Lady'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
: The History of Man
'Have you read Mad. Sevigne's Letters from the [French]? Fine passages and Sentiments there are in it, & a notion given of the French manner tho' written in the middle reign of Louis XIV. What are the Two volumes called the History of Man from the French also. There is a volume which is not chaste enough to be recommended to your Ladiship. It is truly French. Its language good. But for the knowledge of the hearts of people given up to what is called Gallantry, particularly French Gallantry, I have not seen its equal. It is called Letters of Ninon de Lenclos to the marquis of Sevigne. Son of the above-named Lady, and her contemporary. It will not offend the Ear. But I would not by any means recommend it to a very young Lady'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Ninon de Lenclos : Letters of Ninon de Lenclos to the Marquis of Sevigne
'Have you read Mad. Sevigne's Letters from the [French]? Fine passages and Sentiments there are in it, & a notion given of the French manner tho' written in the middle reign of Louis XIV. What are the Two volumes called the History of Man from the French also. There is a volume which is not chaste enough to be recommended to your Ladiship. It is truly French. Its language good. But for the knowledge of the hearts of people given up to what is called Gallantry, particularly French Gallantry, I have not seen its equal. It is called Letters of Ninon de Lenclos to the marquis of Sevigne. Son of the above-named Lady, and her contemporary. It will not offend the Ear. But I would not by any means recommend it to a very young Lady'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
John Hawkesworth : Adventurer, The
'Does your Ladiship see The Adventurer? I buy it; but have not had time to read but here and there one; But purpose from the Character judicious Friends give of them, to make them part of my Reading Entertainment when I have Leisure'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Serial / periodical
Christopher Smart : On the omniscence of the Supreme Being: a poetical essay
'At home all day. On reading Derham's notes on Boyle's lectures I find he says that Mr Boyle demonstrates that so slender a wire may be drawn from gold that from once ounce of gold a wire may be drawn 777,600 feet in length or 155 miles and a half. In the even Tho. Davy here and supped with us and stayed until 11 o'clock but drunk nothing, only 1 pint of mild beer. We read Smart's poems on immensity, omniscience and power.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Christopher Smart : On the power of the Supreme Being: a poetical essay
'At home all day. On reading Derham's notes on Boyle's lectures I find he says that Mr Boyle demonstrates that so slender a wire may be drawn from gold that from once ounce of gold a wire may be drawn 777,600 feet in length or 155 miles and a half. In the even Tho. Davy here and supped with us and stayed until 11 o'clock but drunk nothing, only 1 pint of mild beer. We read Smart's poems on immensity, omniscience and power.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
'One of my aunts, living some two miles away, I discovered had a copy of Bunyan's immortal dream. The Bible and the pilgrim. Bunyan, for some reason, probably because of the great esteem in which it was held, was hidden away in a drawer, and my aunt was disinclined to let me take the book away with me, but she gladly gave me permission to read it at her house. As my visits were few, I had to read it by snatches. Ultimately I read it all, some portions many times over, with intense delight, though I fear with no great spiritual profit.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
John Milton : Aeropagitica
'With my scanty pocket-money, high-priced books were beyond my reach; but I was lucky enough, when hunting, as was my want, among the second-hand bookstalls in Newcastle market-place, to light upon some off volumes of Milton?s prose works, which I bought for a few shillings. I read them all ? politics, theology, travels, with touches of autobiography- nothing came amiss to my voracious appetite. Over and over again did I read the Areopagitica, ?that sublime treatise? which, Macaulay tells us, ?every statesman should wear as a sign upon his hand and as frontlets between his eyes?.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
William Cowper : [poems]
?The gentle Cowper was my earliest favourite, a small second-hand copy of his poems, which I bought for eighteen pence, being the first book I bought for myself. It emptied my pocket, but I walked home, as I had walked to Newcastle (a distance some eighteen miles to and fro) with a light head, now and then reading as I fared along. Longfellow, Pope, Milton, Wordsworth and other poets were soon afterwards added to my little collection. I read them all. Many passages have clung to my memory, a life-long possession, giving, with their music, sometimes inspiration, sometimes solace in the conflicts and sorrows of life.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow : [poems]
?The gentle Cowper was my earliest favourite, a small second-hand copy of his poems, which I bought for eighteen pence, being the first book I bought for myself. It emptied my pocket, but I walked home, as I had walked to Newcastle (a distance some eighteen miles to and fro) with a light head, now and then reading as I fared along. Longfellow, Pope, Milton, Wordsworth and other poets were soon afterwards added to my little collection. I read them all. Many passages have clung to my memory, a life-long possession, giving, with their music, sometimes inspiration, sometimes solace in the conflicts and sorrows of life.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
John Milton : [poems]
?The gentle Cowper was my earliest favourite, a small second-hand copy of his poems, which I bought for eighteen pence, being the first book I bought for myself. It emptied my pocket, but I walked home, as I had walked to Newcastle (a distance some eighteen miles to and fro) with a light head, now and then reading as I fared along. Longfellow, Pope, Milton, Wordsworth and other poets were soon afterwards added to my little collection. I read them all. Many passages have clung to my memory, a life-long possession, giving, with their music, sometimes inspiration, sometimes solace in the conflicts and sorrows of life.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
Alexander Pope : [poems]
?The gentle Cowper was my earliest favourite, a small second-hand copy of his poems, which I bought for eighteen pence, being the first book I bought for myself. It emptied my pocket, but I walked home, as I had walked to Newcastle (a distance some eighteen miles to and fro) with a light head, now and then reading as I fared along. Longfellow, Pope, Milton, Wordsworth and other poets were soon afterwards added to my little collection. I read them all. Many passages have clung to my memory, a life-long possession, giving, with their music, sometimes inspiration, sometimes solace in the conflicts and sorrows of life.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
William Wordsworth : [poems]
?The gentle Cowper was my earliest favourite, a small second-hand copy of his poems, which I bought for eighteen pence, being the first book I bought for myself. It emptied my pocket, but I walked home, as I had walked to Newcastle (a distance some eighteen miles to and fro) with a light head, now and then reading as I fared along. Longfellow, Pope, Milton, Wordsworth and other poets were soon afterwards added to my little collection. I read them all. Many passages have clung to my memory, a life-long possession, giving, with their music, sometimes inspiration, sometimes solace in the conflicts and sorrows of life.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
[n/a] : British Controversionalist
?Besides the standard works of our great writers, I subscribed to a few serials, mostly educational. These included "British Controversionalist", Cassell?s "Popular Educator", "Historical Educator" and "Educational Course"? Cassell?s publications, cheap and solid, were a great book to me. The "Popular Educator" was my chief handbook. Always fond of linguistics studies, I tackled lessons in English, in French and in Latin.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a : Popular Educator
?Besides the standard works of our great writers, I subscribed to a few serials, mostly educational. These included "British Controversionalist", Cassell?s "Popular Educator", "Historical Educator" and "Educational Course"? Cassell?s publications, cheap and solid, were a great book to me. The "Popular Educator" was my chief handbook. Always fond of linguistics studies, I tackled lessons in English, in French and in Latin.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Educational Course
?Besides the standard works of our great writers, I subscribed to a few serials, mostly educational. These included "British Controversionalist", Cassell?s "Popular Educator", "Historical Educator" and "Educational Course"? Cassell?s publications, cheap and solid, were a great book to me. The "Popular Educator" was my chief handbook. Always fond of linguistics studies, I tackled lessons in English, in French and in Latin.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Serial / periodical
: Historical educator
?Besides the standard works of our great writers, I subscribed to a few serials, mostly educational. These included "British Controversionalist", Cassell?s "Popular Educator", "Historical Educator" and "Educational Course"? Cassell?s publications, cheap and solid, were a great book to me. The "Popular Educator" was my chief handbook. Always fond of linguistics studies, I tackled lessons in English, in French and in Latin.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Serial / periodical
Archibald Alison : History of Europe
?Two or three years my senior, Sam, like myself, was acquiring a taste for books. Our tastes were not wholly dissimilar. Both of us read and enjoyed poetry; but while Sam?s more solid reading was in science, especially in astronomy and geology, mine was in history, biography, logic, languages, oratory, and general literature. Sam?s favourite books at this time were Alison?s "History of Europe" and Humboldt?s "Cosmos".?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bailey Print: Book
Alexander van Humboldt : Cosmos
?Two or three years my senior, Sam, like myself, was acquiring a taste for books. Our tastes were not wholly dissimilar. Both of us read and enjoyed poetry; but while Sam?s more solid reading was in science, especially in astronomy and geology, mine was in history, biography, logic, languages, oratory, and general literature. Sam?s favourite books at this time were Alison?s "History of Europe" and Humboldt?s "Cosmos".?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bailey Print: Book
Phillip James Bailey : Festus: A poem
?[William Ritson] was a lover of books ? specially fond of poetry. He lent me about this time a paper-backed copy of Bailey?s "Festus", which I read with great admiration.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
William Shakespeare : The Tempest
?I now read for the first time "The Tempest", "Measure for Measure", "Love?s Labour?s Lost", and many other of Shakespeare?s comedies, besides the supreme tragedies, among [them] the greatest creations of the human intellect ? "Hamlet", "Macbeth", "Othello" and "Lear". From no "edition de luxe" did I read. The plays were published by Dick, cost me one penny each, a sum well suited to my means. No matter that the price was small and the paper poor; no matter that there were neither theatre nor stage, neither actors or orchestra. All the more scope was given to fancy and imagination.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Measure for measure
?I now read for the first time "The Tempest", "Measure for Measure", "Love?s Labour?s Lost", and many other of Shakespeare?s comedies, besides the supreme tragedies, among [them] the greatest creations of the human intellect ? "Hamlet", "Macbeth", "Othello" and "Lear". From no "edition de luxe" did I read. The plays were published by Dick, cost me one penny each, a sum well suited to my means. No matter that the price was small and the paper poor; no matter that there were neither theatre nor stage, neither actors or orchestra. All the more scope was given to fancy and imagination.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Love's Labour's Lost
?I now read for the first time "The Tempest", "Measure for Measure", "Love?s Labour?s Lost", and many other of Shakespeare?s comedies, besides the supreme tragedies, among [them] the greatest creations of the human intellect ? "Hamlet", "Macbeth", "Othello" and "Lear". From no "edition de luxe" did I read. The plays were published by Dick, cost me one penny each, a sum well suited to my means. No matter that the price was small and the paper poor; no matter that there were neither theatre nor stage, neither actors or orchestra. All the more scope was given to fancy and imagination.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
?I now read for the first time "The Tempest", "Measure for Measure", "Love?s Labour?s Lost", and many other of Shakespeare?s comedies, besides the supreme tragedies, among [them] the greatest creations of the human intellect ? "Hamlet", "Macbeth", "Othello" and "Lear". From no "edition de luxe" did I read. The plays were published by Dick, cost me one penny each, a sum well suited to my means. No matter that the price was small and the paper poor; no matter that there were neither the theatre nor stage, neither actors or orchestra. All the more scope was given to fancy and imagination.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Othello
?I now read for the first time "The Tempest", "Measure for Measure", "Love?s Labour?s Lost", and many other of Shakespeare?s comedies, besides the supreme tragedies, among [them] the greatest creations of the human intellect ? "Hamlet", "Macbeth", "Othello" and "Lear". From no "edition de luxe" did I read. The plays were published by Dick, cost me one penny each, a sum well suited to my means. No matter that the price was small and the paper poor; no matter that there were neither theatre nor stage, neither actors or orchestra. All the more scope was given to fancy and imagination.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
William Shakespeare : King Lear
?I now read for the first time "The Tempest", "Measure for Measure", "Love?s Labour?s Lost", and many other of Shakespeare?s comedies, besides the supreme tragedies, among [them] the greatest creations of the human intellect ? "Hamlet", "Macbeth", "Othello" and "Lear". From no "edition de luxe" did I read. The plays were published by Dick, cost me one penny each, a sum well suited to my means. No matter that the price was small and the paper poor; no matter that there were neither theatre nor stage, neither actors or orchestra. All the more scope was given to fancy and imagination.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
[n/a] : The Cornhill Magazine
?In January 1860, appeared the Cornhill magazine, with Thackeray as its editor. The price was a shilling? As soon as I knew it was on sale, I walked to Beddington and came home the proud possessor of the first number. Thackeray?s "Roundabout papers" and some of his stories I read with much gusto. Before the year was out there appeared in the Cornhill a series of remarkable papers by John Ruskin, "Unto this last". These I read with avidity from beginning to end. Long and deep did I ponder over them. The style ? so simple, so beautiful, so telling ? captivated me??
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Babbington Macaulay : History of England
?Macaulay, who had recently died, was greatly in vogue. I had read with enjoyment and advantage his "History of England" and some of his essays.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
William Wordsworth : Lucy Gray
?In one of my early schoolbooks, indeed, I had read "Lucy Gray" and "We are seven". The music of these simple lays had charmed my boyish fancy and lingered in my memory.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
William Wordsworth : We are seven
?In one of my early schoolbooks, indeed, I had read "Lucy Gray" and "We are seven". The music of these simple lays had charmed my boyish fancy and lingered in my memory.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
William Wordsworth : The Daffodils
?Joe was never tired of expatiating on the beauties and grandeur of Wordsworth, and my lack of responsiveness must have occasionally surprised him. When he selected some of the shorter poems ? "The Daffodils", "The Highland Girl", "The Solitary Reaper" and other gems ? and invited me to read them aloud, Joe?s quick ear soon detected that I read with the spirit as well as with the understanding, and, thus tutored, I quickly became a devoted Wordsworthian.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
[n/a] : Newcastle Chronicle
'Opening the "Newcastle Chronicle" one November morning of 1865, I observed a long letter signed "A Coalowner". From beginning to end the letter was a fierce diatribe against the strikers, the Miner's Union, and the Secretary of the Union.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Newspaper
John Nicholl : The execrable practice of buying and selling livings commonly called Simony: in a sermon
'In the even I read to my friend a sermon preached at the last Visitation held at Lewes, written by Mr Nicholl, Vicar of Westham in this county, and part of three discourses written by James Walder, a Baptist preacher, the last of which I esteem the best performance, it being in my judgment written with a true spirit of piety and in a pretty modest style. And what may, I presume, be proper for to be read by any sect whatsoever, there being nothing more in it than what is the duty of all Christians both to practise and believe.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Unknown
James Walder : The ax laid to the root; or, a preservative against the erroneous doctrines of the Methodists; candidly offered to the consideration of all Christians
'In the even I read to my friend a sermon preached at the last Visitation held at Lewes, written by Mr Nicholl, Vicar of Westham in this county, and part of three discourses written by James Walder, a Baptist preacher, the last of which I esteem the best performance, it being in my judgment written with a true spirit of piety and in a pretty modest style. And what may, I presume, be proper for to be read by any sect whatsoever, there being nothing more in it than what is the duty of all Christians both to practise and believe.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
: Universal Magazine of Knowledge and Pleasure
'In the even, read some "Universal Magazines".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
Gilbert Burnet : The history of the reformation of the Church of England
'In the afternoon and even read part of Burnet's "History of the Reformation" which I esteem a very impartial history, as the author has everywhere treated his subject with moderation and coolness, which is in my opinion always a sign of learning and virtue.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
: The London magazine; or, gentleman's monthly intelligencer
'In the even read part of the "London Magazine" for July, in which I find a great many excellent pieces, more than I ever remember to have seen in any one magazine. Perhaps I may be partial in my opinion, and only think them excellent as they agree with my own sentiments, for we are apt to be partial in our judgment of men and books as they agree and are similar to our own thoughts, few having so sound a judgment as to think and act impartial when their interests or sentiments are the topic.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Serial / periodical
Homer : Odyssey
'In the even read part of Homer's "Odyssey", translated by Alexander Pope, which I like very well, the language being vastly good and the turn of thought and expression beautiful.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Turner Print: Book
Henry James : Portrait of a Lady
Robert Louis Stevenson to Henry James, November-early December 1887: "I must break out with the news that I can't bear the Portrait of a Lady. I read it all, and I wept, too; but I can't stand your having written it, and I beg you will write no more of the like."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Unknown
William Mason : [items in Dodsley's Miscellanies]
'In Dodsley's "Miscellanies" there are two or three pretty pieces of Mr Mason. Bacon's "Life by Mr Mallet" perhaps you have seen. He is not near so good a Man, I fear, as Mr Mason'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
David Mallett : [Life of Bacon]
'In Dodsley's "Miscellanies" there are two or three pretty pieces of Mr Mason. Bacon's "Life" by Mr Mallet perhaps you have seen. He is not near so good a Man, I fear, as Mr Mason.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
David Hartley : [passages from] Observations on Man, his frame, his duty, and his expectations.
'I have read the Passage in Dr Hartley which you pointed out to me. He is a good Man. One Day I hope to read him thro', tho' without Hopes of understanding the abstruser Parts'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
John Hawkesworth : [items in Cave's Magazine]
'I am glad the Adventurers please your Ladiship. You think the Style of some of them uneasy and difficult. The principal Author has been thought an Imitator of Mr Johnson, the Author of the Rambler. The two Gentlemen have a high Opinion of each other. Mr Hawkesworth has written some very good things in Cave's Magazine...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Serial / periodical
various authors : correspondence and other papers
'I am employing myself at present, in looking over & sorting, & classing my Correspondencies and other Papers. This, when done, will amuse me by reading over again, a very ample Correspondence: & in comparing the Sentiments of my Correspondents, at the time, with their present; and improving from both'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Manuscript: Letter, letters and papers
Edward Young : The Centaur not Fabulous; in Six Letters to a Friend on The Life in Vogue
'With us, the "Centaur not fabulous" has met with a pretty good Reception; tho' some good People wish that it had less of the Enthusiasm of Poetry in it; less of Imagination. But are there not very fine, very solemn, very noble Strokes in almost every Page of it? Is not the Author's good Design apparent in every Line?'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Manuscript: Unknown, printed by Richardson so presumably read in MS
Joseph Warton : An Essay on the Writings and Genius of Pope
'I believe your Ladiship will be diverted with an Octavo book on the Writings and Genius of Pope; tho' you will not approve of everything in it. A little Vol. intitled, "Christian Morals", by Sir Thomas Browne of Norwich, Author of Religio Medici, with his Life and Explanatory Notes, by S. Johnson, Author of the Rablers, will, I believe, amuse you. There is a third Book written by Mr G[reville], a Man of Fashion, intitled, "Maxims", "Characters" or some such Title. Among his Subjects, he takes to Task (to severe Task, some have thought) the Writings of your Humble Servt. Thus I wrote upon it to a Lady, who was unwilling I should see it, for fear it shd. vex me; a Fear several of my Friends had on the same Account; "I have read Mr G[reville's] Censure of the Writings of a
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Thomas Browne : Christian Morals
I believe your Ladiship will be diverted with an Octavo book on the Writings and Genius of Pope; tho' you will not approve of everything in it. A little Vol. intitled, "Christian Morals", by Sir Thomas Browne of Norwich, Author of Religio Medici, with his Life and Explanatory Notes, by S. Johnson, Author of "the Rablers", will, I believe, amuse you. There is a third Book written by Mr G[reville], a Man of Fashion, intitled, "Maxims", "Characters" or some such Title. Among his Subjects, he takes to Task (to severe Task, some have thought) the Writings of your Humble Servt. Thus I wrote upon it to a Lady, who was unwilling I should see it, for fear it shd. vex me; a Fear several of my Friends had on the same Account; "I have read Mr G[reville's] Censure of the Writings of a [italics] certain Author[end italics]. I sincerely think there may be Justice in the most unfavourable Part of it."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Fulke Greville : Maxims, Characters and Reflections
I believe your Ladiship will be diverted with an Octavo book on the Writings and Genius of Pope; tho' you will not approve of everything in it. A little Vol. intitled, "Christian Morals", by Sir Thomas Browne of Norwich, Author of "Religio Medici", with his Life and Explanatory Notes, by S. Johnson, Author of the Rablers, will, I believe, amuse you. There is a third Book written by Mr G[reville], a Man of Fashion, intitled, "Maxims, Characters" or some such Title. Among his Subjects, he takes to Task (to severe Task, some have thought) the Writings of your Humble Servt. Thus I wrote upon it to a Lady, who was unwilling I should see it, for fear it shd. vex me; a Fear several of my Friends had on the same Account; "I have read Mr G[reville's] Censure of the Writings of a [italics] certain Author [ end italics]. I sincerely think there may be Justice in the most unfavourable Part of it."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Sarah Fielding : Familiar Letters Between the Principle Characters in David Simple
'I amuse myself as well as I can with reading. I have just gone through your two vols. of Letters. Have reperused them with great pleasure and found many new beauties in them. What a knowledge of the human heart!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Laurence Sterne : The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy
'Who is this Yorick? you are pleased to ask me. You cannot, I imagine have looked into his books: execrable I cannot but call them; for I am told that the third and fourth volumes are worse, if possible, than the two first; which, only, I have had the patience to run through. One extenuating circumstance attends his works, that they are too gross to be inflaming'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
Hans Andersen : [fairy tales]
'Rudie inspired in all his children a love of literature, reading aloud to them from his own favourites, the great Victorians, particularly Dickens, and helping them to choose from the library shelves. "I had the run of my father's library", Rosamond remembered. "I was allowed to read anything and did". There was a bookcase in the hall where he would put books sent to him for review, and from these Rosamond, graduating from her beloved Hans Andersen, E. Nesbit and "Les Petites Filles Modeles", began to discover some of the more adult novelists'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Edith Nesbit :
'Rudie inspired in all his children a love of literature, reading aloud to them from his own favourites, the great Victorians, particularly Dickens, and helping them to choose from the library shelves. "I had the run of my father's library", Rosamond remembered. "I was allowed to read anything and did". There was a bookcase in the hall where he would put books sent to him for review, and from these Rosamond, graduating from her beloved Hans Andersen, E. Nesbit and "Les Petites Filles Modeles", began to discover some of the more adult novelists'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Comtesse de Segur : Les Petites Filles Mod?les
'Rudie inspired in all his children a love of literature, reading aloud to them from his own favourites, the great Victorians, particularly Dickens, and helping them to choose from the library shelves. "I had the run of my father's library", Rosamond remembered. "I was allowed to read anything and did". There was a bookcase in the hall where he would put books sent to him for review, and from these Rosamond, graduating from her beloved Hans Andersen, E. Nesbit and "Les Petites Filles Modeles", began to discover some of the more adult novelists'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
: [adult novels]
'Rudie inspired in all his children a love of literature, reading aloud to them from his own favourites, the great Victorians, particularly Dickens, and helping them to choose from the library shelves. "I had the run of my father's library", Rosamond remembered. "I was allowed to read anything and did". There was a bookcase in the hall where he would put books sent to him for review, and from these Rosamond, graduating from her beloved Hans Andersen, E. Nesbit and "Les Petites Filles Modeles", began to discover some of the more adult novelists'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Thomas Hardy : [poem in the London Mercury]
'To her father she wrote about her term work, the poetry she was reading and with details about new publications. "Do", she urged him, "try to get hold of 'The London Mercury', a new periodical edited by J.C. Squire. The first number has just appeared and is quite excellent, - but I don't suppose it will keep it up. There are hitherto unpublished poems by Rupert Brooke and Thomas Hardy".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Serial / periodical
Rupert Brooke : [poem(s) in the London Mercury]
'To her father she wrote about her term work, the poetry she was reading and with details about new publications. "Do", she urged him, "try to get hold of 'The London Mercury', a new periodical edited by J.C. Squire. The first number has just appeared and is quite excellent, - but I don't suppose it will keep it up. There are hitherto unpublished poems by Rupert Brooke and Thomas Hardy".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Serial / periodical
Aldous Huxley :
[Lehmann and her first husband, Leslie Runcimann] 'were great readers, particularly of modern novelists such as Huxley, Lawrence and Gerhardie.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
David Herbert Lawrence :
[Lehmann and her first husband, Leslie Runcimann] 'were great readers, particularly of modern novelists such as Huxley, Lawrence and Gerhardie.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
William Alexander Gerhardi(e) :
[Lehmann and her first husband, Leslie Runcimann] 'were great readers, particularly of modern novelists such as Huxley, Lawrence and Gerhardie.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
William Alexander Gerhardi(e) :
[Lehmann and her first husband, Leslie Runcimann] 'were great readers, particularly of modern novelists such as Huxley, Lawrence and Gerhardie.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Runcimann Print: Book
Aldous Huxley :
[Lehmann and her first husband, Leslie Runcimann] 'were great readers, particularly of modern novelists such as Huxley, Lawrence and Gerhardie.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Runcimann Print: Book
David Herbert Lawrence :
[Lehmann and her first husband, Leslie Runcimann] 'were great readers, particularly of modern novelists such as Huxley, Lawrence and Gerhardie.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Runcimann Print: Book
: [nineteenth century fiction by women]
'Steeped in the fiction of the last century ("I was singularly ill read in fiction published in the twentieth century", she admitted. "I thought of nineteenth century literary giants as my great ancestresses, revered, loved and somehow intimately known"), Rosamond saw herself continuing in the same tradition'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
May Sinclair : Life and Death of Harriet Frean
[Lehmann's novel "Dusty Answer" has a structure] 'possibly derived from May Sinclair's bleak and brilliant portrait of misguided self sacrifice, "Life and Death of Harriet Frean", which Rosamond read on its publication in 1922 and much admired'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Virginia Woolf : Roger Fry: A Biography
[Virginia Woolf's] 'masterpiece, in Rosamond's opinion, was her biography of Roger Fry, although the novels were also revered - "To the Lighthouse" above all - even if some of the stylistic tricks were sometimes found to be irritating.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Virginia Woolf : To the Lighthouse
[Virginia Woolf's] 'masterpiece, in Rosamond's opinion, was her biography of Roger Fry, although the novels were also revered - "To the Lighthouse" above all - even if some of the stylistic tricks were sometimes found to be irritating.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Siegfried Sassoon :
'Through her old friendship with Stephen Tennant, Rosamond became devoted to his lover, Siegfried Sassoon, whose work she much admired'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Thomas Stearns Eliot :
'her main intellectual interests were always literary, and as a novelist she was predominantly engaged in the business of reading and writing, with a keen critical interest in the works of other writers. She read avidly, modern poets such as T.S. Eliot, Roy Fuller, Auden and Cecil Day Lewis, and contemporary novelists, admiring in particular the work of Faulkner and Ford Madox Ford, Virginia Woolf, Ivy Compton Burnett, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Jean Rhys and Elizabeth Bowen. Jean Rhys's bleak, beautiful novel "Voyage in the Dark", published in the same month as [Lehmann's] "Invitation to the Waltz", had much impressed Rosamond, who invited its author to tea'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Roy Fuller :
'her main intellectual interests were always literary, and as a novelist she was predominantly engaged in the business of reading and writing, with a keen critical interest in the works of other writers. She read avidly, modern poets such as T.S. Eliot, Roy Fuller, Auden and Cecil Day Lewis, and contemporary novelists, admiring in particular the work of Faulkner and Ford Madox Ford, Virginia Woolf, Ivy Compton Burnett, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Jean Rhys and Elizabeth Bowen. Jean Rhys's bleak, beautiful novel "Voyage in the Dark", published in the same month as [Lehmann's] "Invitation to the Waltz", had much impressed Rosamond, who invited its author to tea'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Wystan Hugh Auden :
'her main intellectual interests were always literary, and as a novelist she was predominantly engaged in the business of reading and writing, with a keen critical interest in the works of other writers. She read avidly, modern poets such as T.S. Eliot, Roy Fuller, Auden and Cecil Day Lewis, and contemporary novelists, admiring in particular the work of Faulkner and Ford Madox Ford, Virginia Woolf, Ivy Compton Burnett, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Jean Rhys and Elizabeth Bowen. Jean Rhys's bleak, beautiful novel "Voyage in the Dark", published in the same month as [Lehmann's] "Invitation to the Waltz", had much impressed Rosamond, who invited its author to tea'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Cecil Day Lewis :
'her main intellectual interests were always literary, and as a novelist she was predominantly engaged in the business of reading and writing, with a keen critical interest in the works of other writers. She read avidly, modern poets such as T.S. Eliot, Roy Fuller, Auden and Cecil Day Lewis, and contemporary novelists, admiring in particular the work of Faulkner and Ford Madox Ford, Virginia Woolf, Ivy Compton Burnett, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Jean Rhys and Elizabeth Bowen. Jean Rhys's bleak, beautiful novel "Voyage in the Dark", published in the same month as [Lehmann's] "Invitation to the Waltz", had much impressed Rosamond, who invited its author to tea'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
William Faulkner :
'her main intellectual interests were always literary, and as a novelist she was predominantly engaged in the business of reading and writing, with a keen critical interest in the works of other writers. She read avidly, modern poets such as T.S. Eliot, Roy Fuller, Auden and Cecil Day Lewis, and contemporary novelists, admiring in particular the work of Faulkner and Ford Madox Ford, Virginia Woolf, Ivy Compton Burnett, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Jean Rhys and Elizabeth Bowen. Jean Rhys's bleak, beautiful novel "Voyage in the Dark", published in the same month as [Lehmann's] "Invitation to the Waltz", had much impressed Rosamond, who invited its author to tea'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford :
'her main intellectual interests were always literary, and as a novelist she was predominantly engaged in the business of reading and writing, with a keen critical interest in the works of other writers. She read avidly, modern poets such as T.S. Eliot, Roy Fuller, Auden and Cecil Day Lewis, and contemporary novelists, admiring in particular the work of Faulkner and Ford Madox Ford, Virginia Woolf, Ivy Compton Burnett, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Jean Rhys and Elizabeth Bowen. Jean Rhys's bleak, beautiful novel "Voyage in the Dark", published in the same month as [Lehmann's] "Invitation to the Waltz", had much impressed Rosamond, who invited its author to tea'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Ivy Compton Burnett :
'her main intellectual interests were always literary, and as a novelist she was predominantly engaged in the business of reading and writing, with a keen critical interest in the works of other writers. She read avidly, modern poets such as T.S. Eliot, Roy Fuller, Auden and Cecil Day Lewis, and contemporary novelists, admiring in particular the work of Faulkner and Ford Madox Ford, Virginia Woolf, Ivy Compton Burnett, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Jean Rhys and Elizabeth Bowen. Jean Rhys's bleak, beautiful novel "Voyage in the Dark", published in the same month as [Lehmann's] "Invitation to the Waltz", had much impressed Rosamond, who invited its author to tea'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Sylvia Townsend Warner :
'her main intellectual interests were always literary, and as a novelist she was predominantly engaged in the business of reading and writing, with a keen critical interest in the works of other writers. She read avidly, modern poets such as T.S. Eliot, Roy Fuller, Auden and Cecil Day Lewis, and contemporary novelists, admiring in particular the work of Faulkner and Ford Madox Ford, Virginia Woolf, Ivy Compton Burnett, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Jean Rhys and Elizabeth Bowen. Jean Rhys's bleak, beautiful novel "Voyage in the Dark", published in the same month as [Lehmann's] "Invitation to the Waltz", had much impressed Rosamond, who invited its author to tea'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Elizabeth Bowen :
'her main intellectual interests were always literary, and as a novelist she was predominantly engaged in the business of reading and writing, with a keen critical interest in the works of other writers. She read avidly, modern poets such as T.S. Eliot, Roy Fuller, Auden and Cecil Day Lewis, and contemporary novelists, admiring in particular the work of Faulkner and Ford Madox Ford, Virginia Woolf, Ivy Compton Burnett, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Jean Rhys and Elizabeth Bowen. Jean Rhys's bleak, beautiful novel "Voyage in the Dark", published in the same month as [Lehmann's] "Invitation to the Waltz", had much impressed Rosamond, who invited its author to tea'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Jean Rhys : Voyage in the Dark
'her main intellectual interests were always literary, and as a novelist she was predominantly engaged in the business of reading and writing, with a keen critical interest in the works of other writers. She read avidly, modern poets such as T.S. Eliot, Roy Fuller, Auden and Cecil Day Lewis, and contemporary novelists, admiring in particular the work of Faulkner and Ford Madox Ford, Virginia Woolf, Ivy Compton Burnett, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Jean Rhys and Elizabeth Bowen. Jean Rhys's bleak, beautiful novel "Voyage in the Dark", published in the same month as [Lehmann's] "Invitation to the Waltz", had much impressed Rosamond, who invited its author to tea'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Thomas Stearns Eliot : The Four Quartets
[Rosamond Lehmann wrote in her memoir, "Swan at Evening"] "I took down and re-read "The Four Quartets", the sublime, unhopeful, consoling cluster of poems; and discovered, or rather re-discovered, that everything was there - everything that I have been trying, and shall be trying, to say".
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamond Lehmann Print: Book
Adam Smith : Wealth of Nations
?There were other books which I then read and studied with care, including Adam Smith?s "Wealth of Nations" and Mill?s "Political Economy". This was not a kind of literature to borrow from public libraries, but to have in one?s possessions.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
John Stuart Mill : Political Economy
?There were other books which I then read and studied with care, including Adam Smith?s "Wealth of Nations" and Mill?s "Political Economy". This was not a kind of literature to borrow from public libraries, but to have in one?s possessions.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
George Eliot : Adam Bede
?The library of the Mechanics' Institute gave me the opportunity to read some books which were then new to me, among them being, I remember, "Adam Bede", and other of George Eliot?s novels. My appetite for Ruskin had been whetted by his "Unto this Last", which I had read with care and keen appreciation. Ruskin?s works were at the time beyond the reach of my slender purse. Now I read with delight his "Crown of Wild Olive", his "Sesame and Lilies", and other of his smaller books. These, together with his "Modern Painters", I soon afterwards added to my own little library, as well as a complete set of George Eliot?s works. Next to Wordsworth I do not think any writer has influenced me more deeply and more healthily than Ruskin.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
John Ruskin : Crown of Wild Olive: Three lectures on work, traffic and war
?The library of the Mechanics' Institute gave me the opportunity to read some books which were then new to me, among them being, I remember, "Adam Bede", and other of George Eliot?s novels. My appetite for Ruskin had been whetted by his "Unto this Last", which I had read with care and keen appreciation. Ruskin?s works were at the time beyond the reach of my slender purse. Now I read with delight his "Crown of Wild Olive", his "Sesame and Lilies", and other of his smaller books. These, together with his "Modern Painters", I soon afterwards added to my own little library, as well as a complete set of George Eliot?s works. Next to Wordsworth I do not think any writer has influenced me more deeply and more healthily than Ruskin.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
John Ruskin : Sesame and Lilies
?The library of the Mechanics' Institute gave me the opportunity to read some books which were then new to me, among them being, I remember, Adam Bede, and other of George Eliot?s novels. My appetite for Ruskin had been whetted by his "Unto this Last", which I had read with care and keen appreciation. Ruskin?s works were at the time beyond the reach of my slender purse. Now I read with delight his "Crown of Wild Olive", his "Sesame and Lilies", and other of his smaller books. These, together with his "Modern Painters", I soon afterwards added to my own little library, as well as a complete set of George Eliot?s works. Next to Wordsworth I do not think any writer has influenced me more deeply and more healthily than Ruskin.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
John Ruskin : Modern Painters
?The library of the Mechanics' Institute gave me the opportunity to read some books which were then new to me, among them being, I remember, "Adam Bede", and other of George Eliot?s novels. My appetite for Ruskin had been whetted by his "Unto this Last", which I had read with care and keen appreciation. Ruskin?s works were at the time beyond the reach of my slender purse. Now I read with delight his "Crown of Wild Olive", his "Sesame and Lilies", and other of his smaller books. These, together with his "Modern Painters", I soon afterwards added to my own little library, as well as a complete set of George Eliot?s works. Next to Wordsworth I do not think any writer has influenced me more deeply and more healthily than Ruskin.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
?Another great book which I bought in those days was Gibbon?s "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" (Bohn?s edition in seven volumes). Relative to my means, the price was rather stiff, but by getting one volume at a time, as I could afford to pay for it, this difficulty was surmounted. ? Vividly do I remember bringing the final volume home. With youthful glee I read till a late hour. I slept little that night; the book haunted my dreams. I awoke about four on the bright summer Sunday morning and went into the fields to read till breakfast-time. The stately, majestic march of Gibbon?s periods had some attraction for me even then; but the "Decline and Fall", it must be admitted, was hard reading for an unlettered collier lad. Yet I plodded on until I had finished the book which, besides its direct teachings, brought me many indirect advantages.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
Todd : Student's Manual
?For stories, anecdotes, for something lively and telling, I ransacked my father?s theological magazines, with but small success. Two books of his, however, I found greatly helpful. Todd?s "Student?s Manual" and an odd volume on Channing?s works. The "Manual" was a handy little book, full of useful links and suggestions on reading, writing and study. Still more hopeful and inspiring was Channing. That such an author should be in my father?s possession in those days was in itself remarkable? This volume of Channing, which so profited and delighted me, contained essays on Milton, Napoleon and F?nelon. These I read with attention; more than once I read them ? that on Milton many times over. The style took my fancy. Compared, indeed, with the great masters of English prose, the critic would no doubt detect failings not a few in Channing. But I was not a critic; and the clear, easy, simple words, the rhythmic phrases, pleased my ear, while the sentiments always pure, generous, lofty ? impressed me heart and understanding.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
Channing : [volume of essays eg. on Milton, Napoleon and Fenelon]
?For stories, anecdotes, for something lively and telling, I ransacked my father?s theological magazines, with but small success. Two books of his, however, I found greatly helpful. Todd?s "Student?s Manual" and an odd volume on Channing?s works. The "Manual" was a handy little book, full of useful links and suggestions on reading, writing and study. Still more hopeful and inspiring was Channing. That such an author should be in my father?s possession in those days was in itself remarkable? This volume of Channing, which so profited and delighted me, contained essays on Milton, Napoleon and F?nelon. These I read with attention; more than once I read them ? that on Milton many times over. The style took my fancy. Compared, indeed, with the great masters of English prose, the critic would no doubt detect failings not a few in Channing. But I was not a critic; and the clear, easy, simple words, the rhythmic phrases, pleased my ear, while the sentiments always pure, generous, lofty ? impressed me heart and understanding.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
[n/a] : London Journal
?When about fourteen years old a comrade lent me a few stray numbers of the "London Journal", a highly spiced periodical which I read with great gusto. It was full of adventures, of mild, romantic stories depicting duels and battles, deeds of daring, hairbreadth escapes by land and sea, the heroes being banditti, pirates, robbers and outlaws. This stirred my blood and excited the youthful imagination. When my father caught me reading it he gently chided me for wasting my time on such rubbishy stuff. Wretched garbage no doubt it was, yet, after all, perhaps the time given to it was not wholly wasted. No useful information, indeed, was gained, but I was acquiring facility in reading and laying hold of the golden key which would open to me the rich treasures of a great literature.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Psalms
?For reading aloud the one book used was the Bible, the Psalms being always selected. Directly the last Psalm was finished we turned back to the first, and began them over again. In my own experience, the monotony of this proceeding had a most unhappy effect ? the Psalms became so uninteresting, not to say repetitive, that all through life I have failed to appreciate properly the beauty of those grand Eastern compositions.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Catling Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Bleak House
?This period gave me unnumbered hours for reading, and I devoured everything that came in my way, novels, histories, travels, even "The lives of the Stoics". There was no such thing as a free library then, so enough money was scraped up for a subscription one, the first volume borrowed being Dickens?s newly published "Bleak House".?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Catling Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
?The first book which attracted my particular notice was "The Pilgrim?s Progress", with rude woodcuts; it excited my curiosity in an extraordinary degree. There was "Christian knocking at the strait gate", his "fight wit Appolyn", his "passing near the lions", his "escape from Giant Dispair [sic]", his perils at "Vanity Fair", his arrival in "the land of Beula", and his final passage to "Eternal Rest": all these were matters for the exercise of my feeling and my imagination. And then when it was explained to me ? as it was by my mother and sister...?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
[n/a] : New Testament
??now, being able to read, I had almost continually the Testament in my hand. I had all the wondrous accounts in the Revelations, and my father, not a little pleased, would at times sit down, and in his way explain the meaning of the strange things about which I read. After I had gone through the Revelations, I began with the Gospel of Saint Matthew, and was deeply interested by the miracles, sufferings and death of our Lord. The New Testament was now my shiny book, and I read it all through and through, but more for the interest the marvellous passages excited, than from any religious impression which they caused.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Mary Hays : Memoirs of Emma Courtney
'Mrs Robinson... has read your novel, and was very much pleased with the main story; but did not like the conclusion. She thinks the death of Augustus the end of the story and that the husband should have been suffered to die a natural death.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Robinson Print: BookManuscript: Unknown
Henry James : "French essays"
Henry James to Henry James Sr., 29 May 1878: " ... Sir Charles Dilke ... appears to have found time ... to read and be 'struck' by my French essays."
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Charles Dilke Print: Unknown
Homer : [hymn to Aphrodite]
'Gruppe read us a translation of one of the Homeric Hymns - Aphrodite - which is really beautiful. It is a sort of Gegenstuck to "Der Gott und die Bayadere". He has struck out 150 lines which he believes to be interpolated and the connection of the poem appears perfect'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: [Professor] Gruppe Manuscript: Unknown
Silvio Pellico : Prisons
'I also read again Silvio Pellico's "Prisons". I read it once at Granton- a lovely book (same edition) and "Adam Bede" and a French Novel and other new works. I like all Adam Bede immensely except the extremely inartistic plot. Geo. Eliot loves to draw self-righteious people with good instincts being led into crime or misery by circumstances.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
George Eliot : Adam Bede
'I also read again Silvio Pellico's "Prisons". I read it once at Granton- a lovely book (same edition) and "Adam Bede" and a French Novel and other new works. I like all Adam Bede immensely except the extremely inartistic plot. Geo. Eliot loves to draw self-righteious people with good instincts being led into crime or misery by circumstances.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
[unknown] : [French novel]
'I also read again Silvio Pellico's "Prisons". I read it once at Granton- a lovely book (same edition) and "Adam Bede" and a French Novel and other new works. I like all Adam Bede immensely except the extremely inartistic plot. Geo. Eliot loves to draw self-righteious people with good instincts being led into crime or misery by circumstances.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
[unknown] : [dramatists' works]
'I spent the morning reading dramatists, to qualify myself to teach English Literature [...] while in the evening I read Walt Whitman's last book aloud to Alice, thus establishing myself as a (qualified) Whitmaniac.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
[unknown] : [Roman History]
'I have read a good many things, a life of Scott, the "Pleasures of Memory" by S. Rogers, Roman History and other things.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Last night I spent with Charles Strachey; we each had an arm chair with a chair between us to hold books as we passed judgment on them. I am sending you Stevenson's last book which came out a few days ago, which I bought and read this afternoon (I had a meddlesome red pencil with which I slightly disfigured it) and which I think spendidly spirited.' [followed by a judgment on the book]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Raleigh Print: Book
Baron Jacob Berzelius : Examination of some compounds which depend upon very weak affinities
'The Dr [Brewster] stopped to tell me that he had got a paper on Chemistry written (in French) by Berzelius, professor of that science in Stockholm - which was to be published in April:- would I translate it? I answered in the affirmative; and next day went over to get the paper in question. It consists of six long sheets, written in a cramp hand, & in a very diffuse [s]tile. I have it more than half done. The labour of writing it down is the principal one. In other respects there is no difficulty.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Sheet
anon : Histories of Jack the Giant Killer
'At the corner of Hanging Bridge, near Old Churchyard, was a bookshop kept by one Swindells, a printer. In the spacious windows of this shop? were exhibited numerous songs, ballads, tales, and other publications, with horrid and awful-looking woodcuts at the head; which publications, with their cuts, had a strong command of my attention. Every farthing I could scrape together was now spent in purchasing "Histories of Jack the Giant Killer", "Saint George and the Dragon", "Tom Hickathrift", "Jack and the Bean Stalk", "History of the Seven Champions", tale of "Fair Rosamond", "History of Friar Bacon", "Account of the Lancashire Witches", "The Witches of the Woodlands", and such like romances; whilst my ? collections embraced but few pieces besides "Robin Hood?s Songs", and "The Ballad of Chevy Chase". Of all these tales and ballads I was soon to master, and they formed the subjects of many a long study to me, and of many a wonder-creating story for my acquaintance both at the workhouse and elsewhere. For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were "trash" and "nonsense", and "could not be true", I innocently enough, contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I read in books that "it were a sin to disbelieve".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
anon : Saint George and the Dragon
'At the corner of Hanging Bridge, near Old Churchyard, was a bookshop kept by one Swindells, a printer. In the spacious windows of this shop? were exhibited numerous songs, ballads, tales, and other publications, with horrid and awful-looking woodcuts at the head; which publications, with their cuts, had a strong command of my attention. Every farthing I could scrape together was now spent in purchasing "Histories of Jack the Giant Killer", "Saint George and the Dragon", "Tom Hickathrift", "Jack and the Bean Stalk", "History of the Seven Champions", tale of "Fair Rosamond", "History of Friar Bacon", "Account of the Lancashire Witches", "The Witches of the Woodlands", and such like romances; whilst my ? collections embraced but few pieces besides "Robin Hood?s Songs", and "The Ballad of Chevy Chase". Of all these tales and ballads I was soon to master, and they formed the subjects of many a long study to me, and of many a wonder-creating story for my acquaintance both at the workhouse and elsewhere. For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were "trash" and "nonsense", and "could not be true", I innocently enough, contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I read in books that "it were a sin to disbelieve".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
anon : Tom Hickathrift
'At the corner of Hanging Bridge, near Old Churchyard, was a bookshop kept by one Swindells, a printer. In the spacious windows of this shop? were exhibited numerous songs, ballads, tales, and other publications, with horrid and awful-looking woodcuts at the head; which publications, with their cuts, had a strong command of my attention. Every farthing I could scrape together was now spent in purchasing "Histories of Jack the Giant Killer", "Saint George and the Dragon", "Tom Hickathrift", "Jack and the Bean Stalk", "History of the Seven Champions", tale of "Fair Rosamond", "History of Friar Bacon", "Account of the Lancashire Witches", "The Witches of the Woodlands", and such like romances; whilst my ? collections embraced but few pieces besides "Robin Hood?s Songs", and "The Ballad of Chevy Chase". Of all these tales and ballads I was soon to master, and they formed the subjects of many a long study to me, and of many a wonder-creating story for my acquaintance both at the workhouse and elsewhere. For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were "trash" and "nonsense", and "could not be true", I innocently enough, contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I read in books that "it were a sin to disbelieve".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
anon : Jack and the Bean Stalk
'At the corner of Hanging Bridge, near Old Churchyard, was a bookshop kept by one Swindells, a printer. In the spacious windows of this shop? were exhibited numerous songs, ballads, tales, and other publications, with horrid and awful-looking woodcuts at the head; which publications, with their cuts, had a strong command of my attention. Every farthing I could scrape together was now spent in purchasing "Histories of Jack the Giant Killer", "Saint George and the Dragon", "Tom Hickathrift", "Jack and the Bean Stalk", "History of the Seven Champions", tale of "Fair Rosamond", "History of Friar Bacon", "Account of the Lancashire Witches", "The Witches of the Woodlands", and such like romances; whilst my ? collections embraced but few pieces besides "Robin Hood?s Songs", and "The Ballad of Chevy Chase". Of all these tales and ballads I was soon to master, and they formed the subjects of many a long study to me, and of many a wonder-creating story for my acquaintance both at the workhouse and elsewhere. For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were "trash" and "nonsense", and "could not be true", I innocently enough, contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I read in books that "it were a sin to disbelieve".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
anon : History of the Seven Champions
'At the corner of Hanging Bridge, near Old Churchyard, was a bookshop kept by one Swindells, a printer. In the spacious windows of this shop? were exhibited numerous songs, ballads, tales, and other publications, with horrid and awful-looking woodcuts at the head; which publications, with their cuts, had a strong command of my attention. Every farthing I could scrape together was now spent in purchasing "Histories of Jack the Giant Killer", "Saint George and the Dragon", "Tom Hickathrift", "Jack and the Bean Stalk", "History of the Seven Champions", tale of "Fair Rosamond", "History of Friar Bacon", "Account of the Lancashire Witches", "The Witches of the Woodlands", and such like romances; whilst my ? collections embraced but few pieces besides "Robin Hood?s Songs", and "The Ballad of Chevy Chase". Of all these tales and ballads I was soon to master, and they formed the subjects of many a long study to me, and of many a wonder-creating story for my acquaintance both at the workhouse and elsewhere. For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were "trash" and "nonsense", and "could not be true", I innocently enough, contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I read in books that "it were a sin to disbelieve".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
anon : Fair Rosamond
'At the corner of Hanging Bridge, near Old Churchyard, was a bookshop kept by one Swindells, a printer. In the spacious windows of this shop? were exhibited numerous songs, ballads, tales, and other publications, with horrid and awful-looking woodcuts at the head; which publications, with their cuts, had a strong command of my attention. Every farthing I could scrape together was now spent in purchasing "Histories of Jack the Giant Killer", "Saint George and the Dragon", "Tom Hickathrift", "Jack and the Bean Stalk", "History of the Seven Champions", tale of "Fair Rosamond", "History of Friar Bacon", "Account of the Lancashire Witches", "The Witches of the Woodlands", and such like romances; whilst my ? collections embraced but few pieces besides "Robin Hood?s Songs", and "The Ballad of Chevy Chase". Of all these tales and ballads I was soon to master, and they formed the subjects of many a long study to me, and of many a wonder-creating story for my acquaintance both at the workhouse and elsewhere. For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were "trash" and "nonsense", and "could not be true", I innocently enough, contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I read in books that "it were a sin to disbelieve".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
anon : History of Friar Bacon
'At the corner of Hanging Bridge, near Old Churchyard, was a bookshop kept by one Swindells, a printer. In the spacious windows of this shop? were exhibited numerous songs, ballads, tales, and other publications, with horrid and awful-looking woodcuts at the head; which publications, with their cuts, had a strong command of my attention. Every farthing I could scrape together was now spent in purchasing "Histories of Jack the Giant Killer", "Saint George and the Dragon", ?Tom Hickathrift?, "Jack and the Bean Stalk", "History of the Seven Champions", tale of "Fair Rosamond", "History of Friar Bacon", "Account of the Lancashire Witches", "The Witches of the Woodlands", and such like romances; whilst my ? collections embraced but few pieces besides "Robin Hood?s Songs", and "The Ballad of Chevy Chase". Of all these tales and ballads I was soon to master, and they formed the subjects of many a long study to me, and of many a wonder-creating story for my acquaintance both at the workhouse and elsewhere. For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were "trash" and "nonsense", and "could not be true", I innocently enough, contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I read in books that "it were a sin to disbelieve".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
anon : Account of the Lancashire witches
'At the corner of Hanging Bridge, near Old Churchyard, was a bookshop kept by one Swindells, a printer. In the spacious windows of this shop? were exhibited numerous songs, ballads, tales, and other publications, with horrid and awful-looking woodcuts at the head; which publications, with their cuts, had a strong command of my attention. Every farthing I could scrape together was now spent in purchasing "Histories of Jack the Giant Killer", "Saint George and the Dragon", "Tom Hickathrift", "Jack and the Bean Stalk", "History of the Seven Champions", tale of "Fair Rosamond", "History of Friar Bacon", "Account of the Lancashire Witches", "The Witches of the Woodlands", and such like romances; whilst my ? collections embraced but few pieces besides "Robin Hood?s Songs", and "The Ballad of Chevy Chase". Of all these tales and ballads I was soon to master, and they formed the subjects of many a long study to me, and of many a wonder-creating story for my acquaintance both at the workhouse and elsewhere. For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were "trash" and "nonsense", and "could not be true", I innocently enough, contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I read in books that "it were a sin to disbelieve".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
anon : The witches of the woodlands
'At the corner of Hanging Bridge, near Old Churchyard, was a bookshop kept by one Swindells, a printer. In the spacious windows of this shop? were exhibited numerous songs, ballads, tales, and other publications, with horrid and awful-looking woodcuts at the head; which publications, with their cuts, had a strong command of my attention. Every farthing I could scrape together was now spent in purchasing "Histories of Jack the Giant Killer", "Saint George and the Dragon", "Tom Hickathrift", "Jack and the Bean Stalk", "History of the Seven Champions", tale of "Fair Rosamond", "History of Friar Bacon", "Account of the Lancashire Witches", "The Witches of the Woodlands", and such like romances; whilst my ? collections embraced but few pieces besides "Robin Hood?s Songs", and "The Ballad of Chevy Chase". Of all these tales and ballads I was soon to master, and they formed the subjects of many a long study to me, and of many a wonder-creating story for my acquaintance both at the workhouse and elsewhere. For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were "trash" and "nonsense", and "could not be true", I innocently enough, contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I read in books that "it were a sin to disbelieve".
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
anon : Robin Hood's Songs
'At the corner of Hanging Bridge, near Old Churchyard, was a bookshop kept by one Swindells, a printer. In the spacious windows of this shop? were exhibited numerous songs, ballads, tales, and other publications, with horrid and awful-looking woodcuts at the head; which publications, with their cuts, had a strong command of my attention. Every farthing I could scrape together was now spent in purchasing "Histories of Jack the Giant Killer", "Saint George and the Dragon", "Tom Hickathrift", "Jack and the Bean Stalk", "History of the Seven Champions", tale of "Fair Rosamond", "History of Friar Bacon", "Account of the Lancashire Witches", "The Witches of the Woodlands", and such like romances; whilst my ? collections embraced but few pieces besides "Robin Hood?s Songs", and "The Ballad of Chevy Chase". Of all these tales and ballads I was soon to master, and they formed the subjects of many a long study to me, and of many a wonder-creating story for my acquaintance both at the workhouse and elsewhere. For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were "trash" and "nonsense", and "could not be true", I innocently enough, contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I read in books that "it were a sin to disbelieve".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book, Broadsheet
anon : The Ballad of Chevy Chase
'At the corner of Hanging Bridge, near Old Churchyard, was a bookshop kept by one Swindells, a printer. In the spacious windows of this shop? were exhibited numerous songs, ballads, tales, and other publications, with horrid and awful-looking woodcuts at the head; which publications, with their cuts, had a strong command of my attention. Every farthing I could scrape together was now spent in purchasing "Histories of Jack the Giant Killer", "Saint George and the Dragon", "Tom Hickathrift", "Jack and the Bean Stalk", "History of the Seven Champions", tale of "Fair Rosamond", "History of Friar Bacon", "Account of the Lancashire Witches", "The Witches of the Woodlands", and such like romances; whilst my ? collections embraced but few pieces besides "Robin Hood?s Songs", and "The Ballad of Chevy Chase". Of all these tales and ballads I was soon to master, and they formed the subjects of many a long study to me, and of many a wonder-creating story for my acquaintance both at the workhouse and elsewhere. For my part I implicitly believed them all, and when told by my father or others that they were "trash" and "nonsense", and "could not be true", I innocently enough, contrasted their probability with that of other wondrous things which I read in books that "it were a sin to disbelieve".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book, Broadsheet
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
?At length, "Robinson Crusoe" ? that ever-exciting day dream of boys ? fell in our way. I read it to him, as I had done the others, and for a long time both Sam?s ideas and mine were owned and fascinated by the descriptions of sea-dangers, shipwrecks, and lone islands with savages, and far-off countries teeming with riches and plenty.?
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
John Wesley : Journals
'...with the exception of Bible lessons at Sunday school, all my reading was done at home, after the daily task was finished. When not strongly tempted to play I was almost certain to be reading by the summer?s twilight, or by the red embers of the winter fire, my books being chiefly "Wesley?s Journals", "The Armenian Magazine", wherein I found "Maudrell?s Travels from Aleppo to Jerusalem", which I was very much interested by; "An account of the Inquisition in Spain", which filled me with a dislike of Popery; "The Drummer of Tedworth"; "Some account of the Disturbances at Glenluce"; "An account of the apparition of the Laird of Cool", - and other most marvellous narratives which excited my attention, and held me pausing over the ashes until the light was either gone or I was sent to bed. I also got hold of an old superstitious doctoring book, which gave me some unexpected information relative to the human frame, and equally surprised me as to the occult powers of certain herbs and simples, when prepared under supposed planetary aspects. A copy of Cocker?s "Arithmetic" soon after set me to writing figures and casting accounts, in which I made but slow progress; and part of a small volume of "The History of England", which I found in rumaging an old meal ark, gave me the first insight into the chronicles of my native country.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
[n/a] : The Armenian Magazine
'? with the exception of Bible lessons at Sunday school, all my reading was done at home, after the daily task was finished. When not strongly tempted to play I was almost certain to be reading by the summer?s twilight, or by the red embers of the winter fire, my books being chiefly "Wesley?s Journals", "The Armenian Magazine", wherein I found "Maudrell?s Travels from Aleppo to Jerusalem", which I was very much interested by; "An account of the Inquisition in Spain", which filled me with a dislike of Popery; "The Drummer of Tedworth"; "Some account of the Disturbances at Glenluce"; "An account of the Apparition of the Laird of Cool", - and other most marvellous narratives which excited my attention, and held me pausing over the ashes until the light was either gone or I was sent to bed. I also got hold of an old superstitious doctoring book, which gave me some unexpected information relative to the human frame, and equally surprised me as to the occult powers of certain herbs and simples, when prepared under supposed planetary aspects. A copy of Cocker?s "Arithmetic" soon after set me to writing figures and casting accounts, in which I made but slow progress; and part of a small volume of "The History of England", which I found in rumaging through an old meal ark, gave me the first insight into the chronicles of my native country.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Serial / periodical
anon : An account of the Inquisition in Spain
'? with the exception of Bible lessons at Sunday school, all my reading was done at home, after the daily task was finished. When not strongly tempted to play I was almost certain to be reading by the summer?s twilight, or by the red embers of the winter's fire, my books being chiefly "Wesley?s Journals", "The Armenian Magazine", wherein I found "Maundrell?s Travels from Aleppo to Jerusalem", which I was very much interested by; "An account of the Inquisition in Spain", which filled me with a dislike of Popery; "The Drummer of Tedworth"; "Some account of the Disturbances at Glenluce"; "An account of the Apparition of the Laird of Cool", - and other most marvellous narratives which excited my attention, and held me pausing over the ashes until the light was either gone or I was sent to bed. I also got hold of an old superstitious doctoring book, which gave me some unexpected information relative to the human frame, and equally surprised me as to the occult powers of certain herbs and simples, when prepared under supposed planetary aspects. A copy of Cocker?s "Arithmetic" soon after set me to writing figures and casting accounts, in which I made but slow progress; and part of a small volume of "The History of England", which I found in rumaging an old meal ark, gave me the first insight into the chronicles of my native country.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
anon : The Drummer of Tedworth
'? with the exception of Bible lessons at Sunday school, all my reading was done at home, after the daily task was finished. When not strongly tempted to play I was almost certain to be reading by the summer?s twilight, or by the red embers of the winter fire, my books being chiefly "Wesley?s Journals", "The Armenian Magazine", wherein I found "Maundrell?s Travels from Aleppo to Jerusalem", which I was very much interested by; "An account of the Inquisition in Spain", which filled me with a dislike of Popery; "The Drummer of Tedworth"; "Some account of the Disturbances at Glenluce"; "An account of the Apparition of the Laird of Cool", - and other most marvellous narratives which excited my attention, and held me pausing over the ashes until the light was either gone or I was sent to bed. I also got hold of an old superstitious doctoring book, which gave me some unexpected information relative to the human frame, and equally surprised me as to the occult powers of certain herbs and simples, when prepared under supposed planetary aspects. A copy of Cocker?s "Arithmetic" soon after set me to writing figures and casting accounts, in which I made but slow progress; and part of a small volume of "The History of England", which I found in rumaging an old meal ark, gave me the first insight into the chronicles of my native country.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Unknown
anon : Some account of the disturbances at Glenluce
'? with the exception of Bible lessons at Sunday school, all my reading was done at home, after the daily task was finished. When not strongly tempted to play I was almost certain to be reading by the summer?s twilight, or by the red embers of the winter's five, my books being chiefly "Wesley?s Journals", "The Armenian Magazine", wherein I found "Maundrell?s Travels from Aleppo to Jerusalem", which I was very much interested by; "An account of the Inquisition in Spain", which filled me with a dislike of Popery; "The Drummer of Tedworth"; "Some account of the Disturbances at Glenluce"; "An account of the Apparition of the Laird of Cool", - and other most marvellous narratives which excited my attention, and held me pausing over the ashes until the light was either gone or I was sent to bed. I also got hold of an old superstitious doctoring book, which gave me some unexpected information relative to the human frame, and equally surprised me as to the occult powers of certain herbs and simples, when prepared under supposed planetary aspects. A copy of Cocker?s "Arithmetic" soon after set me to writing figures and casting accounts, in which I made but slow progress; and part of a small volume of "The History of England", which I found in rumaging an old meal ark, gave me the first insight into the chronicles of my native country.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Unknown
anon : An account of the Apparition of the Laird of Cool
'? with the exception of Bible lessons at Sunday school, all my reading was done at home, after the daily task was finished. When not strongly tempted to play I was almost certain to be reading by the summer?s twilight, or by the red embers of the winter's fire, my books being chiefly "Wesley?s Journals", "The Armenian Magazine", wherein I found "Maundrell?s Travels from Aleppo to Jerusalem", which I was very much interested by; "An account of the Inquisition in Spain", which filled me with a dislike of Popery; "The Drummer of Tedworth"; "Some account of the Disturbances at Glenluce"; "An account of the Apparition of the Laird of Cool", - and other most marvellous narratives which excited my attention, and held me pausing over the ashes until the light was either gone or I was sent to bed. I also got hold of an old superstitious doctoring book, which gave me some unexpected information relative to the human frame, and equally surprised me as to the occult powers of certain herbs and simples, when prepared under supposed planetary aspects. A copy of Cocker?s "Arithmetic" soon after set me to writing figures and casting accounts, in which I made but slow progress; and part of a small volume of "The History of England", which I found rumaging an old meal ark, gave me the first insight into the chronicles of my native country.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Unknown
[unknown] : The History of England
'? with the exception of Bible lessons at Sunday school, all my reading was done at home, after the daily task was finished. When not strongly tempted to play I was almost certain to be reading by the summer?s twilight, or by the red embers of the winter's fire, my books being chiefly "Wesley?s Journals", "The Armenian Magazine", wherein I found "Maundrell?s Travels from Aleppo to Jerusalem", which I was very much interested by; "An account of the Inquisition in Spain", which filled me with a dislike of Popery"; "The Drummer of Tedworth"; "Some account of the Disturbances at Glenluce"; "An account of the Apparition of the Laird of Cool", - and other most marvellous narratives which excited my attention, and held me pausing over the ashes until the light was either gone or I was sent to bed. I also got hold of an old superstitious doctoring book, which gave me some unexpected information relative to the human frame, and equally surprised me as to the occult powers of certain herbs and simples, when prepared under supposed planetary aspects. A copy of Cocker?s "Arithmetic" soon after set me to writing figures and casting accounts, in which I made but slow progress; and part of a small volume of "The History of England", which I found in rumaging an old meal ark, gave me the first insight into the chronicles of my native country.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Homer : Iliad
?About this time I was delighted by the acquisition of two books, the existence of which, until then, had been unknown to me. One was the second volume of Homer?s "Iliad", translated by Alexander Pope, with notes by Madame Dacier; and the other was a small volume of miscellaneous poems, by John Milton. Homer I read with an absorbed attention which soon enabled me to commit nearly every line to memory.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
John Milton : [miscellaneous poems]
?About this time I was delighted by the acquisition of two books, the existence of which, until then, had been unknown to me. One was the second volume of Homer?s "Iliad", translated by Alexander Pope, with notes by Madame Dacier; and the other was a small volume of Miscellaneous Poems, by John Milton. Homer I read with an absorbed attention which soon enabled me to commit nearly every line to memory.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Homer : Iliad
?Whilst in Mr W?s employ, I combined my poetic readings at all leisure moments. I procured and read speedily a complete "Iliad" in English. Some of Shakespeare?s works having fallen in my way, I read them with avidity, as I did almost every other book, and though deeply interested by his historical characters and passages, I never either then or since relished his blank verse, or that of any other poet.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [works]
?Whilst in Mr W?s employ, I combined my poetic readings at all leisure moments. I procured and read speedily a complete "Iliad" in English. Some of Shakespeare?s works having fallen in my way, I read them with avidity, as I did almost every other book, and though deeply interested by his historical characters and passages, I never either then or since relished his blank verse, or that of any other poet.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
John Milton : [miscellaneous works]
?Milton?s miscellaneous works were still my favourites. I copied many of his poems into a writing book, and this I did, not only an account of the pleasure which I felt in their repetition, and in the appropriation ? so to speak ? of the ideas, but also as a means for improvement of my handwriting, which had continued to be very indifferent. The "Odyssey" and "Aeniad", which I also procured and read about this time, seemed tame and languid, whilst the stirring call of the old Iliadic battle trumpet was ringing in my ears, and vibrating within my heart. In short, I read or attentively conned [sic] over, every book I could buy or borrow, and as I retained a pretty clear idea of what I read, I became rather more than commonly proficient in book knowledge considering that I was only a better sort of porter in a warehouse.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Virgil : Aeneid
?Milton?s miscellaneous works were still my favourites. I copied many of his poems into a writing book, and this I did, not only an account of the pleasure which I felt in their repetition, and in the appropriation ? so to speak ? of the ideas, but also as a means for improvement of my handwriting, which had continued to be very indifferent. The "Odyssey" and "Aeniad", which I also procured and read about this time, seemed tame and languid, whilst the stirring call of the old Iliadic battle trumpet was ringing in my ears, and vibrating within my heart. In short, I read or attentively conned [sic] over, every book I could buy or borrow, and as I retained a pretty clear idea of what I read, I became rather more than commonly proficient in book knowledge considering that I was only a better sort of porter in a warehouse.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Baron Jacob Berzelius : Examination of some compounds which depend upon very weak affinities
'With respect to my occupations at this period; they are not of the most important nature. Berzelius' paper is printed - I was this day correcting the proof-sheet-. The translation looks not very ill in print. I wish I had plenty more of a similar [sor]t to translate and good pay for doing it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Proof-sheet
August Friedrich Ferdinand von Kotzebue : Unknown
'At present, I am reading a stupid play of Kotzebue's - but to-night I am to have the history of Frederick the Great from Irving. I will make an affu' struggle to read a good deal of it & of the Italian in Summer - when at home.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
: Book of Job
'I am rather afraid that I have not been quite regular in reading that best of books which you recommended to me. However last night I was reading upon my favourite Job; and I hope to do better in time to come. I entreat you to believe that I am sincerely desirous of being a good man; and tho' we may differ in some few unimportant particulars: yet I firmly trust that the same Power who created us with imperfect faculties, will pardon the errors of every one (and none are without them) who seeks truth and righteousness, with a simple heart.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter
Jean le Rond D'Alembert : Unknown
'You are not to think that I am fretful. I have long accustomed my mind to look upon the future with a sedate aspect; and at any rate, my hopes have never yet failed me. A French Author (D'Alembert, one of the few persons who deserve the honourable epithet of honest man) whom I was lately reading, remarks that one who devotes his life to learning ought to carry for his motto-Liberty, Truth, Poverty; for her that fears the latter can never have the former.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Unknown
William Robertson : History of Scotland
?As spring and autumn were our only really busy seasons, I had occasionally , during other parts of the year, considerable leisure, which, if I could procure a book that I considered at all worth the reading, was spent with such a book on my desk, in the little recess of the packing room. Here, therefore, I had opportunities for reading many books of which I had only heard the names before, such as Robertson?s "History of Scotland", Goldsmith?s "History of England", Rollin?s "Ancient History", Hume?s "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire", Anachaises? "Travels in Greece"; and many other works on travels, geography, and antiquities.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : History of England
?As spring and autumn were our only really busy seasons, I had occasionally , during other parts of the year, considerable leisure, which, if I could procure a book that I considered at all worth the reading, was spent with such a book of my desk, in the little recess of the packing room. Here, therefore, I had opportunities for reading many books of which I had only heard the names before, such as Robertson?s "History of Scotland", Goldsmith?s "History of England", Rollin?s "Ancient History", Hume?s "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire", Anachaises? "Travels in Greece"; and many other works on travels, geography, and antiquities.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Charles Rollin : Ancient history
?As spring and autumn were our only really busy seasons, I had occasionally , during other parts of the year, considerable leisure, which, if I could procure a book that I considered at all worth the reading, was spent with such a book of my desk, in the little recess of the packing room. Here, therefore, I had opportunities for reading many books of which I had only heard the names before, such as Robertson?s "History of Scotland", Goldsmith?s "History of England", Rollin?s "Ancient History", Hume?s "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire", Anachaises? "Travels in Greece"; and many other works on travels, geography, and antiquities.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
David Hume : Decline and fall of the Roman empire
?As spring and autumn were our only really busy seasons, I had occasionally , during other parts of the year, considerable leisure, which, if I could procure a book that I considered at all worth the reading, was spent with such a book of my desk, in the little recess of the packing room. Here, therefore, I had opportunities for reading many books of which I had only heard the names before, such as Robertson?s "History of Scotland", Goldsmith?s "History of England", Rollin?s "Ancient History", Hume?s "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire", Anachaises? "Travels in Greece"; and many other works on travels, geography, and antiquities.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Anachaises : Travels in Greece
?As spring and autumn were our only really busy seasons, I had occasionally , during other parts of the year, considerable leisure, which, if I could procure a book that I considered at all worth the reading, was spent with such a book of my desk, in the little recess of the packing room. Here, therefore, I had opportunities for reading many books of which I had only heard the names before, such as Robertson?s "History of Scotland", Goldsmith?s "History of England", Rollin?s "Ancient History", Hume?s "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire", Anachaises? "Travels in Greece"; and many other works on travels, geography, and antiquities.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Lives of the poets
'... I also enlarged my acquaintance with English literature, read Johnson's "Lives of the Poets", and, as a consequence, many of their productions also. Macpherson's "Ossain", whilst it gave me a glimpse of our most ancient love, interested my feelings and absorbed my attention. I also bent my thoughts on more practical studies, and at one time had nearly the whole of Lindsey Murray's Grammar stored in my memory, although I never so far benefited by it as to become ready at pausing.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
James Macpherson : Ossian
'... I also enlarged my acquaintance with English literature, read Johnson's "Lives of the Poets", and, as a consequence, many of their productions also. Macpherson's "Ossain", whilst it gave me a glimpse of our most ancient love, interested my feelings and absorbed my attention. I also bent my thoughts on more practical studies, and at one time had nearly the whole of Lindsey Murray's Grammar stored in my memory, although I never so far benefited by it as to become ready at pausing.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Lindley Murray : Murray's Grammar
'... I also enlarged my acquaintance with English literature, read Johnson's "Lives of the Poets", and, as a consequence, many of their productions also. Macpherson's "Ossain", whilst it gave me a glimpse of our most ancient love, interested my feelings and absorbed my attention. I also bent my thoughts on more practical studies, and at one time had nearly the whole of Lindley Murray's "Grammar" stored in my memory, although I never so far benefited by it as to become ready at pausing.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
William Cobbett : Cobbett's Weekly Register
?A publication of a different description also fell in my way. Mr Hale was a reader of "Cobbett?s Weekly Register", and as I constantly saw the tract lying on the desk at the beginning of the week, I at length read it, and found within its pages far more matter for reflection than, from its unattractive title and appearance, I had expected to find there. The nervous and unmistakeable English of that work there was so withstanding. I thenceforth became as constant a reader of Cobbett?s writings as was my master himself, and was soon, probably, a more ardent admirer of his doctrines than was my employer.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Newspaper, Serial / periodical
William Cobbett : Weekly Register
??we were soon in a free conversation on the subject of parliamentary reform. When objections were stated, they listened candidly to our replies, and a good-humoured discussion, half serious, half joking, was prompted on both sides. I and Mitchell had with us, and it was entirely accidental, a few of Cobbett?s "Registers" and Hone?s Political Pamphlets, to which we sometimes appealed, and read extracts from. The soldiers were delighted; they burst into fits of laughter; and all the copies we had, being given to them, one of them read the "Political Litany" through, to the further great amusement of himself and the company. Thus we passed a most agreeable evening and parted only at the last hour.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Newspaper
William Hone : [political pamphlets]
??we were soon in a free conversation on the subject of parliamentary reform. When objections were stated, they listened candidly to our replies, and a good-humoured discussion, half serious, half joking, was prompted on both sides. I and Mitchell had with us, and it was entirely accidental, a few of Cobbett?s "Registers" and Hone?s "Political Pamphlets", to which we sometimes appealed, and read extracts from. The soldiers were delighted; they burst into fits of laughter; and all the copies we had, being given to them, one of them read the "Political Litany" through, to the further great amusement of himself and the company. Thus we passed a most agreeable evening and parted only at the last hour.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford
Mostyn John Armstrong : Scotch Atlas; or description of the kingdom of Scotland: divided into counties, with the subdivisions of sherifdoms; shewing their respective boundaries and extent, soil, produce, ... also their cities, chief towns, seaports, mountains, ...
[Marginalia]: Three entries (Perth, Haddington and Fife & Kinross) have been annotated with some extra information ex. from the Perth entry 'At a small village calld [sic] Pitcaithly within a mile of Dumbarny, 25 miles from Perth, is a well whose water is remarkable for curing sore eyes. Near Loch Dochart in Breadalbane, is Ben More, among the highest hills in Scotland.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Wemyss Print: Book
William Cobbett : Political Register
?His [James Watson?s] mother, who was left a widow soon after he was born, obtained a situation at the parsonage, where she read Cobbett?s "Register" and "saw nothing bad in it". James himself was apprenticed to the clergyman to "learn field labour" but his indentures, owing to the reverend gentleman leaving Yorkshire for another part of the country, were cancelled before he had finished his time. Thereupon the youth set out for Leeds in search for friends and employment. While working in a warehouse, he too began to read Cobbett?s "Register" and "saw nothing bad in it". Besides Cobbett?s writings, he early made the acquaintance of the Radical literature of the day ? Wooler?s "Black Dwarf" and Carlile?s "Republican".?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Watson Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Jonathan Wooler : Black Dwarf
?His [James Watson?s] mother, who was left a widow soon after he was born, obtained a situation at the parsonage, where she read Cobbett?s "Register" and "saw nothing bad in it". James himself was apprenticed to the clergyman to "learn field labour" but his indentures, owing to the reverend gentleman leaving Yorkshire for another part of the country, were cancelled before he had finished his time. Thereupon the youth set out for Leeds in search for friends and employment. While working in a warehouse, he too began to read Cobbett?s "Register" and "saw nothing bad in it". Besides Cobbett?s writings, he early made the acquaintance of the Radical literature of the day ? Wooler?s "Black Dwarf" and Carlile?s "Republican".?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Watson Print: Serial / periodical
Richard Carlile : Republican
?[James Watson?s] mother, who was left a widow soon after he was born, obtained a situation at the parsonage, where she read Cobbett?s "Register" and "saw nothing bad in it". James himself was apprenticed to the clergyman to "learn field labour" but his indentures, owing to the reverend gentleman leaving Yorkshire for another part of the country, were cancelled before he had finished his time. Thereupon the youth set out for Leeds in search for friends and employment. While working in a warehouse, he too began to read Cobbett?s "Register" and "saw nothing bad in it". Besides Cobbett?s writings, he early made the acquaintance of the Radical literature of the day ? Wooler?s "Black Dwarf" and Carlile?s "Republican".?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Watson Print: Newspaper, Serial / periodical
William Cobbett : Political Register
?[James Watson?s] mother, who was left a widow soon after he was born, obtained a situation at the parsonage, where she read Cobbett?s "Register" and "saw nothing bad in it". James himself was apprenticed to the clergyman to "learn field labour" but his indentures, owing to the reverend gentleman leaving Yorkshire for another part of the country, were cancelled before he had finished his time. Thereupon the youth set out for Leeds in search for friends and employment. While working in a warehouse, he too began to read Cobbett?s "Register" and "saw nothing bad in it". Besides Cobbett?s writings, he early made the acquaintance of the Radical literature of the day ? Wooler?s "Black Dwarf" and Carlile?s "Republican".?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Watson Print: Newspaper, Serial / periodical
anon : Reading made easy in a variety of useful lessons
'I cannot remember learning the Alphabet but when I was four years of age or there about my Godmother presented me with a new book it was the reading made easy it had/many pictures in it which I remember I was much delighted with 'this takeing [sic] my atention [sic] there was nothing Suited so well as my book and I was sone [sic] able to read it without Spelling.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
?My Godmother sone [sic] provided me a testament but my mother not being able to Read the first Chapter of St Matthews Gospel I began the second and read it through as well as she could teach me and then I began it again and Read through the 4 gospels and by this time I begun to enquire into the meaning of that which I Read and my mother taught me something of the meaning thereof as far as she knew and I was somehow affected with the sufferings of Christ because I thought it was great Cruelty but I knew nothing of Christ thereof after this book I took a fancy to Read the Bible and began the first Chapter of Genesis but I did not those Chapters with hard names but when I Came to the history of Joseph and his Breathern [sic] I was very much affected with their Cruelty towards him.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
?I made very little progress in learning until the year 1794 only my mother borrowed the pilgrim?s progress and Doctor Watts hymns for me and told me the meaning of them as well as she Could which kept me from going back but I Could not advance because I had no one to teach me.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
Dr Watts : Hymns
?I made very little progress in learning until the year 1794 only my mother borrowed the pilgrim?s progress and Doctor Watts hymns for me and told me the meaning of them as well as she Could which kept me from going back but I Could not advance because I had no one to teach me.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
[unknown] : [religious books]
?during this winter I practised rather more than I had done before for the last two years for my master used to Read himself and make all as Could in the family on a Sabath [sic] evening and sometimes we were permitted to read Books of a religious nature as we sat by the fire side in the week day evenings but not always?.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
[unknown] : [various]
?[my master] also was a good scholar and took great pains to teach me in reading and here I made a Considerable progress in reading for although I had heedlessly neglected learning yet I had not lost my taste for it nor forgot the importance of it?.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'I left off swearing and prodigality and took to reading my Bible and attending divine workship and in doing this I laid hold of some of the promises of the gospel and applied them to myself'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
?here I was stationed in a half Room that is half the men of our Company, and half of another Company and there was a man whose name was Samuel winwright a man of the other company in the Room with me and he was a good Scholar and he undertook to learn me to Read in a better tone of voice than I had attained too and to keep my points and stops for I had never learned them before?.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Unknown
[n/a] : Bible
?I Remembered when I was about 8 or 9 years of age my mother had been Correcting me for something I had done wrong and I thought I would be revenged on her I had been reading in St mathews gospel where the jews said he Casteth out devils and Belzebub the prince of devils I thought this was the sin against the holy ghost and thinking to be a made for my mother I said to myself God is the devil for I Remember I thought I would not go to heaven to spite her'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'She [his aunt] did not allow me to be idle, but alternately employed me in helping to knit stockings and in reading. While I was unemployed I found a never-failing source of amusement in scanning the gortesque figures and scenes delineated upon the Dutch tiles with which the chimney corners were decorated. I believe that these pictures, rude as they were, helped me a little better to understand what I read to her out of the Bible and other religious books. I believe that these readings were rather useful to me otherwise; but this perhaps arose partly from the pains she took to indulge my fancy in other matters, and partly also from the motherly way in which she endeavoured to make me understand what I read.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'Here I also met with some books of a higher order, but which were then far beyond any comprehension. Among these were Hervey's "Meditations", "The Pilgrim's Progress", and an illustrated Bible. This last work was crowded with engravings which were called embellishments.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
'Here I also met with some books of a higher order, but which were then far beyond any comprehension. Among these were Hervey's "Meditations", "The Pilgrim's Progress", and an illustrated Bible. This last work was crowded with engravings which were called embellishments.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
James Hervey : Meditations among the tombs; in a letter to a lady
'Here I also met with some books of a higher order, but which were then far beyond any comprehension. Among these were Hervey's "Meditations", "The Pilgrim's Progress", and an illustrated Bible. This last work was crowded with engravings which were called embellishments.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[unknown] : [stories]
'About this time I also gained the good-will of an aged woman who sold cakes, sweetmeals, and fruit, and was moreover a dealer in little books...I had even then a taste for reading which was here qualified by me being permitted to read all the little stories which she kept on sale. They were, in truth, childish trifles, but I still think of them with pleasure because they were associated in my case with many pleasant recollections.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
'In this way I beguiled many a tedious hour at the time I am now referring to, and also during several years following, towards the close of which I thus contrived to read "Robinson Crusoe" and a brief "History of England", with some other books whose titles I do not now remember. The books that first fell in my way, besides those that belonged to my parents, were few and of little worth.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[unknown] : History of England
'In this way I beguiled many a tedious hour at the time I am now referring to, and also during several years following, towards the close of which I thus contrived to read "Robinson Crusoe" and a brief "History of England", with some other books whose titles I do not now remember. The books that first fell in my way, besides those that belonged to my parents, were few and of little worth.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Isaac Watts : Divine and Moral Songs
'What I thus learned was, I think, much enforced by the perusal of that well-known little book, Watt's "Divine and Moral Songs", which I read with so much interest as to impress them indelibly upon the memory.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
'Among these books was a brief abstract of that amusing story "Robinson Crusoe", which I read with much eagerness and satisfaction. I only regretted its brevity, for I became so deeply interested in the fortunes of its hero and of his Man Friday, that I would fain have read a full account of their adventures.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Anna Letitia Barbauld : Hymns in Prose for Children
'Another book which thus came in my way was Mrs Barbauld's "Hymns for Children" which I soon perceived to be exactly suited both to my taste and my capacity. Here I met with descriptions of rural scenery, life and manners which delighted and instructed me...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'It was about this time that I first met with Milton's "Paradise Lost", in a thick volume with engravings and copious notes, probably a copy of Bishop Newton's edition of that noble poem. I found it, however, little better than "a sealed book". Its versification puzzled me, while the loftiness of its subjects confused my understanding.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[n/a] : New Testament
Carter describes exam he was forced to undertake to be admitted to the school which was supported by a congregation of Protestant Dissenters: 'it was required of the applicants for admission that they should be able to read in the New Testament to the satisfaction of the managing committee...I obeyed this dread mandate with much trepidation, but was enabled to do it so as to escape censure.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Anne Taylor : Original Poems for Infant Minds
'A little before this time I had been reading that entertaining little volume, Miss Taylor's "Original Poems for Children", one of which, "The Truant Boys", had particularly gained my attention, and I had partly committed it to memory.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[unknown] : The Assembly's Catechism
'Once in each week we were required to commit to memory a rather large portion of "The Assembly's Catechism": this for a time gave me some trouble, which put me upon making several experiments in order to see whether I could not lessen it. After a failure or two, I hit upon a plan which fully answered my purpose: the time for repeating this lesson was Saturday morning...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[n/a] : Arminian Magazine
'On my asking him he [the schoolmaster] readily granted my request, nor did he ever revoke his grant: the books were chiefly old and odd volumes of the "Arminian" and the "Gentleman's Magazine"; these, though of but little intrinsic value, were to me a treasure, as they helped to give me a wider and more varied view of many things than I had previously been able to command.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Gentleman's Magazine
'On my asking him he [the schoolmaster] readily granted my request, nor did he ever revoke his grant: the books were chiefly old and odd volumes of the "Arminian" and the "Gentleman's Magazine"; these, though of but little intrinsic value, were to me a treasure, as they helped to give me a wider and more varied view of many things than I had previously been able to command.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
Daniel Fenning : The Universal Spelling Book
'Of grammar neither myself nor my schoolfellows were taught aything, except to repeat by rote the brief grammatical exercises contained in the "Universal Spelling Book", but as the Master gave no explanation of these, either as to their nature or use, they were nearly, if not quite, unintelligible to his pupils.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
William Enfield : The Speaker
'I had been made the more anxious to get some spare time, because several books which I had not before seen now fell in my way. This was through the courtesy of my young master whose kindly feelings I have already noticed. He now gave me free acess to his little library, in which were Enfield's "Speaker", Goldsmith's "Geography", an abridged "History of Rome", a "History of England", Thomson's "Seasons", "The Citizen of the World", "The Vicar of Wakefield", and some other books the titles of which I do not now remember. These books furnished me with a large amount of amusing and instructive reading.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Sir Richard Phillips : Geography
'I had been made the more anxious to get some spare time, because several books which I had not before seen now fall in my way. This was through the courtesy of my young master whose kindly feelings I have already noticed. He now gave me free acess to his little library, in which were Enfield's "Speaker", Goldsmith's "Geography", an abridged "History of Rome", a "History of England", Thomson's "Seasons", "The Citizen of the World", "The Vicar of Wakefield", and some other books the titles of which I do not now remember. These books furnished me with a large amount of amusing and instructive reading.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[unknown] : History of England
'I had been made the more anxious to get some spare time, because several books which I had not before seen now fall in my way. This was through the courtesy of my young master whose kindly feelings I have already noticed. He now gave me free acess to his little library, in which were Enfield's "Speaker", Goldsmith's "Geography", an abridged "History of Rome", a "History of England", Thomson's "Seasons", "The Citizen of the World", "The Vicar of Wakefield", and some other books the titles of which I do not now remember. These books furnished me with a large amount of amusing and instructive reading.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[unknown] : History of Rome
'I had been made the more anxious to get some spare time, because several books which I had not before seen now fell in my way. This was through the courtesy of my young master whose kindly feelings I have already noticed. He now gave me free access to his little library, in which were Enfield's "Speaker", Goldsmith's "Geography", an abridged "History of Rome", a "History of England", Thomson's "Seasons", "The Citizen of the World", "The Vicar of Wakefield", and some other books the titles of which I do not now remember. These books furnished me with a large amount of amusing and instructive reading.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
James Thomson : The Seasons
'I had been made the more anxious to get some spare time, because several books which I had not before seen now fell in my way. This was through the courtesy of my young master whose kindly feelings I have already noticed. He now gave me free access to his little library, in which were Enfield's "Speaker", Goldsmith's "Geography", an abridged "History of Rome", a "History of England", Thomson's "Seasons", "The Citizen of the World", "The Vicar of Wakefield", and some other books the titles of which I do not now remember. These books furnished me with a large amount of amusing and instructive reading.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : Citizen of the World, The
'I had been made the more anxious to get some spare time, because several books which I had not before seen now fell in my way. This was through the courtesy of my young master whose kindly feelings I have already noticed. He now gave me free access to his little library, in which were Enfield's "Speaker", Goldsmith's "Geography", an abridged "History of Rome", a "History of England", Thomson's "Seasons", "The Citizen of the World", "The Vicar of Wakefield", and some other books the titles of which I do not now remember. These books furnished me with a large amount of amusing and instructive reading.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : Vicar of Wakefield, The
'I had been made the more anxious to get some spare time, because several books which I had not before seen now fell in my way. This was through the courtesy of my young master whose kindly feelings I have already noticed. He now gave me free access to his little library, in which were Enfield's "Speaker", Goldsmith's "Geography", an abridged "History of Rome", a "History of England", Thomson's "Seasons", "The Citizen of the World", "The Vicar of Wakefield", and some other books the titles of which I do not now remember. These books furnished me with a large amount of amusing and instructive reading.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
James Thomson : Seasons, The
'I pursued each of them with much interest, but especially the "Seasons". I found this to be just the book I had wanted. It commended itself to my warmest approbation, immediately on my perceiving its character and design...'[continues to describe impact of the book at length]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[n/a] : Spectator, The
'I must now mention some other books which about this time fell in my way. Among these an odd volume of the "Spectator" deserves particular notice. Where it came from or to whom it belonged, I never knew: I discovered it in my Master's kitchen. On opening it I was struck by the seeming oddity of its contents. As the book promised to give me a little amusement, I forthwith set about reading it. I was at first a good deal mystified about its author, character and design, yet I was much gratified with it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Lloyd's Evening Post
'My master - in conjunction with some friends - began to take in a newspaper, called, if I remember rightly, "Lloyd's Evening Post", and at this I sometimes got a hasty peep. At first, as was natural, I was chiefly interested with the domestic news: I took care to read about "The moving accidents by fire or flood", with an account of which a newspaper commonly abounds. But my curiosity was not long confined to these "little things". It soon led me to look at the articles of foreign intelligence...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
David Simpson : A Plea for Religion and the Sacred Writings
'Somewhere about this time I met with a volume to which I am much indebted. This was a copy of Simpson's "Plea for Religion and the Sacred Writings" - concerning which I have heard it said that it ought rather to have been called "A Plea for Infidelity" because of its dwelling so much upon the corruptions of Christianity and the inconsistent deportment of some among its ministers.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Rev. Thomas Scott : [various essays]
'Nor must I omit to mention the obligations I owe to some essays written by the late Rev. Thomas Scott and which were given me by my master. I do not remember their exact titles, nor can I recollect much of more than one of them. This was, if I err not, a kind of exposition on the tenth commandment...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
n/a : Courier
'Now, however, they [workmen] clubbed their pence to pay for a newspaper, and selected the "Weekly Political Register" of that clever man the late William Cobbett. This journal was in the form of a pamphlet. It was chiefly filled with the letters of correspondence and the political disquisitions of the proprietor. The only news it contained was that which related to the naval and military operations of the British forces. The "Political Register" was soon thought to be deficient in matters of general interest. It was therefore exchanged for the "Courier", which in a short time gave place to the "Independent Whig". From this time the men were warm politicians - not indeed very well conversant with public affairs, but what they lacked in knowledge they made up by a rather large amount of zealous partisanship. When they were too busy to look over the newspaper, they employed me as their reader - an office whose duties I found to be very pleasant.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
Isaac Watts : Horae Lyricae, Poems Chiefly of the Lyric Kind
'The serious thoughts to which my illness gave rise were much strengthened by my reading at the time several of Dr Watt's "Lyric Poems" which then came first into my hands.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[n/a] : The Wreath
'It was in this state of feeling that I first got hold of a little volume called "The Wreath", containing a collection of poems by various authors. Among these pieces was "The Grave", which soon commended itself to my hearty and unqualified approbation...Besides this poem the volume contained "The Minstrel", of which I venture to say that I consider it to be of almost unequalled beauty and interest... There was here yet another poem which arrested my attention as fully as much as did "The Grave" or "The Minstrel". This was entitled "Death" - a prize winning poem written by that eminently good man Dr Porteus...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'I, moreover, found my Sunday pursuits and amusements to be powerfully instrumental in cheering and elevating my "inner man"... That I might make the day as long as possible, I rose early: if the mornings were at all fine, I walked in the adjacent fields where I found ample amusement in either reading the book of nature or some humbler volume, without which I took care never [last word underlined] to go out on these excursions.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[n/a] : The Spectator
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : The Rambler
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : The Tatler
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : [volumes by the British Essayists]
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book, Serial / periodical
John Milton : [poems]
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
James Boswell : The Life of Samuel Johnson
'In the course of my very desultory readings, I perused "Boswell's Life of Dr Johnson"; which I still consider to be a very amusing and very instructive piece of biography.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
James Cook : [narratives of voyages]
'About this time I read also the narratives of some eminent navigators and travellers; among the former were those of Cook, P?rouse and Bougainville; of the latter I chiefly remember those of Bruce, Le Vaillant and Weld. Mr. Weld's narrative so deeply interested me, as to have well nigh been the occasion of my emigrating to the United States or Canada. The desire of seeing those countries which was excited thereby remained with me for some years: it was the cause of my reading several works descriptive of North America and the condition of its inhabitants.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Jean Fran?ois de Galaup La P?rouse : [narratives of voyages]
'About this time I read also the narratives of some eminent navigators and travellers; among the former were those of Cook, P?rouse and Bougainville; of the latter I chiefly remember those of Bruce, Le Vaillant and Weld. Mr. Weld's narrative so deeply interested me, as to have well nigh been the occasion of my emigrating to the United States or Canada. The desire of seeing those countries which was excited thereby remained with me for some years: it was the cause of my reading several works descriptive of North America and the condition of its inhabitants.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Louis Antoine de Bougainville : [narratives of voyages]
'About this time I read also the narratives of some eminent navigators and travellers; among the former were those of Cook, P?rouse and Bougainville; of the latter I chiefly remember those of Bruce, Le Vaillant and Weld. Mr. Weld's narrative so deeply interested me, as to have well nigh been the occasion of my emigrating to the United States or Canada. The desire of seeing those countries which was excited thereby remained with me for some years: it was the cause of my reading several works descriptive of North America and the condition of its inhabitants.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
James Bruce : [narratives of travels]
'About this time I read also the narratives of some eminent navigators and travellers; among the former were those of Cook, P?rouse and Bougainville; of the latter I chiefly remember those of Bruce, Le Vaillant and Weld. Mr. Weld's narrative so deeply interested me, as to have well nigh been the occasion of my emigrating to the United States or Canada. The desire of seeing those countries which was excited thereby remained with me for some years: it was the cause of my reading several works descriptive of North America and the condition of its inhabitants.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Fran?ois Le Vaillant : [narratives of travels]
'About this time I read also the narratives of some eminent navigators and travellers; among the former were those of Cook, P?rouse and Bougainville; of the latter I chiefly remember those of Bruce, Le Vaillant and Weld. Mr. Weld's narrative so deeply interested me, as to have well nigh been the occasion of my emigrating to the United States or Canada. The desire of seeing those countries which was excited thereby remained with me for some years: it was the cause of my reading several works descriptive of North America and the condition of its inhabitants.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Isaac Weld : [narratives of travels]
'About this time I read also the narratives of some eminent navigators and travellers; among the former were those of Cook, P?rouse and Bougainville; of the latter I chiefly remember those of Bruce, Le Vaillant and Weld. Mr. Weld's narrative so deeply interested me, as to have well nigh been the occasion of my emigrating to the United States or Canada. The desire of seeing those countries which was excited thereby remained with me for some years: it was the cause of my reading several works descriptive of North America and the condition of its inhabitants.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Christoph Christian Sturm : Reflections on the Works of God and of His Providence
'While walking to Hampstead, I strayed into a copse not far from my road, where I seated myself upon the trunk of a tree, and read, with no small pleasure, several of the papers contained in that highly entertaining book, "Sturm's Reflections on the Works of God". As I read these, surrounded by many of the objects upon which they so pleasingly descant, I was enabled to look "through nature up to nature's God"; to hold, as it were, converse with that glorious and beneficient Being, and to recognise Him as a father and a friend.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
unknown : Hunger and Thirst
'Coming home we saw Erasmus Wilson who had been reading "Hunger and Thirst" and expressed great value for it.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Erasmus Wilson Print: Book
James Duncan : Scotch itinerary, containing the roads through Scotland on an new plan, with copious observations for the entertainment of travellers, The
Related ms notes laid into book - two small notes about distances, properties, owners, and other features either on specific local journeys e.g. Cupar to Perth, dated '10 Dec 1816' or in an area 'Southside of the Tay'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Agnes Halkerston Print: Book
n/a : The Independent Whig
'Now, however, they [workmen] clubbed their pence to pay for a newspaper, and selected the "Weekly Political Register" of that clever man the late William Cobbett. This journal was in the form of a pamphlet. It was chiefly filled with the letters of correspondence and the political disquisitions of the proprietor. The only news it contained was that which related to the naval and military operations of the British forces. The "Political Register" was soon thought to be deficient in matters of general interest. It was therefore exchanged for the "Courier", which in a short time gave place to the "Independent Whig". From this time the men were warm politicians - not indeed very well conversant with public affairs, but what they lacked in knowledge they made up by a rather large amount of zealous partisanship. When they were too busy to look over the newspaper, they employed me as their reader - an office whose duties I found to be very pleasant.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Newspaper
William Cobbett : Weekly Political Register
'Now, however, they [workmen] clubbed their pence to pay for a newspaper, and selected the "Weekly Political Register" of that clever man the late William Cobbett. This journal was in the form of a pamphlet. It was chiefly filled with the letters of correspondence and the political disquisitions of the proprietor. The only news it contained was that which related to the naval and military operations of the British forces. The "Political Register" was soon thought to be deficient in matters of general interest. It was therefore exchanged for the "Courier", which in a short time gave place to the "Independent Whig". From this time the men were warm politicians - not indeed very well conversant with public affairs, but what they lacked in knowledge they made up by a rather large amount of zealous partisanship. When they were too busy to look over the newspaper, they employed me as their reader - an office whose duties I found to be very pleasant.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Newspaper, Serial / periodical
Joseph Planta : History of the Helvetic Confederacy
'You have to answer for the sin of keeping me almost two hours from "Planta's history of the Helvetic confederacy" - which is a small [/] sin it must be owned, the said Planta being (under favour) little better than a conceited dolt, and his "history" a Gazette in 1000 pages - of quarto letter-press- '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock : Messiah
'It is the rainy evening of a dull day which I have spent in reading a little of Klopstock's Messiah (for the man Jardine, who broke his engagement); and in looking over the inflated work of 'Squire Bristed on "America and her resources". "Vivacity", therefore, on my part, is quite out of the question-'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
John Bristed : America and her Resources
'It is the rainy evening of a dull day which I have spent in reading a little of Klopstock's Messiah (for the man Jardine, who broke his engagement); and in looking over the inflated work of 'Squire Bristed on "America and her resources". "Vivacity", therefore, on my part, is quite out of the question-'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Jean-Jacques Rousseau : Confessions
'I have done, as usual, almost nothing since we parted- Some one asked me with a smile, of which I knew not the meaning, if I would read that book, putting into my hands a volume of Rousseau's confessions. It is perhaps the most remarkable tome, I ever read. Except for its occassional obscenity, I might wish to see the remainder of the book: to try if possible to connect the character of Jean Jacques with my previous ideas of human nature.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Lady Sidney Owenson Morgan : France
'I know not if there be a Goddess of Sloth - tho' considering that this of all our passions is the least turbulent and most victorious, it could not without partiality be left destitute - But if there be, she certainly looks on with an approving smile - when in a supine posture, I lie for hours with my eyes fixed upon the pages of Lady Morgan's France or the travels of Faujas St Fond - my mind seldon taking the pains even to execrate the imbecile materialism, the tawdry gossiping of the former, or to pity the infirm speculations and the already antiquated mineralogy of the latter.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Barthelemy Faujais de Saint-Frond : Voyage en Angleterre, en Ecosse et aux Iles Hebrides...
'I know not if there be a Goddess of Sloth - tho' considering that this of all our passions is the least turbulent and most victorious, it could not without partiality be left destitute - But if there be, she certainly looks on with an approving smile - when in a supine posture, I lie for hours with my eyes fixed upon the pages of Lady Morgan's France or the travels of Faujas St Fond - my mind seldom taking the pains even to execrate the imbecile materialism, the tawdry gossipping of the former, or to pity the infirm speculations and the already antiquated mineralogy of the latter.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Lady Sidney Morgan : Roderick, the Last of the Goths
'I know not if there be a Goddess of Sloth - tho' considering that this of all our passions is the least turbulent and most victorious, it could not without partiality be left destitute - But if there be, she certainly looks on with an approving smile - when in a supine posture, I lie for hours with my eyes fixed upon the pages of Lady Morgan's France or the travels of Faujas St Fond ... What shall I say to the woebegone Roderick last of the Goths; and others of a similar stamp? They go through my brain as light goes thro' an achromatic telescope.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron :
'In the [italics]Autobiography[end italics] he tells us of the impact of Byron on him and his friend Dave: "His influence on Dave was so great that it was publicly shown to all the boys and girls in the chapel's schoolroom... While we were playing kiss in the ring, singing and laughing... Dave would lean his figure... against a pillar, biting his lips and frowning at our merrymaking"... His friend soon tired of this Byronic posing, but Davies marks the occasion as the first time he was really attracted to poetry with enjoyment and serious purpose. He went on to read Shelley, Marlowe's plays, and some further Shakespeare. Wordsworth failed to attract him, though he later studied him very diligently'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: [Dave, friend of W.H. Davies] anon Print: Book
[unknown] : [various]
'After all my contrivances I found but little convenience for reading, except on the Sunday. I always kept a book in my pocket, that it might be at hand in case I should find a few spare minutes. In general, I managed to read a few pages while going to and from the workshop. This, however, was a somewhat difficult affair, as my path led me through some of the busiest streets and places in the city: and I hardly need say that these are not the most favourable localities for a thoughtful reader, especially if what he chooses to read demands any thing like close attention. It was while standing at a bookstall that I read with the most advantage. I took care to avail myself of this as often, and for as long a time as possible; and from these out-of-door libraries picked up a few - perhaps a good many - scraps of useful or amusing information.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
David Ramsay : History of the American Revolution, The
'When at home I usually retired to my garret, where I employed myself in either reading or working... In reading I usually sat in the Oriental, or, to use a less pompous word, in the tailor's posture, and thus had no need of either chair or table... The books I read at this time related chiefly to North America. Among the chief of them were Ramsay's "History of the American Revolution", Smith's "Travels in Canada and the United States", and Parkinson's "Travels in North America".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
John Smith : Travels in Canada and the United States
'When at home I usually retired to my garret, where I employed myself in either reading or working... In reading I usually sat in the Oriental, or, to use a less pompous word, in the tailor's posture, and thus had no need of either chair or table... The books I read at this time related chiefly to North America. Among the chief of them were Ramsay's "History of the American Revolution", Smith's "Travels in Canada and the United States", and Parkinson's "Travels in North America".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Edward Parkinson : Travels in North America
'When at home I usually retired to my garret, where I employed myself in either reading or working... In reading I usually sat in the Oriental, or, to use a less pompous word, in the tailor's posture, and thus had no need of either chair or table... The books I read at this time related chiefly to North America. Among the chief of them were Ramsay's "History of the American Revolution", Smith's "Travels in Canada and the United States", and Parkinson's "Travels in North America".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[n/a] : [morning newspaper]
'For breakfast I had a penny roll and half a pint of porter. This I took at a public house - for two reasons: first, that I might have an opportunity of looking at the morning newspaper; and further, that I might have the comfort of sitting by a good fire... I felt a considerable degree of interest in regard to the course of public affairs, and therefore was the more anxious to see a newspaper everyday. I also hoped that some one of the numerous advertisements might be made available in the way of getting employment other than that of tailoring. In this hope I was disappointed; yet the time I thus spent was not quite thrown away, as I hereby contracted a habit of carefully reading advertisements, which I have found to be useful...[etc.]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
Robert Bloomfield : [Poems]
'At one of these sales I bought a copy of "Bloomfield's Poems", but not so cheaply as to encourage me to combine my biddings. I read Bloomfield with much interest, as I also did a copy of Montgomery's "Wanderer in Switzerland, and other Poems". Being at the time in poor health of body, at which times my imaginative faculty has always been morbibly active, I was unwise to read poetry of this class, which, under the circumstances, was more likely to excite uneasy feelings than to invigorate the mind. And thus it fell out; for while I read of rural scenes and also of the comparative quietude and the superior happiness of country life, I grew uneasy and heartsick of the noisy and restless town...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
James Montgomery : Wanderer in Switzerland, and other Poems
'At one of these sales I bought a copy of "Bloomfield's Poems", but not so cheaply as to encourage me to combine my biddings. I read Bloomfield with much interest, as I also did a copy of Montgomery's "Wanderer in Switzerland, and other Poems". Being at the time in poor health of body, at which times my imaginative faculty has always been morbibly active, I was unwise to read poetry of this class, which, under the circumstances, was more likely to excite uneasy feelings than to invigorate the mind. And thus it fell out; for while I read of rural scenes and also of the comparative quietude and the superior happiness of country life, I grew uneasy and heartsick of the noisy and restless town...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Francisco de Quevedo : The Visions of Don Quevedo
'I found a good deal of amusement in looking over the engravings in a Spanish volume, called, I think, "The Visions of Don Quevedo". It was, of course, a book from which I could get but little information in the way of reading. The plates, however, told a tolerably clear story, and my host, who had learned something of the Spanish language, gave me such explanations as were necessary to my fully comprehending the meaning of the illustrations.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Torquato Tasso : Jerusalem Delivered
'My friend had a good deal to do in order to be prepared for his approaching voyage. While he was attending to these matters, I usually remained at home and read in such books as I found at hand. Among these was a copy of Mr. Hoole's translation of Tasso's "Jerusalem Delivered", which poem I now read for the first time, and with much interest.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Richard Price : [volume of sermons]
'At the request of our landlady, I looked over a volume of Sermons by the eminent Unitarian minister, Dr. Price. I did this, however, out of mere courtesy: for although I have no objection to read any regular treatise on theological subjects, I have never been much disposed to read sermons. I ventured to report so favourably concerning these discourses, that the good woman was quite satisfied that she would do well to read them.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[n/a] : British Press
'Thus I became their [workmates] news-purveyor, ie. I every morning gave them an account of what I had just been reading in the yesterday's newspaper. I read this at a coffee shop, where I took an early breakfast on my way to work. These shops were but just then becoming general... The shop I selected was near the bottom of Oxford Street. It was in the direct path by which I made my way to work... The papers I generally preferred to read were the "British Press", the "Morning Chronicle", and the "Statesman". I usually contrived to run over the Parliamentary debates and the foreign news, together with the leading articles. ...My shopmates were much pleased at the extent and variety of the intelligence which I was able to give them about public affairs, and they were the more pleased because I often told them about the contents of Mr. Cobbett's "Political Register", as they were warm admirers of that clever and very intelligible writer.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Morning Chronicle
'Thus I became their [workmates] news-purveyor, ie. I every morning gave them an account of what I had just been reading in the yesterday's newspaper. I read this at a coffee shop, where I took an early breakfast on my way to work. These shops were but just then becoming general... The shop I selected was near the bottom of Oxford Street. It was in the direct path by which I made my way to work... The papers I generally preferred to read were the "British Press", the "Morning Chronicle", and the "Statesman". I usually contrived to run over the Parliamentary debates and the foreign news, together with the leading articles. ...My shopmates were much pleased at the extent and variety of the intelligence which I was able to give them about public affairs, and they were the more pleased because I often told them about the contents of Mr. Cobbett's "Political Register", as they were warm admirers of that clever and very intelligible writer.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : The Statesman
'Thus I became their [workmates] news-purveyor, ie. I every morning gave them an account of what I had just been reading in the yesterday's newspaper. I read this at a coffee shop, where I took an early breakfast on my way to work. These shops were but just then becoming general... The shop I selected was near the bottom of Oxford Street. It was in the direct path by which I made my way to work... The papers I generally preferred to read were the "British Press", the "Morning Chronicle", and the "Statesman". I usually contrived to run over the Parliamentary debates and the foreign news, together with the leading articles. ...My shopmates were much pleased at the extent and variety of the intelligence which I was able to give them about public affairs, and they were the more pleased because I often told them about the contents of Mr. Cobbett's "Political Register", as they were warm admirers of that clever and very intelligible writer.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Newspaper
William Cobbett : Political Register
'Thus I became their [workmates] news-purveyor, ie. I every morning gave them an account of what I had just been reading in the yesterday's newspaper. I read this at a coffee shop, where I took an early breakfast on my way to work. These shops were but just then becoming general... The shop I selected was near the bottom of Oxford Street. It was in the direct path by which I made my way to work... The papers I generally preferred to read were the "British Press", the "Morning Chronicle", and the "Statesman". I usually contrived to run over the Parliamentary debates and the foreign news, together with the leading articles. ...My shopmates were much pleased at the extent and variety of the intelligence which I was able to give them about public affairs, and they were the more pleased because I often told them about the contents of Mr. Cobbett's "Political Register", as they were warm admirers of that clever and very intelligible writer.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Newspaper, Serial / periodical
Henry James : "Covering End"
Leon Edel notes, regarding Henry James's letter to James B. Pinker of 14 October 1907: 'The eminent actor Johnston Forbes-Robertson read H[enry]J[ames]'s story "Covering End" in "The Two Magics" (1898) and proposed that the novelist turn it into a play for him.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Johnston Forbes-Robertson Print: Book
Mungo Park : Travels in the Interior Districts of Africa
'I also had some good opportunities for borrowing books; and thus read that very interesting quarto volume, Mr. Park's "Travels in Africa". I also read Mr. Colquhoun's large treatise on the "Police of the Metropolis" from which I gleaned much information and amusement.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Quintus Horace : [poems]
'For my private and sole use, seeing that my friends had no taste for poetry, I bought Mr. Pye's translation of Horace, and was well pleased with my purchase; for I found the old "Roman poet" to be a very lively and shrewd companion. I also ventured to spend a guinea in the purchase of "Kirke White's Remains": a large sum for one like myself to spend at one time in buying books; yet I had good reason to be satisfied; for the work was useful to me in the way of strengthening and confirming my habits of reading and observation.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Henry Kirk White : Remains
'For my private and sole use, seeing that my friends had no taste for poetry, I bought Mr. Pye's translation of Horace, and was well pleased with my purchase; for I found the old "Roman poet" to be a very lively and shrewd companion. I also ventured to spend a guinea in the purchase of "Kirke White's Remains": a large sum for one like myself to spend at one time in buying books; yet I had good reason to be satisfied; for the work was useful to me in the way of strengthening and confirming my habits of reading and observation.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[n/a] : Edinburgh Review
'... I did this [looking over the newspaper], as usual, while I took my breakfast, which meal I now procured at a coffee shop in Bear-Street, Leicester-Square. Here I found the additional accommodation of magazines and reviews: for reading the current numbers of which the proprietor made an extra charge of sixpence per month. This charge I was glad to pay, for the sake of reading the "Edinburgh" and "Monthly" Reviews, together with the "Edinburgh", the "European", and the "Monthly" Magazines. 'These, however, I read in the evening, while I took my supper; for I learned to drink coffee at that meal as well as at breakfast time. In addition to the daily newspapers, I also saw here the "Examiner", the "Black Dwarf" and, I think, some other weekly journals.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Monthly Review
'... I did this [looking over the newspaper], as usual, while I took my breakfast, which meal I now procured at a coffee shop in Bear-Street, Leicester-Square. Here I found the additional accommodation of magazines and reviews: for reading the current numbers of which the proprietor made an extra charge of sixpence per month. This charge I was glad to pay, for the sake of reading the "Edinburgh" and "Monthly" Reviews, together with the "Edinburgh", the "European", and the "Monthly" Magazines. 'These, however, I read in the evening, while I took my supper; for I learned to drink coffee at that meal as well as at breakfast time. In addition to the daily newspapers, I also saw here the "Examiner", the "Black Dwarf" and, I think, some other weekly journals.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Edinburgh Magazine
'... I did this [looking over the newspaper], as usual, while I took my breakfast, which meal I now procured at a coffee shop in Bear-Street, Leicester-Square. Here I found the additional accommodation of magazines and reviews: for reading the current numbers of which the proprietor made an extra charge of sixpence per month. This charge I was glad to pay, for the sake of reading the "Edinburgh" and "Monthly" Reviews, together with the "Edinburgh", the "European", and the "Monthly" Magazines. 'These, however, I read in the evening, while I took my supper; for I learned to drink coffee at that meal as well as at breakfast time. In addition to the daily newspapers, I also saw here the "Examiner", the "Black Dwarf" and, I think, some other weekly journals.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : European Magazine
'... I did this [looking over the newspaper], as usual, while I took my breakfast, which meal I now procured at a coffee shop in Bear-Street, Leicester-Square. Here I found the additional accommodation of magazines and reviews: for reading the current numbers of which the proprietor made an extra charge of sixpence per month. This charge I was glad to pay, for the sake of reading the "Edinburgh" and "Monthly" Reviews, together with the "Edinburgh", the "European", and the "Monthly" Magazines. 'These, however, I read in the evening, while I took my supper; for I learned to drink coffee at that meal as well as at breakfast time. In addition to the daily newspapers, I also saw here the "Examiner", the "Black Dwarf" and, I think, some other weekly journals.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Monthly Magazine
'... I did this [looking over the newspaper], as usual, while I took my breakfast, which meal I now procured at a coffee shop in Bear-Street, Leicester-Square. Here I found the additional accommodation of magazines and reviews: for reading the current numbers of which the proprietor made an extra charge of sixpence per month. This charge I was glad to pay, for the sake of reading the "Edinburgh" and "Monthly" Reviews, together with the "Edinburgh", the "European", and the "Monthly" Magazines. 'These, however, I read in the evening, while I took my supper; for I learned to drink coffee at that meal as well as at breakfast time. In addition to the daily newspapers, I also saw here the "Examiner", the "Black Dwarf" and, I think, some other weekly journals.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Examiner
'... I did this [looking over the newspaper], as usual, while I took my breakfast, which meal I now procured at a coffee shop in Bear-Street, Leicester-Square. Here I found the additional accommodation of magazines and reviews: for reading the current numbers of which the proprietor made an extra charge of sixpence per month. This charge I was glad to pay, for the sake of reading the "Edinburgh" and "Monthly" Reviews, together with the "Edinburgh", the "European", and the "Monthly" Magazines. 'These, however, I read in the evening, while I took my supper; for I learned to drink coffee at that meal as well as at breakfast time. In addition to the daily newspapers, I also saw here the "Examiner", the "Black Dwarf" and, I think, some other weekly journals.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Black Dwarf
'... I did this [looking over the newspaper], as usual, while I took my breakfast, which meal I now procured at a coffee shop in Bear-Street, Leicester-Square. Here I found the additional accommodation of magazines and reviews: for reading the current numbers of which the proprietor made an extra charge of sixpence per month. This charge I was glad to pay, for the sake of reading the "Edinburgh" and "Monthly" Reviews, together with the "Edinburgh", the "European", and the "Monthly" Magazines. 'These, however, I read in the evening, while I took my supper; for I learned to drink coffee at that meal as well as at breakfast time. In addition to the daily newspapers, I also saw here the "Examiner", the "Black Dwarf" and, I think, some other weekly journals.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Newspaper
Thomas Campbell : The Pleasures of Hope
'It was about this time that I first read that very beautiful poem, "The Pleasures of Hope". I also repersued a large portion of Cowper's Poems; and, in spite of the unfavourable accounts of it given by critics, resolved upon reading Thomson's "Liberty". This resolution I carried into effect, to my very considerable amusement, if not instruction. As to its poetical merits, I did not venture to sit in judgement upon them.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
William Cowper : [Poems]
'It was about this time that I first read that very beautiful poem, "The Pleasures of Hope". I also repersued a large portion of Cowper's Poems; and, in spite of the unfavourable accounts of it given by critics, resolved upon reading Thomson's "Liberty". This resolution I carried into effect, to my very considerable amusement, if not instruction. As to its poetical merits, I did not venture to sit in judgement upon them.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
James Thomson : Liberty, a Poem
'It was about this time that I first read that very beautiful poem, "The Pleasures of Hope". I also repersued a large portion of Cowper's Poems; and, in spite of the unfavourable accounts of it given by critics, resolved upon reading Thomson's "Liberty". This resolution I carried into effect, to my very considerable amusement, if not instruction. As to its poetical merits, I did not venture to sit in judgement upon them.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
James Beattie : The Minstrel, or the Progress of Genius
[On hot summer afternoons Carter took shelter in the shaded parts of Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens] 'In the latter I remember to have passed one afternoon in a very pleasant way. I sat in a quiet, well-shaded spot, where I had the benefit of a cool atmosphere, and read once more Dr Beattie's "Minstrel" - a poem which pleases me now quite as much as it did then. It is one of the poems of which I am never weary; from which circumstance alone, were there no other evidence, I should be led to infer that it is true poetry - the poetry of the heart no less than the imagination.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
William Giles : Guide to Domestic Happiness, The
'I read a volume which was called "The Guide to Domestic Happiness", but found that it had no direct bearing upon the case of a working man - all its reasonings, counsels, and encouragements being based on upon the supposition of the reader's being a person of substance and education. the only publication I met with which at all came up to my wishes was one called "Letters on the Marriage State"; but even this bore only in a distant way upon the case in question.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[unknown] : Letters on the Marriage State
'I read a volume which was called "The Guide to Domestic Happiness", but found that it had no direct bearing upon the case of a working man - all its reasonings, counsels, and encouragements being based on upon the supposition of the reader's being a person of substance and education. the only publication I met with which at all came up to my wishes was one called "Letters on the Marriage State"; but even this bore only in a distant way upon the case in question.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Alexander Pope : [poems]
'By courtesy of a friend I had the loan of Mr. Pope's poetical works together with his translations of Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey". I also read Mr. Hervey's "Theron and Aspasia", but with no great pleasure, because of its chiefly dwelling upon controverted points of theology. I was induced to read it by a sense of what was due to the request of a valued friend. As to Mr. Pope's works and translations, I read them with much satisfaction. In passing, I must observe that of Homer's poems I greatly preferred the "Odyssey"; for the "Iliad" was too full of warlike descriptions for one of my pacific temper. I still retain this preference. My reading times were at my meals, and after I had left work in the evening.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Homer : Iliad
'By courtesy of a friend I had the loan of Mr. Pope's poetical works together with his translations of Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey". I also read Mr. Hervey's "Theron and Aspasia", but with no great pleasure, because of its chiefly dwelling upon controverted points of theology. I was induced to read it by a sense of what was due to the request of a valued friend. As to Mr. Pope's works and translations, I read them with much satisfaction. In passing, I must observe that of Homer's poems I greatly preferred the "Odyssey"; for the "Iliad" was too full of warlike descriptions for one of my pacific temper. I still retain this preference. My reading times were at my meals, and after I had left work in the evening.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Homer : Odyssey
'By courtesy of a friend I had the loan of Mr. Pope's poetical works together with his translations of Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey". I also read Mr. Hervey's "Theron and Aspasia", but with no great pleasure, because of its chiefly dwelling upon controverted points of theology. I was induced to read it by a sense of what was due to the request of a valued friend. As to Mr. Pope's works and translations, I read them with much satisfaction. In passing, I must observe that of Homer's poems I greatly preferred the "Odyssey"; for the "Iliad" was too full of warlike descriptions for one of my pacific temper. I still retain this preference. My reading times were at my meals, and after I had left work in the evening.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
James Hervey : Theron and Aspasia
'By courtesy of a friend I had the loan of Mr. Pope's poetical works together with his translations of Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey". I also read Mr. Hervey's "Theron and Aspasia", but with no great pleasure, because of its chiefly dwelling upon controverted points of theology. I was induced to read it by a sense of what was due to the request of a valued friend. As to Mr. Pope's works and translations, I read them with much satisfaction. In passing, I must observe that of Homer's poems I greatly preferred the "Odyssey"; for the "Iliad" was too full of warlike descriptions for one of my pacific temper. I still retain this preference. My reading times were at my meals, and after I had left work in the evening.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Samuel Rogers : Human Life, a Poem
'When [winter] was over, I began to steal a few moments occasionally for the purpose of looking upon the fair and sweet face of nature. It was at this time, I think, that I read Mr. Rogers's very beautiful poem called "Human Life" and also a history of the recent wars.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[unknown] : [History of the recent wars]
'When [winter] was over, I began to steal a few moments occasionally for the purpose of looking upon the fair and sweet face of nature. It was at this time, I think, that I read Mr. Rogers's very beautiful poem called "Human Life" and also a history of the recent wars.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Henry Mackenzie : Man of Feeling and other tales
'I was unable to work for a fortnight through lameness... While laid by from work, I read Mr. MacKenzie's "Man of Feeling" and other tales. I thought them a little too highly coloured to be of any great use, considered as pictures of men and manners.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Washington Irving : Sketch-Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent
'In the course of the ensuing spring (1821), I read Mr. Washington Irving's "Sketch-Book". I thought it very beautiful, and only wished that he had more fully carried his fine imaginative powers beyond "this visible diurnal sphere". By the way, I must observe a similar defect exists in Akenside's "Pleasures of the Imagination"; a poem which in every other respect gives me very great satisfaction. I also read some volumes of the "London Magazine", which I thought to be a very cleverly conducted publication.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Mark Akenside : Pleasures of the Imagination, The
'In the course of the ensuing spring (1821), I read Mr. Washington Irving's "Sketch-Book". I thought it very beautiful, and only wished that he had more fully carried his fine imaginative powers beyond "this visible diurnal sphere". By the way, I must observe a similar defect exists in Akenside's "Pleasures of the Imagination"; a poem which in every other respect gives me very great satisfaction. I also read some volumes of the "London Magazine", which I thought to be a very cleverly conducted publication.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[n/a] : London Magazine
'In the course of the ensuing spring (1821), I read Mr. Washington Irving's "Sketch-Book". I thought it very beautiful, and only wished that he had more fully carried his fine imaginative powers beyond "this visible diurnal sphere". By the way, I must observe a similar defect exists in Akenside's "Pleasures of the Imagination"; a poem which in every other respect gives me very great satisfaction. I also read some volumes of the "London Magazine", which I thought to be a very cleverly conducted publication.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : New Monthly Magazine
'He also again freely supplied me with the loan of books. At this time he lent me several volumes of the "New Monthly Magazine", among the very many interesting articles in which I was especially pleased with the "Letters from Algiers", written by Mr. Thomas Campbell, the eminent poet'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Anti-Jacobin Review
'During this year I read an odd volume of that curious publication, the "Anti-Jacobin-Review", from which I gathered a little that pleased me. Among other things I met with some views respecting the conduct of Judas Iscariot towards his Divine Master which to me were quite new. I, however, thought them both reasonable and probable. I also read Mr. O'Meara's "Voice from St Helena", Dr. Henderson's "Travels in Iceland", and Captain Parry's "Narrative" of his Arctic Voyage. I must here beg the reader to remember that henceforth when I say that I have read any book it will only mean that I gave it a hasty perusal, for I had no time for close reading.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
Barry Edward O'Meara : Napoleon in Exile, or a Voice from St Helena
'During this year I read an odd volume of that curious publication, the "Anti-Jacobin-Review", from which I gathered a little that pleased me. Among other things I met with some views respecting the conduct of Judas Iscariot towards his Divine Master which to me were quite new. I, however, thought them both reasonable and probable. I also read Mr. O'Meara's "Voice from St Helena", Dr. Henderson's "Travels in Iceland", and Captain Parry's "Narrative" of his Arctic Voyage. I must here beg the reader to remember that henceforth when I say that I have read any book it will only mean that I gave it a hasty perusal, for I had no time for close reading.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Ebenezer Henderson : Iceland, or the Journal of a Residence in that Island during the years 1814 and 1815
'During this year I read an odd volume of that curious publication, the "Anti-Jacobin-Review", from which I gathered a little that pleased me. Among other things I met with some views respecting the conduct of Judas Iscariot towards his Divine Master which to me were quite new. I, however, thought them both reasonable and probable. I also read Mr. O'Meara's "Voice from St Helena", Dr. Henderson's "Travels in Iceland", and Captain Parry's "Narrative" of his Arctic Voyage. I must here beg the reader to remember that henceforth when I say that I have read any book it will only mean that I gave it a hasty perusal, for I had no time for close reading.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
William Edward Parry : Journal of a Voyage to discover a North-West Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific
'During this year I read an odd volume of that curious publication, the "Anti-Jacobin-Review", from which I gathered a little that pleased me. Among other things I met with some views respecting the conduct of Judas Iscariot towards his Divine Master which to me were quite new. I, however, thought them both reasonable and probable. I also read Mr. O'Meara's "Voice from St Helena", Dr. Henderson's "Travels in Iceland", and Captain Parry's "Narrative" of his Arctic Voyage. I must here beg the reader to remember that henceforth when I say that I have read any book it will only mean that I gave it a hasty perusal, for I had no time for close reading.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Josiah Conder : The Modern Traveller, a Description of the Various Countries of the Globe
'It must have been during this year [1823] that I began to read a work which gave me much and unalloyed pleasure: this was "The Modern Traveller", edited by Mr. Conder. I read the parts consecutively and was so much pleased with them that I looked for their publication with great interest.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Gray : Letters
'By favour of my friendly draper I also had the satisfaction of looking over the elegantly written and very entertaining "Letters" of Mr. Gray together with M. Sismondi's "History of the Literature of the South of Europe".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
J.-C.-L. Simonde de Sismondi : Historical View of the Literature of the South of Europe
'By favour of my friendly draper I also had the satisfaction of looking over the elegantly written and very entertaining "Letters" of Mr. Gray together with M. Sismondi's "History of the Literature of the South of Europe".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Dugald Stewart : Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind
'In the course of the winter I read some of Mr. Dugald Stewart's "Essays on the Human Mind", together with a part of Dr. Reid's on the same subject. I also read Mr. Cary's translation of Dante and Mr. Jowell's 'Christian Researches'.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Thomas Reid : Essays on the Powers of the Human Mind
'In the course of the winter I read some of Mr. Dugald Stewart's "Essays on the Human Mind", together with a part of Dr. Reid's on the same subject. I also read Mr. Cary's translation of Dante and Mr. Jowell's "Christian Researches".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Dante Alighieri : The Vision, or Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise
'In the course of the winter I read some of Mr. Dugald Stewart's "Essays on the Human Mind", together with a part of Dr. Reid's on the same subject. I also read Mr. Cary's translation of Dante and Mr. Jowell's "Christian Researches".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
William Jowett : Christian Researches in the Mediterranean, from MDCCCXV to MDCCCXX
'In the course of the winter I read some of Mr. Dugald Stewart's "Essays on the Human Mind", together with a part of Dr. Reid's on the same subject. I also read Mr. Cary's translation of Dante and Mr. Jowell's "Christian Researches".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Mary Wortley, Lady Montagu : Letters
?While in this state I read the "Letters" of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, and some of Dr Beattie?s and Mr Hume?s ?Essays?, together with part of Dr Beattie?s ?Essay on Truth?.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
James Beattie : [Essays]
?While in this state I read the "Letters" of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, and some of Dr Beattie?s and Mr Hume?s ?Essays?, together with part of Dr Beattie?s ?Essay on Truth?.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
James Beattie : Essay on truth
?While in this state I read the "Letters" of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, and some of Dr Beattie?s and Mr Hume?s ?Essays?, together with part of Dr Beattie?s ?Essay on Truth?.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
James Arminius : [works on theology and account of his life]
?As to reading, I had neither time not strength for more than a very little, yet I did something; as I looked through a translation of the works of that eminent divine, James Arminius, with which I was well satisfied, but especially so with the prefixed memoir of his life. I had also, for a few days, the loan of Mr. Montgomery?s ?Lectures on poetry?, a book which I should have been glad to read thoroughly.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
James Montgomery : Lectures on poetry
?As to reading, I had neither time not strength for more than a very little, yet I did something; as I looked through a translation of the works of that eminent divine, James Arminius, with which I was well satisfied, but especially so with the prefixed memoir of his life. I had also, for a few days, the loan of Mr. Montgomery?s ?Lectures on poetry?, a book which I should have been glad to read thoroughly.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
John Wesley : Journal
?Of him [lodger ? a Wesleyan minister] I had the loan of a work which I had indeed previously read; but of which I was not tired, nor I believe ever should be. This was the ?Journal? of that great and good man, the Rev. J. Wesley. I have long regarded it as being equal in interest to Mr Boswell?s ?Life of Dr Johnson? although its contents are, of course, very dissimilar. I also read many of his other works in the course of the two years during which our lodgers remained with us. I may just observe that Mr Wesley?s style of writing is eminently concise and clear; well adapted to the capacity of the uneducated reader.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
John Wesley : [works]
?Of him [lodger ? Wesleyan minister] I had the loan of a work which I had indeed previously read; but of which I was not tired, nor I believe ever should be. This was the ?Journal? of that great and good man, the Rev. J. Wesley. I have long regarded it as being equal in interest to Mr Boswell?s ?Life of Dr Johnson? although its contents are, of course, very dissimilar. I also read many of his other works in the course of the two years during which our lodgers remained with us. I may just observe that Mr Wesley?s style of writing is eminently concise and clear; well adapted to the capacity of the uneducated reader.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [plays]
?In my leisure hours during this year, and the years 1838 and 1839, I read the whole of Shakespeare?s dramatic works, Mr. Sharon Turner?s ?Sacred History of the Creation?, the ?Memoirs of Mr. Samuel Drew? and Dr. Stilling?s ?Theory of Pneumatology?, together with same odd volumes of the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Sharon Turner : Sacred history of the creation
?In my leisure hours during this year, and the years 1838 and 1839, I read the whole of Shakespeare?s dramatic works, Mr. Sharon Turner?s ?Sacred History of the Creation?, the ?Memoirs of Mr. Samuel Drew? and Dr. Stilling?s ?Theory of Pneumatology?, together with same odd volumes of the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Samuel Drew : Memoirs of Mr Samuel Drew
?In my leisure hours during this year, and the years 1838 and 1839, I read the whole of Shakespeare?s dramatic works, Mr. Sharon Turner?s ?Sacred History of the Creation?, the ?Memoirs of Mr. Samuel Drew? and Dr. Stilling?s ?Theory of Pneumatology?, together with same odd volumes of the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Jung Stilling : Theory of pneumatology
?In my leisure hours during this year, and the years 1838 and 1839, I read the whole of Shakespeare?s dramatic works, Mr. Sharon Turner?s ?Sacred History of the Creation?, the ?Memoirs of Mr. Samuel Drew? and Dr. Stilling?s ?Theory of Pneumatology?, together with same odd volumes of the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[n/a] : Edinburgh Review
?In my leisure hours during this year, and the years 1838 and 1839, I read the whole of Shakespeare?s dramatic works, Mr. Sharon Turner?s ?Sacred History of the Creation?, the ?Memoirs of Mr. Samuel Drew? and Dr. Stilling?s ?Theory of Pneumatology?, together with same odd volumes of the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Quarterly Review
?In my leisure hours during this year, and the years 1838 and 1839, I read the whole of Shakespeare?s dramatic works, Mr. Sharon Turner?s ?Sacred History of the Creation?, the ?Memoirs of Mr. Samuel Drew? and Dr. Stilling?s ?Theory of Pneumatology?, together with same odd volumes of the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
John Middleton : The laws and acts of the first Parliament
[Marginalia]: brief ink additions to some 6 pp of the text e.g p.57 against XXXVIII is the note 'This act is ... to be payed from imported commodities ...'; p. 49 against XXVIII is the note 'This act [word deleted] reshinded [sic]'.
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Johannes [ie John] Chrystie Print: Book
David Steuart Erskine, Lord Buchan : Anonymous and fugitive essays of the Earl of Buchan
[Marginalia]: an additional printed page, printed by the Buchan Portable Press, titled "Letter from Princess Mary to Lord Buchan" has been inserted after p.196 and has the ms annotation 'This message is the last (as is believed) that his Majesty was capable of dictating in his right mind' . This appears to be in the same hand as the ms note at the end of the preface 'To Edwards [? deleted] Constable Esq. as a mark of my regard, Buchan: Edr. October 25th 1816' as does the ms poem pasted in facing the Contents page. Part Latin, part English, it begins 'Quanti est ostimanda [?] Virtus ...'. Page 195 has the line 'On literary envy ..' marked * and the ms note '*In honour of the unfortunate ... George III'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: David Steuart Erskine, Lord Buchan Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Macbeth
?I now read for the first time "The Tempest", "Measure for Measure", "Love?s Labour?s Lost", and many other of Shakespeare?s comedies, besides the supreme tragedies, among [them] the greatest creations of the human intellect ? "Hamlet", "Macbeth", "Othello" and "Lear". From no "edition de luxe" did I read. The plays were published by Dick, cost me one penny each, a sum well suited to my means. No matter that the price was small and the paper poor; no matter that there were neither theatre nor stage, neither actors or orchestra. All the more scope was given to fancy and imagination.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
Thomas Babbington Macaulay : [essays]
?Macaulay, who had recently died, was greatly in vogue. I had read with enjoyment and advantage his "History of England" and some of his essays.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Unknown
Abbe Raynal : Philosophical and Political History of the Settlements and Trade of the Europeans in the East and West Indies, A
'Above a month ago, I found Raynal's history of the E. and W. Indies, in a farmer's house of this neighbourhood. It were long to tell you fully my opinion of the work, which (according to Gibbon) the author, by a happy audacity, names philosophical as well as political. The abbe's researches embrace almost the whole habitable globe; his narrative, too much chequered by boisterous speculations, is generally conducted in a distinct, easy manner...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Eliza Draper : Inscription to Raynal's 'History of the E. and W. Indies'
'Above a month ago, I found Raynal's history of the E. and W. Indies, in a farmer's house of this neighbourhood. It were long to tell you fully my opinion of the work, which (according to Gibbon) the author, by a happy audacity, names philosophical as well as political... Opposite the title-page, beneath the picture of a sullen, thoughtful countenance, Sterne's Eliza Draper has written: William Thomas Raynal, defender of truth, humanity and liberty. An enlightened admirer of those sacred qualities...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Various : Edinburgh Review
'After an interval of 5 hours, spent in reading the Edinr Review and excecuting various commissions, I resume my lucubrations. the unhappy carrier is not come.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
John Millar : Historical View of the English Government, An
'Without reluctance, I push aside the massy quarto of Millar on the English government, to perform ther more pelasing duty of writing a few lines to you, by the conveyance of Mr Duncan.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
John Millar : Historical View of the English Government, An
'I have read Millar on the English government &c-'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
[unknown] : The lives of the Stoics
?This period gave me unnumbered hours for reading, and I devoured everything that came in my way, novels, histories, travels, even "The lives of the Stoics". There was no such thing as a free library then, so enough money was scraped up for a subscription one, the first volume borrowed being Dickens?s newly published "Bleak House".?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Catling Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown various titles]
?This period gave me unnumbered hours for reading, and I devoured everything that came in my way, novels, histories, travels, even "The lives of the Stoics". There was no such thing as a free library then, so enough money was scraped up for a subscription one, the first volume borrowed being Dickens?s newly published "Bleak House".?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Catling Print: Book
[unknown] : [works on travel and antiquities]
?As spring and autumn were our only really busy seasons, I had occasionally , during other parts of the year, considerable leisure, which, if I could procure a book that I considered at all worth the reading, was spent with such a book of my desk, in the little recess of the packing room. Here, therefore, I had opportunities for reading many books of which I had only heard the names before, such as Robertson?s "History of Scotland", Goldsmith?s "History of England", Rollin?s "Ancient History", Hume?s "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire", Anachaises? "Travels in Greece"; and many other works on travels, geography, and antiquities.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Patrick Colquhon : Treatise on the Police of the metropolis
'I also had some good opportunities for borrowing books; and thus read that very interesting quarto volume, Mr Park's "Travels in Africa". I also read Mr Colquhoun's large treatise on the "Police of the Metropolis" from which I gleaned much information and amusement.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Charles Lamb : [works]
'In my hours of leisure I read the works of Mr Charles Lamb, Mr Holcroft's memoirs, and the "Life of General Washington".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Thomas Holcroft : The life of Thomas Holcroft
'In my hours of leisure I read the works of Mr Charles Lamb, Mr Holcroft's memoirs, and the "Life of General Washington".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[unknown] : Life of General Washington
'In my hours of leisure I read the works of Mr Charles Lamb, Mr Holcroft's memoirs, and the "Life of General Washington".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : [works]
'From that time [summer 1840] to the present [1845] I have not read much. I have, however, looked through Lord Byron's works, the "Memoirs of Mr William Hutton", and Dr Stilling's Autobiography; with some of the works of Sir Walter Scott, Dr Southey, and Miss Martineau.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
William Hutton : Memoirs
'From that time [summer 1840] to the present [1845] I have not read much. I have, however, looked through Lord Byron's works, the "Memoirs of Mr William Hutton", and Dr Stilling's Autobiography; with some of the works of Sir Walter Scott, Dr Southey, and Miss Martineau.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Jung Stilling : Autobiography
'From that time [summer 1840] to the present [1845] I have not read much. I have, however, looked through Lord Byron's works, the "Memoirs of Mr William Hutton", and Dr Stilling's Autobiography; with some of the works of Sir Walter Scott, Dr Southey, and Miss Martineau.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Walter Scott : [works]
'From that time [summer 1840] to the present [1845] I have not read much. I have, however, looked through Lord Byron's works, the "Memoirs of Mr William Hutton", and Dr Stilling's Autobiography; with some of the works of Sir Walter Scott, Dr Southey, and Miss Martineau.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Robert Southey : [works]
'From that time [summer 1840] to the present [1845] I have not read much. I have, however, looked through Lord Byron's works, the "Memoirs of Mr William Hutton", and Dr Stilling's Autobiography; with some of the works of Sir Walter Scott, Dr Southey, and Miss Martineau.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Harriet Martineau : [works]
'From that time [summer 1840] to the present [1845] I have not read much. I have, however, looked through Lord Byron's works, the "Memoirs of Mr William Hutton", and Dr Stilling's Autobiography; with some of the works of Sir Walter Scott, Dr Southey, and Miss Martineau.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Alexander Carlyle : Letter (date unknown)
'I was truly sorry and at the same time tickled to observe the abrupt conclusion of your letter. The thunder of Jack's snoring is not unknown to me; but poor fellow! you would pity his cold and rejoice that he could sleep at all.' [A large number of Carlyle's reading experiences were letters. We have not included them all, but this is included as a sample of the type of response].
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter
John Milton : [various]
'With my scanty pocket-money, high-priced books were beyond my reach; but I was lucky enough, when hunting, as was my want, among the second-hand bookstalls in Newcastle market-place, to light upon some off volumes of Milton?s prose works, which I bought for a few shillings. I read them all ? politics, theology, travels, with touches of autobiography- nothing came amiss to my voracious appetite. Over and over again did I read the Areopagitica, ?that sublime treatise? which, Macaulay tells us, ?every statesman should wear as a sign upon his hand and as frontlets between his eyes?.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
[unknown] : [various]
?Two or three years my senior, Sam, like myself, was acquiring a taste for books. Our tastes were not wholly dissimilar. Both of us read and enjoyed poetry; but while Sam?s more solid reading was in science, especially in astronomy and geology, mine was in history, biography, logic, languages, oratory, and general literature. Sam?s favourite books at this time were Alison?s "History of Europe" and Humboldt?s "Cosmos".?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bailey Print: Book
[unknown] : [various]
?Two or three years my senior, Sam, like myself, was acquiring a taste for books. Our tastes were not wholly dissimilar. Both of us read and enjoyed poetry; but while Sam?s more solid reading was in science, especially in astronomy and geology, mine was in history, biography, logic, languages, oratory, and general literature. Sam?s favourite books at this time were Alison?s "History of Europe" and Humboldt?s "Cosmos".?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
William Wordsworth : The Highland Girl
?Joe was never tired of expatiating on the beauties and grandeur of Wordsworth, and my lack of responsiveness must have occasionally surprised him. When he selected some of the shorter poems ? "The Daffodils", "The Highland Girl", "The Solitary Reaper" and other gems ? and invited me to read them aloud, Joe?s quick ear soon detected that I read with the spirit as well as with the understanding, and, thus tutored, I quickly became a devoted Wordsworthian.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
William Wordsworth : The Solitary Reaper
?Joe was never tired of expatiating on the beauties and grandeur of Wordsworth, and my lack of responsiveness must have occasionally surprised him. When he selected some of the shorter poems ? "The Daffodils", "The Highland Girl", "The Solitary Reaper" and other gems ? and invited me to read them aloud, Joe?s quick ear soon detected that I read with the spirit as well as with the understanding, and, thus tutored, I quickly became a devoted Wordsworthian.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Book
[unknown] : [theological magazines]
?For stories, anecdotes, for something lively and telling, I ransacked my father?s theological magazines, with but small success. Two books of his, however, I found greatly helpful. Todd?s "Student?s Manual" and an odd volume on Channing?s works. The "Manual" was a handy little book, full of useful links and suggestions on reading, writing and study. Still more hopeful and inspiring was Channing. That such an author should be in my father?s possession in those days was in itself remarkable? This volume of Channing, which so profited and delighted me, contained essays on Milton, Napoleon and F?nelon. These I read with attention; more than once I read them ? that on Milton many times over. The style took my fancy. Compared, indeed, with the great masters of English prose, the critic would no doubt detect failings not a few in Channing. But I was not a critic; and the clear, easy, simple words, the rhythmic phrases, pleased my ear, while the sentiments always pure, generous, lofty ? impressed me heart and understanding.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Burt Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : [playbill]
'As our roads home from school lay for a considerable distance in the same direction, Tommy Davies...and I generally walked home together, making numerous stoppages along the way to read, admire and compare the playbills of the different theatres. One afternoon in the latter end of the month of October we were going home, when our attention was forcibly arrested by a bill of an unusually attracive character. It was a very large, very highly coloured and very profusely illustrated bill...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Wright Print: Broadsheet, Poster, playbill
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'We certainly do not think it as a [italics] whole [end italics], equal to P. & P. - but it has many & great beauties. Fanny is a delightful Chracter! and Aunt Norris is a great favourite of mine. The Characters are natural & well supported, & many of the Dialogues excellent. - You need not fear the publication being considered as discreditable to it's [sic] author'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis William Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Not so clever as P.&P. - but pleased with it altogether. Liked the character of Fanny. Admired the Portsmouth Scene.' - Mr K.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Edward Austen Knight Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Miss Clewes's objections [to Mansfield Park] much the same as Fanny's [Fanny Knight]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Miss] Clewes Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'My Mother - not liked it so well as P. & P. - Thought Fanny insipid. Enjoyed Mrs. Norris.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Cassandra Leigh Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Cassandra - thought it quite as clever, tho' not so brilliant as P. & P. - Fond of Fanny. - Delighted much in Mr Rushworth's stupidity.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Cassandra Elizabeth Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'My Eldest Brother - a warm admirer of it in general. - Delighted with the Portsmouth scene.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Edward - Much like his Father. - Objected to Mrs Rushworth's Elopement as unnatural'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Edward Austen-Leigh Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Miss Burdett - Did not like it so well as P. & P.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Miss] Burdett Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Mrs James Tilson - Liked it [Mansfield Park] better than P. & P.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs James] Tilson Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Mr & Mrs Cooke - very much pleased with it - particularly with the Manner in which the Clergy are treated. - Mr Cooke called it "the most sensible Novel he had ever read." - Mrs Cooke wished for a good Matronly character.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Cooke Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Miss Burrel - admired it very much - particularly Mrs Norris & Dr Grant.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Miss] Burrel Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Mrs Bramstone - much pleased with it; particularly with the character of Fanny, as being so very natural. Thought Lady Bertram like herself. Preferred it to either of the others [Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility] - but imagined that might be her want of Taste - as she does not understand Wit'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Bramstone Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Mrs Augusta Bramstone - owned that she thought S & S. - and P. & P. downright nonsense, but expected to like M.P. better, & having finished the 1st vol. - flattered herself that she had got through the worst.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Augusta Bramstone Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Mr Egerton the Publisher - praised it for it's [sic] Morality, & for being so equal a Composition. - No weak parts.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Egerton Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Miss Sharpe - "I think it is excellent - & of it's [sic] good sense & moral Tendency there can be no doubt. - Your Characters are drawn to the Life - so [italics] very very [end italics] natural & just - but as you beg me to be perfectly honest, I must confess I prefer P. & P."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Miss] Sharpe Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Mrs Carrick. - "All who think deeply and feel much will give the Preference to Mansfield Park."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Carrick Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Sir James Langham & Mr Sanford, having been told that it was much inferior to P.& P. - began it expecting to dislike it, but were very soon extremely pleased with it - & I beleive [sic], did not think it at all inferior.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir James Langham Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Charles - did not like it near so well as P. & P. - thought it wanted Incident.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Mrs Dickson. - "I have bought M.P. - but it is not equal to P. & P.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Dickson Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Mrs Lefroy - liked it, but thought it a mere Novel.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Lefroy Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Mrs Portal - admired it very much - objected cheifly [sic] to Edmund's not being brought more forward'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Portal Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Mrs Pole wrote, "There is a particular satisfaction in reading all Miss A-s works - they are so evidently written by a Gentlewoman - most Novellists [sic] fail & betray themselves in attempting to describe familiar scenes in high Life, some little vulgarism escapes & shews that they are not experimentally acquainted with what they describe, but here it is quite different. Everything is natural, & the situations & incidents are told in a manner which clearly evinces the Writer to [italics] belong [end italics] to the Society whose Manners she so ably delineates." Mrs Pole also said that no Books had ever occasioned so much canvassing & doubt, & that everybody was desirous to attribute them to some of their own friends, or to some person of whom they thought highly.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Pole Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Mrs Creed - preferred S & S. and P & P. - to Mansfield Park.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Creed Print: Book
[n/a] : [Weekly Screamer]
'[On Sunday] After breakfast I had taken up the "Weekly Examiner", and was intent upon a more than usually scurrilous and illogical leading article, when the paper was suddenly snatched from my hands by my landlady, who sternly asked me if I thought reading a newspaper on a Sunday morning was proper behaviour in the house of a God-fearing couple.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Wright Print: Newspaper
anon : [superstitious doctoring book]
'? with the exception of Bible lessons at Sunday school, all my reading was done at home, after the daily task was finished. When not strongly tempted to play I was almost certain to be reading by the summer?s twilight, or by the red embers of the winter's fire, my books being chiefly "Wesley?s Journals", "The Armenian Magazine", wherein I found "Maundrell?s Travels from Aleppo to Jerusalem", which I was very much interested by; "An account of the Inquisition in Spain", which filled me with a dislike of Popery"; "The Drummer of Tedworth"; "Some account of the Disturbances at Glenluce"; "An account of the Apparition of the Laird of Cool", - and other most marvellous narratives which excited my attention, and held me pausing over the ashes until the light was either gone or I was sent to bed. I also got hold of an old superstitious doctoring book, which gave me some unexpected information relative to the human frame, and equally surprised me as to the occult powers of certain herbs and simples, when prepared under supposed planetary aspects. A copy of Cocker?s "Arithmetic" soon after set me to writing figures and casting accounts, in which I made but slow progress; and part of a small volume of "The History of England", which I found in rumaging an old meal ark, gave me the first insight into the chronicles of my native country.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Edward Cocker : Cocker's Arithmetic, being a Plain and Easy Method of 1678
'? with the exception of Bible lessons at Sunday school, all my reading was done at home, after the daily task was finished. When not strongly tempted to play I was almost certain to be reading by the summer?s twilight, or by the red embers of the winter's fire, my books being chiefly "Wesley?s Journals", "The Armenian Magazine", wherein I found "Maundrell?s Travels from Aleppo to Jerusalem", which I was very much interested by; "An account of the Inquisition in Spain", which filled me with a dislike of Popery"; "The Drummer of Tedworth"; "Some account of the Disturbances at Glenluce"; "An account of the Apparition of the Laird of Cool", - and other most marvellous narratives which excited my attention, and held me pausing over the ashes until the light was either gone or I was sent to bed. I also got hold of an old superstitious doctoring book, which gave me some unexpected information relative to the human frame, and equally surprised me as to the occult powers of certain herbs and simples, when prepared under supposed planetary aspects. A copy of Cocker?s "Arithmetic" soon after set me to writing figures and casting accounts, in which I made but slow progress; and part of a small volume of "The History of England", which I found in rumaging an old meal ark, gave me the first insight into the chronicles of my native country.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
[unknown] : [various titles]
'... at the end of my fourth year I drew a small weekly salary one half of which my father allowed me for my own use... I bought books, and read as much as possible, and reflected upon what I read while engaged in my daily avocations.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Print: Book
[unknown] : [various]
[Smith joins a reading group of seven with a view to self-improvement] 'We got a good room, with such attendance as we required, at the sum above named; and thus, for sixpence a week each, with an additional three-halfpence in winter time for firing, we had an imperfect, it is true, but still an efficient means of improvement at our command. Here we met nearly three hundred nights in the year, and talked, read, disputed and wrote "de omnibus rebus et quibusdam aliis" until the clock struck eleven.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Manby Smith Print: Book
Colley Cibber : Apology for the Life of Mr Colley Cibber, Comedian
'. . . let me recommend to You, to borrow or get from the Circulating Library, "An Apology for the Life of Mr Colley Cibber"?This book has Chance thrown in my Way since I spoke last to You . . .?My book is of the 2d Edition in 1740?Page 284 whatever may be the Page of the Book you procure.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Crisp Print: Book
: [newspaper]
'I had, indeed been extremely anxious to hear of poor Pacchierotti, for the account of his Illness in the newspapers had alarmed me very much.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Newspaper
Homer : Odyssey
?Milton?s miscellaneous works were still my favourites. I copied many of his poems into a writing book, and this I did, not only an account of the pleasure which I felt in their repetition, and in the appropriation ? so to speak ? of the ideas, but also as a means for improvement of my handwriting, which had continued to be very indifferent. The "Odyssey" and "Aeniad", which I also procured and read about this time, seemed tame and languid, whilst the stirring call of the old Iliadic battle trumpet was ringing in my ears, and vibrating within my heart. In short, I read or attentively conned [sic] over, every book I could buy or borrow, and as I retained a pretty clear idea of what I read, I became rather more than commonly proficient in book knowledge considering that I was only a better sort of porter in a warehouse.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
William Cobbett : [writings]
?A publication of a different description also fell in my way. Mr Hale was a reader of "Cobbett?s Weekly Register", and as I constantly saw the tract lying on the desk at the beginning of the week, I at length read it, and found within its pages far more matter for reflection than, from its unattractive title and appearance, I had expected to find there. The nervous and unmistakeable English of that work there was so withstanding. I thenceforth became as constant a reader of Cobbett?s writings as was my master himself, and was soon, probably, a more ardent admirer of his doctrines than was my employer.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Unknown
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mrs F.A. - liked & admired it very much indeed, but must still prefer P & P.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs Francis] Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mrs J. Bridges - preferred it to all the others.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs J.] Bridges Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Miss Sharp - better than M.P. - but not so well as P. & P. - pleased with the Heroine for her Originality, delighted with Mr K - & called Mrs Elton beyond praise. - dissatisfied with Jane Fairfax.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Miss] Sharp Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Cassandra - better than P. & P. - but not so well as M.P.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Cassandra Elizabeth Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mr & Mrs J. A. - did not like it so well as either of the 3 others. Language different from the others; not so easily read.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mr & Mrs J. A. - did not like it so well as either of the 3 others. Language different from the others; not so easily read.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs James] Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Edward - preferred it to M.P. - only. - Mr. K liked by every body.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Edward Austen-Leigh Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Miss Bigg - not equal to either P & P. - or M.P. - objected to the sameness of the subject (Match-making) all through. - Too much of Mr Elton & H. Smith. Language superior to the others.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Miss] Bigg Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'My Mother - thought it more entertaining than M.P. - but not so interesting as P.& P. - No characters in it equal to Ly Catherine & Mr Collins.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Cassandra Leigh Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mrs & Miss Craven - liked it very much, but not so much as the others.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Craven Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mrs & Miss Craven - liked it very much, but not so much as the others.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Miss] Craven Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Miss Bigg - on reading it a second time, liked Miss Bates much better than at first, & expressed herself as liking all the people of Highbury in general, except Harriet Smith - but could not help still thinking [italics] her [close italics] too silly in her Loves.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Bigg Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'The family at Upton Gray - all very amused with it. - Miss Bates a great favourite with Mrs Beaufoy.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Beaufoy Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mr and Mrs Leigh Perrot - saw many beauties in it, but could not think it equal to P & P. - Darcy & Elizabeth had spoilt them for anything else. - Mr. K. however, an excellent character; Emma better luck than a Matchmaker often has. - Pitied Jane Fairfax - thought Frank Churchill better treated than he deserved.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Leigh-Perrot Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Countess Craven - admired it very much, but did not think it equal to P & P. - which she ranked as the very first of it's [sic] sort.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Countess] Craven Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mrs Guiton - thought it too natural to be interesting.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Guiton Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mrs Digweed - did not like it so well as the others, in fact if she had not known the Author, could hardly have got through it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Digweed Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Miss Terry - admired it very much, particularly Mrs Elton.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Miss] Terry Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Miss Isabella Herries - did not like it - objected to my exposing the sex in the character of the Heroine - convinced I had meant Mrs & Miss Bates for some acquaintance of theirs - People whom I never heard of before.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Isabella Herries Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Countess Morley - delighted with it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Countess] Morley Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mrs Dickson - did not much like it - thought it [italics] very [end italics] inferior to P & P. - Liked it the less, from there being a Mr & Mrs Dixon in it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Dickson Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mrs Brandreth - thought the 3d vol: superior to anything I had ever written - quite beautiful!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Brandreth Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mrs Lefroy - preferred it to M.P. - but like[?]d M.P. the least of all.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Lefroy Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mrs Lutley Sclater - liked it very much, better than MP - & thought I had "brought it all about very cleverly in the last volume."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Lutley Sclater Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mrs C. Cage wrote thus to Fanny - "A great many thanks for the loan of "Emma," which I am delighted with. I like it better than any. Every character is thoroughly kept up. I must enjoy reading it again with Charles. Miss Bates is incomparable, but I was nearly killed with those precious treasures! They are Unique, & really more fun than I can express. I am at Highbury all day, & I can't help feeling I have just got into a new set of acquaintance. No one writes such good sense. & so very comfortable."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs C.] Cage Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mrs Wroughton - did not like it so well as P & P. - Thought the Authoress wrong, in such times as these, to draw such Clergymen as Mr Collins & Mr Elton.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Wroughton Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Sir J. Langham - thought it much inferior to the others.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir J. Langham Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mr Jeffery (of the Edinburgh Review) was kept up by it three nights.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Jeffrey Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Miss Murden - certainly inferior to all the others.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Miss] Murden Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Capt C. Austen wrote - "Emma arrived in time to a moment. I am delighted with her, more so I think than even with my favourite Pride & Prejudice, & have read it three times in the Passage."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Mrs D. Dundas - thought it very clever, but did not like it so well as either of the others.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs D] Dundas Print: Book
Jane Austen : [novels]
'By the way did you know Miss Austen Authoress of some novels which have a great deal of nature in them - nature in ordinary and middle life to be sure but valuable from its strong resemblance and correct drawing.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Scott Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Also read again and for the third time at least Miss Austen's very finely written novel of "Pride and Prejudice". That young lady had a talent for describing the involvement and feelings and characters of ordinary life which is to me the most wonderful I ever met with. The Big Bow-wow strain I can do myself like any now going, but the exquisite touch which renders ordinary commonplace things and characters interesting from the truth of the description and the sentiment is denied to me. What a pity such a gifted creature died so early!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Scott Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth : [novels]
'The women do this better - Edgeworth, Ferrier, Austen have all had their portraits of real society, far superior to any thing Man, vain Man, has produced of the like nature.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Scott Print: Book
Susan Ferrier : [novels]
'The women do this better - Edgeworth, Ferrier, Austen have all had their portraits of real society, far superior to any thing Man, vain Man, has produced of the like nature.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Walter Scott Print: Book
Jane Austen : unknown
'There is no book which that word ["vulgaire"] would suit so little... Every village could furnish matter for a novel to Jane Austen. She did not need the common materials for a novel - strong passion, or strong incident.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir James Mackintosh Print: Book
Jane Austen : unknown
'...Jane Austen, who, if not the greatest, is surely the most faultless of female novelists. My uncle Southey and my father had an equally high opinion of her merits, but Mr. Wordsworth used to say that though he admitted that her novels were an admirable copy of life, he could not be interested in productions of that kind; unless the truth of nature were presented to him clarified, as it were, by the pervading light of imagination, it had scarce any attractions in his eyes...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Jane Austen : [novels]
'I am amusing myself with Miss Austin's [sic] novels. She has great power and discrimination in delineating common-place people; and her writings are a capital picture of real life, with all the little wheels and machinery laid bare like a patent clock. But she explains and fills out too much. Those who have not power to fill up gaps and bridge over chasms as they read, must therefore take particular delight in such minuteness of detail. It is a kind of Bowditch's Laplace in the romantic astronomy. But readers of lively imagination naturally prefer the original with its unexplained steps, which they so readily supply.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Print: Book
Laplace : Mecanique Celeste
'I am amusing myself with Miss Austin's [sic] novels. She has great power and discrimination in delineating common-place people; and her writings are a capital picture of real life, with all the little wheels and machinery laid bare like a patent clock. But she explains and fills out too much. Those who have not power to fill up gaps and bridge over chasms as they read, must therefore take particular delight in such minuteness of detail. It is a kind of Bowditch's Laplace in the romantic astronomy. But readers of lively imagination naturally prefer the original with its unexplained steps, which they so readily supply.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Finished Miss Austen's "Emma", which amused me very much, impressing me with a high opinion of her powers of drawing and sustaining character, though not satisfying me always with the end and aim of her labours. She is successful in painting the ridiculous to the life, and while she makes demands on our patience for the almost intolerable absurdities and tediousness of her well-meaning gossips, she does not recompense us for what we suffer from her conceited and arrogant nuisances by making their vices their punishments. We are not much better, but perhaps a little more prudent for her writing. She does not probe the vices, but lays bare the weaknesses of character; the blemish on the skin, and not the corruption at the heart, is what she examines. Mrs. Brunton's books have a far higher aim; they try to make us better, and it is an addition to previous faults if they do not. The necessity, the comfort, and the elevating influence of piety is continually inculcated throughout her works - which never appear in Miss Austen's.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: William Charles Macready Print: Book
Jane Austen : Northanger Abbey
'After dinner read a part of "Northanger Abbey", which I do not much like. Heavy, and too long a strain of irony on one topic.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: William Charles Macready Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Lay down on the sofa, reading Miss Austen's "Mansfield Park"... The novel, I think, has the prevailing fault of the pleasant authoress's books; it deals too much in descriptions of the various states of mind, into which her characters are thrown, and amplifies into a page a search for motives which a stroke of the pen might give with greater power and interest. Is Richardson her model? She is an excellent portrait painter, she catches a man near to the life.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: William Charles Macready Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Finished "Mansfield Park", which hurried with a very inartificial [sic] and disagreeable rapidity to its conclusion, leaving some opportunities for most interesting and beautiful scenes particularly the detailed expression of the "how and the when" Edward's love was turned from Miss Crawford to Fanny Price. The great merit of Miss Austen is in the finishing of her characters; the action and conduct of her stories I think frequently defective.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: William Charles Macready Print: Book
unknown : [sermons]
'Sunday [2 Apr.] We went to St. James?s Church?heard a very indifferent Preacher, & returned to read better sermons of our own chusing.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
John Moore : View of Society and Manners in France, Switzerland, and Germany: With Anecdotes Relating to Some Eminent Characters
'When we were speaking of Dr. Moore?s Travels, I told her that the Character of Mr. C.?reminded me of our friend Mr. Seward . . .'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'I haven't any right to criticise books and I don't often do it except when I hate them. I often want to criticise Jane Austen, but her books madden me so that I can't conceal my frenzy from the reader; and therefore I have to stop every time I begin. Every time I read "Pride and Prejudice" I want to dig her up and hit her over the skull with her own shin-bone.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Langhorne Clemens Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's progress
'This dream I knew not what to make of but I took some encouragement from it and the next day I was reading in pilgrims progress and was by a quotation directed to the 33 Chap of job and the 15th and 16th verses In a dream in a vision of the night when deep sleep falleth upon men in slumberings upon the bed Then he openeth the ears of men and Sealeth their instruction.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
John Bunyan : Two covenants
'in a few days after this I met with a book written by Mr Bunyan the title of the book was the two Covenants in this book the unpardonable Sin was explained this part I soon found and read it over with eagerness for I thought Mr Bunyan Could not be deceived such a man as he was but I found no satisfaction for all seemed to be against me I read it again several times over for I Could not give it up...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
[unknown] : [religious books]
'... April when we marched to Mansfield here I met with a man who was a member of Johannah Southcott Society and he lent me some of his books and told me many straing things So that I began to be taken with his devices but by his books I found some things that did not Correspond with the Bible and also that it was a trick to get money so I declined his religeon and bid him adue.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
[n/a] : Book of Isaiah
'in the Course of this summer one day I took the Bible to read and happened on the 54th Chapt of Isaiah a chapt I had never noticed before and as I read it I had such a glorious insight of the promises therein Contained and although I Could not apply one of them to myself yet I saw that God was gracious and so mercyfull as to forgive the sins of the worst sinners.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'I went home and told my wife and took my Bible and opened it upon the 37th Psalm I read it and found much Comfort from it and made it a matter of prayer and the Lord enabled me to bear the burden at this time.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
Hannah More : Shepherd of Salisbury Plain
'at this time there was a great many tracks Come out and their Contents were Chiefly to perswade poor people to be satisfied in their situation and not to murmur at the dispensations of providence for we had not so much punishment as our sins deserved and in fact there was but little else to be heard from the pulpit or the press and those kind of books were often put into my hands in a dictatorial way in order to Convince me of my errors. for instance there was the Sheperd of Salsbury Plain ... the Farmers fireside and discontented Pendulum and many others which drove me almost into despair for I Could see their design.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book, chapbooks
Hannah More : Farmer's fireside
'at this time there was a great many tracks Come out and their Contents were Chiefly to perswade poor people to be satisfied in their situation and not to murmur at the dispensations of providence for we had not so much punishment as our sins deserved and in fact there was but little else to be heard from the pulpit or the press and those kind of books were often put into my hands in a dictatorial way in order to Convince me of my errors. for instance there was the Sheperd of Salsbury Plain ... the Farmers fireside and discontented Pendulum and many others which drove me almost into despair for I Could see their design.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book, chapbook
Hannah More : Discontented pendulum
'at this time there was a great many tracks Come out and their Contents were Chiefly to perswade poor people to be satisfied in their situation and not to murmur at the dispensations of providence for we had not so much punishment as our sins deserved and in fact there was but little else to be heard from the pulpit or the press and those kind of books were often put into my hands in a dictatorial way in order to convince me of my errors. for instance there was the Sheperd of Salsbury Plain ... the Farmers fireside and discontented Pendulum and many others which drove me almost into despair for I Could see their design.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book, chapbook
William Cobbett : [various titles]
'During this winter I fell into Company with some men in my journeys to and from my work that were of a Deistical principle these men had got several books that were written by Cobbet woler and Carlisle against all revealed religion and these men often put them into my hands and I at this time thought myself a sufficient Judge to read them without any danger of being drawn aside by them...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
Thomas Wooler : [various titles]
'During this winter I fell into Company with some men in my journeys to and from my work that were of a Deistical principle these men had got several books that were written by Cobbet woler and Carlisle against all revealed religion and these men often put them into my hands and I at this time thought myself a sufficient Judge to read them without any danger of being drawn aside by them...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
Richard Carlisle : [various titles]
'During this winter I fell into Company with some men in my journeys to and from my work that were of a Deistical principle these men had got several books that were written by Cobbet woler and Carlisle against all revealed religion and these men often put them into my hands and I at this time thought myself a sufficient Judge to read them without any danger of being drawn aside by them...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'the whole of the Church concerned with us in sentiment except my Brother and his wife and they stedfastly opposed us but this we did not mind for we gave up ourselves up to the constant practice of reading and Studying the Scripture and we made it our practice to meet every night in the week except Saturday night at one private house or other.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'We certainly do not think it ["Mansfield Park"] as a whole equal to P & P - but it has many & great beauties...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis William Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
["Mansfield Park" is] 'Not so clever as P & P - but pleased with it altogether' - Mr K.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Edward Austen Knight Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'My Mother - not liked it "[Mansfield Park"] so well as P. & P.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Cassandra Leigh Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Cassandra - thought it quite as clever, tho' not so brilliant as P. & P.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Cassandra Elizabeth Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Miss Burdett - Did not like it ["Mansfield Park"] so well as P. & P.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Miss] Burdett Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Mrs James Tilson - Liked it ["Mansfield Park"] better than P. & P.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs James] Tilson Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Mrs Augusta Bramstone - owned that she thought S & S. - and P. & P. downright nonsense.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Augusta Bramstone Print: Book
Jane Austen : Sense and Sensibility
'Mrs Augusta Bramstone - owned that she thought S & S. - and P. & P. downright nonsense.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Augusta Bramstone Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Miss Sharpe - "I think it "Mansfield Park"] excellent... but since you beg me to be perfectly honest, I must confess I prefer P & P.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Miss] Sharpe Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Charles - did not like it ["Mansfield Park"] near so well as P. & P. - thought it wanted Incident.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Mrs Dickson. - "I have bought M P. - but it is not equal to P. & P.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Dickson Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Mrs Creed - preferred S & S and P & P. - to Mansfield Park.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Creed Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Mr and Mrs Leigh Perrot - saw many beauties in it ["Emma"], but could not think it equal to P. & P. - Darcy & Elizabeth had spoilt them for anything else.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Leigh Perrot Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Countess Craven - admired it ["Emma"] very much, but did not think it equal to P & P. - which she rqanked as the very first of it's [sic] sort.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Countess] Craven Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Mrs Digweed - did not like it ["Emma"] so well as the others...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Digweed Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Mrs Digweed - did not like it ["Emma"] so well as the others...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Digweed Print: Book
Jane Austen : Sense and Sensibility
'Mrs Digweed - did not like it ["Emma"] so well as the others...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Digweed Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Mrs Brandreth - thought the 3d vol: [of "Mansfield Park"] superior to anything I had ever written - quite beautiful!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Brandreth Print: Book
Jane Austen : Sense and Sensibility
'Mrs Brandreth - thought the 3d vol: [of "Mansfield Park"] superior to anything I had ever written - quite beautiful!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Brandreth Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Mrs Brandreth - thought the 3d vol: [of "Mansfield Park"] superior to anything I had ever written - quite beautiful!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Brandreth Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Mrs Lefroy - preferred it ["Emma"] to M.P - but like[d] M.P. least of all.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Lefroy Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Mrs Lutley Sclater - liked it ["Emma"] very much, better than M.P.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Lutley Sclater Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Mrs Wroughton - did not like it so well as P. & P.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Wroughton Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'When I had been in school about twelve months, he resolved that one of the boys should read a chapter from the New Testament every Sunday after the opening prayer. I was the first one selected, and had to choose my chapter; I read, in a somewhat tremulous voice, the first chapter of the gospel according to St John. The master applauded my execution of the task. On the following Sunday, two or three others were named to read, but each one demured, and I had again to read the lesson. This circumstance, being new in the school, was sufficient to bring down upon me the ridicule of my fellow apprentices.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
'I now became anxious to read all that came in any way, and like most juveniles, felt a deep interest in the reading of "Robinson Crusoe", Philip Quarll, Boyle's Travels, and other such books as our school library contained.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
Peter Longueville : The hermit Philip Quarll
'I now became anxious to read all that came in any way, and like most juveniles, felt a deep interest in the reading of "Robinson Crusoe", Philip Quarll, Boyle's Travels, and other such books as our school library contained.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
Robert Boyle : Boyle's Travels
'I now became anxious to read all that came in any way, and like most juveniles, felt a deep interest in the reading of "Robinson Crusoe", Philip Quarll, Boyle's Travels, and other such books as our school library contained.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
[unknown] : [religious tracts]
'My father was likewise very fond of reading; he now proposed to encourage my love of books, by entering me a subscriber to one of the circulating libraries. I had the pleasure of being my father's instructor in reading and writing, and this kind offer to procure me books was a high reward for so doing - previously, I had great difficulty in getting books to read, except the tracks and magazines supplied by the chapel libraries and Sunday school teachers.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book, Broadsheet, tracts
[unknown] : [religious magazines]
'My father was likewise very fond of reading; he now proposed to encourage my love of books, by entering me a subscriber to one of the circulating libraries. I had the pleasure of being my father's instructor in reading and writing, and this kind offer to procure me books was a high reward for so doing - previously, I had great difficulty in getting books to read, except the tracks and magazines supplied by the chapel libraries and Sunday school teachers.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Skinner : Splendid misery
'On presenting ourselves at a little shop in the Market Place, a popular circulating library, the old spectacle-nosed keeper told us, that his invariable rule was, before boys [underlined] were entrusted with his books, to have some one as surety for the payment - he accepted my father as such, and registered my name. The old man now asked what book I would like, but being unacquainted with works of fiction, I could not tell him; he handed to us a catalogue which only made the choice more bewildering. I at length selected one, which from its title I thought would be very mysterious - it was "Splendid Misery". This I took home; it was on a Saturday evening. With the first broad light of morning, I arose and greedily devoured several chapters of the first volume.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
Matthew Lewis : The Monk
'For three years I continued a regular subscriber to the circulating library, during which time I read various works, including Milton's, Shakespeare's, Sterne's, Dr Johnson's, and many others. It was a usual practice for me to sit up to read after the family had retired for the night. I remember it was on one of these occasions that I read Lewis's "Monk". On rising from my seat to go to bed, I was so impressed with dongeon horror, that I took the candle and stole up stairs, not daring to look either right or left, lest some Lady Angela should plunge a dagger into me!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
John Milton : [various titles]
'For three years I continued a regular subscriber to the circulating library, during which time I read various works, including Milton's, Shakespeare's, Sterne's, Dr Johnson's, and many others. It was a usual practice for me to sit up to read after the family had retired for the night. I remember it was on one of these occasions that I read Lewis's "Monk". On rising from my seat to go to bed, I was so impressed with dongeon horror, that I took the candle and ? up stairs, not daring to look either right or left, lest some Lady Angela should plunge a dagger into me!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [various titles]
'For three years I continued a regular subscriber to the circulating library, during which time I read various works, including Milton's, Shakespeare's, Sterne's, Dr Johnson's, and many others. It was a usual practice for me to sit up to read after the family had retired for the night. I remember it was on one of these occasions that I read Lewis's "Monk". On rising from my seat to go to bed, I was so impressed with dongeon horror, that I took the candle and ? up stairs, not daring to look either right or left, lest some Lady Angela should plunge a dagger into me!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
[Samuel?] Johnson : [unknown]
'For three years I continued a regular subscriber to the circulating library, during which time I read various works, including Milton's, Shakespeare's, Sterne's, Dr Johnson's, and many others. It was a usual practice for me to sit up to read after the family had retired for the night. I remember it was on one of these occasions that I read Lewis's "Monk". On rising from my seat to go to bed, I was so impressed with dongeon horror, that I took the candle and ? up stairs, not daring to look either right or left, lest some Lady Angela should plunge a dagger into me!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
Laurence Sterne : [unknown]
'For three years I continued a regular subscriber to the circulating library, during which time I read various works, including Milton's, Shakespeare's, Sterne's, Dr Johnson's, and many others. It was a usual practice for me to sit up to read after the family had retired for the night. I remember it was on one of these occasions that I read Lewis's "Monk". On rising from my seat to go to bed, I was so impressed with dongeon horror, that I took the candle and ? up stairs, not daring to look either right or left, lest some Lady Angela should plunge a dagger into me!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
William Cobbett : Cobbett's political register
'In early life, I have said, my attention was turned to politics. My first impressions were for universality. "Cobbett's Register" and "Wooler's Black Dwarf" were the first works I purchased and studied on political economy. It was my custom every Saturday evening, after my work was over, to go to the Market Place, and from a stall there, to purchase the breathings of those men of mind.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Jonathan Wooler : Black Dwarf
'In early life, I have said, my attention was turned to politics. My first impressions were for universality. "Cobbett's Register" and "Wooler's Black Dwarf" were the first works I purchased and studied on political economy. It was my custom every Saturday evening, after my work was over, to go to the Market Place, and from a stall there, to purchase the breathings of those men of mind.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Serial / periodical
Charles Knight : Penny Magazine
'The "Penny Magazine" was published - I borrowed the first volume, and determined to make an effort to possess myself with the second; accordingly, with January 1833, I determined to discontinue the use of sugar in my tea, hoping that my family would not then feel the sacrifice necessary to buy the book. Since that period, I have expended large sums in books, some of them very costly ones, but I never had one so truly valuable, as was the second volume of the "Penny Magazine"; and I look as anxiously for the issue of the monthly part, as I did for the means of getting a living. I continued to be a subscriber to this periodical up to the publication of the last number...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book, Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Bible
'A few years ago the curate of the village called upon the old man to converse with him on religious matters; after some talk, he promised to send him a Bible, "his honour" also promising to read it after he received it. Shortly afterwards the curate was passing the cottage-door, and observed the old man employed with the book. The curate accosting him, said, "Well, Isaac, I am glad to see you reading your Bible." "Oh yes", replied Isaac, in a gruff tone of voice, - gruff, but not intentionally uncivil. "Will you tell me what you are reading about?" said the clergyman. "O, to be sure I will", was the answer, "I am reading all the wars of rascally Jews, and all that sort of thing; why, what a blood-thirsty race of men they were, Sir".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
[description of work while employed as an apprentice at the warehouse of Mr Tait, proprietor of 'Tait's Edinburgh Magazine'] 'This accomplished, my next duties were to sweep the floor and dust the counter and desks in the front shop, in the course of which an occasional brief pause on my work was made that I might take a peep at the contents of some book, the title of which took my fancy.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Book
[unknown] : [various English periodicals]
'At the beginning of each month, too, there fell to be collected from the various agents a large number of English magazines for Mr Tait's customers, as also a few copies of "Blackwood"; and at the contents of some of those I often contrived to get a surreptitious "read".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
'At the beginning of each month, too, there fell to be collected from the various agents a large number of English magazines for Mr Tait's customers, as also a few copies of "Blackwood"; and at the contents of some of those I often contrived to get a surreptitious "read".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Serial / periodical
William Cobbett : Advice to young men
'Much is being said and written now-a-days about the influence of books on the formation of character; let me therefore mention that my prime favourites while at Tait's were "Cobbett's advice to young men", and Charles Knight's "Pursuit of knowledge under difficulties"; which I read over and over again with great zest, and, I hope, much benefit. As a matter of course, I also read "Tait's Magazine" regularly, making myself familiar with its contents even before publication; the elaborate reviews of many of the best books of the period affording me the opportunity of picking up a considerable amount of useful information. Curiously enough, the reading of the "Waverley novels" was to me a task of difficulty; and I am ashamed to say that I have only read few of them, "Guy Mannering", "The Heart of Midlothian", "The Bride of Lammermoor" and "St Ronan's Well". "Waverley", although attempted more than once, failed to attract.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Book
George L. Craik : Pursuit of knowledge under difficulties
'Much is being said and written now-a-days about the influence of books on the formation of character; let me therefore mention that my prime favourites while at Tait's were "Cobbett's advice to young men", and Charles Knight's "Pursuit of knowledge under difficulties"; which I read over and over again with great zest, and, I hope, much benefit. As a matter of course, I also read "Tait's Magazine" regularly, making myself familiar with its contents even before publication; the elaborate reviews of many of the best books of the period affording me the opportunity of picking up a considerable amount of useful information. Curiously enough, the reading of the "Waverley novels" was to me a task of difficulty; and I am ashamed to say that I have only read few of them, "Guy Mannering", "The Heart of Midlothian", "The Bride of Lammermoor" and "St Ronan's Well". "Waverley", although attempted more than once, failed to attract.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Book
William Tait : Tait's Edinburgh Magazine
'Much is being said and written now-a-days about the influence of books on the formation of character; let me therefore mention that my prime favourites while at Tait's were "Cobbett's advice to young men", and Charles Knight's "Pursuit of knowledge under difficulties"; which I read over and over again with great zest, and, I hope, much benefit. As a matter of course, I also read "Tait's Magazine" regularly, making myself familiar with its contents even before publication; the elaborate reviews of many of the best books of the period affording me the opportunity of picking up a considerable amount of useful information. Curiously enough, the reading of the "Waverley novels" was to me a task of difficulty; and I am ashamed to say that I have only read few of them, "Guy Mannering", "The Heart of Midlothian", "The Bride of Lammermoor" and "St Ronan's Well". "Waverley", although attempted more than once, failed to attract.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Serial / periodical
Walter Scott : Guy Mannering
'Much is being said and written now-a-days about the influence of books on the formation of character; let me therefore mention that my prime favourites while at Tait's were "Cobbett's advice to young men", and Charles Knight's "Pursuit of knowledge under difficulties"; which I read over and over again with great zest, and, I hope, much benefit. As a matter of course, I also read "Tait's Magazine" regularly, making myself familiar with its contents even before publication; the elaborate reviews of many of the best books of the period affording me the opportunity of picking up a considerable amount of useful information. Curiously enough, the reading of the "Waverley novels" was to me a task of difficulty; and I am ashamed to say that I have only read few of them, "Guy Mannering", "The Heart of Midlothian", "The Bride of Lammermoor" and "St Ronan's Well". "Waverley", although attempted more than once, failed to attract.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Heart of Midlothian
'Much is being said and written now-a-days about the influence of books on the formation of character; let me therefore mention that my prime favourites while at Tait's were "Cobbett's advice to young men", and Charles Knight's "Pursuit of knowledge under difficulties"; which I read over and over again with great zest, and, I hope, much benefit. As a matter of course, I also read "Tait's Magazine" regularly, making myself familiar with its contents even before publication; the elaborate reviews of many of the best books of the period affording me the opportunity of picking up a considerable amount of useful information. Curiously enough, the reading of the "Waverley novels" was to me a task of difficulty; and I am ashamed to say that I have only read few of them, "Guy Mannering", "The Heart of Midlothian", "The Bride of Lammermoor" and "St Ronan's Well". "Waverley", although attempted more than once, failed to attract.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Bride of Lammermoor
'Much is being said and written now-a-days about the influence of books on the formation of character; let me therefore mention that my prime favourites while at Tait's were "Cobbett's advice to young men", and Charles Knight's "Pursuit of knowledge under difficulties"; which I read over and over again with great zest, and, I hope, much benefit. As a matter of course, I also read "Tait's Magazine" regularly, making myself familiar with its contents even before publication; the elaborate reviews of many of the best books of the period affording me the opportunity of picking up a considerable amount of useful information. Curiously enough, the reading of the "Waverley novels" was to me a task of difficulty; and I am ashamed to say that I have only read few of them, "Guy Mannering", "The Heart of Midlothian", "The Bride of Lammermoor" and "St Ronan's Well". "Waverley", although attempted more than once, failed to attract.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Book
Walter Scott : St Ronan's Well
'Much is being said and written now-a-days about the influence of books on the formation of character; let me therefore mention that my prime favourites while at Tait's were "Cobbett's advice to young men", and Charles Knight's "Pursuit of knowledge under difficulties"; which I read over and over again with great zest, and, I hope, much benefit. As a matter of course, I also read "Tait's Magazine" regularly, making myself familiar with its contents even before publication; the elaborate reviews of many of the best books of the period affording me the opportunity of picking up a considerable amount of useful information. Curiously enough, the reading of the "Waverley novels" was to me a task of difficulty; and I am ashamed to say that I have only read few of them, "Guy Mannering", "The Heart of Midlothian", "The Bride of Lammermoor" and "St Ronan's Well". "Waverley", although attempted more than once, failed to attract.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Book
Walter Scott : Waverley
'Much is being said and written now-a-days about the influence of books on the formation of character; let me therefore mention that my prime favourites while at Tait's were "Cobbett's advice to young men", and Charles Knight's "Pursuit of knowledge under difficulties"; which I read over and over again with great zest, and, I hope, much benefit. As a matter of course, I also read "Tait's Magazine" regularly, making myself familiar with its contents even before publication; the elaborate reviews of many of the best books of the period affording me the opportunity of picking up a considerable amount of useful information. Curiously enough, the reading of the "Waverley novels" was to me a task of difficulty; and I am ashamed to say that I have only read few of them, "Guy Mannering", "The Heart of Midlothian", "The Bride of Lammermoor" and "St Ronan's Well". "Waverley", although attempted more than once, failed to attract.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Book
John Galt : Lives of the players
'The novels of John Galt were always much to my taste. I fancy I have read every book that came from his pen, including his "Lives of the players", and once every year I peruse "Sir Andrew Wyllie"; also that most realistic production, the "Annals of the Parish": both books undeserving of the neglect which has befallen them.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Book
John Galt : Sir Andrew Wyllie
'The novels of John Galt were always much to my taste. I fancy I have read every book that came from his pen, including his "Lives of players", and once every year I peruse "Sir Andrew Wyllie"; also that most realistic production, the "Annals of the Parish": both books undeserving of the neglect which has befallen them.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Book
John Galt : Annals of the Parish
'The novels of John Galt were always much to my taste. I fancy I have read every book that came from his pen, including his "Lives of players", and once every year I peruse "Sir Andrew Wyllie"; also that most realistic production, the "Annals of the Parish": both books undeserving of the neglect which has befallen them.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Book
Samuel Smiles : [biographies of men]
'As an apprentice I was a subscriber to the Mechanic's Library, from which I borrowed a great supply of books - my tastes lying largely in the direction of biography ... series of books of Mr Smiles, is still worth the attention of young men in search of wholesome reading.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Book
James Lackington : [autobiography]
'Another book I read with much zest was the autobiography of Lackington, the bookseller, a copy of which amusing and instructive work I still possess and read occasionally.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Book
Mary Wollstonecraft : Mary, a fiction
Journals of Mary Shelley "We go out on the rocks & Shelley & I read part of Mary a fiction"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Augustin Barruel : Memoirs illustrating the History of Jacobinism
Journals of Mary Shelley "We read part of l'Abbe Barruels histoire de Jacobinism"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Augustin Barruel : Memoirs illustrating the History of Jacobinism
Journals of Mary Shelley "We read Abbe Barruel"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Tacitus : Histories Book V
Journals of Mary Shelley "M. & S. walk to the shore of the lake & read the description of the seige of Jerusalem in Tacitus"
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
: The Spectator
Stephen Duck's habits in reading whilst working, as recorded by Joseph Spence in 'A Full and Authentick Account of Stephen Duck' (1731): '"his method was to labour harder than any Body else, that he might get Half an Hour to read a Spectator without Injuring his Master. By this means he used to sit down all over Sweat and Heat, and has several times caught colds by it.'" (p.11).
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Stephen Duck Print: Serial / periodical
: storybooks
Thomas Carter on childhood reading: '"I gained the good-will of an aged woman who sold cakes, sweetmeats and fruit, and was moreover a dealer in little books [...] I had even then a taste for reading, which was here gratified by my being permitted to read all the little stories which she kept on sale."'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
: books
Thomas Carter on reading enabled at the dame-school run by his mother: '"I [...] gained some profit as well as pleasure by there coming under my mother's care, being thereby enabled to peruse several small books belonging to the children, which otherwise would not have come in my way."'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
: The Arminian
Thomas Carter on reading enabled at his Protestant Dissenting day school, where one master gave him the run of his own library: '"the books were chiefly old and odd volumes of the "Arminian" and the "Gentleman's" Magazines; these, though of but little intrinsic value, were to me a treasure, as they helped to give me a wider and more varied view of many more things than I had previously been able to command. I perused themvery much in the way of those undiscriminating readers who devour "The total grist unsifted, husks and all".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
: The Gentleman's Magazine
Thomas Carter on reading enabled at his Protestant Dissenting day school, where one master gave him the run of his own library: '"the books were chiefly old and odd volumes of the "Arminian" and the "Gentleman's" Magazines; these, though of but little intrinsic value, were to me a treasure, as they helped to give me a wider and more varied view of many more things than I had previously been able to command. I perused themvery much in the way of those undiscriminating readers who devour "The total grist unsifted, husks and all".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
: newspapers
While living in London, the tailor Thomas Carter 'made a habit of taking his breakfast at one of the coffee shops [...] on his way to work, where he would read the previous day's newspapers, the contents of which he would relay to his fellow workmen.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Newspaper
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
'the diverse collection of literature that Christopher Thomson, a sometime shipwright, actor and housepainter, worked his way through [...] included adventure stories such as "Robinson Crusoe" and the imitative "Philip Quarll", books of travel, such as Boyle's "Travels", some un-named religious tracts, a number of "classics" including Milton and Shakespeare, some radical newspapers, particularly Cobbett's "Register" and Wooller's "Black Dwarf", mechanics' magazines, and some occasional items of contemporary literature, including the novels of Scott and the poetry of Byron.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
: Philip Quarll
'the diverse collection of literature that Christopher Thomson, a sometime shipwright, actor and housepainter, worked his way through [...] included adventure stories such as "Robinson Crusoe" and the imitative "Philip Quarll", books of travel, such as Boyle's "Travels", some un-named religious tracts, a number of "classics" including Milton and Shakespeare, some radical newspapers, particularly Cobbett's "Register" and Wooller's "Black Dwarf", mechanics' magazines, and some occasional items of contemporary literature, including the novels of Scott and the poetry of Byron.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
Boyle : Travels
'the diverse collection of literature that Christopher Thomson, a sometime shipwright, actor and housepainter, worked his way through [...] included adventure stories such as "Robinson Crusoe" and the imitative "Philip Quarll", books of travel, such as Boyle's "Travels", some un-named religious tracts, a number of "classics" including Milton and Shakespeare, some radical newspapers, particularly Cobbett's "Register" and Wooller's "Black Dwarf", mechanics' magazines, and some occasional items of contemporary literature, including the novels of Scott and the poetry of Byron.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
: religious tracts
'the diverse collection of literature that Christopher Thomson, a sometime shipwright, actor and housepainter, worked his way through [...] included adventure stories such as "Robinson Crusoe" and the imitative "Philip Quarll", books of travel, such as Boyle's "Travels", some un-named religious tracts, a number of "classics" including Milton and Shakespeare, some radical newspapers, particularly Cobbett's "Register" and Wooller's "Black Dwarf", mechanics' magazines, and some occasional items of contemporary literature, including the novels of Scott and the poetry of Byron.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Unknown
John Milton :
'the diverse collection of literature that Christopher Thomson, a sometime shipwright, actor and housepainter, worked his way through [...] included adventure stories such as "Robinson Crusoe" and the imitative "Philip Quarll", books of travel, such as Boyle's "Travels", some un-named religious tracts, a number of "classics" including Milton and Shakespeare, some radical newspapers, particularly Cobbett's "Register" and Wooller's "Black Dwarf", mechanics' magazines, and some occasional items of contemporary literature, including the novels of Scott and the poetry of Byron.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
William Shakespeare :
'the diverse collection of literature that Christopher Thomson, a sometime shipwright, actor and housepainter, worked his way through [...] included adventure stories such as "Robinson Crusoe" and the imitative "Philip Quarll", books of travel, such as Boyle's "Travels", some un-named religious tracts, a number of "classics" including Milton and Shakespeare, some radical newspapers, particularly Cobbett's "Register" and Wooller's "Black Dwarf", mechanics' magazines, and some occasional items of contemporary literature, including the novels of Scott and the poetry of Byron.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
: Cobbett's Political Register
'the diverse collection of literature that Christopher Thomson, a sometime shipwright, actor and housepainter, worked his way through [...] included adventure stories such as "Robinson Crusoe" and the imitative "Philip Quarll", books of travel, such as Boyle's "Travels", some un-named religious tracts, a number of "classics" including Milton and Shakespeare, some radical newspapers, particularly Cobbett's "Register" and Wooller's "Black Dwarf", mechanics' magazines, and some occasional items of contemporary literature, including the novels of Scott and the poetry of Byron.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Newspaper
: The Black Dwarf
'the diverse collection of literature that Christopher Thomson, a sometime shipwright, actor and housepainter, worked his way through [...] included adventure stories such as "Robinson Crusoe" and the imitative "Philip Quarll", books of travel, such as Boyle's "Travels", some un-named religious tracts, a number of "classics" including Milton and Shakespeare, some radical newspapers, particularly Cobbett's "Register" and Wooller's "Black Dwarf", mechanics' magazines, and some occasional items of contemporary literature, including the novels of Scott and the poetry of Byron.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Newspaper
: mechanics' magazines
'the diverse collection of literature that Christopher Thomson, a sometime shipwright, actor and housepainter, worked his way through [...] included adventure stories such as "Robinson Crusoe" and the imitative "Philip Quarll", books of travel, such as Boyle's "Travels", some un-named religious tracts, a number of "classics" including Milton and Shakespeare, some radical newspapers, particularly Cobbett's "Register" and Wooller's "Black Dwarf", mechanics' magazines, and some occasional items of contemporary literature, including the novels of Scott and the poetry of Byron.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Serial / periodical
Walter Scott : novels
'the diverse collection of literature that Christopher Thomson, a sometime shipwright, actor and housepainter, worked his way through [...] included adventure stories such as "Robinson Crusoe" and the imitative "Philip Quarll", books of travel, such as Boyle's "Travels", some un-named religious tracts, a number of "classics" including Milton and Shakespeare, some radical newspapers, particularly Cobbett's "Register" and Wooller's "Black Dwarf", mechanics' magazines, and some occasional items of contemporary literature, including the novels of Scott and the poetry of Byron.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : poetry
'the diverse collection of literature that Christopher Thomson, a sometime shipwright, actor and housepainter, worked his way through [...] included adventure stories such as "Robinson Crusoe" and the imitative "Philip Quarll", books of travel, such as Boyle's "Travels", some un-named religious tracts, a number of "classics" including Milton and Shakespeare, some radical newspapers, particularly Cobbett's "Register" and Wooller's "Black Dwarf", mechanics' magazines, and some occasional items of contemporary literature, including the novels of Scott and the poetry of Byron.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Thomson Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
'Charles Shaw's dependance upon a small Sunday school library in Tunstall [...] imparted a magnificent if involuntary scope to his education: '"I read "Robinson Crusoe" and a few other favourite boys' books [...] After these the most readable I could find was Rollin's "Ancient History". His narratives opened a new world [...] [which] I regarded as remote from Tunstall and England as those other worlds I read of in Dick's "Christian Philosopher," which book I found in the library too ... Then I read Milton's "Paradise Lost", Klopstock's "Messiah", and later on, Pollock's "Course of Time", and Gilfillan's "Bards of the Bible".These books may look a strange assortment for a boy of fourteen or fifteen to read, but [...] they just happened to fall into my hands"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Shaw Print: Book
Rollin : Ancient History
'Charles Shaw's dependance upon a small Sunday school library in Tunstall [...] imparted a magnificent if involuntary scope to his education: '"I read "Robinson Crusoe" and a few other favourite boys' books [...] After these the most readable I could find was Rollin's "Ancient History". His narratives opened a new world [...] [which] I regarded as remote from Tunstall and England as those other worlds I read of in Dick's "Christian Philosopher," which book I found in the library too ... Then I read Milton's "Paradise Lost", Klopstock's "Messiah", and later on, Pollock's "Course of Time", and Gilfillan's "Bards of the Bible".These books may look a strange assortment for a boy of fourteen or fifteen to read, but [...] they just happened to fall into my hands"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Shaw Print: Book
: "boys' books"
'Charles Shaw's dependance upon a small Sunday school library in Tunstall [...] imparted a magnificent if involuntary scope to his education: '"I read "Robinson Crusoe" and a few other favourite boys' books [...] After these the most readable I could find was Rollin's "Ancient History". His narratives opened a new world [...] [which] I regarded as remote from Tunstall and England as those other worlds I read of in Dick's "Christian Philosopher," which book I found in the library too ... Then I read Milton's "Paradise Lost", Klopstock's "Messiah", and later on, Pollock's "Course of Time", and Gilfillan's "Bards of the Bible".These books may look a strange assortment for a boy of fourteen or fifteen to read, but [...] they just happened to fall into my hands"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Shaw Print: Book
Dick : Christian Philosopher
'Charles Shaw's dependance upon a small Sunday school library in Tunstall [...] imparted a magnificent if involuntary scope to his education: '"I read "Robinson Crusoe" and a few other favourite boys' books [...] After these the most readable I could find was Rollin's "Ancient History". His narratives opened a new world [...] [which] I regarded as remote from Tunstall and England as those other worlds I read of in Dick's "Christian Philosopher," which book I found in the library too ... Then I read Milton's "Paradise Lost", Klopstock's "Messiah", and later on, Pollock's "Course of Time", and Gilfillan's "Bards of the Bible".These books may look a strange assortment for a boy of fourteen or fifteen to read, but [...] they just happened to fall into my hands"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Shaw Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'Charles Shaw's dependance upon a small Sunday school library in Tunstall [...] imparted a magnificent if involuntary scope to his education: '"I read "Robinson Crusoe" and a few other favourite boys' books [...] After these the most readable I could find was Rollin's "Ancient History". His narratives opened a new world [...] [which] I regarded as remote from Tunstall and England as those other worlds I read of in Dick's "Christian Philosopher," which book I found in the library too ... Then I read Milton's "Paradise Lost", Klopstock's "Messiah", and later on, Pollock's "Course of Time", and Gilfillan's "Bards of the Bible".These books may look a strange assortment for a boy of fourteen or fifteen to read, but [...] they just happened to fall into my hands"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Shaw Print: Book
Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock : The Messiah
'Charles Shaw's dependance upon a small Sunday school library in Tunstall [...] imparted a magnificent if involuntary scope to his education: '"I read "Robinson Crusoe" and a few other favourite boys' books [...] After these the most readable I could find was Rollin's "Ancient History". His narratives opened a new world [...] [which] I regarded as remote from Tunstall and England as those other worlds I read of in Dick's "Christian Philosopher," which book I found in the library too ... Then I read Milton's "Paradise Lost", Klopstock's "Messiah", and later on, Pollock's "Course of Time", and Gilfillan's "Bards of the Bible".These books may look a strange assortment for a boy of fourteen or fifteen to read, but [...] they just happened to fall into my hands"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Shaw Print: Book
Pollock : The Course of Time
'Charles Shaw's dependance upon a small Sunday school library in Tunstall [...] imparted a magnificent if involuntary scope to his education: '"I read "Robinson Crusoe" and a few other favourite boys' books [...] After these the most readable I could find was Rollin's "Ancient History". His narratives opened a new world [...] [which] I regarded as remote from Tunstall and England as those other worlds I read of in Dick's "Christian Philosopher," which book I found in the library too ... Then I read Milton's "Paradise Lost", Klopstock's "Messiah", and later on, Pollock's "Course of Time", and Gilfillan's "Bards of the Bible".These books may look a strange assortment for a boy of fourteen or fifteen to read, but [...] they just happened to fall into my hands"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Shaw Print: Book
George Gifillan : The Bards of the Bible
'Charles Shaw's dependance upon a small Sunday school library in Tunstall [...] imparted a magnificent if involuntary scope to his education: '"I read "Robinson Crusoe" and a few other favourite boys' books [...] After these the most readable I could find was Rollin's "Ancient History". His narratives opened a new world [...] [which] I regarded as remote from Tunstall and England as those other worlds I read of in Dick's "Christian Philosopher," which book I found in the library too ... Then I read Milton's "Paradise Lost", Klopstock's "Messiah", and later on, Pollock's "Course of Time", and Gilfillan's "Bards of the Bible".These books may look a strange assortment for a boy of fourteen or fifteen to read, but [...] they just happened to fall into my hands"'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Shaw Print: Book
:
'Thomas Wood, an apprentice mechanic, described the problems he faced [reading] in [...] dark evenings: "I had to read by firelight excepting when I could afford a 1/2d candle, which I used to save to read with in bed. I have read perhaps scores of times till 12.00 or 1 o'clock."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Wood Print: Unknown
:
'Samuel Bamford, warehouseman to a cloth printer in Manchester at the beginning of the [nineteenth] century, was able to make use of seasonal fluctuations in business to greatly increase the range of his reading: '"As spring and autumn were our only really busy seasons, I had occasionally, during other parts of the year, considerable leisure, which, if I could procure a book that I considered at all worth the reading, was spent with such book at my desk, in the little recess of the packing room."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
: books on history
The nineteenth-century cobbler Thomas Cooper's account of his reading routines: '"Historical reading, or the grammar of some language, or translation, was my first employment on week-day mornings, whether I rose at three or four, until seven o'clock, when I sat down to the stall. A book or a periodical in my hand while I breakfasted, gave me another half-hour's reading, I had another half-hour, and sometimes an hour's reading or study of language, at from one to two o'clock, the hour of dinner -- usually eating my food with a spoon, after I had cut it in pieces, and having my eyes on a book all the time."'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Book
: foreign language grammar
The nineteenth-century cobbler Thomas Cooper's account of his reading routines: '"Historical reading, or the grammar of some language, or translation, was my first employment on week-day mornings, whether I rose at three or four, until seven o'clock, when I sat down to the stall. A book or a periodical in my hand while I breakfasted, gave me another half-hour's reading, I had another half-hour, and sometimes an hour's reading or study of language, at from one to two o'clock, the hour of dinner -- usually eating my food with a spoon, after I had cut it in pieces, and having my eyes on a book all the time."'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Book
:
The nineteenth-century cobbler Thomas Cooper's account of his reading routines: '"Historical reading, or the grammar of some language, or translation, was my first employment on week-day mornings, whether I rose at three or four, until seven o'clock, when I sat down to the stall. A book or a periodical in my hand while I breakfasted, gave me another half-hour's reading, I had another half-hour, and sometimes an hour's reading or study of language, at from one to two o'clock, the hour of dinner -- usually eating my food with a spoon, after I had cut it in pieces, and having my eyes on a book all the time."'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Book
:
The nineteenth-century cobbler Thomas Cooper's account of his reading routines: '"Historical reading, or the grammar of some language, or translation, was my first employment on week-day mornings, whether I rose at three or four, until seven o'clock, when I sat down to the stall. A book or a periodical in my hand while I breakfasted, gave me another half-hour's reading, I had another half-hour, and sometimes an hour's reading or study of language, at from one to two o'clock, the hour of dinner -- usually eating my food with a spoon, after I had cut it in pieces, and having my eyes on a book all the time."'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Serial / periodical
:
The nineteenth-century cobbler Thomas Cooper's account of his reading routines: '"Historical reading, or the grammar of some language, or translation, was my first employment on week-day mornings, whether I rose at three or four, until seven o'clock, when I sat down to the stall. A book or a periodical in my hand while I breakfasted, gave me another half-hour's reading, I had another half-hour, and sometimes an hour's reading or study of language, at from one to two o'clock, the hour of dinner -- usually eating my food with a spoon, after I had cut it in pieces, and having my eyes on a book all the time."'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Serial / periodical
:
The nineteenth-century cobbler Thomas Cooper's account of his reading routines: '"Historical reading, or the grammar of some language, or translation, was my first employment on week-day mornings, whether I rose at three or four, until seven o'clock, when I sat down to the stall. A book or a periodical in my hand while I breakfasted, gave me another half-hour's reading, I had another half-hour, and sometimes an hour's reading or study of language, at from one to two o'clock, the hour of dinner -- usually eating my food with a spoon, after I had cut it in pieces, and having my eyes on a book all the time."'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Serial / periodical
:
The nineteenth-century cobbler Thomas Cooper's account of his reading routines: '"Historical reading, or the grammar of some language, or translation, was my first employment on week-day mornings, whether I rose at three or four, until seven o'clock, when I sat down to the stall. A book or a periodical in my hand while I breakfasted, gave me another half-hour's reading, I had another half-hour, and sometimes an hour's reading or study of language, at from one to two o'clock, the hour of dinner -- usually eating my food with a spoon, after I had cut it in pieces, and having my eyes on a book all the time."'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cooper Print: Serial / periodical
James Hogg : Shepherd's Calendar
'In Mr Tait's warehouse I read Hogg's "Shepherd's Calendar" and some of his poems also, while, at various times, many opportunities of hearing much about him.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Book
Thomas de Quincey : George and Sarah Green
'When I had made a few visits to him, Mr De Quincey was so kind as to take some particular notice of me; and afterwards when he wrote his Grasmere article about "George and Sarah Green" (1839), he spoke to me of the subject, and read me a passage from the proof before it appeared in "Tait".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas de Quincey Print: Serial / periodical, proofs
[n/a] : Bentley's Miscellany
'I pursued a similar plan with others of the magazines whenever I got a chance, especially "Bentley's Miscellany", which contained in my young days "Jack Sheppard".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Serial / periodical
Robert Chambers : Chambers's Journal
'One Saturday afternoon in the summer of 1838, whilst crossing Brumsfield links on my way home to Morningside, endeavouring as I walked over the grass to read a story in one of the volumes of "Chambers's Journal", then of a somewhat unwielding size, I was stopped by two gentlemen, one of whom asked what I was reading...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Serial / periodical
William Harrison Ainsworth : Jack Sheppard
'I pursued a similar plan with others of the magazines whenever I got a chance, especially "Bentley's Miscellany", which contained in my young days "Jack Sheppard".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Serial / periodical
Mrs Johnstone : The Schoolmaster
'When, in the course of a year or two, we removed to the vicinity of Edinburgh, matters in respect of books brightened a little. I then obtained access to a greater variety, and, as I well remember, greatly enjoyed reading some numbers of a periodical called "The Schoolmaster", edited by Mr Johnstone, or, to speak more correctly, by Mrs Johnstone.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Serial / periodical
Chevalier Ramsay : Life of Cyrus
James Burn, on his first contact with literature after years of having seen none: '"In the latter end of the year of 1826, a friend made me a present of an old edition of Chevalier Ramsay's "Life of Cyrus". This little volume opened up to my enquiring mind a rich field of useful knowledge. The apendix to the work contained the [italics]heathen mythology[end italics]: this part of the work completely fascinated me, and for a considerable time became my constant companion."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Dawson Burn Print: Book
Henry Kirke White : The Remains of Henry Kirke White
'Both John Harris and Mary Smith read the "Remains of Henry Kirke White" "with great delight", and Thomas Carter actually saved up a guinea to buy the book. It was, he said, "a large sum for one like myself to spend at one time in buying books: yet I had good reason to be satisfied; for the work was useful to me in the way of strengthening and confirming my habits of reading and observation".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Voltaire : Dictionary of Philosophy
'The Coventry ribbon weaver Joseph Gutteridge [...] had read and pondered Voltaire's "Dictionary of Philosophy" and Paine's "Age of Reason", but remained unconvinced [by radicalism and religious scepticism] until a prolonged period of family poverty and ill-health finally destroyed what was left of his faith'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Gutteridge Print: Book
Thomas Paine : The Age of Reason
'The Coventry ribbon weaver Joseph Gutteridge [...] had read and pondered Voltaire's "Dictionary of Philosophy" and Paine's "Age of Reason", but remained unconvinced [by radicalism and religious scepticism] until a prolonged period of family poverty and ill-health finally destroyed what was left of his faith'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Gutteridge Print: Book
:
David Vincent notes the former agricultural labourer (and later trades union leader and M.P.) Joseph Arch's recollection in his memoir that, after work, '"I would stick like a limpet to my books of an evening"'.
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Arch Print: Book
Robert Burns : volume containing life and writings of Burns
'Samuel Bamford never forgot the sensation of reading a volume of [...] [Robert Burns's] life and writings whilst working as a porter and warehouseman in Manchester'.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
: The Bible
'Thomas Carter [a nineteenth-century Colchester and London tailor] wrote of "The Seasons" that, "With the exception of the Bible, I know not that I ever read any other book so attentively and regularly. Its beautiful descriptions of nature were delightful to my imagination, while its fine moral reflections [...] were, as I believe, greatly instrumental in promoting my best interests"'.
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
James Thomson : The Seasons
'Thomas Carter [a nineteenth-century Colchester and London tailor] wrote of "The Seasons" that, "With the exception of the Bible, I know not that I ever read any other book so attentively and regularly. Its beautiful descriptions of nature were delightful to my imagination, while its fine moral reflections [...] were, as I believe, greatly instrumental in promoting my best interests"'.
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Charlotte Mew : "The Farmer's Bride"
'Alida [Klementaski], like Mrs [Catherine] Dawson Scott, had read "The Farmer's Bride" in 1912, and had not forgotten it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Catherine Dawson Scott Print: Serial / periodical
Charlotte Mew : The Farmer's Bride
'In the July of 1918 a copy of "The Farmer's Bride" arrived in [Sydney] Cockerell's vast daily post, with a stiff little note from Charlotte [Mew] [...] No worry [...] about his reading it; he always read everything, and he fell in love immediately with "The Farmer's Bride".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Cockerell Print: Book
Charlotte Mew : The Farmer's Bride
'[Sydney] Cockerell [...] busied himself with sending "The Farmer's Bride" to everyone he could think of [...] Wilfred Scawen Blunt [...] found the situations in Charlotte [Mew]'s poems puzzling and questioned their "sexual sincerity". Siegfried Sassoon was captivated at once and remained her faithful reader always. A. E. Housman [...] liked the little book, although he complained [in letter of 9 September 1918] that, like most female poets, Miss Mew put in ornament that did not suit the speaker.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Wilfred Scawen Blunt Print: Book
Charlotte Mew : The Farmer's Bride
'[Sydney] Cockerell [...] busied himself with sending "The Farmer's Bride" to everyone he could think of [...] Wilfred Scawen Blunt [...] found the situations in Charlotte [Mew]'s poems puzzling and questioned their "sexual sincerity". Siegfried Sassoon was captivated at once and remained her faithful reader always. A. E. Housman [...] liked the little book, although he complained [in letter of 9 September 1918] that, like most female poets, Miss Mew put in ornament that did not suit the speaker.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Siegfried Sassoon Print: Book
Thomas Hardy : poems
Penelope Fitzgerald relates how, during Charlotte Mew's stay at his home in December 1918, Thomas Hardy 'read some of his own poems to her, and she read him something which pleased him very much, "Saturday Market".'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hardy
Cicero : Second Philippic
'Nothing to put down these last two days unless I go back to my old practice of recording what I read, and which I rather think I left off because I read nothing and had nothing to put down: but last two days, read a little of Cicero's Second Philippic, Voltaire's Siecle de Louis XVI, Coleridge's Journey to the West Indies; bought some books...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Greville Print: Book
: Globe
'...This morning I learnt (by reading it in the Globe) the sudden death of Lord Holland after a few hours' illness, and whom I left not a fortnight ago in his usual health and likely to live many years ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Greville Print: Newspaper
: Morning Chronicle
'...and this morning the Morning Chronicle puts forth an article having every appearance of being written by Palmerston himself (as I have no doubt it was) most violent, declamatory and insulting to France...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Greville Print: Newspaper
Samuel Warren : Diary of a late physician
'When in my early apprentice days I was first enabled to dip into the pages of "Maga", its chief attraction was the later series of "The Diary of a late physician". I greatly enjoyed the papers, and also, later on, the same author's story of "Ten Thousand a Year". [when the journal came out] I would sit on the steps [of George Street] for nearly an hour engrossed by the perusal of some interesting portion of its pages, munching at the same time my dinner of bread-and-cheese. The pages of the copies of the magazine in my custody as collector were, of course, uncut, but having as many as eight or ten in my charge, I managed without it being discovered to cut open one leaf in each of the numbers in order to master the narrative.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Serial / periodical
Samuel Warren : Ten thousand a year
'When in my early apprentice days I was first enabled to dip into the pages of "Maga", its chief attraction was the later series of "The Diary of a late physician". I greatly enjoyed the papers, and also, later on, the same author's story of "Ten Thousand a Year". [when the journal came out] I would sit on the steps [of George Street] for nearly an hour engrossed by the perusal of some interesting portion of its pages, munching at the same time my dinner of bread-and-cheese. The pages of the copies of the magazine in my custody as collector were, of course, uncut, but, having as many as eight or ten in my charge, I managed without its being discovered to cut open one leaf in each of the numbers in order to master the narrative.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Serial / periodical
: [newspaper]
?I read in the newspaper the day before yesterday an account of a lad brought up for not supporting his child. The father was fifteen or sixteen years old, the mother a year or two less, and the Grandmother of the child ? the girl?s mother ? appeared, who was twenty-nine years old and had fourteen children. This seems to me to be curious enough to be worth recording?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Greville Print: Newspaper
: [newspapers]
?I could no longer stand the torrent of nonsense, violence and folly which the newspapers day after day poured forth, and resolved to write a letter which was published in The Times the day before yesterday and signed ?Carolus???
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Greville Print: Newspaper
Charlotte Mew : "Sea Love"
'Siegfried Sassoon [...] bought [Sydney] Cockerell the first number of [Harold] Monro's new shilling magazine, "The Monthly Chapbook". On the last page was Charlotte [Mew]'s "Sea Love", certainly a new poem, which delighted both of them (and delighted [Thomas] Hardy too when it arrived at Max Gate).'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Siegfried Sassoon Print: Serial / periodical
Charlotte Mew : "Sea Love"
'Siegfried Sassoon [...] bought [Sydney] Cockerell the first number of [Harold] Monro's new shilling magazine, "The Monthly Chapbook". On the last page was Charlotte [Mew]'s "Sea Love", certainly a new poem, which delighted both of them (and delighted [Thomas] Hardy too when it arrived at Max Gate).'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Cockerell Print: Serial / periodical
Charlotte Mew : "Sea Love"
'Siegfried Sassoon [...] bought [Sydney] Cockerell the first number of [Harold] Monro's new shilling magazine, "The Monthly Chapbook". On the last page was Charlotte [Mew]'s "Sea Love", certainly a new poem, which delighted both of them (and delighted [Thomas] Hardy too when it arrived at Max Gate).'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hardy Print: Serial / periodical
Charlotte Mew : "Madeleine in Church"
'Louis Untermeyer [an American poet] [...] had [...] been carried away by "Madeleine[in Church]" when Siegfried Sassoon read it to him [in 1920]'.
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Siegfried Sassoon
William Shakespeare : Plays including Richard III and King Lear
'Then we write a part of the romance and read some Shakespears [sic]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Mary Wollstonecraft : Letters written during a short residence in Sweden, Norway and Denmark
'Shelley reads aloud the letters from Norway'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Mary Wollstonecraft : Mary, a fiction
'Shelley finishes Mary a fiction'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : unknown
'We read Shakespeare'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
: [newspapers]
'Talk and read the newspapers'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Newspaper
William Wordsworth : The Excursion, being a portion of the Recluse, a poem
'Calls on Hookham and brings home Wordsworths Excursion of which we read a part - much disappointed - he is a slave'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Unknown
Percy Bysshe Shelley : [romance]
'Hookham calls here & Shelley reads his romance to him.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner
[Shelley] 'Reads the ancient mariner to us'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Godwin : Things as they are: or, the adventures of Caleb Williams
'He [Shelley] reads part of "Caleb Williams" to us.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Anthony Trollope : Orley Farm
This evening Charley has read to us the 12th No. of "Orley Farm", which is interesting so far as it pursues the main path of the story - the fortunes of Lady Mason'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lewes Print: Serial / periodicalManuscript: Unknown
Anita Loos : Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
'In the summer [of 1926] [...] [Charlotte Mew and her sister Caroline Frances Ann] were both reading [italics]Gentlemen Prefer Blondes[end italics]'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Caroline Frances Anne Mew Print: Book
Otto Weinginer : ?ber die letzten Dinge
Er kehrt zum Vater wenn er die Erbs?nde verneint [...] Der Raum enth?lt in Nebeneinader was nur in zeitlicher Nacheinander erlebt werden kann [...] Gravitation, Symbol des Gnadelosen
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Joyce Print: Book
Charlotte Mew : "Fin de Fete"
After Thomas Hardy's death on 11 January 1928, his literary executor Sydney Cockerell 'found a piece of paper on which Hardy had copied out "Fin de Fete" [by Charlotte Mew]'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hardy Print: Serial / periodical
Plato : On the immortality of the soul
'I was but about twenty-two years of age when I first began to read them, and I assure you, my friend, that they made a very deep and lasting impression in my mind. By reading them [Plato's On the Immortality of the soul and Plutarch's Morals and Confucio's texts] I was taught to bear the unavoidable evils attending humanity, and to supply all my wants by contracting or restraining my desires.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Plutarch : Morals
'I was but about twenty-two years of age when I first began to read them, and I assure you, my friend, that they made a very deep and lasting impression in my mind. By reading them [Plato's On the Immortality of the soul and Plutarch's Morals and Confucio's texts] I was taught to bear the unavoidable evils attending humanity, and to supply all my wants by contracting or restraining my desires.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Confucius : various
'I was but about twenty-two years of age when I first began to read them, and I assure you, my friend, that they made a very deep and lasting impression in my mind. By reading them [Plato's On the Immortality of the soul and Plutarch's Morals and Confucio's texts] I was taught to bear the unavoidable evils attending humanity, and to supply all my wants by contracting or restraining my desires.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
anon : various scraps of writing
'My master said to me one day, he was surprized that I did not learn to write my own letters, and added, that he was sure that I could learn to do it in a very short time. ... Without any delay I set about it, by taking up pieces of paper that had any writing on them, and initiating the letters as well as I could. I employed my leisure hours in this way for near two months, after which time I wrote my own letters, in a bad hand, you may be sure; but it was plain and easy to read, which was all I cared for.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Manuscript: Unknown
Thomas Amory : The life of John Buncle
'It was in one of those cheerful moods that I one day took up The Life of John Buncle; and it is impossible for my friend to imagine with what eagerness and pleasure I read through the whole four volumes of this sensible pleasing work; it was wrote by the late Mr Amory of Wakefield, and I know not of any work more proper to be put into the hands of a poor ignorant bigotted superstititous methodist... In short I saw that true religion was no way incompatible with or an enemy to rational pleasures of any kind. ... I now also began to read with great pleasure the rational and moderate divines of all denominations.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
anon : various on divinity and moral philosophy
'As to the little knowledge of literature I possess, I acquired that by dint of application. In the beginning I attached myself very closely to the study of divinity and moral philosophy; so that I became tolerably acquainted with all the points controverted between the Divines.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Hesbert : unknown
?After having read the great champions for Christianity, I next read the works of Lord Hesbert, Tindal, Chubb, Morgan, Collins, Woolston, Annet, Mandeville, Shaftesbury, Bolingbroke, Williams, Voltaire, and many other Free-thinkers.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Tindall : unknown
?After having read the great champions for Christianity, I next read the works of Lord Hesbert, Tindal, Chubb, Morgan, Collins, Woolston, Annet, Mandeville, Shaftesbury, Bolingbroke, Williams, Voltaire, and many other Free-thinkers.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Chubb : unknown
?After having read the great champions for Christianity, I next read the works of Lord Hesbert, Tindal, Chubb, Morgan, Collins, Woolston, Annet, Mandeville, Shaftesbury, Bolingbroke, Williams, Voltaire, and many other Free-thinkers.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Morgan : unknown
?After having read the great champions for Christianity, I next read the works of Lord Hesbert, Tindal, Chubb, Morgan, Collins, Woolston, Annet, Mandeville, Shaftesbury, Bolingbroke, Williams, Voltaire, and many other Free-thinkers.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Collins : unknown
?After having read the great champions for Christianity, I next read the works of Lord Hesbert, Tindal, Chubb, Morgan, Collins, Woolston, Annet, Mandeville, Shaftesbury, Bolingbroke, Williams, Voltaire, and many other Free-thinkers.? 237
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Woolston : unknown
?After having read the great champions for Christianity, I next read the works of Lord Hesbert, Tindal, Chubb, Morgan, Collins, Woolston, Annet, Mandeville, Shaftesbury, Bolingbroke, Williams, Voltaire, and many other Free-thinkers.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Annet : unknown
?After having read the great champions for Christianity, I next read the works of Lord Hesbert, Tindal, Chubb, Morgan, Collins, Woolston, Annet, Mandeville, Shaftesbury, Bolingbroke, Williams, Voltaire, and many other Free-thinkers.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Mandeville : unknown
?After having read the great champions for Christianity, I next read the works of Lord Hesbert, Tindal, Chubb, Morgan, Collins, Woolston, Annet, Mandeville, Shaftesbury, Bolingbroke, Williams, Voltaire, and many other Free-thinkers.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Sheftesbury : [?] Characteristicks of Men, Manners, Opinions, Times
?After having read the great champions for Christianity, I next read the works of Lord Hesbert, Tindal, Chubb, Morgan, Collins, Woolston, Annet, Mandeville, Shaftesbury, Bolingbroke, Williams, Voltaire, and many other Free-thinkers.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Bolingbroke : unknown
?After having read the great champions for Christianity, I next read the works of Lord Hesbert, Tindal, Chubb, Morgan, Collins, Woolston, Annet, Mandeville, Shaftesbury, Bolingbroke, Williams, Voltaire, and many other Free-thinkers.? 237
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Williams : unknown
?After having read the great champions for Christianity, I next read the works of Lord Hesbert, Tindal, Chubb, Morgan, Collins, Woolston, Annet, Mandeville, Shaftesbury, Bolingbroke, Williams, Voltaire, and many other Free-thinkers.? 237
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Voltaire : unknown
?After having read the great champions for Christianity, I next read the works of Lord Hesbert, Tindal, Chubb, Morgan, Collins, Woolston, Annet, Mandeville, Shaftesbury, Bolingbroke, Williams, Voltaire, and many other Free-thinkers.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
unknown : [English poets]
?I have also read most of our English poets, and the best translations of the Greek, Latin, Italian and French poets; nor did I omit History, Voyages, Travels, Natural History, Biography, etc.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
unknown : Various
?I have also read most of our English poets, and the best translations of the Greek, Latin, Italian and French poets; nor did I omit History, Voyages, Travels, Natural History, Biography, etc.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
unknown : various English plays
?I have also read most of our best plays.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Miguel de Cervantes : Don Quixote (probably)
Another great source of amusement as well as knowledge, I have met with in reading almost all the best novels (Cervantes, Fielding, Smollet, Richardson, Miss Burney, Voltaire, Sterne, Le Sage, Goldsmith and others).?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Henry Fielding : unknown
Another great source of amusement as well as knowledge, I have met with in reading almost all the best novels (Cervantes, Fielding, Smollet, Richardson, Miss Burney, Voltaire, Sterne, Le Sage, Goldsmith and others).?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Tobias Smollet : unknown
Another great source of amusement as well as knowledge, I have met with in reading almost all the best novels (Cervantes, Fielding, Smollet, Richardson, Miss Burney, Voltaire, Sterne, Le Sage, Goldsmith and others).?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : unknown
Another great source of amusement as well as knowledge, I have met with in reading almost all the best novels (Cervantes, Fielding, Smollet, Richardson, Miss Burney, Voltaire, Sterne, Le Sage, Goldsmith and others).?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Frances Burney : unknown
Another great source of amusement as well as knowledge, I have met with in reading almost all the best novels (Cervantes, Fielding, Smollet, Richardson, Miss Burney, Voltaire, Sterne, Le Sage, Goldsmith and others).?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Voltaire : unknown
Another great source of amusement as well as knowledge, I have met with in reading almost all the best novels (Cervantes, Fielding, Smollet, Richardson, Miss Burney, Voltaire, Sterne, Le Sage, Goldsmith and others).?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Lawrence Sterne : unknown
Another great source of amusement as well as knowledge, I have met with in reading almost all the best novels (Cervantes, Fielding, Smollet, Richardson, Miss Burney, Voltaire, Sterne, Le Sage, Goldsmith and others).?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Le Sage : Gil Blas (probably)
Another great source of amusement as well as knowledge, I have met with in reading almost all the best novels (Cervantes, Fielding, Smollet, Richardson, Miss Burney, Voltaire, Sterne, Le Sage, Goldsmith and others).?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Goldsmith : Vicar of Wakefield
Another great source of amusement as well as knowledge, I have met with in reading almost all the best novels (Cervantes, Fielding, Smollet, Richardson, Miss Burney, Voltaire, Sterne, Le Sage, Goldsmith and others).?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Clarissa
'Well,? at the Lower Rooms we saw this Woman, ? whose Face carries an affirmation of all this account, ? it is bold, hardened, painted, snuft, leering & impudent! Just such a face as I should Draw for Mrs. Sinclear ? Her Dress, too, was of the same cast, a thin muslin short sacque & Coat lined throughout with Pink, ? a [ital] modesty bit [close ital.] [xxxxx 2 words] ? & something of a [ital.] very [ital.] short cloak half concealed about half of her old wrinkled Neck? the rest was visible to disgust the beholders, ? red Bows and Ribbons in abundance, a Gauze Bonnet tipt on to the top of her Head, & a pair of Mittens! ? We were all curious to see this Queen of Bath, as she is called, on account of the expensive Entertainments she makes, & therefore we got very near to her. . . . a Wretch notorious for all manner of evil: a wretch who, Miss Bowdler has told me, endeavours as much , by dispersing obscene Books, to corrupt youth, as to assist already corrupted maturity in the prosecution of vice!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Shakespeare : unknown
'When I come here we play at battlecock and shuttledore and mama reads Shakespear in the evening[.] When she goes with [Ann?] up stairs to sleep John Fred Will and I generally raill [sic] out a song with a machine that would frighten you in the great hall while the Men drink in the dining room'.
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Henrietta Frances Ponsonby
: Learned Lass, or the Poor Scholar's Garland! A Song. Tune, Black Joke.
'. . . this Creature, whose nick Name here is Mrs. MacDevil will not, it seems, be slighted with impunity, & she put that mortifying paragraph into the Morning Post about the "lovely Grecian" merely for her refusing to visit her!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Newspaper
unknown : various
'But these extraordinary accounts and discourses, together with the controversies between the mother and sons, made me think that they know many matters of which I was totally ignorant. This created in me a desire for knowledge, that I might know who was right and who was wrong. But to my great mortification, I could not read. I knew most of the letters, and a few easy words, and I set about learning with all my might. My mistress would sometimes instruct me; and having three-halfpence per week allowed me by my mother, this money I gave to John (my master's youngest son) and for every three-halfpence he taught me to spell one hour. And this was done in the dark, as we were not allowed a candle, after we were sent upstairs to bed.'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington
: Bible
?The enthusiastic notions which I had imbibed, and the desire I had to be talking about religious mysteries, etc answered one valuable purpose; as it caused me to embrace every opportunity to learn to read; so that I could soon read the easy parts of the Bible, Mr Wesley?s Hymns etc and every leisure minute was so employed.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Wesley : Hymns
?The enthusiastic notions which I had imbibed, and the desire I had to be talking about religious mysteries, etc answered one valuable purpose; as it caused me to embrace every opportunity to learn to read; so that I could soon read the easy parts of the Bible, Mr Wesley?s Hymns etc and every leisure minute was so employed.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Whalley : Edwy and Edilda: A Tale in Five Parts
'In the Evening we had Mrs. Lambert, who brought us a Tale, called Edwy & Edilda by the sentimental Clergyman Mr. Whaley, ? & [ital.] unreadably [ital.] soft & tender & senseless is it!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Wesley : Tracts and Sermons
?? for a long time I read ten chapters in the Bible every day, I also read and learned many hymns, and as soon as I could procure some of Mr Wesley?s Tracts, Sermons etc. I read them also; many of them I perused in ?Cloacina?s? Temple, (the place where my Lord Chesterfield advised his son to read the classics.) But I did not apply them after reading to the farther use that his Lordship hints at.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
unknown : various
?I had such good eyes, that I often read by the light of the moon, as my master would never permit me to take a candle into my room.?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Epictetus : Morals
?? in looking over the title pages, I met with Hobbes translation of Homer, I had some how or other heard that Homer was a great poet, but unfortunately I had never heard of Pope?s translation of him, so we eagerly purchased that by Hobbes. At this stall I also purchased Walker?s Poetical paraphrase of Epictetus?s Morals; and home we went, perfectly well pleased with our bargains. We that evening began with Hobbes's Homer; but found it very difficult for us to read, owing to the obscurity of the translation, which together with the indifferent language, and the want of poetical merit in the translator somewhat disappointed us; however we had from time to time many a hard puzzling hour with him. But as Walker's Epictetus, although it had not much poetical merit, yet it was very easy to be read, and as easily understood; and the principles of the Stoic [underlined] charmed me so much, that I made the book my companion wherever I went, and read it over and over...?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Homer : unknown
?? in looking over the title pages, I met with Hobbes translation of Homer, I had some how or other heard that Homer was a great poet, but unfortunately I had never heard of Pope?s translation of him, so we eagerly purchased that by Hobbes. At this stall I also purchased Walker?s Poetical paraphrase of Epictetus?s Morals; and home we went, perfectly well pleased with our bargains. We that evening began with Hobbes's Homer; but found it very difficult for us to read, owing to the obscurity of the translation, which together with the indifferent language, and the want of poetical merit in the translator somewhat disappointed us; however we had from time to time many a hard puzzling hour with him. But as Walker's Epictetus, although it had not much poetical merit, yet it was very easy to be read, and as easily understood; and the principles of the Stoic [underlined] charmed me so much, that I made the book my companion wherever I went, and read it over and over...?
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Hannah Cowley : The Maid of Arragon
'This morning we had from the Library the Maid of Arragon, a Tale by Mrs. Cowley, ? & Mrs. Thrale began reading it aloud, ? & the first thing was a [ital]poetical address [ital] to her Father!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Thrale Print: Book
unknown : various
'We all worked very hard, particularly Mr John Jones and me, in order to get money to purchase books; But what we wanted in judgement in choosing our library, we made up in application; and so anxious we were to read a great deal, that we allowed ourselves but about three hours sleep in twenty-four, and for some months together we never were all in bed at the same time, (Sunday nights excepted). But lest we should oversleep the time allowed, one of us sat up to work until the time appointed for the others to rise, and when we all were up, my friend John, and your humble servant, took it by turns to read aloud to the rest, while they were at their work.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
: Morning Post
'You may lately have seen her pretty often alluded to in the Morning Post, ?but pray who is the [ital] Dr. B [ital] in Yesterdays?(Monday?s) Paper??it seems as if meant for you, but I cannot understand it. I want to know what this A.B.C. Dario Musico is,? the news paper calls it a Musical Rosciad & says it contains the Characters of all the celebrated Musicians.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Newspaper
Felicia Browne [later Hemans] : Poems
Thomas Medwin, in his memoir of Shelley: 'In the beginning of [1808] I showed Shelley some poems to which I had subscribed by Felicia Browne [...] Her juvenile productions, remarkable certainly for her age [14] [...] made a powerful impression on Shelley'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Lady Caroline Lamb : [letters and verses]
'I must tell you that Lord Byron said Mrs Lee [Augusta Leigh?] & Lady Byron had read all my letters [and] verses'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Augusta Leigh Manuscript: Unknown
Robert Southey : The Curse of Kehama
'He [Percy Bysshe Shelley] reads the curse of Kehama to us in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Unknown
Robert Southey : Thalaba the Destroyer
'In the evening Shelley reads Thaliba aloud.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Unknown
: The Globe
'When I left my home for the first time, I suddenly passed out of the excitements of my Windsor life into the school-boy's ordinary abstraction from the outer world. I heard nothing of the stir of the great Babel, though I was within seven miles of Hyde Park Corner. The newspaper I now very rarely saw, instead of regularly reading our "Globe" aloud; for of that evening journal my father was then a shareholder.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Knight Print: Newspaper
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
Mary Berry to Bertie Greathead, 2 August 1798, on having got to know Mrs Siddons the previous winter: 'She read "Hamlet" to us one evening, in N. Audley-street, which was to me a great treat.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Siddons Print: Book
unknown : [Greek]
'Mary reads greek and Political Justice.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin
Matthew Gregory Lewis : The Monk: a romance
'Shelley draws & Mary reads the monk all evening.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
Anacreon : [odes]
'read two odes of Anacreon before breakfast'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
Diogenes Laertius : unknown
'PBS reads Diogenes Laertius.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Perct Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
'Shelley reads the Ancient Mariner aloud.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Percy Bysshe Shelley : Queen Mab: a philosophical poem with notes
'Shelley is very unwell - he reads one canto of Queen Mab to me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Manuscript: Unknown, owned by author
Edward du Bois : St. Godwin: a tale of the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries by Count Reginald St. Leon
'Read St. Godwin - it is ineffably stupid.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
Thomas Jefferson Hogg : Memoirs of Prince Alexy Haimatoff, translated from the oiginl Latin MS. under the immediate inspection of the prince by John Brown, Esq.
'I read part of Alexy. I repeated one of my own poems.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Percy Bysshe Shelley : unknown
'I read part of Alexy. I repeated one of my own poems.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Mary Wollstonecraft : The Wrongs of Woman; or Maria
'Read the wrongs of woman.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Print: Book
Abbe Barruel : History of the Illuminati
'In the evening Shelley reads Abbe Barruel to us.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Mary Wollstonecraft : Posthumous Works of the Author of a Vindication of the rights of woman
'Read Posthumous works.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
Percy Bysshe Shelley : Zastrozzi
'Read Zastrozzi'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
Abbe Barruel : Memoirs illustrating the History of Jacobinism
'Shelley reads the History of the Illuminati out of Baruel to us.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Marcus Tullius Cicero :
'Begin Julius Florus and finish the little vol of Cicero.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Wiiliam Godwin : St. Leon; a tale of the sixteenth century
'Finish St Leon.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
Wiiliam Godwin : Things as they are; or the Adventures of Caleb Williams
'Read Caleb Williams.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
John Milton : Comus (A mask Presented at Ludlow Castle, 1634)
'Shelley reads a part of Comus aloud.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Aesop : Fables
'I faintly remember going through Aesop's Fables, the first Greek book which I read. The Anabasis, which I remember better, was the second.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
anon : The Annual Register
'Much of it [ie. 'the daily instruction I received'] consisted in the books I read by myself, and my father's discourses to me, chiefly during our walks. From 1810 to the end of 1813 we were living in Newington Green, then an almost rustic neighbourhood. My father's health required considerable and constant exercise, and he walked habitually before breakfast, generally in the green lanes towards Hornsey. In these walks I always accompanied him, and with my earliest recollections of green fields and wild flowers, is mingled that of the account I gave him daily of what I had read the day before. To the best of my remembrance, this was a voluntary rather than a prescribed exercise. I made notes on slips of paper while reading, and from these, in the morning walks, I told the story to him; for the books were chiefly histories, of which I read in this manner a great number: Robertson?s histories, Hume, Gibbon; but my greatest delight, then and for long afterwards, was Watson's Philip the Second and Third. The heroic defence of the Knights of Malta against the Turks, and of the revolted provinces of the Netherlands against Spain, excited in me an intense and lasting interest. Next to Watson, my favourite historical reading was Hooke's History of Rome. Of Greece I had seen at that time no regular history, except school abridgments and the last two or three volumes of a translation of Rollin's Ancient History, beginning with Philip of Macedon. But I read with great delight Langhorne's translation of Plutarch. In English history, beyond the time at which Hume leaves off, I remember reading Burnett's History of his Own Time, though I cared little for anything in it except the wars and battles; and the historical part of the Annual Register, from the beginning to about 1788, where the volumes my father borrowed for me from Mr Bentham left off. In these frequent talks about the books I read, he used, as opportunity offered, to give me explanations and ideas respecting civilization, government, morality, mental cultivation, which he required me afterwards to restate to him in my own words.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book, Serial / periodical
Philip Beaver : African memoranda relative to an attempt to establish a British settlement on the island of Bulama, on the western coast of Africa, in the year 1792. With a brief notice of the neighbouring tribes, soil, productions, &c. and some observations on the facil
'He ['my father'] was fond of putting into my hands books which exhibited men of energy and resource in unusual circumstances, struggling against difficulties and overcoming them: of such works I remember Beaver's African Memoranda, and Collins's account of the first settlement of New South Wales.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Gilbert Burnet : History of my Own Time
'Much of it [ie. ?the daily instruction I received?] consisted in the books I read by myself, and my father?s discourses to me, chiefly during our walks. From 1810 to the end of 1813 we were living in Newington Green, then an almost rustic neighbourhood. My father?s health required considerable and constant exercise, and he walked habitually before breakfast, generally in the green lanes towards Hornsey. In these walks I always accompanied him, and with my earliest recollections of green fields and wild flowers, is mingled that of the account I gave him daily of what I had read the day before. To the best of my remembrance, this was a voluntary rather than a prescribed exercise. I made notes on slips of paper while reading, and from these, in the morning walks, I told the story to him; for the books were chiefly histories, of which I read in this manner a great number: Robertson?s histories, Hume, Gibbon; but my greatest delight, then and for long afterwards, was Watson?s Philip the Second and Third. The heroic defence of the Knights of Malta against the Turks, and of the revolted provinces of the Netherlands against Spain, excited in me an intense and lasting interest. Next to Watson, my favourite historical reading was Hooke?s History of Rome. Of Greece I had seen at that time no regular history, except school abridgments and the last two or three volumes of a translation of Rollin?s Ancient History, beginning with Philip of Macedon. But I read with great delight Langhorne?s translation of Plutarch. In English history, beyond the time at which Hume leaves off, I remember reading Burnett?s History of his Own Time, though I cared little for anything in it except the wars and battles; and the historical part of the Annual Register, from the beginning to about 1788, where the volumes my father borrowed for me from Mr Bentham left off?. In these frequent talks about the books I read, he used, as opportunity offered, to give me explanations and ideas respecting civilization, government, morality, mental cultivation, which he required me afterwards to restate to him in my own words.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Collins : [account of the first settlement of New South Wales]
'He [?my father?] was fond of putting into my hands books which exhibited men of energy and resource in unusual circumstances, struggling against difficulties and overcoming them: of such works I remember Beaver?s African Memoranda, and Collins?s account of the first settlement of New South Wales.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill
Diogenes Laertius : Lives of the Philosophers
'At that time [?my eighth year?] I had read, under my father?s tuition, a number of Greek prose authors, among whom I remember the whole of Herodotus, and of Xenophon?s Ceropaedia and Memorials of Socrates; some of the lives of the philosophers by Diogenes Laertius; part of Lucian, and Isocrates ad Demonicum and ad Nicoclem.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'Much of it [ie. ?the daily instruction I received?] consisted in the books I read by myself, and my father?s discourses to me, chiefly during our walks. From 1810 to the end of 1813 we were living in Newington Green, then an almost rustic neighbourhood. My father?s health required considerable and constant exercise, and he walked habitually before breakfast, generally in the green lanes towards Hornsey. In these walks I always accompanied him, and with my earliest recollections of green fields and wild flowers, is mingled that of the account I gave him daily of what I had read the day before. To the best of my remembrance, this was a voluntary rather than a prescribed exercise. I made notes on slips of paper while reading, and from these, in the morning walks, I told the story to him; for the books were chiefly histories, of which I read in this manner a great number: Robertson?s histories, Hume, Gibbon; but my greatest delight, then and for long afterwards, was Watson?s Philip the Second and Third. The heroic defence of the Knights of Malta against the Turks, and of the revolted provinces of the Netherlands against Spain, excited in me an intense and lasting interest. Next to Watson, my favourite historical reading was Hooke?s History of Rome. Of Greece I had seen at that time no regular history, except school abridgments and the last two or three volumes of a translation of Rollin?s Ancient History, beginning with Philip of Macedon. But I read with great delight Langhorne?s translation of Plutarch. In English history, beyond the time at which Hume leaves off, I remember reading Burnett?s History of his Own Time, though I cared little for anything in it except the wars and battles; and the historical part of the Annual Register, from the beginning to about 1788, where the volumes my father borrowed for me from Mr Bentham left off?. In these frequent talks about the books I read, he used, as opportunity offered, to give me explanations and ideas respecting civilization, government, morality, mental cultivation, which he required me afterwards to restate to him in my own words.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Robert Watson : History of the Reign of Philip II
'Much of it [ie. ?the daily instruction I received?] consisted in the books I read by myself, and my father?s discourses to me, chiefly during our walks. From 1810 to the end of 1813 we were living in Newington Green, then an almost rustic neighbourhood. My father?s health required considerable and constant exercise, and he walked habitually before breakfast, generally in the green lanes towards Hornsey. In these walks I always accompanied him, and with my earliest recollections of green fields and wild flowers, is mingled that of the account I gave him daily of what I had read the day before. To the best of my remembrance, this was a voluntary rather than a prescribed exercise. I made notes on slips of paper while reading, and from these, in the morning walks, I told the story to him; for the books were chiefly histories, of which I read in this manner a great number: Robertson?s histories, Hume, Gibbon; but my greatest delight, then and for long afterwards, was Watson?s Philip the Second and Third. The heroic defence of the Knights of Malta against the Turks, and of the revolted provinces of the Netherlands against Spain, excited in me an intense and lasting interest. Next to Watson, my favourite historical reading was Hooke?s History of Rome. Of Greece I had seen at that time no regular history, except school abridgments and the last two or three volumes of a translation of Rollin?s Ancient History, beginning with Philip of Macedon. But I read with great delight Langhorne?s translation of Plutarch. In English history, beyond the time at which Hume leaves off, I remember reading Burnett?s History of his Own Time, though I cared little for anything in it except the wars and battles; and the historical part of the Annual Register, from the beginning to about 1788, where the volumes my father borrowed for me from Mr Bentham left off?. In these frequent talks about the books I read, he used, as opportunity offered, to give me explanations and ideas respecting civilization, government, morality, mental cultivation, which he required me afterwards to restate to him in my own words.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Robert Watson : History of Philip III
'Much of it [ie. ?the daily instruction I received?] consisted in the books I read by myself, and my father?s discourses to me, chiefly during our walks. From 1810 to the end of 1813 we were living in Newington Green, then an almost rustic neighbourhood. My father?s health required considerable and constant exercise, and he walked habitually before breakfast, generally in the green lanes towards Hornsey. In these walks I always accompanied him, and with my earliest recollections of green fields and wild flowers, is mingled that of the account I gave him daily of what I had read the day before. To the best of my remembrance, this was a voluntary rather than a prescribed exercise. I made notes on slips of paper while reading, and from these, in the morning walks, I told the story to him; for the books were chiefly histories, of which I read in this manner a great number: Robertson?s histories, Hume, Gibbon; but my greatest delight, then and for long afterwards, was Watson?s Philip the Second and Third. The heroic defence of the Knights of Malta against the Turks, and of the revolted provinces of the Netherlands against Spain, excited in me an intense and lasting interest. Next to Watson, my favourite historical reading was Hooke?s History of Rome. Of Greece I had seen at that time no regular history, except school abridgments and the last two or three volumes of a translation of Rollin?s Ancient History, beginning with Philip of Macedon. But I read with great delight Langhorne?s translation of Plutarch. In English history, beyond the time at which Hume leaves off, I remember reading Burnett?s History of his Own Time, though I cared little for anything in it except the wars and battles; and the historical part of the Annual Register, from the beginning to about 1788, where the volumes my father borrowed for me from Mr Bentham left off?. In these frequent talks about the books I read, he used, as opportunity offered, to give me explanations and ideas respecting civilization, government, morality, mental cultivation, which he required me afterwards to restate to him in my own words.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
William Robertson : Histories
'Much of it [ie. 'the daily instruction I received'] consisted in the books I read by myself, and my father's discourses to me, chiefly during our walks. From 1810 to the end of 1813 we were living in Newington Green, then an almost rustic neighbourhood. My father's health required considerable and constant exercise, and he walked habitually before breakfast, generally in the green lanes towards Hornsey. In these walks I always accompanied him, and with my earliest recollections of green fields and wild flowers, is mingled that of the account I gave him daily of what I had read the day before. To the best of my remembrance, this was a voluntary rather than a prescribed exercise. I made notes on slips of paper while reading, and from these, in the morning walks, I told the story to him; for the books were chiefly histories, of which I read in this manner a great number: Robertson's histories, Hume, Gibbon; but my greatest delight, then and for long afterwards, was [Robert] Watson's Philip the Second and Third. The heroic defence of the Knights of Malta against the Turks, and of the revolted provinces of the Netherlands against Spain, excited in me an intense and lasting interest. Next to Watson, my favourite historical reading was Hooke's History of Rome. Of Greece I had seen at that time no regular history, except school abridgments and the last two or three volumes of a translation of Rollin's Ancient History, beginning with Philip of Macedon. But I read with great delight Langhorne's translation of Plutarch. In English history, beyond the time at which Hume leaves off, I remember reading Burnett's History of his Own Time, though I cared little for anything in it except the wars and battles; and the historical part of the Annual Register, from the beginning to about 1788, where the volumes my father borrowed for me from Mr Bentham left off. In these frequent talks about the books I read, he used, as opportunity offered, to give me explanations and ideas respecting civilization, government, morality, mental cultivation, which he required me afterwards to restate to him in my own words.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
David Hume : The History of England (presumably)
'Much of it [ie. ?the daily instruction I received?] consisted in the books I read by myself, and my father?s discourses to me, chiefly during our walks. From 1810 to the end of 1813 we were living in Newington Green, then an almost rustic neighbourhood. My father?s health required considerable and constant exercise, and he walked habitually before breakfast, generally in the green lanes towards Hornsey. In these walks I always accompanied him, and with my earliest recollections of green fields and wild flowers, is mingled that of the account I gave him daily of what I had read the day before. To the best of my remembrance, this was a voluntary rather than a prescribed exercise. I made notes on slips of paper while reading, and from these, in the morning walks, I told the story to him; for the books were chiefly histories, of which I read in this manner a great number: Robertson?s histories, Hume, Gibbon; but my greatest delight, then and for long afterwards, was Watson?s Philip the Second and Third. The heroic defence of the Knights of Malta against the Turks, and of the revolted provinces of the Netherlands against Spain, excited in me an intense and lasting interest. Next to Watson, my favourite historical reading was Hooke?s History of Rome. Of Greece I had seen at that time no regular history, except school abridgments and the last two or three volumes of a translation of Rollin?s Ancient History, beginning with Philip of Macedon. But I read with great delight Langhorne?s translation of Plutarch. In English history, beyond the time at which Hume leaves off, I remember reading Burnett?s History of his Own Time, though I cared little for anything in it except the wars and battles; and the historical part of the Annual Register, from the beginning to about 1788, where the volumes my father borrowed for me from Mr Bentham left off?. In these frequent talks about the books I read, he used, as opportunity offered, to give me explanations and ideas respecting civilization, government, morality, mental cultivation, which he required me afterwards to restate to him in my own words.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Nathaniel Hooke : Roman History from the Building of Rome to the Ruin of the Commonwealth
'Much of it [ie. ?the daily instruction I received?] consisted in the books I read by myself, and my father?s discourses to me, chiefly during our walks. From 1810 to the end of 1813 we were living in Newington Green, then an almost rustic neighbourhood. My father?s health required considerable and constant exercise, and he walked habitually before breakfast, generally in the green lanes towards Hornsey. In these walks I always accompanied him, and with my earliest recollections of green fields and wild flowers, is mingled that of the account I gave him daily of what I had read the day before. To the best of my remembrance, this was a voluntary rather than a prescribed exercise. I made notes on slips of paper while reading, and from these, in the morning walks, I told the story to him; for the books were chiefly histories, of which I read in this manner a great number: Robertson?s histories, Hume, Gibbon; but my greatest delight, then and for long afterwards, was Watson?s Philip the Second and Third. The heroic defence of the Knights of Malta against the Turks, and of the revolted provinces of the Netherlands against Spain, excited in me an intense and lasting interest. Next to Watson, my favourite historical reading was Hooke?s History of Rome. Of Greece I had seen at that time no regular history, except school abridgments and the last two or three volumes of a translation of Rollin?s Ancient History, beginning with Philip of Macedon. But I read with great delight Langhorne?s translation of Plutarch. In English history, beyond the time at which Hume leaves off, I remember reading Burnett?s History of his Own Time, though I cared little for anything in it except the wars and battles; and the historical part of the Annual Register, from the beginning to about 1788, where the volumes my father borrowed for me from Mr Bentham left off?. In these frequent talks about the books I read, he used, as opportunity offered, to give me explanations and ideas respecting civilization, government, morality, mental cultivation, which he required me afterwards to restate to him in my own words.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Charles Rollin : Ancient History
'Much of it [ie. ?the daily instruction I received?] consisted in the books I read by myself, and my father?s discourses to me, chiefly during our walks. From 1810 to the end of 1813 we were living in Newington Green, then an almost rustic neighbourhood. My father?s health required considerable and constant exercise, and he walked habitually before breakfast, generally in the green lanes towards Hornsey. In these walks I always accompanied him, and with my earliest recollections of green fields and wild flowers, is mingled that of the account I gave him daily of what I had read the day before. To the best of my remembrance, this was a voluntary rather than a prescribed exercise. I made notes on slips of paper while reading, and from these, in the morning walks, I told the story to him; for the books were chiefly histories, of which I read in this manner a great number: Robertson?s histories, Hume, Gibbon; but my greatest delight, then and for long afterwards, was Watson?s Philip the Second and Third. The heroic defence of the Knights of Malta against the Turks, and of the revolted provinces of the Netherlands against Spain, excited in me an intense and lasting interest. Next to Watson, my favourite historical reading was Hooke?s History of Rome. Of Greece I had seen at that time no regular history, except school abridgments and the last two or three volumes of a translation of Rollin?s Ancient History, beginning with Philip of Macedon. But I read with great delight Langhorne?s translation of Plutarch. In English history, beyond the time at which Hume leaves off, I remember reading Burnett?s History of his Own Time, though I cared little for anything in it except the wars and battles; and the historical part of the Annual Register, from the beginning to about 1788, where the volumes my father borrowed for me from Mr Bentham left off?. In these frequent talks about the books I read, he used, as opportunity offered, to give me explanations and ideas respecting civilization, government, morality, mental cultivation, which he required me afterwards to restate to him in my own words.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Plutarch : Lives
'Much of it [ie. ?the daily instruction I received?] consisted in the books I read by myself, and my father?s discourses to me, chiefly during our walks. From 1810 to the end of 1813 we were living in Newington Green, then an almost rustic neighbourhood. My father?s health required considerable and constant exercise, and he walked habitually before breakfast, generally in the green lanes towards Hornsey. In these walks I always accompanied him, and with my earliest recollections of green fields and wild flowers, is mingled that of the account I gave him daily of what I had read the day before. To the best of my remembrance, this was a voluntary rather than a prescribed exercise. I made notes on slips of paper while reading, and from these, in the morning walks, I told the story to him; for the books were chiefly histories, of which I read in this manner a great number: Robertson?s histories, Hume, Gibbon; but my greatest delight, then and for long afterwards, was Watson?s Philip the Second and Third. The heroic defence of the Knights of Malta against the Turks, and of the revolted provinces of the Netherlands against Spain, excited in me an intense and lasting interest. Next to Watson, my favourite historical reading was Hooke?s History of Rome. Of Greece I had seen at that time no regular history, except school abridgments and the last two or three volumes of a translation of Rollin?s Ancient History, beginning with Philip of Macedon. But I read with great delight Langhorne?s translation of Plutarch. In English history, beyond the time at which Hume leaves off, I remember reading Burnett?s History of his Own Time, though I cared little for anything in it except the wars and battles; and the historical part of the Annual Register, from the beginning to about 1788, where the volumes my father borrowed for me from Mr Bentham left off?. In these frequent talks about the books I read, he used, as opportunity offered, to give me explanations and ideas respecting civilization, government, morality, mental cultivation, which he required me afterwards to restate to him in my own words.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Herodotus : Histories
'At that time [my eighth year] I had read, under my father?s tuition, a number of Greek prose authors, among whom I remember the whole of Herodotus, and of Xenophon?s Ceropaedia and Memorials of Socrates; some of the lives of the philosophers by Diogenes Laertius; part of Lucian, and Isocrates ad Demonicum and ad Nicoclem.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Isocrates : Ad Nicoclem
'At that time [my eighth year] I had read, under my father?s tuition, a number of Greek prose authors, among whom I remember the whole of Herodotus, and of Xenophon?s Ceropaedia and Memorials of Socrates; some of the lives of the philosophers by Diogenes Laertius; part of Lucian, and Isocrates ad Demonicum and ad Nicoclem.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Isocrates : Ad Demonicum
'At that time [my eighth year] I had read, under my father?s tuition, a number of Greek prose authors, among whom I remember the whole of Herodotus, and of Xenophon?s Ceropaedia and Memorials of Socrates; some of the lives of the philosophers by Diogenes Laertius; part of Lucian, and Isocrates ad Demonicum and ad Nicoclem.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Lucian :
'At that time [my eighth year] I had read, under my father?s tuition, a number of Greek prose authors, among whom I remember the whole of Herodotus, and of Xenophon?s Ceropaedia and Memorials of Socrates; some of the lives of the philosophers by Diogenes Laertius; part of Lucian, and Isocrates ad Demonicum and ad Nicoclem.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Xenophon : Cyropaedia
'At that time [my eighth year] I had read, under my father?s tuition, a number of Greek prose authors, among whom I remember the whole of Herodotus, and of Xenophon?s Ceropaedia and Memorials of Socrates; some of the lives of the philosophers by Diogenes Laertius; part of Lucian, and Isocrates ad Demonicum and ad Nicoclem.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Xenophon : Memorials of Socrates
'At that time [my eighth year] I had read, under my father?s tuition, a number of Greek prose authors, among whom I remember the whole of Herodotus, and of Xenophon?s Ceropaedia and Memorials of Socrates; some of the lives of the philosophers by Diogenes Laertius; part of Lucian, and Isocrates ad Demonicum and ad Nicoclem.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Xenophon : The Anabasis
'I faintly remember going through Aesop?s Fables, the first Greek book which I read. The Anabasis, which I remember better, was the second.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Plato : Euthyphro
'I also read, in 1813, the first six dialogues (in the common arrangement) of Plato, from the Euthyphron to the Theaetetus inclusive: which last dialogue, I venture to think, would have been better omitted, as it was totally impossible I should understand it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Plato : Theaetetus
'I also read, in 1813, the first six dialogues (in the common arrangement) of Plato, from the Euthyphron to the Theaetetus inclusive: which last dialogue, I venture to think, would have been better omitted, as it was totally impossible I should understand it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Plato : dialogues
'I also read, in 1813, the first six dialogues (in the common arrangement) of Plato, from the Euthyphron to the Theaetetus inclusive: which last dialogue, I venture to think, would have been better omitted, as it was totally impossible I should understand it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
John Millar : Historical View of the English Government
'He [?my father?] also made me read, and give him a verbal account of, many books which would not have interested me sufficiently to induce me to read them of myself: among others, Millar?s Historical View of the English Government, a book of great merit for its time, and which he highly valued; Mosheim?s Ecclesiastical History, McCrie?s Life of John Knox, and even Sewell?s and Rutty?s Histories of the Quakers.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
John Rutty : History of the Rise and Progress of the People called Quakers in Ireland
'He [?my father?] also made me read, and give him a verbal account of, many books which would not have interested me sufficiently to induce me to read them of myself: among others, Millar?s Historical View of the English Government, a book of great merit for its time, and which he highly valued; Mosheim?s Ecclesiastical History, McCrie?s Life of John Knox, and even Sewell?s and Rutty?s Histories of the Quakers.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
William Sewell : The History of the Rise, Increase, and Progress, of the Christian People Called Quakers
'He [?my father?] also made me read, and give him a verbal account of, many books which would not have interested me sufficiently to induce me to read them of myself: among others, Millar?s Historical View of the English Government, a book of great merit for its time, and which he highly valued; Mosheim?s Ecclesiastical History, McCrie?s Life of John Knox, and even Sewell?s and Rutty?s Histories of the Quakers.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Johann Lorenz von Mosheim : An Ecclesiastical History, Ancient and Modern, from the Birth of Christ, to the Beginning of the Present Century
'He [?my father?] also made me read, and give him a verbal account of, many books which would not have interested me sufficiently to induce me to read them of myself: among others, Millar?s Historical View of the English Government, a book of great merit for its time, and which he highly valued; Mosheim?s Ecclesiastical History, McCrie?s Life of John Knox, and even Sewell?s and Rutty?s Histories of the Quakers.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Thomas McCrie : Life of John Knox
'He [?my father?] also made me read, and give him a verbal account of, many books which would not have interested me sufficiently to induce me to read them of myself: among others, Millar?s Historical View of the English Government, a book of great merit for its time, and which he highly valued; Mosheim?s Ecclesiastical History, McCrie?s Life of John Knox, and even Sewell?s and Rutty?s Histories of the Quakers.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Ralph Waldo Emerson : unknown
'The house was behind the post office and below the town library, and in a few years not even the joys of guddling, girning and angling matched the boy's pleasure in Emerson, Hawthorne, Ambrose Pierce, Sidney Lanier and Mark Twain. Day after day... he carried a large washing basket up the stairs to fill it with books, choosing from upwards of twelve thousand volumes, then downstairs to sit for hours in corners absorbed in mental worlds beyond the narrow limits of Langholm.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Grieve Print: Book
Nathaniel Hawthorne : unknown
'The house was behind the post office and below the town library, and in a few years not even the joys of guddling, girning and angling matched the boy's pleasure in Emerson, Hawthorne, Ambrose Pierce, Sidney Lanier and Mark Twain. Day after day... he carried a large washing basket up the stairs to fill it with books, choosing from upwards of twelve thousand volumes, then downstairs to sit for hours in corners absorbed in mental worlds beyond the narrow limits of Langholm.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Grieve Print: Book
Ambrose Bierce : unknown
'The house was behind the post office and below the town library, and in a few years not even the joys of guddling, girning and angling matched the boy's pleasure in Emerson, Hawthorne, Ambrose Bierce, Sidney Lanier and Mark Twain. Day after day... he carried a large washing basket up the stairs to fill it with books, choosing from upwards of twelve thousand volumes, then downstairs to sit for hours in corners absorbed in mental worlds beyond the narrow limits of Langholm.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Grieve Print: Book
Sidney Lanier : unknown
'The house was behind the post office and below the town library, and in a few years not even the joys of guddling, girning and angling matched the boy's pleasure in Emerson, Hawthorne, Ambrose Bierce, Sidney Lanier and Mark Twain. Day after day... he carried a large washing basket up the stairs to fill it with books, choosing from upwards of twelve thousand volumes, then downstairs to sit for hours in corners absorbed in mental worlds beyond the narrow limits of Langholm.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Grieve Print: Book
Mark Twain : unknown
'The house was behind the post office and below the town library, and in a few years not even the joys of guddling, girning and angling matched the boy's pleasure in Emerson, Hawthorne, Ambrose Bierce, Sidney Lanier and Mark Twain. Day after day... he carried a large washing basket up the stairs to fill it with books, choosing from upwards of twelve thousand volumes, then downstairs to sit for hours in corners absorbed in mental worlds beyond the narrow limits of Langholm.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Grieve Print: Book
[unknown] : The Grave
'It was in this state of feeling that I first got hold of a little volume called "The Wreath", containing a collection of poems by various authors. Among these pieces was "The Grave", which soon commended itself to my hearty and unqualified approbation...Besides this poem the volume contained "The Minstrel", of which I venture to say that I consider it to be of almost unequalled beauty and interest... There was here yet another poem which arrested my attention as fully as much as did "The Grave" or "The Minstrel". This was entitled "Death" - a prize winning poem written by that eminently good man Dr Porteus...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[unknown] : The Minstrel
'It was in this state of feeling that I first got hold of a little volume called "The Wreath", containing a collection of poems by various authors. Among these pieces was "The Grave", which soon commended itself to my hearty and unqualified approbation...Besides this poem the volume contained "The Minstrel", of which I venture to say that I consider it to be of almost unequalled beauty and interest... There was here yet another poem which arrested my attention as fully as much as did "The Grave" or "The Minstrel". This was entitled "Death" - a prize winning poem written by that eminently good man Dr Porteus...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Dr Porteus : Death
'It was in this state of feeling that I first got hold of a little volume called "The Wreath", containing a collection of poems by various authors. Among these pieces was "The Grave", which soon commended itself to my hearty and unqualified approbation...Besides this poem the volume contained "The Minstrel", of which I venture to say that I consider it to be of almost unequalled beauty and interest... There was here yet another poem which arrested my attention as fully as much as did "The Grave" or "The Minstrel". This was entitled "Death" - a prize winning poem written by that eminently good man Dr Porteus...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Joseph Addison : [poems]
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : [poems]
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Thomas Gray : [poems]
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[John] Collins : [poems]
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
William Falconer : [poems]
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
John Pomfret : [poems]
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Mark Akenside : [poems]
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Elizabeth Rowe : [poems]
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
John Gay : Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
John Gay : [burlesque 'pastorals']
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
John Gay : The Village Curate
'It was at this time that I read the remaining seven volumes of the "Spectator"; to which I added the "Rambler", the "Tatler", and some others of the "British Essayists". I also read the poetical works of Milton, Addison, Goldsmith, Gray, Collins, Falconer, Pomfret, Akenside, Mrs. Rowe, with others which I cannot now clearly call to mind. I remember, however, to have read Gay's poems. These gave me more than usual satisfaction. I was much amused with his "Trivia, or the Art of Walking London Streets" but I was especially pleased with his admirably burlesque "pastorals". These just squared with my humour, for I had then, as I have ever had, an utter dislike to the sickening stuff that is called the pastoral poetry...I must not omit to mention the pleasure I derived from reading a poem called "The Village Curate", which, I think, has fallen into unmerited oblivion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
[n/a] : [daily newspapers]
'... I did this [looking over the newspaper], as usual, while I took my breakfast, which meal I now procured at a coffee shop in Bear-Street, Leicester-Square. Here I found the additional accommodation of magazines and reviews: for reading the current numbers of which the proprietor made an extra charge of sixpence per month. This charge I was glad to pay, for the sake of reading the "Edinburgh" and "Monthly" Reviews, together with the "Edinburgh", the "European", and the "Monthly" Magazines. 'These, however, I read in the evening, while I took my supper; for I learned to drink coffee at that meal as well as at breakfast time. In addition to the daily newspapers, I also saw here the "Examiner", the "Black Dwarf" and, I think, some other weekly journals.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Newspaper
Thomas Campbell : Letters from Algiers
'He also again freely supplied me with the loan of books. At this time he lent me several volumes of the "New Monthly Magazine", among the very many interesting articles in which I was especially pleased with the "Letters from Algiers", written by Mr. Thomas Campbell, the eminent poet'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Serial / periodical
Philip Massinger : The Duke of Milan
Mary Berry, Journal, 3 September 1808: 'In the evening Mr. Morritt read to us one of Massinger's plays ("The Duke of Milan").'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John B. S. Morritt Print: Book
Philip Massinger : The Duke of Milan
Mary Berry, Journal, 5 September 1808: 'In the evening Mr. Morritt continued reading the "Duke of Milan." He reads very well, and Massinger is not easy to read.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John B. S. Morritt Print: Book
Philip Massinger : The Fatal Dowry
Mary Berry, Journal, 6 September 1808: 'In the evening Mr. Morritt began reading another of Massinger's plays [having finished "The Duke of Milan"], the "Fatal Dowry," from which Rowe has taken the story of "The Fair Penitent." The characters of the father and the husband in "The Fatal Dowry" are more interesting than in "The Fair Penitent;" but the events and catastrophes are badly drawn, and the wife detestable.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John B. S. Morritt Print: Book
Mary Berry : Preface to edition of Letters of Madame du Deffand
Mary Berry, Journal, 31 March 1810: 'Mr Sydney Smith with me in the morning, looking critically over my Preface [to her edition of the Letters of Madame du Deffand] and Life [of Madame du Deffand]. Much mended by his observations, upon which I am to work, and I set to it as soon as he was gone.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: The Rev. Sydney Smith Manuscript: Unknown
Mary Berry : Life of Madame du Deffand
Mary Berry, Journal, 31 March 1810: 'Mr Sydney Smith with me in the morning, looking critically over my Preface [to her edition of the Letters of Madame du Deffand] and Life [of Madame du Deffand]. Much mended by his observations, upon which I am to work, and I set to it as soon as he was gone.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: The Rev. Sydney Smith Manuscript: Unknown
unknown : [books of engravings]
Mary Berry, Journal, 25 August 1810, on visit of the Princess of Wales to Strawberry Hill: 'The Princess was very lively, though the company was certainly not very amusing for her. She remained long at table, then walked and sat in the garden, and afterwards looked at some books of engravings; and was sufficiently amused to remain till twelve o'clock'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Caroline Amelia Elizabeth of Brunswick-Wolfenb?ttel Princess of Wales Print: Book
William Godwin : Things as the are, or, the Adventures of Caleb Williams
'Finish Caleb Williams - read to Jane.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
Voltaire : Memoirs of the life of Voltaire written by himself
'In the evening read memoirs of Voltaire.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
Voltaire : Zadigi ou la destinee
'Read Zadig.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
Victor Alfieri : Memoirs of the life & writings of Victor Alfieri...written by himself
'Read the life of Alfieri.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
Victor Alfieri : Memoirs of the life & writings of Victor Alfieri...written by himself
'Finish the life of Alfieri'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
Jean Baptiste Louvet de Couvray : Narrative of the dangers to which I have been exposed, since the 31st of May 1793
'Read Louvets memoires'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
unknown : unknown
'Read aloud to Jane.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Unknown
unknown : unknown
'Read all evening.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Unknown
unknown : unknown
'Read aloud to Jane in the evening.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Unknown
unknown : unknown
'Read I don't know what.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Unknown
David Hume : [Essays]
?While in this state I read the "Letters" of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, and some of Dr Beattie?s and Mr Hume?s ?Essays?, together with part of Dr Beattie?s ?Essay on Truth?.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carter Print: Book
Homer : Iliad
'After reading Pope's "Illiad", the sixteen-year-old Burney confided in her journal that "I was never so charm'd with a poem in my life".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot
'In a 1735 letter to Lady Hertford, [Elizabeth Singer] Rowe observes that the "Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot" "Seems to be writ with a malice more than human, and has surely something infernal in it. It is surprising, that a man can divest himself of the tender sentiments of nature so far, as deliberately to give anguish and confusion to beings of his own kind".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Singer Rowe Print: Unknown
Tobias Smollett : Complete History of England
'At ten the poor infant was reading Smollett's History... She summed up her impression with scornful lucidity: "There seem to have been more weak kings than wise ones".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
Thomas Campbell : [poetry]
'there was always poetry. Campbell, just then at the top of his short-lived vogue; Ossian, the unreadable of to-day; Milton - and with the New Year of 1812 a Captain Boothby (met during the London season) as a visitor with whom to read the last, but not the other two. For he did not admire Campbell or Ossian; and indeed seems to have been a person of delicate discriminations, though not advanced in thought. They were reading "Paradise Lost"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
Ossian (pseud.) : [poetry]
'there was always poetry. Campbell, just then at the top of his short-lived vogue; Ossian, the unreadable of to-day; Milton - and with the New Year of 1812 a Captain Boothby (met during the London season) as a visitor with whom to read the last, but not the other two. For he did not admire Campbell or Ossian; and indeed seems to have been a person of delicate discriminations, though not advanced in thought. They were reading "Paradise Lost"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
Homer : Iliad
'Annabella was now reading Cowper's "Iliad" and annotating evey second line; she was studying Alfieri with the family-solicitor's daughter; for relaxation condescending to "Evelina". In "Evelina" she was disappointed, like a good many more of its readers - more perhaps than make the confession. There was study of Southey, Wordsworth, and Coleridge as well, for everyone was reading them... Annabella waded through "Madoc". She found some passages wearisome but was convinced that Southey would one day be ranked high "among the ancient poets".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
Vittorio Alfieri : [unknown]
'Annabella was now reading Cowper's "Iliad" and annotating evey second line; she was studying Alfieri with the family-solicitor's daughter; for relaxation condescending to "Evelina". In "Evelina" she was disappointed, like a good many more of its readers - more perhaps than make the confession. There was study of Southey, Wordsworth, and Coleridge as well, for everyone was reading them... Annabella waded through "Madoc". She found some passages wearisome but was convinced that Southey would one day be ranked high "among the ancient poets".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
Frances Burney : Evelina
'Annabella was now reading Cowper's "Iliad" and annotating evey second line; she was studying Alfieri with the family-solicitor's daughter; for relaxation condescending to "Evelina". In "Evelina" she was disappointed, like a good many more of its readers - more perhaps than make the confession. There was study of Southey, Wordsworth, and Coleridge as well, for everyone was reading them... Annabella waded through "Madoc". She found some passages wearisome but was convinced that Southey would one day be ranked high "among the ancient poets".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
William Wordsworth : [unknown]
'Annabella was now reading Cowper's "Iliad" and annotating evey second line; she was studying Alfieri with the family-solicitor's daughter; for relaxation condescending to "Evelina". In "Evelina" she was disappointed, like a good many more of its readers - more perhaps than make the confession. There was study of Southey, Wordsworth, and Coleridge as well, for everyone was reading them... Annabella waded through "Madoc". She found some passages wearisome but was convinced that Southey would one day be ranked high "among the ancient poets".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : [unknown]
'Annabella was now reading Cowper's "Iliad" and annotating evey second line; she was studying Alfieri with the family-solicitor's daughter; for relaxation condescending to "Evelina". In "Evelina" she was disappointed, like a good many more of its readers - more perhaps than make the confession. There was study of Southey, Wordsworth, and Coleridge as well, for everyone was reading them... Annabella waded through "Madoc". She found some passages wearisome but was convinced that Southey would one day be ranked high "among the ancient poets".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
Robert Southey : Madoc
'Annabella was now reading Cowper's "Iliad" and annotating evey second line; she was studying Alfieri with the family-solicitor's daughter; for relaxation condescending to "Evelina". In "Evelina" she was disappointed, like a good many more of its readers - more perhaps than make the confession. There was study of Southey, Wordsworth, and Coleridge as well, for everyone was reading them... Annabella waded through "Madoc". She found some passages wearisome but was convinced that Southey would one day be ranked high "among the ancient poets".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth : [unknown]
'She read enormously, finding time and energy we wonder how. A list of her books makes the unregenerate blood run cold, though she did include some novels - Miss Edgeworth's and Beckford's sensation-making "Vathek", in which she detected the source of some passages in the Book of the Season, Lord Byron's "Childe Harold". "Childe Harold's" only rival in her poetic reading was "The Faerie Queene". That was a reckless undertaking for the height of the London season; she may not, like so many of us, have quite finished "The Faerie Queene".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
William Beckford : Vathek
'She read enormously, finding time and energy we wonder how. A list of her books makes the unregenerate blood run cold, though she did include some novels - Miss Edgeworth's and Beckford's sensation-making "Vathek", in which she detected the source of some passages in the Book of the Season, Lord Byron's "Childe Harold". "Childe Harold's" only rival in her poetic reading was "The Faerie Queene". That was a reckless undertaking for the height of the London season; she may not, like so many of us, have quite finished "The Faerie Queene".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Childe Harold's Pilgrimage
'She read enormously, finding time and energy we wonder how. A list of her books makes the unregenerate blood run cold, though she did include some novels - Miss Edgeworth's and Beckford's sensation-making "Vathek", in which she detected the source of some passages in the Book of the Season, Lord Byron's "Childe Harold". "Childe Harold's" only rival in her poetic reading was "The Faerie Queene". That was a reckless undertaking for the height of the London season; she may not, like so many of us, have quite finished "The Faerie Queene".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : The Faerie Queene
'She read enormously, finding time and energy we wonder how. A list of her books makes the unregenerate blood run cold, though she did include some novels - Miss Edgeworth's and Beckford's sensation-making "Vathek", in which she detected the source of some passages in the Book of the Season, Lord Byron's "Childe Harold". "Childe Harold's" only rival in her poetic reading was "The Faerie Queene". That was a reckless undertaking for the height of the London season; she may not, like so many of us, have quite finished "The Faerie Queene".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'She read a great deal, among her books being one called "Pride and Prejudice", "Which is at present the fashionable novel. It is written by a sister of Charlotte Smith's and contains more strength of character than other productions of this kind".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
J.C. de Sismondi : history of the Italian republics;: Being a view of the origin, progress, and fall of Italian freedom, A
'she asked [Byron] to recommend her some books of modern history. At present she was reading Sismondi's "Italian Republics". And she had read "Lara". Shakespeare alone possessed the same power as Byron had there displayed'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Lara
'she asked [Byron] to recommend her some books of modern history. At present she was reading Sismondi's "Italian Republics". And she had read "Lara". Shakespeare alone possessed the same power as Byron had there displayed'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke Print: Book
John Dryden : Don Sebastian
'she was reading Dryden's "Don Sebastian", which treats of incest, and happened to ask Byron a question. He said angrily: "Where did you hear that?". "I looked up and saw that he was holding over me a dagger which he usually wore. I replied, "Oh, only from this book". I was not afraid - I as persuaded he only did it to terrify me".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella), Baroness Byron Print: Book
Walter Scott : Lord of the Isles
'they read books together and discussed them; Scott's "Lord of the Isles" was sent to Byron by Murray. It they did not only discuss, for he pointed out to her, "with a miserable smile", the description of the wayward bridegroom'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella), Baroness Byron Print: Book
Leigh Hunt : Rimini
'she was reading Leigh Hunt's "Rimini", and copied a passage of twenty lines on the character of Giovanni - evidently because it was to her as a portrait of another difficult husband: "He kept no reckoning with his sweets and sours / He'd hold a sullen countenance for hours, / And then if pleased to cheer himself a space, / Look for immediate rapture in your face..."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella), Baroness Byron Print: Unknown
Jane Austen : Northanger Abbey
'Annabella could read the new novels, "Northanger Abbey" and "Persuasion" (recommended by Augusta, and contrast that kind of real life with the kind she had learned to know better)'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella), Baroness Byron Print: Book
Jane Austen : Persuasion
'Annabella could read the new novels, "Northanger Abbey" and "Persuasion" (recommended by Augusta, and contrast that kind of real life with the kind she had learned to know better)'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella), Baroness Byron Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Don Juan
'Early in July appeared the first part of "Don Juan". "The impression was not so disagreeable as I expected", wrote Annabella. "In the first place I am very much relieved to find that there is not anything which I can be expected to notice... I do not feel inclined to continue the perusal. It is always a task to me now to read his works, in which, through all the levity, I discern enough to awake very painful feelings".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella), Baroness Byron Print: Serial / periodical
George Gordon, Lord Byron : The Giaour
'Early in 1831 there is the following entry in a diary: "Read to Ada the beautiful lines on Greece in 'The Giaour', the 'Fare thee well', and the 'Satire'. With the first she was highly pleased, from its efusion-of-feeling character; the 2nd she thought laboured and inferior in pathos; the 3rd very amusing though very unlike the person".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella), Baroness Byron Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Fare Thee Well
'Early in 1831 there is the following entry in a diary: "Read to Ada the beautiful lines on Greece in 'The Giaour', the 'Fare thee well', and the 'Satire'. With the first she was highly pleased, from its efusion-of-feeling character; the 2nd she thought laboured and inferior in pathos; the 3rd very amusing though very unlike the person".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella), Baroness Byron Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : [a Satire - on Annabella?]
'Early in 1831 there is the following entry in a diary: "Read to Ada the beautiful lines on Greece in 'The Giaour', the 'Fare thee well', and the 'Satire'. With the first she was highly pleased, from its efusion-of-feeling character; the 2nd she thought laboured and inferior in pathos; the 3rd very amusing though very unlike the person".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella), Baroness Byron Print: Book
Harriet Martineau : Five Years of Youth: or, Sense and Sentiment
'[Annabella] had been reading Harriet Martineau's "Five Years of Youth", and wrote to a friend: "it is very good - chiefly directed against Romance, and therefore not necessary for Ada".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella), Baroness Byron Print: Book
George Macdonald : Within and Without
'It was through the reading of his narrative poem, "Within and Without" (published in 1855, but written a few years earlier), that their acquaintance began. She wrote to him of her admiration, and soon afterwards they met'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella (Annabella), Baroness Byron Print: Book
[anon.] : Thousand Nights and One Night, The
'By the age of ten he had gone through E.W. Lane's three-volume translation of "The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night", Scott's Waverley novels, Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass", the adventure stories of Captain Marryat, everything of Harrison Ainsworth, and other, now forgotten, works'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Lewis Carroll (pseud.) : Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
'By the age of ten he had gone through E.W. Lane's three-volume translation of "The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night", Scott's Waverley novels, Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass", the adventure stories of Captain Marryat, everything of Harrison Ainsworth, and other, now forgotten, works'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Lewis Carroll (pseud.) : Alice Through the Looking Glass
'By the age of ten he had gone through E.W. Lane's three-volume translation of "The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night", Scott's Waverley novels, Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass", the adventure stories of Captain Marryat, everything of Harrison Ainsworth, and other, now forgotten, works'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Walter Scott : [Waverley novels]
'By the age of ten he had gone through E.W. Lane's three-volume translation of "The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night", Scott's Waverley novels, Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass", the adventure stories of Captain Marryat, everything of Harrison Ainsworth, and other, now forgotten, works'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Frederick Marryat : [unknown]
'By the age of ten he had gone through E.W. Lane's three-volume translation of "The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night", Scott's Waverley novels, Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass", the adventure stories of Captain Marryat, everything of Harrison Ainsworth, and other, now forgotten, works'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Somerset Maugham Print: Book
William Harrison Ainsworth : [works]
'By the age of ten he had gone through E.W. Lane's three-volume translation of "The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night", Scott's Waverley novels, Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass", the adventure stories of Captain Marryat, everything of Harrison Ainsworth, and other, now forgotten, works'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: William Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Madame de Cottin : Amelie de Mansfeldt
Mary Berry, Journal, 28 May 1812: 'In the evening the Princess [?of Wales] read to us "Amelie de Mansfeldt."'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Caroline of Brunswick-Wolfenb?ttel Princess of Wales
Madame de Cottin : Amelie de Mansfeldt
Mary Berry, Journal, 29 May 1812: '[Princess Charlotte] left between nine and ten o'clock [pm]. The Princess [?of Wales] then continued reading "Amelie de Mansfeldt."'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Caroline of Brunswick-Wolfenb?ttel Princess of Wales
Thomas Campbell : First discourse upon Poetry
Mary Berry, Journal, 26 June 1812: 'We dined with the Princess [of Wales] at Kensington. The company: Lady C. Lindsay, Lady C. Campbell, Mr. Lewis, Sir H. and Lady Davy, Sir J. Mackintosh, Sir H. Englefield, Mrs. and Miss Pole, Lord Glenbervie and Campbell the poet, who was to read his first discourse upon Poetry, which he had delivered at the Institution; he did so during that evening with very good effect [...] Poor Lewis was in a very bad humour, and did not know where to hide his head during the reading, so he pretended to be sleeping.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Campbell
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Read all evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
[unknown] : [Greek Grammar]
'Read in the greek grammar'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Read and work in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Read in the morning and work'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
[unknown] : [Greek Grammar]
'Read in the Greek grammar'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
[unknown] : [Greek Grammar]
'Read a little in the Greek grammar'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
William Godwin : St. Leon; a tale of the sixteenth century
'Read a part of St Leon'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Work and read in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
Petronius : Satyricon
'Read a little of Petronius - a most detestable book'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
Jean-Baptiste Louvet de Couvray : Narrative of the dangers to which I have been exposed, since the 31st of May 1793
'In the evening read Louvet's memoirs'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
Jean-Baptiste Louvet de Couvray : Narrative of the dangers to which I have been exposed, since the 31st of May 1793
'Read Louvet's memoirs all day'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
Jean-Baptiste Louvet de Couvray : Narrative of the dangers to which I have been exposed, since the 31st of May 1793
'Finish Louvet's memoirs'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Write and read'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
John Adolphus : Biographical Memoirs of the French Revolution
'S reads aloud to us in the evening out of Adolphus's "Lives"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Charles Brockden Brown : Edgar Huntley; or, the Sleep-walker
'Shelley reads Edgar Huntley to us'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francois de La Rochefoucauld : Maximes
'Absorbed as always in books, Willie read seriously in both French and German literature. His favourites in French were the "Maximes" of La Rochefoucauld, "La Princesse de Cleves" (which inspired his play "Caesar's Wife"), the tragedies of Racine, the novels of Voltaire, Stendhal's "Le Rouge et le Noir" and "La Chartreuse de Parme", Balzac's "Pere Goriot", Flaubert's "Madame Bovary", the works of Anatole France, the exotic tales of Pierre Loti and the well-crafted stories of Maupassant'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Somerset Maugham Print: Book
anon. : La Princesse de Cleves
'Absorbed as always in books, Willie read seriously in both French and German literature. His favourites in French were the "Maximes" of La Rochefoucauld, "La Princesse de Cleves" (which inspired his play "Caesar's Wife"), the tragedies of Racine, the novels of Voltaire, Stendhal's "Le Rouge et le Noir" and "La Chartreuse de Parme", Balzac's "Pere Goriot", Flaubert's "Madame Bovary", the works of Anatole France, the exotic tales of Pierre Loti and the well-crafted stories of Maupassant'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Jean anon. : [tragedies]
'Absorbed as always in books, Willie read seriously in both French and German literature. His favourites in French were the "Maximes" of La Rochefoucauld, "La Princesse de Cleves" (which inspired his play "Caesar's Wife"), the tragedies of Racine, the novels of Voltaire, Stendhal's "Le Rouge et le Noir" and "La Chartreuse de Parme", Balzac's "Pere Goriot", Flaubert's "Madame Bovary", the works of Anatole France, the exotic tales of Pierre Loti and the well-crafted stories of Maupassant'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Voltaire (pseud.) : [novels]
'Absorbed as always in books, Willie read seriously in both French and German literature. His favourites in French were the "Maximes" of La Rochefoucauld, "La Princesse de Cleves" (which inspired his play "Caesar's Wife"), the tragedies of Racine, the novels of Voltaire, Stendhal's "Le Rouge et le Noir" and "La Chartreuse de Parme", Balzac's "Pere Goriot", Flaubert's "Madame Bovary", the works of Anatole France, the exotic tales of Pierre Loti and the well-crafted stories of Maupassant'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Stendhal (pseud.) : Le Rouge et le Noir
'Absorbed as always in books, Willie read seriously in both French and German literature. His favourites in French were the "Maximes" of La Rochefoucauld, "La Princesse de Cleves" (which inspired his play "Caesar's Wife"), the tragedies of Racine, the novels of Voltaire, Stendhal's "Le Rouge et le Noir" and "La Chartreuse de Parme", Balzac's "Pere Goriot", Flaubert's "Madame Bovary", the works of Anatole France, the exotic tales of Pierre Loti and the well-crafted stories of Maupassant'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Stendhal (pseud.) : La Chartreuse de Parme
'Absorbed as always in books, Willie read seriously in both French and German literature. His favourites in French were the "Maximes" of La Rochefoucauld, "La Princesse de Cleves" (which inspired his play "Caesar's Wife"), the tragedies of Racine, the novels of Voltaire, Stendhal's "Le Rouge et le Noir" and "La Chartreuse de Parme", Balzac's "Pere Goriot", Flaubert's "Madame Bovary", the works of Anatole France, the exotic tales of Pierre Loti and the well-crafted stories of Maupassant'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Honore de Balzac : Pere Goriot
'Absorbed as always in books, Willie read seriously in both French and German literature. His favourites in French were the "Maximes" of La Rochefoucauld, "La Princesse de Cleves" (which inspired his play "Caesar's Wife"), the tragedies of Racine, the novels of Voltaire, Stendhal's "Le Rouge et le Noir" and "La Chartreuse de Parme", Balzac's "Pere Goriot", Flaubert's "Madame Bovary", the works of Anatole France, the exotic tales of Pierre Loti and the well-crafted stories of Maupassant'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Gustave Flaubert : Madame Bovary
'Absorbed as always in books, Willie read seriously in both French and German literature. His favourites in French were the "Maximes" of La Rochefoucauld, "La Princesse de Cleves" (which inspired his play "Caesar's Wife"), the tragedies of Racine, the novels of Voltaire, Stendhal's "Le Rouge et le Noir" and "La Chartreuse de Parme", Balzac's "Pere Goriot", Flaubert's "Madame Bovary", the works of Anatole France, the exotic tales of Pierre Loti and the well-crafted stories of Maupassant'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Anatole France (pseud.) : [unknown]
'Absorbed as always in books, Willie read seriously in both French and German literature. His favourites in French were the "Maximes" of La Rochefoucauld, "La Princesse de Cleves" (which inspired his play "Caesar's Wife"), the tragedies of Racine, the novels of Voltaire, Stendhal's "Le Rouge et le Noir" and "La Chartreuse de Parme", Balzac's "Pere Goriot", Flaubert's "Madame Bovary", the works of Anatole France, the exotic tales of Pierre Loti and the well-crafted stories of Maupassant'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Pierre Loti (pseud.) : [exotic tales]
'Absorbed as always in books, Willie read seriously in both French and German literature. His favourites in French were the "Maximes" of La Rochefoucauld, "La Princesse de Cleves" (which inspired his play "Caesar's Wife"), the tragedies of Racine, the novels of Voltaire, Stendhal's "Le Rouge et le Noir" and "La Chartreuse de Parme", Balzac's "Pere Goriot", Flaubert's "Madame Bovary", the works of Anatole France, the exotic tales of Pierre Loti and the well-crafted stories of Maupassant'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Guy de Maupassant : [tales: short stories]
'Absorbed as always in books, Willie read seriously in both French and German literature. His favourites in French were the "Maximes" of La Rochefoucauld, "La Princesse de Cleves" (which inspired his play "Caesar's Wife"), the tragedies of Racine, the novels of Voltaire, Stendhal's "Le Rouge et le Noir" and "La Chartreuse de Parme", Balzac's "Pere Goriot", Flaubert's "Madame Bovary", the works of Anatole France, the exotic tales of Pierre Loti and the well-crafted stories of Maupassant'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : Faust
'Willie first read Goethe's "Faust" and "Wilhelm Meister" (later the subject of a major essay) in Heidelberg'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre
'Willie first read Goethe's "Faust" and "Wilhelm Meister" (later the subject of a major essay) in Heidelberg'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Somerset Maugham Print: Book
Thomas Campbell : discourse on English poetry and poets
Mary Berry, Journal, 9 March 1814: 'I dined with Madame de Stael; nobody but Campbell the poet, Rocca, and her own daughter [...] After dinner, Campbell read to us a discourse of his upon English poetry and upon some of the great poets. There are always signs of a poet critic and of genius in all he does, often encumbered by too ornate a style.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Campbell
Cicero : Cato Maior de Senectute
'in the evening read Cicero de Senectute & the Paradoxa - Night comes. Jane walks in her sleep & groans horribly. listen for two hours - at length bring her to Mary. Begin Julius Florus and finish the little Vol of Cicero'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Cicero : Paradoxa Stoicorum
'in the evening read Cicero de Senectute & the Paradoxa - Night comes. Jane walks in her sleep & groans horribly. listen for two hours - at length bring her to Mary. Begin Julius Florus and finish the little Vol of Cicero'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Julius (Or Lucus Annaeus) Florus : [possibly] Epitome bellorum omnium annorum
'in the evening read Cicero de Senectute & the Paradoxa - Night comes. Jane walks in her sleep & groans horribly. listen for two hours - at length bring her to Mary. Begin Julius Florus and finish the little Vol of Cicero'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Germaine de Stael : L'Allemagne (vol.3)
Sir Uvedale Price to Mary Berry, 29 March 1814: 'Since I wrote to you last, I have read "L'Allemagne," not in the usual way of reading, [italics]car je ne commencais pas, par le commencement[end italics]. My neighbour Peploe, who has read it, called upon me just as I had received it. He told me the first volume was highly entertaining; the second less so [...] the third very abstruse [...] He liked, however, particular parts [...] He told me, at the same time, that the subject of the third volume was distinct from those of the other two, being entirely on German philosophy. Upon this information, Lady Caroline [Carpenter] and my daughter having eagerly seized on the first volume, I began with the third, in which I found so many new and striking thoughts and reflections that, in order to recollect and dwell upon them again, I marked them as I went on'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Uvedale Price Print: Book
Germaine de Stael : L'Allemagne (vols 1-3)
Sir Uvedale Price to Mary Berry, 29 March 1814: 'Since I wrote to you last, I have read "L'Allemagne," not in the usual way of reading, [italics]car je ne commencais pas, par le commencement[end italics]. My neighbour Peploe, who has read it, called upon me just as I had received it. He told me the first volume was highly entertaining; the second less so [...] the third very abstruse [...] He liked, however, particular parts [...] He told me, at the same time, that the subject of the third volume was distinct from those of the other two, being entirely on German philosophy. Upon this information, Lady Caroline [Carpenter] and my daughter having eagerly seized on the first volume, I began with the third, in which I found so many new and striking thoughts and reflections that, in order to recollect and dwell upon them again, I marked them as I went on [...] I have now returned again to the first, and am reading the whole through [italics]de suite[end italics], and I find great pleasure in reading on without interruption, and great pleasure also in observing, [italics]en passant[end italics], the passages I had marked'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Uvedale Price Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Lara
Mary Berry, Journal, 20 August 1814: 'Lord Rosslyn read to us "Lara," Lord Byron's new tale. It strongly marks his manner of thinking and writing. It is a sort of continuation of the "Corsair."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Alexander, second Earl of Rosslyn Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Regained
Mary Berry, Journal, 19 December 1818: 'Sir James Mackintosh in my room this morning; hearing me read over and commenting on my "Memoir of Lady Russell," spoke frankly, seemed pleased, and satisfied me very tolerably with his opinion [...] In the evening he read some of Milton's "Paradise Regained" to us.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir James Mackintosh Print: Book
Coxe : Life of Marlborough
The Hon. James Abercrombie to Mary Berry, 5 January 1820: 'I am reading Coxe's "Life of Marlborough;" the subject, in spite of the dulness and want of capacity in the writer, renders it most truly interesting.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: The Hon. James Abercrombie Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Othello
Mary Berry, Journal, 2 January 1822, during stay at Guy's Cliff: 'Mrs Siddons read "Othello," the two parts of Iago and Othello quite [italics]a merveille[end italics].'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Siddons Print: Book
Mary Berry : The Comparative View of Social Life in France and England (vol 1)
Professor W. Smythe to Mary Berry, [1828]: 'Your book [vol. 1 of "The Comparative View of Social Life in France and England"] quite succeeded with me, giving me a great deal of information that was very entertaining, and that had not reached me before [...] I still observe in it some long sentences, which it would have been very easy for you, I should have thought, to have broken up [...] You have not always remembered that you are writing for an English, not a French public -- where not only men, but men, women, and children, read, when a book is considered worth reading.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Professor W. Smythe Print: Book
Mary Berry : The Comparative View of Social Life in France and England (vol 1)
Charles Poulett Thomson to Mary Berry, [1828]: 'I return you your book [vol. 1 of "The Comparative View of Social Life in France and England" with many thanks for the instruction and amusement which it has afforded me [...] I hope you have not abandoned your intention of following it up by a second volume.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Poulett Thomson Print: Book
John Adolphus : Biographical Memoirs of the French Revolution
'S. reads aloud to us in the evening out of Adolphus's lives'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Charles Brockden-Brown : Edgar Huntley; or, the Sleep-walker
'Shelley writes his critique & then reads Edgar Huntley to us all all day and all the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Madame du Deffand : Letters
The Rev. Sydney Smith to Mary Berry, [1840]: 'I am reading again Madame du Deffand.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Rev. Sydney Smith Print: Book
unknown : Catalogue of Strawberry Hill collections
Lord Francis Jeffrey to Mary Berry, [1842]: 'I have been amusing myself lately by looking over the catalogue of the Strawberry Hill collections, and, as you may suppose, have had you often enough in my mind as I went through names and little anecdotes which must be pregnant to you with so many touching reflections.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Lord Francis Jeffrey Print: Book, catalogue
Mary Berry : Letter to Lord Francis Jeffrey
Lord Francis Jeffrey to Mary Berry, 22 April 1842 ('Friday Evening'): 'I have just been reading over your admirable letter for a third time, and, after nourishing the meditations to which it led by gazing for half-an-hour on the long waves which come glittering in the moonlight to the beach below my windows [...] find that I cannot lay myself down with a quiet conscience till I have thanked you for the pleasure it has given, [italics]and the good it has done me[end italics].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Lord Francis Jeffrey Manuscript: Letter
: The Edinburgh Review
Lord Francis Jeffrey to Mary Berry, 23 April 1842 (in letter begun 22 April): 'I still read a good deal [...] I have just finished the last number of the "Edinburgh Review," and have been charmed more than ever, I think, with that splendid paper of Macaulay's on Frederic of Prussia. I have read it twice over already, with thrillings of admiration whcih make my very weak heart leap rather too strongly; but it is delightful.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Lord Francis Jeffrey Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Babington Macaulay : article on Frederick of Prussia
Lord Francis Jeffrey to Mary Berry, 23 April 1842 (in letter begun 22 April): 'I still read a good deal [...] I have just finished the last number of the "Edinburgh Review," and have been charmed more than ever, I think, with that splendid paper of Macaulay's on Frederic of Prussia. I have read it twice over already, with thrillings of admiration whcih make my very weak heart leap rather too strongly; but it is delightful.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Lord Francis Jeffrey Print: Serial / periodical
: Church appointment notice
Sydney Smith to Mary Berry, [1843]: 'I saw a piece of news the other day, in which a gentleman made his good fortune known to the world in the public papers: -- "Last week the Rev. Elias Johnson was made examining chaplain to the Bishop of Jerusalem!"'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: The Rev. Sydney Smith Print: Newspaper
Stewarton : Female Revolutionary Plutarch, containing Biographical, Historical and Revolutionary Sketches, Characters and Anecdotes, The
'Shelley reads aloud out of the "Female Revolutionary Plutarch"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Christopher Wieland : Geheime Geschichte des Philosophen Peregrinus Proteus
'read "P. Proteus" in the even'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Thomas Paine : Rights of Man; being an answer to Burke's attack on the French Revolution
'S. reads rights of Man. C. in an ill humour - she reads the Italian'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : Fairie Queene, The
'Shelley reads the Fairy Queen aloud'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Louis-Marie Prudhomme : [unknown, possibly one of his French revolutionary works]
'S. reads Prud'homme aloud to us'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Moore : A Journal during a residence in France from August to December 1792
'Read some of Miss Bailey's plays - Tahourdin calls in the evening Shelley reads Moores journal aloud'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Mungo Park : Travels in the Interior Districts of Africa: Performed in the Years 1795, 1796, and 1797
'Shelley reads Mungo Parks travels loud'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Suetonius : Travels in the Interior Districts of Africa: Performed in the Years 1795, 1796, and 1797
'Walk out with Shelley. he reads Suetonius all day'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Mrs Marsh : The Admiral's Daughter
'I [Harriet Martineau] was spending a couple of days at Mrs. Marsh's, when she asked me whether I would let her read to me "one or two little stories" which she had written. From her way of speaking of them, and from her devotion to her children [...] I concluded these to be children's stories. She ordered a fire in her room, and there we shut ourselves up for the reading. What she read was no child's story, but "The Admiral's Daughter." My amazement may be conceived. We were going to dine at the Wedgwoods': and a strange figure we must have cut there; for we had been crying so desperately that there was no concealing the marks of it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Marsh Manuscript: Unknown
Harriet Martineau : Tales
'[S. T. Coleridge] told me [Harriet Martineau] that he (the last person whom I should have suspected) read my tales as they came out on the first of the month'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Serial / periodical
Harriet Martineau : Stories including "Ella of Garveloch"
'At a concert at the Hanover Square Rooms, some time before [Queen Victoria's accession] (I forget what year it was) the Duchess of Kent sent Sir John Conroy to me [Harriet Martineau] with a message of acknowledgement of the usefulness of my books to the Princess [Victoria]: and I afterwards heard more particulars of the eagerness with which the little lady read the stories on the first day of the month [...] Her "favourite" of my stories is "Ella of Garveloch."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Victoria Print: Serial / periodical
Harriet Martineau : Mary and her Grandmother
Maria Weston Chapman on Harriet Martineau's story 'Mary and her Grandmother': 'I found it in the [italics]mansarde[end italics] of a Paris friend, and stood reading on the spot where I took it up, without the least idea of its authorship. It seemed like a Sunday-school book, but how different from its class in general!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Maria Weston Chapman Print: Book
: "scraps of antique English"
Harriet Martineau to her mother, 17 June 1833: '[Coleridge] read me (most exquisitely) some scraps of antique English'.
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Harriet Martineau : Deerbrook
Sir Arthur Helps to the publisher Macmillan, 'I have lately re-read "Deerbrook" with exceeding delight.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Arthur Helps Print: Book
[n/a] : The Derbyshire Patriot
'We had each seen the "Derbyshire Patriot" (I for the first time) of that day- Westminster election on Wednesday the people would not hear Hobhouse speak but pelted him with vegetables...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Bells Weekly Messenger
'Went with E. Allen to the Swan to see a London paper, saw one and learnt from it that Col. Evans was return'd to Westminster ... a sad shock to the Ministry- Bells - in noticing this says [quotes from paper]...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Newspaper
Ebeneezer Elliot : Corn Law Rhymes
'Work'd all day. In the evening was visited by Wm Camm and Geo Seston to the latter of whom I lent Watts "Improvement of the Mind". Read part of "Corn Law Rhymes" to my friends. G. Ward was then added to the number- staid up till 11 o'clock.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Book
Calvin Colton : Manual for Emigrants to America
'Still unwell ... had in the course of the day read a good deal of "Colton's Work" with which I was very well satisfied. Concluded it after I went to bed- very well satisfied.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Book
[n/a] : The Morning Chronicle
'Read an important letter of Mr E. Elliot's to the editor of the "Morning Chronicle also an extract from the "Parliamentary Review" on the state of the public mind and the conduct of the Whigs, Neithyer of which hesitate to say that the time is almost arriv'd for a change and both intimate that the most likely way to affect it is by force.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : The Parliamentary Review
'Read an important letter of Mr E. Elliot's to the editor of the "Morning Chronicle also an extract from the "Parliamentary Review" on the state of the public mind and the conduct of the Whigs, Neithyer of which hesitate to say that the time is almost arriv'd for a change and both intimate that the most likely way to affect it is by force.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : [advertisement / poster for next week's preacher]
'Saw an advertisement that Mr Berry was to preach at South Street on the following Sunday and at once determined (health and circumstances permitting) to hear him. [Berry was a Methodist preacher from Bolton].
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Advertisement, Poster
[n/a] : The Sheffield Iris
'Sent for a pot of porter. J.I. and myself drank it, I smoked a pipe read a little in an old "Sheffield Iris"- then wrote this paragraph.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : The Morning Chronicle
'Trade awfully bad the money market depressed and deplorable accounts from the manufacturing districts ... says the "Morning Chronicle"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Newspaper
Isaac Watts : Logick or the right use of reason in the enquiry
'Had three pints of beer at the Harrow then came home, I afterwards read my opportioned [sic] quantity of "Watts Logic", smoked a pipe and am now ready to retire.' [On Friday 13 Jenkinson had laid out a 'systematic' plan to read 'Watts Logic' at the rate of 20 pages per day, which was to be followed by a second reading including notemaking. p.54.]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Book
Isaac Watts : Logick or the right use of reason in the enquiry
'Read until near dinner [goes to chapel] came home, had a glass of gin and water read my quantum of "Watts Logic" smoked a pipe and am now ready to retire'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Book
Isaac Watts : Logick or the right use of reason in the enquiry
'Tokk a little supper and afterwards read 28 pages of "Watts Logic". Now feel weary and am on the point of retiring with the hope that my evenings improvement will be a little set off for the cares of the day. [criticises government for unemployment]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Book
Isaac Watts : Logick or the right use of reason in the enquiry
'Now going to bed having completed my daily reading 12 o'clock -news today of Don Carlos quitting Spain and taking refuge in France.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Book
Isaac Watts : Logick or the right use of reason in the enquiry
'Came home about half past 10 p.m. Read my stinted quantity of "Watts".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Book
Isaac Watts : Logick or the right use of reason in the enquiry
'Read my usual quantity, and retired quite fatigued.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Book
Isaac Watts : Logick or the right use of reason in the enquiry
'Did not read much tonight -but if all be well I intend to bring up the arears to morrow. (Sat 21 did not read my stated quantity. Friday 20: came into the sitting room and read for an hour)'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Book
Isaac Watts : Logick or the right use of reason in the enquiry
'Commenced reading at 7 p.m. and continued till half past 9. Made up for the last nights neglect and am now going to bed nearly 10 p.m.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Book
[n/a] : The Morning Chronicle
'The "Morning Chronicle" of this day announced the death of Henry Lord Brougham... The editor very kindly and very justly bewails his death.' [NB Brougham had not in fact died]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : [The Morning Chronicle?]
'The account of the money market rather more favourable.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : [The Morning Chronicle?]
'Rose at 7 am wash'd looked over the paper etc.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : [The Morning Chronicle?]
'Read the paper and smoked a pipe.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Newspaper
Patrick Murphy : The Weather Almanack, 1838-39
'Trade very dull - weather very wet and rather windy as predicted by Murphy'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Book, almanac
Frederick Reynolds : Notoriety: A Comedy [Five Acts in Prose]
'My Grandmother and Miss Haynes dined at our house. Read Reynolds' "Comedy of Notoriety"; I think it is fully equal to the dramatist.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : The Encyclopedia Britanica
'In the "Ency. Bri." article Porto-Bello the same account is given. They sat it was given by Columbus.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Samuel Jackson Pratt : Gleanings in England
'Returned Pratt's "Gleanings in England" to the [D.S?] library having only read a few of the letters which did not please me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : The Gentleman's Magazine
'Brought back [from the subscription? library] the Gents Mag for Feby 4 March. They have not yet done with the controversy with respect to the commencement of the century. There is both letters and epigrams upon it in this no.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : [The Sheffield Iris]
'In this weeks paper Dr M. advertises that he proposes to deliver 12 lectures on metal and metalurgy ...the subscription for which is one guinea.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
[n/a] : The Sheffield Iris
'In the "Iris" of this day Dr M advertises the subjects of the two next lectures ...Montgomery [the editor] is very careful of what he says about the riots; a burnt child dreads the fire.' [Report on church charities noted from this issue of the 'Iris' appears on F 3 of the journal in the margin.]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
George Gregory : The Economy of Nature Explained and Illustrated
[account of attending the lectures on metals advertised in the "Iris"] ...all this I had read before ... in the "Sup. Ency." [supplement to the "Encyclopedia Britanica"] and Gregory's "Economy of Nature".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
John Aikin : A Description of the Country from thirty to forty miles around Manchester
'I took [books] to the library and brought Aikin's "Description of the Country between 30 and 40 miles around Manchester", nevertheless he has Sheffield which is 42 miles of. There are some excellent maps & beautiful prints. It says that the pastoral in the spectator of Colin and Phoebe was written by a Mr Byrom ... Mr E says it is a very valuable book.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
John Aikin : A Description of the country from thirty to forty miles around Manchester
'I finished Aikin's "Description &c"... I began to read my "Evenings at Home" again. It is a book written by Mr Aikin and Mrs Brabauld.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
John Aikin : Evenings at home; or the Juvenile Budget Opened
'I finished Aikin's "Description &c"... I began to read my "Evenings at Home" again. It is a book written by Mr Aikin and Mrs Brabauld.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
John Aikin : A Description of the Country from thirty to forty miles around Manchester
'We got the "Monthly Magazine" from Miss Haynes who takes it in. Mr E. says it is the best published. I drew a copy of Stanley Hall near Bolton le Moor out of Aikin.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
John Dawson : John Dawson's Diary, Volume One, 1722-30, 1731-40.
[Written on end papers of manuscript book of Dawson's diary] 'this book was Read with much Interest by me May 1864, the Stags herein must be the Present Bell & Dragon. Francis Cain.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Cain Manuscript: Sheet
[unknown] : [unknown]
'When Mrs Hinde (the Old Lady) would sometimes talk to her about Books, she?d cry out, "Prithee don?t talk to me about books?as I never read any Books, but men & Cards"?But let any Body read [ital] her [close ital] Book; & then tell me, if she did not draw Characters with as masterly a hand as Sr Joshua Reynolds. "Go thou and do likewise."'
Century: 1600-1699 / 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Churchill Print: Book
Harriet Martineau : The Hour and the Man (vol. I)
Lord Jeffrey to 'Mr. Empson', December 1840: 'I have read Harriet [Martineau]'s first volume [of "The Hour and the Man"], and give in my adhesion to her Black Prince [Toussaint L'Ouverture] with all my heart and soul. The book is really not only beautiful and touching, but [italics]noble[end italics]; and I do not recollect when I have been more charmed, whether by very sweet and eloquent writing and glowing description, or by elevated as well as tender sentiments. I do not believe that the worthy people ever spoke or acted as she has so gracefully presented them, and must confess that in all the striking scenes I entirely forgot their complexion, and drove the notion of it from me as often as it occurred. But this does not at all diminish, but rather increases the merit of her creations.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Jeffrey Print: Book
Felicia Dorothea Browne Hemans : Bring flowers
[Transcribed into a ms volume] Title 'Lines by Mrs Hemans'; Text 'Bring flowers, young flowers, for the festal board/ To wreathe the cup ere the wine is poured;/ Bring flowers! they are springing in wood and vale,/ Their breath floats out on the southern gale; ...' [total = 6 x 6 lines verses]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Anonymous : The season of death
[Item transcribed into commonplace book]: Title = 'The season of death' Text = 'Leaves have their time to fall/ And flowers to wither at the north wind's breath/And stars to set - but all/ Thou hast all seasons for thine own, oh Death ...' (total - 5 x 4 line verses)
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
John Gerard : The Herball or General Historie of Plants
'During his holidays he found on his mother's dressing-table an old torn copy of Gerard's "Herbal", having the names and figures of some of the plants with which he had formed an imperfect acquaintance; and he carried it back with him to school.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Georg Eberhard Rumphius : Herbarium Amboinensis
'The growth of the Rhizophora also pleased me much, although I had before a very good idea of it from Rumphius, who has a very good figure of the tree in his Herb. Amboin. [v. iii. tab. 71, 72]'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
George Shelvocke : A Voyage Round the World by way of the Great South Sea
'We took Beroe incrassata, Medusa limpidissima, plicata and obliquata, Alcyonium anguillare (probably the thing that Shelvoke mentions in his "Voyage Round the World" p. 60), and A. frustrum, Ulva intestinalis, and Corallina officinalis.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Charles De Brosses : Histoire des navigations aux terres australes, contenant ce que l'on sait des moeurs et des productions des contr?es d?couvertes jusqu'? ce jour
'Possibly that might be Cape Horn, but a fog which overcast it almost immediately after we saw it, hindered our making any material observations upon it; so that all we can say is, that it was the southernmost land we saw, and does not answer badly to the description of Cape Horn given by the French, who place it upon an island, and say that it is two bluff headlands (vide Histoire des Navigat. aux terres australes, tom i. p. 356).'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
[uknown-ship's cook?] : [recipe]
'This cabbage we have eaten every day since we left Cape Horn, and have now good store remaining; as good, to our palates at least, and fully as green and pleasing to the eye as if it were bought fresh every morning at Covent Garden Market. Our steward has given me the receipt, which I shall copy exactly - false spelling excepted.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Manuscript: Sheet, Hand written recipe.
Hulme : [book with medical directions]
'About a fortnight ago my gums swelled, and some small pimples rose on the inside of my mouth, which threatened to become ulcers; I flew to the lemon juice, which had been put up for me according to Dr. Hulme's method, described in his book, and in his letter, which is inserted here.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Patrick Browne : The Civil and Natural History of Jamaica
'Browne, in his "History of Jamaica" mentions three species whose roots, he says, are used to dye a brown colour; and Rumphius says of his Bancudus angustifolia, which is very nearly allied to our nono, that it is used by the inhabitants of the East Indian Islands as a fixing drug for the colour of red, with which he says it particularly agrees.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Georg Eberhard Rumphius : Herbarium Amboinensis
'Browne, in his "History of Jamaica" mentions three species whose roots, he says, are used to dye a brown colour; and Rumphius says of his Bancudus angustifolia, which is very nearly allied to our nono, that it is used by the inhabitants of the East Indian Islands as a fixing drug for the colour of red, with which he says it particularly agrees.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Charles de Brosse : Histoire des Navigations aux Terres Australes
'From the vocabularies given in Le Maire's voyage (see Histoire des Navigations aux Terres Australes, tom. i. p. 410) it appears clearly that the languages given there as those of the Isles of Solomon and the Isle of Cocos are radically the identical language we met with, most words differing in little, but the greater number of consonants.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Rene Augustin Constantin de Renneville : A collection of voyages undertaken by the Dutch East-India Company, for the improvement of trade & navigation ...
'I shall give them from a book called a "Collection of Voyages by the Dutch East Company", Lond. 1703, p. 116, where, supposing the author who speaks of ten numbers and gives only nine to have lost the fifth, their similarity is beyond dispute.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Alexander Dalrymple : An Account of the Discoveries made in the South Pacifick Ocean, previous to 1764
'He was covered with a fine cloth of a manufacture totally new to us; it was tied on exactly as represented in Mr. Dalrymple's book, p. 63; his hair was also tied in a knot on the top of his head, but there was no feather stuck in it; his complexion brown but not very dark.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Abel Jansen Tasman : [unknown]
'The men in these boats were dressed much as they are represented in Tasman's figure, that is, two corners of the cloth they wore were passed over their shoulders and fastened to the rest of it just below their breasts; but few or none had feathers in their hair.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Amedee Francois Frezier : Relation du voyage de la Mer du Sud, aux c?tes du Chili, et du Peron, fair pendent les annees, 1712, 1713, et 1714
'We had also that fish described by Frezier in his voyage to Spanish South America by the name of "elefant, pejegallo" or "poisson coq" which, though coarse, we made shift to eat, and several species of skate or sting-rays, which were abominably coarse.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Felicia Hemans : The voice of spring
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: Title = 'The Voice of Spring'; Text = 'I come, I come ! ye have call'd me long;/ I come o'er the mountains with light and song!/ Ye may trace my steps o'er the wakening earth,/ By the winds which tell of the violet's birth ...' (total = 7 x 6 line verses)
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
George Gordon, Lord Byron : When coldness wraps this suffering clay
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: Title = 'Strangers by Lord Byron'; Text = 'When coldness wraps this suffering clay/ Ah! whither strays the immortal mind?/ It cannot die, it cannot stay/ But leaves its darken'd dust behind ...' [total = 4 x 8 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Anon : Epitaph on an Idiot
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: Title = 'Epitaph on an idiot'; Text = 'If innocence has its reward in heaven/ And God but little asks, where little's given/The wise Creator has for thee in store/ Great joys!-what wise man can ask more?'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Thomas] [Moore] : [The Blue Stocking]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: Untitled; Text = 'To sigh, yet feel no pain; /To weep - yet scarce know why/ To sport an hour with Beauty's chain/ Then throw it idly be ... ' [total = 2 x 10 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[George Gordon, Lord] [Byron] : [Don Juan - Canto the Third]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: Untitled; Text = 'Marriage from love, like vinegar from wine/ A sad, sour, sober beverage - by time/ Is sharpen'ed from its high celestial flavour/ Down to a very homely household savour'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[James?] Beresford : [On vaccination]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: Title = 'On vaccination'; Text [prose followed by verse] = 'A Mr Stewart writing on the Cowpax talks/ gravely of a most horrible case of vaccination/ viz, of a child who in consepquence of it, ran upon/ all fours, bellowing like a cow and butting/ like a bull thus reallizing (says the author/ who quotes the above) the apprehensions of/ the author of Vaccine Phantasmogoria and who exclaims/ O Mosely thy books mighty phantasies rousing/ Full oft make me quake for my heart's dearest treasures/ ...' [total = 2 x 4 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[James?] Montgomery : Night
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: Title = 'Night'; Text 'Night is the time for rest/ How sweet, when labors close/ To gather round an aching breast/ The curtain of repose ...'[total= 6x 6line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[n/a] : The Sheffield Iris
'Saw the "Sheffield Iris" paper- and in it the report of a division in the House of Commons on a motion of Sir W. Ingilby "For reducing or repealing the malt tax' ...this was hailed throughout the country as something being done for the people...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Jenkinson Print: Newspaper
William Paley : A View of the Evidences of Christianity
'In order to pass the BA examination, it was also necessary to get up Paley's "Evidences of Christianity" and his "Moral Philosophy". This was done in a thorough manner, and I am convinced I could have written out the whole of the "Evidences" with perfect correctness...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Book
William Paley : Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy
'In order to pass the BA examination, it was also necessary to get up Paley's "Evidences of Christianity" and his "Moral Philosophy". This was done in a thorough manner....'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Book
Anon : Epitaph on a tomb in Melrose Abbey
[Transcription from a commonplace book]: Title = 'Epitaph on a tomb in Melrose Abbey'; text [4 lines] = 'The yerthe walketh on ye earthe glyttering lyke golde/ The yerthe goeth to ye yerthe sooner than it wolde/ The yerthe buildeth upon the yerthe castelles & towers/ the yerthe sayeth to the yerthe, all things are ours'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Anon : [Translation of an Arabic Ode]
[Transcription from a commonplace book]: [Title]'Translation of an Arabic Ode'; [text]'When mortal hands thy peace destroy/ Or strive to ease thy woes/ Will thou to man impute the joy/ To man ascribe the cause ...'[total = 3 x 4 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Anon : [The Ton]
[Transcription from a commonplace book]: [Title]'The Ton'; [Text] 'I ask not L ...[?] wealth or power/ A Gascoigne's face, a Pulteney's dower/ I ask not wit nor even sense/ I scorn content and innocence/The gift I ask can these forestall/ It aids, improves, implies them all/Then good or bad, or right or wrong/ Grant me ye Gods! - to be the Ton! ...' [Total = 30 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Robert] [Burns] : [Lady Mary Anne]
[Transcription from a commonplace book]: [Untitled]; [Text = prose introduction followed by verse] 'During the troubles in the reign of Charles 1st, a/ country girl came up to London in search of a place as/ servant maid ... Lady Mary Anne was a flower in the dew/ Sweet was its smell and bonnie was its hue ...' [total = 1p. of prose and 2x 4 line verses)
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Anon : [unknown]
[Transcription from a commonplace book]: [Untitled]; [Text] 'Farewell, oh farewell; my heart it is sair/ Farewell oh farewell; I shall see him nae mair/ Lang lang was he mine, lang lang but nae mair/ I ?. ?. , but my heart it is sair ...'[total = 10 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Anon : Ode to the closing year
[Transcription from a commonplace book]: [Title] 'Ode to the closing year'; [Text] 'Oh why should I attempt to ring/The knell of Time in sorrowing tone / Or sadly tune my lyre to sing/ A requiem to the year that's gone? ...' [total = 24 lines of verse followed by 1.5 pp of related prose]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Serial / periodical
George Gordon, Lord Byron : [poem]
'Dear Lord Byron? I must thank you for yr. Poem you have sent me I [this word is illegible] not say how good I think it is [?]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Lady Sarah Jersey Manuscript: Unknown
[unknown] : [unknown]
'It is a bitterly cold evening, towards the end of February. The fire is very low, and at the moment is rather smothered by small coal and slack. Miss V. is sitting over it, reading. Mr. T. comes in, dressed in Home Guard uniform, and rubbing his hands together.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss V Print: Unknown
Anon : Lines addressed to a Lady who had suffered much and long affliction
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'Lines addressed to a Lady who had suffered much and long affliction'; [Text] 'Reviewing June's perennial flight/ We mark some lovely hours/ Like stars amidst a stormy night/ Or winter blooming flowers ...; 1st In happier hours my pleasure all day/ Was to rove with the thoughtless and dance with the gay/ Through life as I sported no clouds could I see/ And the hearts that were gayest were dearest to me/ But now in affliction how chang'd is the view/ Tho' gay hearts are many sincere ones are few. 2nd Tho' some come around us to laugh and to jest/ In sickness or sorrow they shrink from the test/ ... 3rd But thou in my sorrow still faithfully came/ And tho' I am alter'd, I find you the same...' [total = 2 x 4 line verses followed by 3 x 6 lines verses labelled '1st', '2nd', '3rd']
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Felicia Dorothea Browne] [Hemans] : The grave of a poetess
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'The grave of a poetess (Mrs` Tighe at Woodstock near Kilkenny)'; [text] 'I stood beside thy lowly grave;/ Spring-odours breath'd around/ And music, in the river-wave/ pass'd with a lulling sound ...' [total = 13 x 4 lines verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Anne Gabriel] [De Querlon]? : [Adieu]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'Mary, Queen of Scots' farewell to France'; [text] 'Adieu, plaisant pays de France/ O ma patrie/ La plus cherie/ Qui a nourri ma jeune enfance ......' [total = 13 x 4 lines verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Dr Clark : [unknown]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'England'; [text] 'The late excellent Dr Clark thus apostrophizes his/ native country in the last volume of his travels & few/ men have seen more of the world'. 'Oh England! decent abode of comfort and /cleanliness, & decorum! Oh blessed assylum of all/ that is worth having upon earth ? Where'er I roam, whatever realms I see/ My heart, untravelled, fondly turns to thee' [total =15 lines of extract with 3 lines of introduction. The final two lines are from 'The traveller' by Oliver Goldsmith. It is uinclear whether they are in Clark's text or are added]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Letitia Elizabeth Landon : The record
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'The Record'; [text] 'He sleeps, his head upon his sword/ His soldier's cloak a shroud/ His churchyard is the open field/ Three times it has been ploughed... L.E.L.' [total =9 x 4 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Maria Tighe : The lily
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'The Lily'; [text] 'How withered, perished seems the form/ Of you obscure unsightly root/Yet from the blight of wintry storm/ It hides secure the precious fruit/ ... (Mrs Tighe)' [total = 40 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
George Croly : Evening's daughter
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'Evening's daughter'; [text] 'Come, evening gale! The crimson rose/ Is drooping for thy sigh of dew/ The Hyacinth woos thy kiss to close/ In slumber sweet its eye of blue ... (Croly)' [total = 3 x 4 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Letitia Elizabeth Landon : The Troubadour [extract]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'From the Troubadour by L.E.L.'; [text] 'A poetical sketch of a picture by Howard/ the subject - fairies on the sea shore./ First fairy/ My home & haunt are in every leaf/ Whose life is a summer day , bright & brief/ I live in the depths of the tulip's bower/ I drink the dew of the citrus flower/ ...'[total = 4 verses of 10,10,8,12 lines with chorus]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Anon : [On Friendship]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'On Friendship'; [Text] 'There are different modes of obligation and/ different avenues to our gratitude and favour - A man/may lend his countenance who will not part/ with his money...' [total = 43 lines of prose followed by three related quotes, one French, two are anonymous, the third is by "THe judicious Hooker" ie Richard Hooker?]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
H. Smith : Country and Town
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'Country and Town [by] H. Smith'; [Text] 'Horrid, in country shades to dwell!/ One positively might as well/ be buried in the quarries/ No earthly object to be seen/ but cows and geese upon the green/ As sung by Captain Morris...' [total = 6 x 6 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Alphonse Marie Louis de Lamartine : [L'Homme]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: Title 'Address to Lord Byron by Dr Lamartine'; [Text] 'Toi, dont le monde encore ignore le vrai nom/ Esprit mysterieux, mortel ou demon/...' [total = 58 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Anon : Lines on Home
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: Title 'Lines on Home'; [Text] 'That is not home, where day by day/ I wear the busy hours away/That is not home where lonely night/ Prepares me for the toils of light/ ...' [total = 36 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Henry Neele : The comet
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: Title 'The Comet'; [Text] 'O'er the blue heavens majestic & alone/ He treads [?], as treads a monarch towards his throne/ Darkness her leaden sceptre lifts, in vain,/ Crushed and consumed beneath his fiery ?/ [by] Henry Neele' [total = 26 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Thomas Moore : [unknown]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [ Untitled]; [Text] 'In the morning of life when its cares are unknown/ and its pleasures in all their new lustre begin/ When we live in a bright beaming world of our own/ And the light that surrounds us is all from within/ ... [by] Moore' [total = 3 x 8 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Felicia Dorothea Browne Hemans : The illuminated city
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'The Illuminated City' ; [Text] 'The hills all glow'd with a festive light/ For the Royal city rejoiced by night/ ... [by] Mrs Hemans' [total = 5 x 8 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Felicia Dorothea Browne Hemans : The forest sanctuary
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'From the Forest Sanctuary'; [Text] 'But the dark hours wring forth the hidden might/ Which hath lain bedded in the silent soul/ A treasure all undreamed of ; - as the night/ ... [by] Mrs Hemans' [total = 8 x 9 line verses, probably not a continuous extract]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Anon : [unknown]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Untitled] ; [Text] 'Que fais tu la seul et reveur?/ Je m'entretiens avec moi meme;/ Ah prends garde un peril extreme/ De causes avec un flatteur'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[unknown] : Poesie di Ossian
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'Poesie di Ossian [by] Cartoue'; [Text] 'O tu che luminoso erri e rotundo/ ...'; [total = 37 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Mary] [Tighe] : The old Maid's prayer to Diana
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'The old Maid's prayer to Diana'; [Text] 'Since thou and the stars, my dear goddess decree/ That Old Maid as I am, an Old Maid I must be;/ O, hear the petition I offer to thee/ For to hear it must be my endeavour/ ...'; [total = 5 x 8 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Robert] [Pollock] : The Course of Time [extract]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'Lord Byron ? From "The Course of Time"'; [Text] '... He touched his harp and nations heard, entranced/ As some vast river of unfailing source/ Rapid, exhaustless, deep, his number flowed/ And op'ed new fountains in the human heart...'; [total = 86 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Anon : The Dead and the Living [extract]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'Genius ? From "The Dead and the Living"'; [Text] 'Oh genius thou bright emanation of the/ Divinity, thou brilliant struggler from another/ world! - daily daily doth thou present to us a striking/ exemplification that man was created in the image / of His Maker ?'; [total = 37 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
William Wordsworth : [The force of prayer; or, the founding of Bolton Abbey]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Untitled] ; [Text] 'And the lady prayed in heaviness/ That looked not for relief/ But slowly did her succour come/ And a patience to her grief? Wordsworth'; [8 lines ie last 2 verses only]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Thomas Moore : My Birthday
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'My Birthday [by] Moore'; [Text] 'My Birthday! what a different sound/ That word had in my youthful years!/ And how each time the day comes round/ Less and less white[?] the ? appears/ ?'; [total = 28 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Thomas Moore : To my mother
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'To my mother [by] Moore'; [Text] 'They tell us of an Indian tree/ Which howso'er the sun and sky/ May tempt its boughs to wander free/ And shoot and blossom wide and high?'; [total = 12 lines plus a 2 line quote]. [Quote Titled] 'Comfort for the loss of Friends'; [Text] 'My gems are fast falling away, but I do hope & trust/ it is because "God is making up his jewels"/ Charles Wolfe'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Anon : Resignation
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'Resignation'; [Text] 'Be hushed each sigh whose murmering moan/ Of endless woe complains/ Be mine in patient hope alone/To hear what Heaven ordains...'; [total = 12 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Joseph Addison : [Spare Time]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Untitled] ; [Text] 'There is another kind of virtue/ that may find employment for those retired hours/ in which we are altogether left to ourselves, and/ destitute of company & conversation... Addison'; [total = 20 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Anon : Journal of an Annuyee
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'Journal of an Annuyee' ; [Text] 'Is it sorrow which makes our experience = it is/ sorrow which teaches us to feel properly for ourselves/ and others - We must feel deeply before we can/ think rightly. It is not in the storms and tempests/ of passion, we can reflect - but afterwards ...'; [total = 10 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Anon : [unknown]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Untitled];[Text] 'Souls of the just! whose truth and love,/ Like light and warmth once liv'd below/ Where have ye ta'en your flight above/ Leaving life's vale in wintry woe/ ...'; [total = 2 x 8 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Fredrik Hasselquist : Iter Palestinum
'In examining a fig which we had found at our last going ashore, we found in the fruit a "Cynips", very like, if not exactly the same species as "Cynips sycomori", Linn., described by Hasselquist in his Iter Palestinum, a strong proof of the fact that figs must be impregnated by means of insects, though indeed that fact wanted not any additional proofs.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Sir Hans Sloane : History of Jamaica
'The gum-trees were like those in the last bay, both in leaf and in producing a very small proportion of gum; on the branches of them and other trees were large ants' nests, made of clay, as big as a bushel, something like those described in Sir Hans Sloane's "History of Jamaica", vol. II. pp. 221 to 258, but not so smooth.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon : Histoire naturelle, generale et particuliere
'While botanising to-day I had the good fortune to take an animal of the opossum ("Didelphis") tribe; it was a female, and with it I took two young ones. It was not unlike that remarkable one which De Buffon has described by the name of "Phalanger" as an American animal. It was, however, not the same. M. de Buffon is certainly wrong in asserting that this tribe is peculiar to America, and in all probability, as Pallas has said in his "Zoologia" the "Phalanger" itself is a native of the East Indies, as my animals and that agree in the extraordinary conformation of their feet, in which particular they differ from all the others.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Peter Simon Pallas : Miscellanea Zoologia
'While botanising to-day I had the good fortune to take an animal of the opossum ("Didelphis") tribe; it was a female, and with it I took two young ones. It was not unlike that remarkable one which De Buffon has described by the name of "Phalanger" as an American animal. It was, however, not the same. M. de Buffon is certainly wrong in asserting that this tribe is peculiar to America, and in all probability, as Pallas has said in his "Zoologia" the "Phalanger" itself is a native of the East Indies, as my animals and that agree in the extraordinary conformation of their feet, in which particular they differ from all the others.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
William Dampier : "Voyage Round the World" or "Voyage to New Holland"
'Having now, I believe, fairly passed through between New Holland and New Guinea, and having an open sea to the westward, so that to-morrow we intend to steer more to the northwards in order to make the south coast of New Guinea, it seems high time to take leave of New Holland, which I shall do by summing up the few observations I have been able to make on the country and people. I much wished, observing the people, as they differ so much from the account that Dampier (the only man I know of who has seen them besides us) has given of them: he indeed saw them on a part of the coast very distant from where we were, and consequently the people might be different; but I should rather conclude them to be the same, chiefly from having observed an universal confomity in such of their customs as came under my observation in the several places we landed upon during the run along the coast. Dampier in general seems to be a faithful relater; but in the voyage in which he touched on the coast of New Holland he was in a ship of pirates; possibly himself not a little tainted by their idle examples, he might have kept no written journal of anything more than the navigation of the ship, and when upon coming home he was solicited to publish an account of his voyage, may have referred to his memory for many particulars relating to the people, etc. These Indians, when covered with their filth, which I believe they never wash off, are, if not coal black, very near it. As negroes, then, he might well esteem them, and add the woolly hair and want of two front teeth in consequence of the similitude in complexion between these and the natives of Africa; but from whatever cause it might arise, certain it is that Dampier either was very much mistaken in his account, or else saw a very different race of people from those we have seen.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
William Dampier : "Voyage round the world" or "Voyage to New Holland"
'This I should suppose to be the gum mentioned by Dampier in his voyage round the world, and by him compared with "Sanjuis draconis", as possibly also that which Tasman saw upon Van Diemen's Land, where he says he saw gum on the trees, and gum lac on the ground.' (See his voyage in a collection published at London in 1694, p. 133)
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Abel Janszoon Tasman : [unknown]
'This I should suppose to be the gum mentioned by Dampier in his voyage round the world, and by him compared with "Sanjuis draconis", as possibly also that which Tasman saw upon Van Diemen's Land, where he says he saw gum on the trees, and gum lac on the ground.' (See his voyage in a collection published at London in 1694, p. 133)
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon : Histoire naturelle, generale et particuliere
'The third was of the opossum kind, and much resembled that called by De Buffon "Phalanger". Of these two last I took only one individual of each. Bats here were many: one small one was much if not identically the same as that described by De Buffon under the name of "Fer de cheval". Another sort was as large as, or larger than, a partridge; but of this species we were not fortunate enough to take one. We supposed it, however, to be the "Rousette" or "Rougette" of the same author.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Georg Eberhard Rumphius : Herbarium Aboinense
'When first we found the tree, we of course gathered the branches, and were surprised to find our hands instantly covered with legions of these small animals, who stung most intolerably; experience, however, taught us to be more careful for the future. Rhumphius mentions a similar instance to this in his "Herbarium Amboinense", vol. ii. p. 257; his tree, however, does not at all resemble ours.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Georg Eberhard Rumphius : Herbarium Aboinense
'The chief inconvenience in handling the roots came from the infinite number; myriads would come in an instant out of many holes, and running over the hand tickle so as to be scarcely endurable. Rhumphius has an account of this very bulb and its ants in vol. vi. p.120, where he describes also another sort, the ants of which are black.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
William Dampier : "Voyage round the world" or "Voyage to New Holland"
'All the shoals that were dry at half ebb afforded plenty of fish, left dry in small hollows of the rocks, and a profusion of large shell-fish (Chama gigas) such as Dampier describes, vol. iii. p. 191.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
William Dampier : "Voyage round the world" or "Voyage to New Holland"
'In the evening a small bird of the noddy (Sterna) kind hovered about the ship, and at night settled on the rigging, where it was taken, and proved exactly the same bird as Dampier has described, and given a rude figure of, under the name of a noddy from New Holland (see his Voyages, vol. iii. p. 98, table of birds, Fig. 5).'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Amedee Francois Frezier : Relation d'un voyage de la Mer du Sud aux cotes du Chili et du Perou
'I have been told that this very method was proposed in the "Gentleman's Magazine" many years ago, but have not the book on board. Frezier, in his voyage to the South Sea, describes a contrivance of the Peruvian Indians upon the same principles, plate 31, p. 273, but his drawing and plan are difficult to understand, if not actually very faulty, and his description is nothing; the drawing may serve, however, to give an idea to a man who has never seen a thing of the kind.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Francois Valentijn : Oudt en Nieuw Oost-Indie
'All I can say is that when seen from the top of a building, from whence the eye takes it in at one view, it does not look nearly so large as it seems to be when you walk about it. Valentijn, who wrote about and before the year 1726, says that in his time there wre within the walls 1242 Dutch houses, and 1200 Chinese; without 1066 Dutch and 1240 Chinese, besides twelve arrack houses. This number, however, appeared to me to be very highly exaggerated, those within the walls especially.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
Georg Eberhard Rumphius : Herbrium Aboinensis
'Authors tell strange stories about the immense size to which this fruit grows in some countries which are favourable to it. Rumphius says that they are sometimes so large that a man cannot easily lift one of them: the Malays told me that at Madura they were so large that two men could but carry one of them; at Batavia, however, they never exceed the size of a large melon, which in shape they resemble, but are coated over with angular spines like the shootings of some crystals: they are, however, soft, and do not at all prick any one who handles them.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'To attempt to describe either their dresses or persons would be only to repeat some of the many accounts of them that have already been published, as every one has been written by people who had much better opportunities of seeing them, and more time to examine them than I have had. Indeed, a man need go no farther to study them than the China paper, the better sorts of which represent their persons, and such of their customs, dresses, etc., as I have seen, most strikingly like, though a little in the "caricatura" style. Indeed, some of the plants which are common to China and Java, as bamboo, are better figured there than in the best botanical authors that I have seen.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Banks Print: Unknown
Sir Walter Scott : Quentin Durward
'In 1823 I read in Scott?s novel of ?Quentin Durward? the prophetic words of Martivalle, ?Can I look forward without wonder and astonishment to the lot of a succeeding generation, on whom knowledge shall descend like the first and second rain, uninterrupted, unabated, unbounded.? The Printing Press had produced the first rain; the Printing Machine was the ?little cloud no bigger than a man?s hand? which promised the second rain.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Knight Print: Book
[Robert] Southey : [The curse of Kehama, canto X]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Untitled]; [Text]'They sin who tell us love can die/ With life all other passions fly/ All others are but vanity/ Earthly these passions, as of earth/ They perish where they have their birth/ ?' [total = 20 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Walter] [Scott] : [The monastery]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Untitled]; [Text]'There are those to whom a sense of religion/ has come in storm and tempest, there are those/ whom it has summoned amid scenes of vanity/ there are those too who have heard "its still small voice"/ Amid rural leisure & placid contentment ?' [total = 10 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Felicia Dorothea Browne] [Hemans] : [Kindred hearts]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Untitled]; [Text]' ?Oh! ask not, hope not thou too much/ of sympathy below/ For are the hearts whence one same touch/ Bids the sweet fountains flow/ ?' [total = 16 lines but not a continuous extract]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
John Malcolm : [untitled]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Untitled]; [Text] 'Oh that I had the wings of a dove/ that I might flee away and be at rest/ So prayed the Psalmist to be free/ From mortal bond and earthly thrall/ And such, or soon, or late, shall be/ Full oft the heart breathed [?] prayer of all/ ?' [total = 4 x 8 lines verses follow the 2 line quote]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Anon] : Matilde a novel
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Untitled]; [Text]' "La Belle France" has no more pretensions to beauty/ than the majority of her daughters. Like many of/ them she has not a single good feature in her face,/but unlike them she does not even do her best ??' [total = 18 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Anon] : [untitled]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Untitled]; [Text]' Count oe'r the days whose happy flight/ Is shared with those we love/ Like stars amid a stormy night/ Alas! how few they prove ?' [total = 2 x 8 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Felicia Dorothea Browne Hemans : [untitled]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Untitled]; [Text]' ? Now I feel/ What high prerogatives belong to Death/ He hath a deep, though voiceless eloquence, /To which I leave my ? His solemn veil/ ... Mrs Hemans' [total = 12 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
G.I. C..... : The Eve of the Battle
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'The Eve of the Battle'; [Text] 'Before tomorrow's sun/ dispels the gloomy night/ The din of war will have begun/ The horrors of the fight ?G.I.C.' [total = 24 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Anon] : A Highland Salute to the Queen
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'A Highland Salute to the Queen/ Air Roderigh Vich Alpine dhu, ho! Ieroe!'; [Text] 'Long life to our Queen who in beauty advances/ To the refuge of freedom, the home of the fair/ Each true Highland bosom with loyalty dances/ From Drummond to Taymouth - from ? to Blair/ ...' [total = 5 x 10 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Anon] : The Star of Missions
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]; [Title] "The Star of Missions"; [Text] "Behold the Mission Star's soul gladdening ray/ Which o'er the nations sheds a beam of day;/ While glad salvation speeds her life fraught ?/ Borne by the Gospel's herald wheels afar;/ ... " [Total = 7 x 6 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Anon] : unknown
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]; [Untitled]; [Text] "Qu'est ce qui fait le bonheur ou le malheur/ de notre vie? C'est notre caractere, c'est la/ maniere ? nous voyons les choses, /? " [Total = 17 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Innes[?] : Lines on Mountghaine [?]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]; [Title] "Lines on Mountghaine[?] by Innes[?], Mrs Gordon's butler"; [Text] "Hail beauteous spot of Nature's earth/ Arrayed in robes of richest dress/ In gorgeous splendour showing forth/ Preeminence in loveliness/... " [Total = 9 x 6 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Luis Baylon : Farewell to the Year
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'Farewell to the Year/ by Luis Baylon [?], translated by J.G. Lockhart'; [Text] 'Hark friends! It strikes -the year's last hour/ a solemn sound to hear/Come fill the cup and let us pour/ Our blessing on the parting year/ ...'; [Total = 5 x 10 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Maria] Abdy : Worsted work
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'Worsted Work'; [Text] 'Oh! Talk not of it lightly in an tone of scornful mirth/ It brings to me glad visions of the calm and quiet hearth/ Of seasons of retirement from the world's obtrusive eyes/ Of freedom from absorbing toils - of dear domestic ties/ ... Mrs Abdy'; [Total = 9 x 4 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
M. Vicary : Lines
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'Lines/ by the Rev. M. Vicary'; [Text] 'There is a bark [?] unseen [?] in which we glide/ Above the billows of life's stormy sea/ As bouyant as the sea-bird on the tide/ Though dangers thicken round from ... as free/ ... [?]'; [Total = 6 x 4 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Anon] : The dead friend
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'The dead friend'; [Text] 'Not to the grave, not to the grave, my soul/ Descend to contemplate/ The form that once was dear!/ ?not on thoughts so loathly horrible/ ...'; [Total = 40 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
John Mackintosh : Adieu
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'Adieu/ John Mackintosh/ The earnest student'; [Text] 'Adieu to God what words can else express/ The parting, and the prayer that soars to heaven/ When two fond hearts, long link'd in ternderness/ By the decree of fate at length are riven/ ...'; [Total = 12 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[Elizabeth Rundle] [Charles] : To one at rest
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Title] 'To one at rest/ by the author of/ the Three Wakings'; [Text] 'And needest thou our prayers no more, Safe folded mid the blest/ How changed are thou since last we met, To keep the day of rest/ Young with the youth of angels; Wise with the growth of years/ For we have passed since thou has gone, A week of many tears/ ...24th Sept 1871'; [Total = 11 lines]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
Anonymous : [untitled]
[Item transcribed into a commonplace book]: [Untitled]; [Text] 'Weep not, tho' lonely and wild be thy path/ And the storm may be gathering round/ There is one ! who can shield from the hurricane's wrath/ and that one! may for ever be found;/ ... (Anonymous)'; [Total = 3 x 8 line verses]
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Magdalene Sharpe- Erskine Print: Unknown
[n/a] : Book of Job
'This dream I knew not what to make of but I took some encouragement from it and the next day I was reading in pilgrims progress and was by a quotation directed to the 33 Chap of job and the 15th and 16th verses In a dream in a vision of the night when deep sleep falleth upon men in slumberings upon the bed Then he openeth the ears of men and Sealeth their instruction.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Mayett Print: Book
James Hogg : [poems]
'In Mr Tait's warehouse I read Hogg's "Shepherd's Calendar" and some of his poems also, while, at various times, many opportunities of hearing much about him.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Unknown
[n/a] : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
'When in my early apprentice days I was first enabled to dip into the pages of "Maga", its chief attraction was the later series of "The Diary of a late physician". I greatly enjoyed the papers, and also, later on, the same author's story of "Ten Thousand a Year". [when the journal came out] I would sit on the steps [of George Street] for nearly an hour engrossed by the perusal of some interesting portion of its pages, munching at the same time my dinner of bread-and-cheese. The pages of the copies of the magazine in my custody as collector were, of course, uncut, but, having as many as eight or ten in my charge, I managed without its being discovered to cut open one leaf in each of the numbers in order to master the narrative.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Glass Bertram Print: Serial / periodical
Professor Hansteen : Inquiries Concerning the Magnetism of the Earth
'A review for Brewster's philosophical journal of a German book on Magnetism, I must also write or say I cannot - the former alternative is better: and then (as our man of Law concludes in a few days) I am my own master to go whithersoever I list.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter
Jerningham : 'Poems on Various Subjects' or 'Fugitive Poetical Pieces' or poems separately published.
'Besides their own Family we met Mr Jerningham, the Poet. I have lately been reading his poems,- if [italics] his [close italics] they may be called, for he never writes 3 lines following of which one is not borrowed,-he has not a thought, a phrase, an [italics] epithet [close italics] that is not palpably stolen!- He seems a mighty delicate Gentleman, - he looks to be [italics] painted, [close italics] & is all daintification, in manner, speech and Dress.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Jeffrey : Article IX
'I consign you therefore if desirous of additional information, to two well-written articles by Jeffrey in the last "Edinr reviews" - and if you honour the maxim, audi alteram partem [hear the other side], to sundry delicious speculations from the pen of Mr Southey, wherein these points are handled at considerable length in the "Quarterly review".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Jeffrey : Article X
'I consign you therefore if desirous of additional information, to two well-written articles by Jeffrey in the last "Edinr reviews" - and if you honour the maxim, audi alteram partem [hear the other side], to sundry delicious speculations from the pen of Mr Southey, wherein these points are handled at considerable length in the "Quarterly review".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Robert Southey : Article ix
'I consign you therefore if desirous of additional information, to two well-written articles by Jeffrey in the last "Edinr reviews" - and if you honour the maxim, audi alteram partem [hear the other side], to sundry delicious speculations from the pen of Mr Southey, wherein these points are handled at considerable length in the "Quarterly review".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Robert Southey : Article iv
'I consign you therefore if desirous of additional information, to two well-written articles by Jeffrey in the last "Edinr reviews" - and if you honour the maxim, audi alteram partem [hear the other side], to sundry delicious speculations from the pen of Mr Southey, wherein these points are handled at considerable length in the "Quarterly review".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Fanny Burney : Camilla
'No work of fiction could be read unless approved by their mother* ... [footnote] * An exception was made in the case of Fanny Burney's third novel, Camilla. "I've got leave!' Princess Elizabeth told the author in great excitement, 'and Mamma says she won't wait to read it first!"'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Elizabeth Print: Book
Henry Harrington : Nugae Antiquae
'... it is his son that is the Rev. Henry Harrington who published those very curious, entertaining & valuable remains of his Ancestor under the Title "Nugae Antiquae", which my Father & all of us were formerly so fond of.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Print: Book
Alphonse Daudet : Tartarin sur les Alpes
'I will not tell you my exact state of health day by day, but will give you a diary of my reading, which is perhaps a good index of my physical state. Friday morning. Full of buck. "Tartarin sur les Alpes". Friday afternoon. Wanted soothing. "Letters from a Silent Study". Saturday morning. Very depressed. "Pickwick Papers". Saturday afternoon. A little better. "Esmond". Sunday morning. Quite well thank you! "Butler's Analogy". Sunday afternoon. Quite well thank you! "Esmond and Stonewall Jackson". As a guide I may point out that "Pickwick" cheers me up when I am most depressed, while "Butler's Analogy" taxes all my strength.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
Pearl Mary Theresa Craigie : Letters from a Silent Study
'I will not tell you my exact state of health day by day, but will give you a diary of my reading, which is perhaps a good index of my physical state. Friday morning. Full of buck. "Tartarin sur les Alpes". Friday afternoon. Wanted soothing. "Letters from a Silent Study". Saturday morning. Very depressed. "Pickwick Papers". Saturday afternoon. A little better. "Esmond". Sunday morning. Quite well thank you! "Butler's Analogy". Sunday afternoon. Quite well thank you! "Esmond and Stonewall Jackson". As a guide I may point out that "Pickwick" cheers me up when I am most depressed, while "Butler's Analogy" taxes all my strength.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
Charles Dickens : The Pickwick Papers
'I will not tell you my exact state of health day by day, but will give you a diary of my reading, which is perhaps a good index of my physical state. Friday morning. Full of buck. "Tartarin sur les Alpes". Friday afternoon. Wanted soothing. "Letters from a Silent Study". Saturday morning. Very depressed. "Pickwick Papers". Saturday afternoon. A little better. "Esmond". Sunday morning. Quite well thank you! "Butler's Analogy". Sunday afternoon. Quite well thank you! "Esmond and Stonewall Jackson". As a guide I may point out that "Pickwick" cheers me up when I am most depressed, while "Butler's Analogy" taxes all my strength.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
William Makepeace Thackeray : The History of Henry Esmond
'I will not tell you my exact state of health day by day, but will give you a diary of my reading, which is perhaps a good index of my physical state. Friday morning. Full of buck. "Tartarin sur les Alpes". Friday afternoon. Wanted soothing. "Letters from a Silent Study". Saturday morning. Very depressed. "Pickwick Papers". Saturday afternoon. A little better. "Esmond". Sunday morning. Quite well thank you! "Butler's Analogy". Sunday afternoon. Quite well thank you! "Esmond and Stonewall Jackson". As a guide I may point out that "Pickwick" cheers me up when I am most depressed, while "Butler's Analogy" taxes all my strength.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
Joseph Butler : Analogy of Religion, Natural and Revealed, to the Constitution and Course of Nature
'I will not tell you my exact state of health day by day, but will give you a diary of my reading, which is perhaps a good index of my physical state. Friday morning. Full of buck. "Tartarin sur les Alpes". Friday afternoon. Wanted soothing. "Letters from a Silent Study". Saturday morning. Very depressed. "Pickwick Papers". Saturday afternoon. A little better. "Esmond". Sunday morning. Quite well thank you! "Butler's Analogy". Sunday afternoon. Quite well thank you! "Esmond and Stonewall Jackson". As a guide I may point out that "Pickwick" cheers me up when I am most depressed, while "Butler's Analogy" taxes all my strength.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
Thomas Jonathan Jackson : [Military History]
'I will not tell you my exact state of health day by day, but will give you a diary of my reading, which is perhaps a good index of my physical state. Friday morning. Full of buck. "Tartarin sur les Alpes". Friday afternoon. Wanted soothing. "Letters from a Silent Study". Saturday morning. Very depressed. "Pickwick Papers". Saturday afternoon. A little better. "Esmond". Sunday morning. Quite well thank you! "Butler's Analogy". Sunday afternoon. Quite well thank you! "Esmond and Stonewall Jackson". As a guide I may point out that "Pickwick" cheers me up when I am most depressed, while "Butler's Analogy" taxes all my strength.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
Dimitri Merejkowski : The Forerunner, the romance of Leonardo da Vinci
'I would like you to read a little book called "The Forerunner", by Merejkowski, published by Constable. It is about Leonardo da Vinci, and though there is a lot of bosh in it, I think there is a fine idea running through it - half formed, and somewhat elusive, but nevertheless to a certain extent true.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
Brooke Foss Westcott : Introduction to the Study of the Gospels
'As regards books, such a lot depends on what sort of life you are leading. I always relish Ingram's terse epigrammatic style, but more especially when I am actively busy in mind and body - as during a company course. At such times I have no use for Westcott and his Euclid-like problems and theorems and theses and antitheses. At the present moment, however, my brain is in tune with Westcott. I have a fair amount of spare time, my work is not much brain-work, and I feel I need an exercise of the reason such as I find his books give. I am reading his "Introduction to the Study of the Gospels" at present, and I like it better than any other book of his I have read. He has such a splendidly broad view of everything, and while he observes the minutest details of his subject, he never seems to lose his sense of the whole. That is what is so rare among religionists. They either seem to concentrate all their powers on one little details, or else get such a very general view that, not understanding the composition, they do not understand the full importance or significance of their subject.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
Sir William Francis Patrick Napier : History of the War in the Peninsular
'Don't worry about me; at last I am a serious soldier. I have a pile of books on ordnance, and gunnery, and ammunition, and explosives etc., etc., littering my table, to say nothing of Napier's "Peninsular War", and a "Life of Napolean"! [sic] So when my major made a surprise descent yesterday afternoon from Curepipe, he found me immersed in an essay on Rifling, and was rather pleased!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
James Boswell : The Life of Samuel Johnson
'I have been reading the "Life of Dr. Johnson", and in a letter of his to a friend on the death of his mother I found the following passage, which reminded me of a resolve made some time ago, but forgotten.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
Dom Lorenzo Scupoli : The Spiritual Combat
'Curiously enough I arrived at this result by the aid of an R. C. book, called "The Spiritual Combat". The motto of many of the chapters might be written: "Attack all your faults. Smite them by the virtue of the Holy Cross. You know your own weakness, you are full of distrust in yourself. Very well. Now is the time to put your trust in God, and where your own weakness has failed, God's strength will prevail." 'It is a magnificent doctrine. I am trying to attach all my carelessness, and unpractical habits, and am endeavouring to perform most carefully those duties which are most irksome to me. 'I am trying to earn my pay as a soldier. 'I hope you will have no more livery letters. To the author of "The Spiritual Combat", a liver is a Heaven-sent opportunity for conquering one's lower nature.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
Charles Dickens : The Pickwick Papers
'In future I hope that instead of saying as the fat boy in "Pickwick" does "I wants to make yer flesh creep," when I have a "liver" my letters will be particularly cheerful!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown - on Higher criticism]
'Many thanks for the cuttings on higher criticism. I can't help thinking that this movement is larely the result of trying to reduce (as I tried to do a few days ago!) Christianity to a comprehensible, logical system of ethics, rather than trying to realize that wonderful communion with God which must always be its source of faith, hope, love, and strength. 'Religion would cease to be divine if it were capable of being compressed into the narrow limits of human comprehension; isn't that right? 'I am afraid I greatly prefer Dr Dale's book to Bishop Westcott's. It is so much easier to understand. Westcott is very well for Sundays, but rather exacting for a tired week-day brain! 'The Bishop has returned from the Seychelles and is acting as our chaplin. He is a peculiar man, but I believe he is a very good one. 'I am, your affectionate son. P.S. I find I have got a copy of Gore's Prayer and the Lord's Prayer, with your name in it. May I stick to it? I like it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Unknown, cuttings
Dr Robert William Dale : The Doctrine of Atonement
'Many thanks for the cuttings on higher criticism. I can't help thinking that this movement is larely the result of trying to reduce (as I tried to do a few days ago!) Christianity to a comprehensible, logical system of ethics, rather than trying to realize that wonderful communion with God which must always be its source of faith, hope, love, and strength. 'Religion would cease to be divine if it were capable of being compressed into the narrow limits of human comprehension; isn't that right? 'I am afraid I greatly prefer Dr Dale's book to Bishop Westcott's. It is so much easier to understand. Westcott is very well for Sundays, but rather exacting for a tired week-day brain! 'The Bishop has returned from the Seychelles and is acting as our chaplin. He is a peculiar man, but I believe he is a very good one. 'I am, your affectionate son. 'P.S. I find I have got a copy of Gore's Prayer and the Lord's Prayer, with your name in it. May I stick to it? I like it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
Charles Gore : Prayer and the Lord's Prayer
'Many thanks for the cuttings on higher criticism. I can't help thinking that this movement is larely the result of trying to reduce (as I tried to do a few days ago!) Christianity to a comprehensible, logical system of ethics, rather than trying to realize that wonderful communion with God which must always be its source of faith, hope, love, and strength. 'Religion would cease to be divine if it were capable of being compressed into the narrow limits of human comprehension; isn't that right? 'I am afraid I greatly prefer Dr Dale's book to Bishop Westcott's. It is so much easier to understand. Westcott is very well for Sundays, but rather exacting for a tired week-day brain! 'The Bishop has returned from the Seychelles and is acting as our chaplin. He is a peculiar man, but I believe he is a very good one. 'I am, your affectionate son. 'P.S. I find I have got a copy of Gore's Prayer and the Lord's Prayer, with your name in it. May I stick to it? I like it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
Brooke Foss Westcott : [unknown]
'Many thanks for the cuttings on higher criticism. I can't help thinking that this movement is larely the result of trying to reduce (as I tried to do a few days ago!) Christianity to a comprehensible, logical system of ethics, rather than trying to realize that wonderful communion with God which must always be its source of faith, hope, love, and strength. 'Religion would cease to be divine if it were capable of being compressed into the narrow limits of human comprehension; isn't that right? 'I am afraid I greatly prefer Dr Dale's book to Bishop Westcott's. It is so much easier to understand. Westcott is very well for Sundays, but rather exacting for a tired week-day brain! 'The Bishop has returned from the Seychelles and is acting as our chaplin. He is a peculiar man, but I believe he is a very good one. 'I am, your affectionate son. 'P.S. I find I have got a copy of Gore's Prayer and the Lord's Prayer, with your name in it. May I stick to it? I like it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
[unknown] : [essay on rifling]
'Don't worry about me; at last I am a serious soldier. I have a pile of books on ordnance, and gunnery, and ammunition, and explosives etc., etc., littering my table, to say nothing of Napier's "Peninsular War", and a "Life of Napolean"![sic] So when my major made a surprise descent yesterday afternoon from Curepipe, he found me immersed in an essay on Rifling, and was rather pleased!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Donald William Alers Hankey Print: Book
Friedrich Mohs : Crystalography
'Nothing material has occurred to me since I returned from Mainhill. I wrote the first half of "Hunsteen" and translated, from the German, the first half of "Mohs";'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Jean-Jacques Rousseau : Du Contrat Social
'Except a brief visit to Ruthwell, I have scarcely been from home since my arrival - my excursions in the world of literature have scarcely been wider. Rousseau's "Contrat Social" - in spite of the frightful notoriety which circumstances gave it - seems little calculated for a remote posterity.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : Faust
'Except a brief visit to Ruthwell, I have scarcely been from home since my arrival - my excursions in the world of literature have scarcely been wider... With respect to Goethe's "Faust" - if I were at your side you should hear of nothing else for many hours; and sorry am I that your brows will suddenly contract - if I give free scope to my notions even by this imperfect vehicle.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Leigh Hunt : The Examiner
'I see no paper but an old Examiner - strong meat - an Olla Podrida, high-flavoured but coarse and na[u]seous to a sentimentalist.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Dr Edward Jenner : pamphlet on the cow pox
'We had a very pleasant day on monday at Ashe [...] There was a whist & a casino table, & six outsiders. - Rice & Lucy made love, Mat: Robinson fell asleep, James and Mrs Augusta alternately read Dr Jenner's pamphlet on the cow pox, & I bestowed my company by turns on all.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Austen
Dr Edward Jenner : pamphlet on the cow pox
'We had a very pleasant day on monday at Ashe [...] There was a whist & a casino table, & six outsiders. - Rice & Lucy made love, Mat: Robinson fell asleep, James and Mrs Augusta alternately read Dr Jenner's pamphlet on the cow pox, & I bestowed my company by turns on all.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Augusta Bramston
Jean Charles Leonard Simonde de Sismondi : unknown history
'Having just concluded the first volume of Sismondi's history, and the other not being yet arrived from Edinr, I think I cannot better employ the hour of leisure, which necessarily intervenes between the end of this and the beginning of a fresh employment, than in returning you my thanks for the kind and good-humoured letter which I received last Saturday.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
'Jenny & James [the Austen's servants] are walked to Charmouth this afternoon; - I am glad to have such an amusement for him - as I am very anxious for his being at once quiet and happy. - He can read, & I must get him some books. Unfortunately he has read the 1st vol. of Robinson Crusoe. We have the Pinckards Newspaper however, which I shall take care to lend him.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James anon Print: Book
Walter Scott : Marmion, or A Tale of Flodden Field
'Ought I to be very much pleased with Marmion? - As yet I am not. James reads it aloud in the Eveng - the short Eveng - beginning at about 10, & broken by supper.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Austen Print: Book
: Blackwood's Magazine
'On the 28th September I was reading "Blackwood", when the magazines of our metropolis were just getting on their outer garments; while their northern brethren were quietly reposing, in well arranged heaps, in our southern warehouses, perfectly sleek and dry, after a happy voyage of sixty hours. This new condition upon which competition was to be carried on made the London publishers more solicitous for the excellence, rather than the cheap cost, of their periodical offerings to a public that had begun to be solicitous for the excellence, rather than the cheap cost, of their periodical offerings to a public that had begun to be clamorous for novelties, and somewhat more critical than a previous generation.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Knight Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Moore : Lalla Rookh
'When Wordsworth was then spoken of as a great poet, the ordinary question was, "Why is he not more popular?" The process through which public opinion gradually turns from an ephemeral popularity, permanently to repose upon works of imagination that are not extravagent stimulants, is admirably illustrated by his own experience. I remember distinctly, when "Lalla Rookh" first came out, I read it through at one sitting. To say I was delighted with it is a poor word for my feelings; I was transported out of myself-entranced or what you will.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Knight Print: Serial / periodical
Jonathan Swift : The Works of Dr Jonathan Swift, Dean of St Patrick
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Charles James Blomfield : A Charge Delivered to the Clergy of his Diocese
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Joseph Blanco White : Practical and Internal Evidence against Catholics
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Joseph Blanco White : Letters from Spain
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Joseph Blanco White : A letter to Charles Butler, Esq
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Richard Payne Knight : An Analytical Inquiry into the Principles of Taste
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Hookham Frere : Prospectus and Specimen of an Intended National
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Joseph Blanco White : The Poor Man's Preservative against Popery
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Francis Beaumont : The Dramatic Works
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
August Heinrich Matthiae : A Copious Greek Grammar
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Southey : The Doctor
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Philip Skelton : The Complete Works of the Late Rev. Philip Skelton
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Sir Henry George Grey : Corrected Report of the Speech of Viscount Howick
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Nicholson : A Journal of Natural Philosophy, Chemistry
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
David Lyndsay [pseud] : Dramas of the Ancient World
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottfried Herder : Kalligone
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Georg August Goldfuss : Handbuch der Zoologie
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Lorenz Oken : Erste Ideen zur Theorie des Lichts, der Finsternis
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottlieb Fichte : Das System der Sittenlehre nach den Principien
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottlieb Fichte : Grundiss des Eigenthumlichen der Wissenschaftslehr
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottlieb Fichte : Grundlage der gesammten Wissenschaftslehre als Han
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Camden : Institutio graecae grammatices compendiaria
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Moses Mendelssohn : Morgenstunden oder Vorlesungun uber das Daseyn Got
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Ernst Platner : Ernst Platners Philosophische Aphorismen nebst ein
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Heinrich Steffens : Ueber die Idee der Universitaten
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Emanuel Swedenborg : Prodomus Philosophiae
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Spee : Trutz Nachtigal ein geistlich poetisches Lustwaldl
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Heinrich Eberhard Gottlob Paulus : Das Leben Jesu
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Aristophanes : The Birds
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Nehemiah Grew : Cosmologica Sacra OR A Discourse of the Universe
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gebbard Ehrenreich Maass : Versuch uber die Einbildungskraft
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Hermann Boerhaave : A New Method of Chemistry
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Petrarch : Il Petrarca di nuova ristampato, & c diligentement
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottfried Eichhorn : Einleitung in das Neue Testament
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Benjamin Wheeler : The Theological Lectures of the Late Rev. Benjamin Wheeler
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Robinson : Miscellaneous Works of Robert Robinson
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Hugh James Rose : Prolusio in Curia Cantabrigiensi recitata
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Joseph Ritson : A Select Collection of English Songs
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Charles Wells : Two essays: one upon single vision with two eyes
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Ferdinand Friedrich Runge : Neveste phytochemische Entdeckingen zur Begrundung
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Webster : The Displaying of Supposed Witchcraft
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Joseph Ritson : Ancient songs, from the time of King Henry the Third
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : Book of Common Prayer [unknown edition]
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Hayley : The Life of Milton
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Samuel Daniel : The Poetical Works of Mr Samuel Daniel
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Alighieri Dante : The Vision; or Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Alighieri Dante : The Vision; or Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel : Wissenschaft der Logik
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Alexander Charles Louis D'Arblay : The Vanity of All Earthly Greatness
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottfried Herder : Briefe das studium der Theologie betreffend
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Samuel Hearne : A Journey from Prince of Wales Fort, in Hudson's Bay
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Spottiswoode : The History of the Church of Scotland
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
James Foster : The Usefulness, Truth, and Excellency of the Christian Revelation
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Galt : Sir Andrew Wylie, of that Ilk
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon : A Select Collection of Hymns
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Harwood : Annotations, Ecclesiastical and Devotional
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Mariana Starke : Travels on the continent
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Dugald Stewart : Dissertation First
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Emanuel Swedenborg : The Nature of the Intercourse between the Soul and the body
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Thomson : A System of Chemistry
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Isaac Taylor : Elements of Thought
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Moses Mendelssohn : Philosophische Schriften
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[unknown] : Transactions of the Medico-Chirurgical Society
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Nicola Francesco Haym : Notizia de' libri rari viella lingua italiana
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Anderson [Editor] : The Works of the British Poets
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Francis Bond Head : Bubbles from the Brunnens of Nassau, by an old man
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Christian Heinroth : Lehrbuch der Anthropologie
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
George Bull : Defensio Fidei Nicaenae
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Abbti : Vermischte Werke
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Royal Society : The Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry Nelson Coleridge : "Life and Writings of Hesiod" Quarterly Review
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : The Conduct of the British Government towards the Church of England in the West India Colonies
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : The Quarterly Review
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : The Quarterly Review
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Serial / periodical
Bernard Germain Etienne de La Ville Illon : Les ages de la nature et histoire de l'espece human
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Scott : The Christian Life
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Jefferson : Memoirs, Correspondence, and Private Papers
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Mary Lamb : Mrs Leicester's School: or, the history of several young ladies, related by themselves
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Fitzwilliam Owen : Narrative of Voyages to Explore the Shores of Africa
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[unknown] : Eikon Basilike
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Jeremy Taylor : A Course of Sermons for all the Sundays in the Year
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Jeremy Taylor : A Course of Sermons for all the Sundays in the Year
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Jeremy Taylor : A collection of polemical discourses
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : Encyclopaedia Londinensis
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
: Encyclopaedia Londinensis
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Edward Williams : Poems, Lyric and Pastoral
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Von Schelling : Philosophische Schrifte[n]
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Von Schelling : Philosophische Schrifte[n]
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
James Sedgwick : Hints to the Public and the Legislature on the nature and effect of evangelical preaching
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Walter Wilson : Memoirs of the Life and Times of Daniel De Foe
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Christoph Wolf : Curae philologicae et criticae, ...
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Sedgwick : Justice upon the Armie Remonstrance
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Selden : Table-Talk
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Selden : Table-Talk
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Karl Christian Wolfart : Jahrbucher Fur den Lebens-Magnetismus oder Neues
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[unknown] : Sermons or Homilies of the United Church of England
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Works
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Stockdale's Edition of Shakespeare
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Christopher Wordsworth : Six Letters to Granville Sharp, Esq
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Dramatic Works
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Christopher Wordsworth : "Who Wrote Eikon Basilike?" considered and answered
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Dramatic Works
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Wordsworth : The Excursion, being a portion of the Recluse,
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Von Schelling : System des transcendentalen Idealismus
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Von Schelling : System des transcendentalen Idealismus
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Von Schelling : Ueber die Gottheiten von Samothrace
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Francis Wrangham : The Life of Dr. Richard Bentley
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Christian Wolff : Logic, or rational thoughts on the powers of the human understanding
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
August Wilhelm Schlegel : Gedichte
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
August Wilhelm Schlegel : Ueber dramatische Kunst und Litteratur
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Francis Wrangham : Scraps
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Daniel Ernst Schleiermacher : A Critical Essay on the Gospel of St Luke
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Daniel Ernst Schleiermacher : Ueber den sogenannten ersten Brief des Paulos
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Davison : Discourses on Prophecy
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
James Abraham Hillhouse : Hadad
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Hobbes : Leviathan
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Richard Hooker : Works
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
anonymous : A Dialogue on Parliamentary Reform
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Hugh of Saint Victor : De Sacramentis
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
George Darley : Sylvia or the May Queen
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Rene Descartes : Opera Philosophica
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Antoine Desmoulins : Histoire naturelle des races humaines
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Homer : Whole Works
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[unknown] : Homeri Hymni et epigrammata
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[unknown] : Homeri Hymni et epigrammata
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Wilhelm Martin Leberecht De Wette : Theodor
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Howie : Biographia Scoticana
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Joseph Hughes : The Believer's Prospect and Preparation
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Donne : Poems
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Jean Antoine Dubois : Description of the Character, Manners and Customs of the People of India, and of their Institutions, religious and civil
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John and Michael Banim : Tales by the O'Hara Family
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Francesco Baldovini : Lamento di cecco da Varlungo
[Marginalia]
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Peter Augustine Baines : Faith, Hope, and Charity
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Karl Friedrich Bahrdt : Glaubens-Bekanntniss
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus : The Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
[Marginalia] mainly 1804-1811; a few notes added up to 1818-1819, one note is as late as 1826 or later
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Asgill : A Collection of Tracts
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Asgill : A Collection of Tracts
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
M Lodovico Ariosto : Orlando Furioso
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Jean Baptiste de Boyer, Marquis d'Argens : Kabbalistische Briefe
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Anster : Poems
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : The Annual Anthology
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[unknown] : Analysis of the Report of a Committee
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[unknown] : The Age. A Poem. In eight books.
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Aeschylus : Prometheus Vinctus
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Aeschylus : Agamemnon
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Christoph Adelung : Deutsche Sprachlehre fur Schulen
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[unknown] : Acta Seminarii Regii et Societatis Philologicae Li
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Adam : Private Thoughts on Religion
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Patrick Colquhoun : A Treatise on Indigence
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Collins : Poetical Works
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry Nelson Coleridge : Six Months in the West Indies in 1825
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : Athenaeum
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry Nelson Coleridge : Notes on the Reform Bill
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Ellery Channing : A Discourse
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Sir George Colebrooke : Six Letters on Intolerance
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Gabriello Chiabrera : Delle Opere
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Chambre : Some Animadversions upon the Declaration
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Hartley Coleridge : The Worthies of Yorkshire and Lancashire
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Alexander Chalmers : The Works of the English Poets from Chaucer to Cowper
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Alexander Chalmers : The Works of the English Poets from Chaucer to Cowper
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Alexander Chalmers : The Works of the English Poets from Chaucer to Cowper
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Cave : Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum Historia Literaria
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Claudius Claudianus : Quae exstant opera
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Conrad Barchusen : Elementa Chemiae
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[unknown] : Carmina Illustrium Poetarum Italorum
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Richard Byfield : The Doctrine of the Sabbath Vindicated
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Joseph Butler : The Anatomy of Religion
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Charles Butler : Vindication of "The Book of the Roman Catholic Church"
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Charles Butler : The Book of the Roman Catholic Church
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Burnet : De Statu Mortuorum et Resurgentium Liber
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Gilbert Burnet : The Memoires of the Lives and Actions of James and William Dukes of Hamilton
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Gilbert Burnet : The Life of William Bedell
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Gottfried August Burger : Gedichte
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Sir Thomas Browne : Pseudodoxia Epidemica: or Enquries into very many received tenets and commonly presumed truths
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Sir Thomas Browne : Religio Medici
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Sir Thomas Browne : Religio Medici
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry Brooke : The Fool of Quality OR The History of Henry Earl of Moreland
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Edward Brerewood : A Second Treatise of the Sabbath
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Hendrik Brenkmann : Historia Pandectarum
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Lisle Bowles : Sonnets, and other poems
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : The Book of Common Prayer
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Claude Alexandre, Comte de Bonneval : Memoirs of the Bashaw Count Bonneval
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Gottfried Christian Bohn : Wohlerfahrner Kaufmann
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Jakob Bohme : Works
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Blake : The Ladies Charity School-House Roll of Highgate
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[unknown] : A Harmonie upon the Three Evangelists
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : The Holy Bible
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : The Holy Bible
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : The Holy Bible
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : The Holy Bible
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Francis Beaumont : Fifty Comedies and Tragedies
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Richard Baxter : Reliquiae Baxterianae & c
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Richard Baxter : Reliquiae Baxterianae & c
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Richard Baxter : Reliquiae Baxterianae & c
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Richard Baxter : Catholick Theologie
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Bartram : Travels Through North & South Carolina
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Barclay : Argenis
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Barclay : Argenis
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
George Lavington : The Moravians compared and detected
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
St Francis of Sales : Il Teotima osia il trattato dell'amor di Dio
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Laud : The Second Volume of the Remains of the Most Reverend father in God, and blessed martyr, William Laud
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Duncan Forbes : The Whole Works
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Laud : The History of the Troubles and Tryal of The Most Reverend Father in God and blessed martyr, William Laud
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Carl Friedrich Flogel : Geschichte der Komischen Litteratur
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Claude Fleury : Ecclesiastical History
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Fitzgibbon : The speech of the Right Honourable John Lord Baron
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry Fielding : The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry Fielding : The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Carl Alexander Ferdinand Kluge : Versuch einer Darstellung des animalischen Magneti
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Carl Alexander Ferdinand Kluge : Versuch einer Darstellung des animalischen Magneti
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Kenyon : Rhymed Plea for Tolerance
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry Fielding : The Life of Mr Jonathan Wild the Great
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Richard Field : Of the Church
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Richard Field : Of the Church
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Richard Field : Of the Church
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Marsilio Ficino : Platonica theologia de imortalitate animorum
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : Sammlung einiger bisher unbekannt gebliebener klei
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottlieb Fichte : Versuch einer Kritik aller Offenbarung
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottlieb Fichte : Versuch einer Kritik aller Offenbarung
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : Die Religion innerhalb der Grenzen der blossen Ver
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottlieb Fichte : Veber den Begriff der Wissenschaftslehne
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : Metaphysische Anfangsgrunde der Naturwissenschaft
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : Die Metaphysik der Sitten
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : Critik der reinen Vernunft
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : Critik der reinen Vernunft
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : Grundlegung zur Metaphysik der Sitten
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : Immanuel Kants Logik ein Handbuch zu Vorlesungen
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : Critik der Urtheilskraft
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottlieb Fichte : Die Bestimmung des Menschen
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : Anthropologie
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottlieb Fichte : Die Anweisung zum seeligen leben
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Peter Heylyn : Cyprianus Anglicus; or The history of the life and death of William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
"Junius" : The Letters of Junius
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : Anthropologie in pragmatischer Hinsicht abgefasst
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann : Fantasiestucke in Calloti Manier
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Pierre Jurieu : The History of the Council of Trent
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Heinrich Hoffbauer : Der Mensch in allen Zonen der Erde
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Hyman Hurwitz : The Elements of the Hebrew Language
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Edwin Atherstone : The Last Days of Herculaneum; and Abradates and Panthea
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Philippe de la Clyle, sire de Commines : The History of Philip de Commines
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : The Works of the Late Reverend Mr Samuel Johnson
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Joannes Scotus Erigena : De divisione naturae libri quinque
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Joannes Scotus Erigena : De divisione naturae libri quinque
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottfried Eichhorn : Einleitung in die apokryphischen Schriften
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottfried Eichhorn : Einleitung in die apokryphischen Schriften
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottfried Eichhorn : Einleitung ins Alte Testament
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi : Veber die Lehre des Spinoza in Briefen an den Herr
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi : Veber die Lehre des Spinoza in Briefen an den Herr Moses Mendelssohn
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi : Veber die Lehre des Spinoza in Briefen an den Herr Moses Mendelssohn
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottfried Eichhorn : Allgemeine Bibliothek der biblischen Litteratur
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas W Dymock : England's Dust and Ashes Raked up
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
James Hutton : An Investigation of the Principles of Knowledge
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Friedrich Blumenbach : Uber die naturlichen Verschiedenheiten im Menschen
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Friedrich Blumenbach : Uber die naturlichen Verschiedenheiten im Menschen
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Law : A serious call to a devout and holy life
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : Vermischte Schriften
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
David Friedlander : Sendschreiben an seine Hochwurden Herrn Oberconsistorialrath und Probst Teller zu Berlin
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Andrew Fuller : The Calvinistic and Socinian Systems Examined and Compared as to their Moral Tendency
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz : Theodicee, das ist, Versuch von der Gute Gottes
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Leighton : The Expository Works and Other Remains of Archbishop Leighton
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : The Church-History of Britain
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : The Church-History of Britain
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : The Holy State and Profane State
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : Life Out of Death
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : A Pisgah-Sight of Palestine and the Confines Thereof, With The History of the Old and New Testament acted thereon
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing : Gotthold Ephraim Lessings Leben, nebst seinem noch ubrigen litterarischen Nachlasse
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing : Gotthold Ephraim Lessings samm Hiche Schriften
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : A Triple Reconciler
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Moses Mendelssohn : Jerusalem oder uber religiose Macht und Judenthum
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Lightfoot : The Works of the Reverend and Learned John Lightfoot
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Benedetto Menzini : Poesie di Benedetto Menzini Fiorentino divise in due tomi
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Fulke Greville : Certaine Learned and Elegant Workes
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Milton : Poems upon Several Occasions, English, Italian, and Latin
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Milton : A Complete Collection of the Historical, Political and Miscellaneous Works of John Milton
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Hacket : Scrinia Reserata: A Memorial Offer'd to the Great Deservings of John Williams, DD
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry More : The Theological Works of the most pious and learned Henry More, DD Sometime Fellow of Christ's College in Cambridge
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Hacket : A Century of Sermons
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry More : Philosophical Poems, etc
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry More : Observations upon Anthroposophia Theomagica, and Anima Magica abscondita
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Hall : An Humble Motion to the Parliament of England
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Nemesius of Emesa : Nemesii Philosophi Clarissimi de Natura Hominis Liber Utilissimus
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
David Hartley : Observations on Man, His Frame, His Duty, and His Expectations
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Joseph Nicolson : The History and Antiquities of the Counties of Westmorland and Cumberland
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Martin Luther : Colloquia mensalia
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Joseph Nicolson : The History and Antiquities of the Counties of Westmorland and Cumberland
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
George Lyttelton : The History of the Life of King Henry the Second
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Cotton Mather : Magnalia Christi Americana
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Bernard de Mandeville : The Fable of the Bees: or, private vices, publick benefits
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Von Matthisson : Gedichte
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Von Matthisson : Gedichte
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Edward Stillingfleet : Origines Sacrae, or a rational account of the grounds of natural and revealed religion
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Steele : Mr Recorder's Speech to the Lord Protector
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Stanley : The History of Philosophy
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Southey : Joan of Arc, an epic poem
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Smith : Select Discourses
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Sherlock : A Vindication of the Doctrine of the Holy and Ever
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Algernon Sidney : The Works of Algernon Sidney
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Sir Philip Sidney : Arcadia der Graffin von Pembrock
[Marginalia]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Henry More : The Second Lash of Alazonomastix
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : The Appeal of Inivred Innocence
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Hugo de Groot : De jure belli et pacis
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottfried Jakob Hermann : De emendenda ratione graecae grammaticae pars prim
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Heinrich Jung : Theorie der Geister-Kunde
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling : Jahrbucher der Medicin als Wissenschaft
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Jahn : Appendix hermeneuticae seu exercitationes exegetic
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi : Werke (Vol I-III [of 6])
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Anton Mesmer : Mesmerismus
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Cesare Mussolini : Italian Exercises
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Friedrich Ludwig Von Hardenberg : Novalis Schriften (Vol I of 2)
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Napoleon Bonaparte : Codice di Napoleone il Grande pel Regno d'Italia
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[unknown] : Notice des tableaux exposes au Musee d'Anvers
[Marginalia]
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
[n/a] : The Law Magazine OR Quarterly Review of Jurisprudence
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Serial / periodical
Robert Leighton : The Genuine Works of R Leighton, D.D. Archbishop of Glasgow
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Leighton : The Genuine Works of R Leighton, D.D. Archbishop of Glasgow
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : The History of the Worthies of England
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Louis Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne : Private Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Benjamin Pitts Capper : A Topographical Dictionary of the United Kingdom
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Robert Malthus : An Essay on the Principle of Population
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Macdiarmid : Lives of British Statesmen, & c
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Samuel Noble : An Appeal in behalf of the views of the Eternal World And State And The Doctrines Of Faith And Life
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Nathan Hale : The American System OR The effects of high duties
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Miller : Sermons Intended to Show a Sober Application Of Scriptural Principles To The Realities Of Life
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Gray : The Works of Thomas Gray
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Godwin : Thoughts Occasioned by the Perusal of Dr Parr's Spital Sermon
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
M Loewe : A Treatise on the Phenomena of Animal Magnetism
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Charles Lloyd : Nugae Canorae
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Galt : The Provost OR Memoirs of His Own Times
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Leighton : The Whole Works of Robert Leighton, D.D.
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Robert Malthus : The Grounds of an Opinion on the Policy of Restricting the importation of foreign corn
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Charles Smith : Seven Letters on National Religion
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Philip Massinger : The Plays of Philip Massinger... with notes critic
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Southey : History of Brazil
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Southey : History of Brazil
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Southey : History of Brazil
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Southey : The Life of Wesley; and the Rise and Progress of Methodism
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Southey : Lives of the British Admirals
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Southey : Omniana, or horae otiosiores
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
S. Maxwell [potential pseudonym] : The Battle of the Bridge; or Pisa Defended
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Benedictus de Spinoza : Benedicti de Spinoza opera quae supersunt omnia
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Samuel O'Sullivan : The Agency of Divine Providence Manifested in the
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Parnell : An Historical Apology for the Irish Catholics
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John James Park : The Dogmas of the Constitution
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Sir William Stewart : Outlines of a Plan for the General Reform of the British Land Forces
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Sterling : Arthur Coningsby
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Friedrich Meckel : System des vergleichenden Anatomie
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand Solger : Philosophische Gesprache
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John James Park : Conservative Reform
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
John Oxlee : The Christian Doctrines of the Trinity and Incarnation
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Gottlieb Fichte : Der Geschlossne Handelsstaat
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Heinrich Steffens : Grundzuge der philosophischen Naturwissenschaft
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Heinrich Steffens : Grundzuge der philosophischen Naturwissenschaft
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Heinrich Steffens : Anthropologie
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Lorenz Oken : Lehrbuch der Naturgeschichte
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Heinrich Steffens : Caricaturen des Heiligsten
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Heinrich Steffens : Caricaturen des Heiligsten
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Lorenz Oken : Lehrbuch der Naturphilosophie
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Heinrich Steffens : Die gegenwartige zeit und wie sie geworden mit besonderer R?cksicht auf Deutschland
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Heinrich Steffens : Beytrage zur innern Naturgeschichte der Erde
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Malcolm Laing : The History of Scotland, from the Union of the Crowns on the accession of James VI to the throne of England to the Union of the Kingdoms in the reign of Queen Anne
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Manuel Lacunza Y Diaz : The Coming of Messiah in Glory and Majesty
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Falconer : The Shipwreck
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
George Stanley Faber : A Dissertation on the Mysteries of the Cabiri: Or the Great Gods of Phoenicia, Samothrace, Egypt, Troas, Greece, Italy and Crete
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
George Stanley Faber : A Dissertation on the Mysteries of the Cabiri: Or the Great Gods of Phoenicia, Samothrace, Egypt, Troas, Greece, Italy and Crete
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
A member of the Church of England : Eternal Punishment Proved to Be Not Suffering, But Privation
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Adolph Carl August Eschenmayer : Psychologie in drei Theilen
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Ben Jonson : The Dramatic Works of Ben Jonson
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Thomas Swinburne : A Letter to the Right Honourable Robert Peel
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Johann Jahn : The History of the Hebrew Commonwealth
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Edward Irving : Sermons, Lectures and Occasional Discourses
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : The Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : The Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : The Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Serial / periodical
Edward Irving : For Missionaries after the Apostolical School
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
[n/a] : The Eclectic Review
[Marginalia]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Serial / periodical
Hannah More : Practical Piety
'I have been frightened from taking up Hannah More's last book which Fanny lent me, by the dread that it would more than ever convince me what a worthless wretch I am without giving me the virtue and courage to become better. But last night, wanting to compose my wayward spirit, I ventured to open it, and read the first chapter on Internal Christianity- And was agreeably suprised to find myself much pleased with it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah H. Burney Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Lay of the Last Minstrel
'You ask me (pertly enough- pardon the expression) whether I have read "The Lay of the Last Minstrel"- Alas only twice- And have, in addition, only the following catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah H. Burney Print: Book
[n/a] : The Sheffield Iris
'We got the Iris this morning I copied out of it the petition of the G [?] dispersed thro Germany and Hartman's Soliloquy in imitation of Hamlet.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Cambridge Inteligencer
'Mr Fisher who came up to alter Mr E a gown &c against our journay bought in a "Cambridge Inteligencer" to look at; it is a very free paper & conducted by Mr Flower.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Newspaper
[William] [Tooke] : Varieties of Literature From Foreign Literary Jour
'[Brought from the library] "Varieties of English Literature" vol 1st which being unintelligible stuff for the most part I don't intend to have the second vol.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
John Tomkins : Piety Promoted in Brief Memorials ... Society of F
'In the 9th mo. [1800] died Thos Rutter, of Bristol ... His amiable character is so ably pourtrayed [sic] in 142 & c of the 1oth part of "Piety Promoted", 43 that it is needless for me to attempt any farther delineation.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Jenkins Print: Book
Anon : The Minstrel; or Anecdotes of Distinguished Persons in ye fifteenth century
'I took "Varieties & c" to the Library. I brought the 2nd Volume of the "Minstrel or Anecdotes of Distinguished Persons in ye 15 Century". ... I think it one of the Prettyest [sic] novels I have ever read. The first volume being lost at our Library. I got it at Lindley's Library in Church Lane. There is a vey long list of books lost. I bought 26 songs for 0 1/2.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
James White : The Adventures of King Richard Couer de Lion
'I went to see my Grandmother, she lent me 2 romances "Richard Couer de Lion" by Mr White author of "Earl Strongbow" & "John Of Gaunt". It begins with his escape out of prison & is very romantic. The other is called "Leon a Spartan Story" but I have not began to read it yet. They belong to Miss Sarah Shore who collects almost all the books of the king.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
James Lackington : Memoirs of the First Forty Five Years of the Life
'I went to Mr Gales to order two book which I saw at Birmingham [...] I brought the "Life of Lackington" from the Library who begun trade with #5 & now sells 100,000 volumes annually.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Thomas Pennant : Account of London
'I brought from the Library "Pennant's [Views?] of London", out of which I drew a view of the Savoy Hospital'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Thomas Pennant : Account of London
'I drew out of Pennant a View of the Ruins of Clerkenwell Church'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Robert Dodsley : Trifles
'bought Dodsley's "Trifles", a very entertaining book [in margin] Price 1s which Mr E. gave me to buy it with & has likewise given me the book.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Daniel Lyons : The Environs of London, Being an Historical Account
'I took the 2nd Vol. & brought the 3d of Lyons &c. They are very entertaining books.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : The Sheffield Iris
'We got "The Iris" this morning; it contained an Advertisement from Mr [Sorby?], saying that he intended to resign the school at Midsummer & begged leave to reccomend [sic] Messrs Bolton & Hayward as his successors.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
[unknown] : [Catalogue of the Sheffield Subscription Library]
'We got the new catalogue from Library, The number of subscribers 118, there are near 2400 Books. [In Margin] Printed by Pierson'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter
[n/a] : The Sheffield Iris
'We learn from the "Iris" of this morning that the "Wisperer" is just published by J.M.Gomery [James Montgomery].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Newspaper
Humphrey Prideaux : The Old and New Testament Connected
'I finished Prideaux's "Connection of the Old and New Testament" history.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Horace Walpole : The Castle of Otranto
'Within these few days I could not have a book from the library because Mr E. had lent the "Castle of Otranto" to Miss Lowe [Love?], who happened to be there the afternoon when I was reading it; it was against the rules.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Mrs Harley : The Castle of Mowbray
'Fetched the "Castle of Mowbray" from Lindley's Library; a very silly Love tale. Took the "Castle of Otranto" to the Library. It is one of the most entertaining novels I ever read.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Mary Wollstonecraft : Posthumos Works, Vol IV: Letters and Miscellaneous
'Brought from the library for Miss Haynes the 4 [th] vol. of Mrs Godwin's Posthumous Works. It contains Letters, one on the Management of Infants, Several to Mr Johnson the Book-seller, one on the character of the French Nation, [?]of Fancy, & on Poetry & Hints. Finished it that night!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : European Magazine
'Brought [...] the European Magazine for April 1798; it contains an essay on provincial Half-pennies by Joseph M[orer], author of Turkish Tales ... to be continued in the succeeding numbers.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
Ann Radcliffe : A Journey Made in the Summer of 1794
'I took Radcliffe's "Tour" to the Library; I was not so much entertained with it, as I expected tho her descriptions are very fine.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Robert Cotton : Cotoni Postuma: Divers Choice Pieces of the Renown
'Returned from S. Read as I came along a considerable part of "Cotoni Posthuma" which Mr M[anley] lent me.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Edmund Lodge : Illustrations of British History
'Began to copy out of Lodge's "Illustrations", the lives of the 4th, 5th, 6th, & 7th Earls of Shrewsbury; the book contains chiefly letters to and from the 4 great characters.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Edmund Lodge : Illustrations of British History
'Finished the account of the Earls of Shrewsbury.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Edmund Lodge : Illustrations of British History
'Began to draw out of Lodge, the monument of George 4th Earl of Shrewsbury.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Anon : Fragments in the Manner of Sterne
'Mr E. brought "Fragments in the Manner of Sterne" 1797 from the library. The "Monthly Review" says it is the best imitation of Sterne that has ever appeared. I finished it that night & was very pleased with it; I think I will read "Tristram Shandy".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Anon : Fragments in the Manner of Sterne
'Wrote out of "Fragments" the piece upon war.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
John Gifford : A Short Address to the Members of the Loyal Association
'Brought from the Library Gifford's "Address to the loyal Association". [In margin:"A Pamphlet"] he says that he has received from Paris an account of the design of the French to divide this country into 3 distinct Republics ... The English directors are said to be Paine, Hooke, Thelwall, Sharpe & Lansdown ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter
Mary Wollstonecraft : Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden
'Took "Letters from Norway & c" back to the Vestry Library. I did not read them, but Mr E. said they were very entertaining & instructive; brought Mrs Wollstonecraft "View of the French Revolution".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Evans Print: Book
Mary Wollstonecraft : An Historical and Moral View of the Origin and Progress of the French Revolution
'Finished Wollstoncraft's "View of the French Revolution" Vol I. It appears to rather a panegyric upon the actions of the national assembly than a just history. She thinks the Duke of Orleans was the cause of that Riot, when the women went to Versailles.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : Gentleman's Magazine
'I begun to write in my Common-place book, the account of the King of Patterdale [from the 'Gentleman's Magazine', borrowed on July 2 from 'the Library']'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
Sir Frederick Morton Eden : The State of the Poor; or an History of the Labour
'Took the "Gent. Mag." to the Library, & brought Frederick Morton Eden's "State of the Poor"; he gives an account of the state of the poor in most of the large parishes in England, & amongst the rest Sheffield.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Samuel Ireland : Picturesque Views of the River Thames
'Took Percy's "Reliques" to the Library [no evidence of reading this text], & brought Ireland's "Picturesque Views on the River Thames". Began to draw out of Ireland the view of Strawberry Hill.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : The Iris
'We got the "Iris"; it contains an exceedingly humourous account of the first campaign of our Loyal Independant Sheffield Volunteers to Workshop, which I wrote out amongst the anecdotes.' [NB Entry for July 10: Mr Evans joins with Miss Haynes and Mr Manly to subscribe to 'The Iris'. Previously they had each bought it.]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Newspaper
George Smith : A Sermon Delivered in the Parish Church of Sheffield
'Bought Mr Smith's "Sermon to the Odd Fellows", Professor Robinson's "Proof of a Conspiracy" seems to have made a deep impression on his mind. Price 6d. Bought also the "Oeconomist" for July; they have raised the price to 2d.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter
[n/a] : The Monthly Magazine
'Got the "Monthly Mag" & "Rev." from Miss Haynes. They appear to be two very entertaining no's. I am much pleased with the account of Mr Lambton in the "Monthly Mag". the "Walpoliana" is also very entertaining.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
Donald Campbell : A Journey Over Land to India
'Brought Donald Campbell's "Journey Over Land to India" [from the Library]. We had a very high character given of it & the little I have read has not disapointed us.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Donald Campbell : A Journey Over Land to India
'I finished D. Campbell's "Journey over land to India". It is divided into three parts ... the story of Mr [Alli?] who was shipwrecked and imprisoned with him is very affecting.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Lawrence Sterne : The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy [in 2 vols]
'Finished Sterne's "Tristram Shandy"; [borrowed from Mr Manley on visit to Stammington, July 7 1798] It has of late become the fashion to cry down Sterne as the greatest plagarist... [discusses the 'principal characters']. The parts which please me best are the story of le Fever, Uncle Toby's campaigns, Toby's apology, The Sermon and the conversation upon it, & the Death of Yorick.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
James Montgomery : The Whisperer; or Tales & Speculations
'Finished the "Whisperer or Tales & Speculations" by Gabriel Silvertongue. It was written by J. Montgomery and part of it appeared in "The Iris" in the year 1795. All the pieces are very entertaining, in so much that I do not know which I prefer above the rest. Mr Evans gave it me [bought on July 15] together with "Prison Amusements & his Trial" [by Montgomery].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : Encyclopaedia
'I will give an account of how I spend the day hour by hour. From 7 to 8 drew part of a landscape, wrote my diary. 8 to 9. Read a little in my Encyclopedia ... 2 to 5 at Warehouse. From 6 to 7 read a little in the Encyclopedia ...8 to 9 got my supper, read a little in the ency. 9 to 10 read in the ency.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : The Iris
'I will give an account of how I spend the day hour by hour. [...9-12 at the warehouse] 12 to 1 came to my dinner, read part of the "Iris". Mr H. Hall dined with us.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Newspaper
Ann Radcliffe : The Mysteries of Udolpho
'Brought Mrs Radcliffe's "Mysteries of Udolpho"; I wish I had not read it before, for upon a second reading it loses half its intrest'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Thomas Pennant : Outlines of the Globe: the View of Hindoostan
'Took Pennant's "View of Hindoostan" to Library; I have not read it but, Mr E. says it is very entertaining. There are some beautiful plates in it.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Evans Print: Book
[n/a] : Monthly Magazine
'Wrote out of the "Monthly Mag." an example of English hexameter. [Borrowed 'the first 12 no.s' from Miss Haynes on 17 August 1798] Sir Philip Sidney had an idea of the same kind for he composed a poem in such verse.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : The Iris
'"The Iris" this week contains an advertisement from the Cutler's Company [annual ball] White Bear Inn. Price 10s 6d.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
Johann Georg Zimmermann : Solitude, or the effect of Occasional Retirement
'Wrote out of Zimmerman on "Solitude" the introduction to it. [Notes that it is a 1797 edn when borrowed on 26 Aug. 1798].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Johann Georg Zimmermann : Solitude, or the effect of Occasional Retirement
'Took Zimmermann to the library [In margin: 'vestry']. It consists for the most part of declamation, tho' it is very instructive; I have not finishe'd it but it was time to return it.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
De La Roche : New Memoirs of Literature
'Saw at Book John's [In margin: A person who stands in the Market Place & sells books & of whom I have sometimes bought books] "New Memoirs of Literature for the Year 1725" by [?] Roche. It is a review of books published that year in England...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Robert Townson : Travels in Hungary with a Short Account of Vienna
'I have read part of Townson but I think I shall read no more as it consists of nothing [else?] but mineralogical & botanical remarks.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Sir George Leonard Staunton : An Authentic Account from the King of Great Britain
'Took the 1st vol of Staunton to the library [borrowed on 7 Sept], & brought Townson's "Travels" ... The 1st part of Staunton brings the embassador into the Yellow Sea, so it is the second, which we must expect the most entertainment as it gives a very particular account of the Chinese custom &c.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
James Thomson : The Seasons
'Began to read Thomson's "Seasons".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[unknown] : The Spirit of the Public Journals for 1797
'Took [the] "Answer to Wilberforce" to the Chapel Library & brought "The Spirit of the Public Journals for 1797, Being an Impartial Selection ... Essays & Jeaux d'Espirits ... [from] the Newspapers & Other Publications ...".They are for the most part political. Some of the articles are copied from larger works than magazines & newspapers [eg.3 selections from] Lewis's "Monk". ...The Ode by Sr Will Jones ... has appeared many years ago & in many publications. ... There appears to be nevertheless a deal of choice matter in this publication.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[unknown] : The Spirit of the Public Journals for 1797 [series
'Wrote out of the "Spirit of the Public Journals" "Washing Day", a poem in blank verse; originally printed in the "Monthly Magazine".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[unknown] : The Spirit of the Public Journals for 1797 [series
'When I brought the "Spirit of the Journals", I did not think that it would have contributed anything towards the account of Sheffield but I have extracted from it an account of a letter supposed to have been sent from "Yorke, General of the armed citizens of Sheffield", to the British National Convention, & the debate upon it from "The Times".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[unknown] : The Spirit of the Public Journals for 1797 [series
'Wrote also out of the "Spirit of the Journals" "a hymn for the fast day" by Captain Norrice on Foxe's Birthday.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[unknown] : The Spirit of the Public Journals for 1797 [series
'Took the "Spirit of the Journals" to the Chapel Library [...] there are no less than 101 Epigrams on Messrs Pitt & Dundas going drunk to the House of Commons on the night of his majesty's message [of] war with France ...Many of which are very poor. These epigrams, Marat, an Epilogue ... & the Orgies of Bachus may be reckoned amongst the least happy articles in this volume.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[Anon] : Biographical Anecdotes of the Founders of the French Revolution
'Took Staunton's "Embassy to China" to the Library & brought "Anecdotes of the Founders of the French Revolution...". "about one-third of the anecdotes" says the editor ... "have appeared in the 'Monthly Magazine' but the rest are original".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[Anon] : Biographical Anecdotes of the Founders of the French Revolution
'Finished the "Anecdotes of the Founders of the French Revolution". I have found that considerably more of it has appeared in the "Monthly Magazine" than they acknowledge. The second volume is probably more original.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : The Monthly Magazine
'The "Monthly Magazine" contains an account of the publication of that long expected work by Mr Conder of Ipswich, "an arrangement of provincial coins ... Price 7/6 boards". I intend to get this proposed at the Surry Street Library.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
William Gilpin : The Analytical Review; or History of Literature
'Wrote out of the "Analytical Review" an account of the Abbey of Glastonbury which they have extracted from Gilpin's Observations.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : The Iris
'"The Iris" in mentioning the Sessions at Sheffield says ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Newspaper
Samuel Jackson Pratt : Gleanings Through Wales, Holland and Westphalia
'Read a beautiful story in Pratt [borrowed on 11 Oct] concerning a decayed merchant & his daughter who had retired into Wales & were unexpectedly relieved by the Great John Howard.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Anon : Long Faces; Amusement for Starving Mechanics
'Procured a paper in form of an advertisement called "Long Faces" published Feb. 28th 1794 on the fast which was held that day. It is a very keen satire on fast days in general. I think it has been declared a libel.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Advertisement
[n/a] : The Gentleman's Magazine
'brought also the "Gent Mag" for Sepr 1798. [It] speaks very severly of Mr Smith's Sermon to the Odd-fellows; they say that if he had intended to promote the intrests of Republicanism he could not have done it in a more effective manner ...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
Helen Maria Williams : A Tour in Switzerland
'Thought the following remarks in Miss Williams was exceeding applicable to the manufacturers of Sheffield: "There is a spirit in that class, in all countries more favourable to inquiry & consequently more hostile to unconditional submission" Vol 2 p.227.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Hannah More : Sacred Dramas: Chiefly intended for Young Persons
'Brought Wolstonecraft's "View of the French Revolution", from the Chapel Library, for Miss Haynes to read. Read in Miss Hannah More's "Sacred Drama", David & Goliath, I was much pleased with it.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : The Spy
'Saw ... in the possession of one of our men the "Spy", a periodical printed by Crome in the year 1795, in which were some veery keen things against the Ministry.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
Henry William Bunbury : An Academy for Grown Horsemen
'Brought from the Library as a pamphlet Bunbury's "Academy for Grown Horsemen"; in some parts he is exceedingly humurous.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter
[n/a] : The Iris
'It has been stated in some of the London papers that when the news [of Nelson's victory] arrived there was no appearance of rejoicing at Sheffield. [He cites lack of coverage in the "Iris"]. He remarks however in the "Iris" of the 25th of this month that [Sheffield did celebrate].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Anti-Jacobin Review
'Brought the 2d number of the "Anti-Jacobin Review & Magazine", which is got into the Surry Street library instead of the "Analytical" which they have turned out. It is a most virulent attack upon all the friends of liberty or - Jacobins-, as they are pleased to stile them; it is -ornamented- with caricature prints.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : The Spy
'Borrowed the "Spy" of one of our men; it is peculiarly calculated for the lower class of people. Mr Harrison a schoolmaster in Pond Lane, was one of the Principle writers in it.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
Helen Maria Williams : A Tour in Switzerland
'Miss Williams "Tour" is very entertaining; besides describing the scenery (which she does in a masterly manner) she gives short sketches of the government of the different cantons & compares the state of Switzerland to Paris.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : History of the Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire
'I was too much engaged with Gibbon to bestow time on reading "Causes and Consequences"; Mr E. However, read it & was pleased with it.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : History of the Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire
'I was too much engaged with Gibbon to bestow time on reading "Causes and Consequences"; Mr E. However, read it & was pleased with it.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Evans Print: Book
Samuel Rogers : 'The Pleasures of Memory' in Poems by Samuel Rogers
'Silent appears a strange epithat for dust- it is in truth what is called at school a botch, brick dust or even saw-dust would have been better- RB' [He has also starred * the offending phrase in the body of the text.] 'Gray uses the same epithat in his church-yard Elegy:"Can Honour's voice provoke the silent dust"'. [Title page signed] 'Charlotte Susannah Fry From Mr R.Bowyer 1815.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Sussannah Fry Print: Book
Thomas Gray : Elegy Written in A Country Churchyard
'Silent appears a strange epithat for dust- it is in truth what is called at school abotch, brick dust or even saw-dust would have been better- RB' [He has also starred * the offending phrase in the body of the text.] 'Gray uses the same epithat in his church-yard Elegy:"Can Honour's voice provoke the silent dust"'. [Title page signed]'Charlotte Susannah Fry From Mr R.Bowyer 1815.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Sussannah Fry Print: Book
George Benson : The History of the Life of Jesus Christ
'Began to read as my Sunday Reading Benson's "Life of Christ".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
William Godwin : Memoirs of the Author of the Vindication of the Rights of Women
'Brought Mrs Wolstonecraft's "Letters from Norway" [etc.] Mr Godwin in his "Life of Mrs W." speaks very highly of it.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : The Gentleman's Magazine
'Brought the "Gents Mag" for May. It contains an advertisement for a new edition of the "Encyclopedia Britannica" with supplemental plates at 15/15'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Advertisement, Serial / periodical
[n/a] : 'Printed Description' accompanying a comemorative medal
'Mr Scholfield gave me a medal struck to commemorate the presentation of the colours to the Birmingham association of cavalry & infantry. On one side is "Public virtue seated on ..." [in margin] "From the printed description which accompanies it".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Handbill
Lambe Robert : The History of Chess
'Learnt to play those Games which are wrote down in the abbreviations in the "History of Chess".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Isaac D'Israeli : Curiosities of Literature
'Took the "Curiosities of Literature" to the Library. It contains many curious things; a great part of it consists of extracts from the different [Mags?]. Brought back Vol 3 of Beckmann's "Hist. of Inventions & discoveries".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : [The Annual] Register
'Wrote out of the Register's "Mary Queen of Scotts a Monody; Written near the Ruins of Sheffield Manor". It is one of the pretttiest pieces of poetry in the Registers. It was published by Peacock in his poems, but it was not of his composition.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Philip Doddridge : The Family Expositor; or a Paraphrase and Version
'Finished the 3rd Vol of Dodderidge's "Family Expositor".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Johann Beckmann : A History of Inventions and Discoveries
'Took Beckman's "History of Inventions" to the Library; I have been very much entertained with it. Brought the "Gent. Mag" for 1793.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
: The European Magazine and London Review
'Took the 1st vol of Lodges' "Illustrations of British History" to the Library; I brought the 2nd volume; the 5th volume of Gibbon's "Decline and Fall" not beeing yet come in. Brought also the "European Mag" for Jan 1798. It contains proposals from Dr Gleig (the editor of the last 6 vols of the Encyclopedia Britannica). For publishing 2 supplementary volumes at 25 s a volume, in which will be particularly contained the new theory of chemistry.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Advertisement, Serial / periodical
[n/a] : The Monthly Magazine
'On 25.7.1799, I have seen a month or two ago, in the "Mon Mag" an account of the publication of the first part of the 1st vol [of the Supplement to the Encyclopedia Britannica].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : The Monthly Review
'Brought the "Monthly Review" from Miss Haynes; this month they review Conder's "Arrangement of Provincial Coins", but they do it in a very slight manner.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
Leman Thomas Rede : Anecdotes and Biography, including many modern characters
'I have had it before, but have brought it now for the sake of copying a story or two out of it, of which there are very many entertaining ones'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
David Rivers : Literary Memoirs of Living Authors of Great Britain
'Brought vol 2nd "Literary Memoirs of Living Authors of Great Britain" from the Surry Street Library [...] The author says Andrew Mackay [...] wrote the articles [...] in the Encyclopedia Britannica.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
David Rivers : Literary Memoirs of Living Authors of Great Britain
'"The Memoirs of Living Authors" appears to be quite a catch-penny job. The author gives a list of their works & sometimes his opinion on them. A book of this kind is very easily compiled from the Reviews. The account of Mr Sheridan appears to me the best drawn up.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
David Rivers : Literary Memoirs of Living Authors of Great Britain
'Finished the "Memoirs of Living Authors".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Robert Southey : Joan of Arc, An Epic Poem
'I have not yet finished "Joan of Arc". Near 500 lines at the beginning of the 2d book were supplied by S.T. Coleridge. These appear to me to be the worst I have ever read. Who would suppose that the following sentence is in blank verse. Fancy - Peopling air by absence [to] teach my self-control & c. In contrast to the above I will transcribe one of the most beautiful passages speaking of the death of a common soldier of unrecorded name.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Robert Southey : Joan of Arc, An Epic Poem
'[...] Gaze on - then heart-sick [...] It is in the first edition of this poem, that I am reading, which Southey composed in 6 weeks & corrected it, while it was proceeding thro' the press. A second edition has since been published, which the reviews state to be much more perfect than the first.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Robert Southey : Joan of Arc, An Epic Poem
'took "Joan of Arc" to the library. I think the 4 first books, are much superior to any which follow, if we except the 9th [in margin: & the vision of the Maid] but even that [Book 9] contains something rather disgusting towards the beginning. His descriptions of battles are sometimes confused.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : Analytical Review
'Brought "A Fortnights Ramble to the Lakes" from the Chapel Library; also the "Analytical Review" for July 1798, to read a masterly critique on the "Castle Spectre", which I saw performed last winter; they allow Mr Lewis no praise at all, indeed plagiarisms (chiefly from Mrs Radcliffe's Publications) are visible on every page.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
David Rivers : Literary Memoirs of Living Authors of Great Britain
'Brought Vol 2nd "Literary Memoirs of Living Authors of Great Britain" from the Surry Street Library. It is a book on very great call.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : The Monthly Magazine
'Brought the "Mon Mag" from Miss Haynes. It contains an account of the death of Dr Towers.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Rene Vertot : Histoire des Revolutions de Portugal
'For the sake of improving myself in the French language, began to translate Vertot's "Revolutions of Portugal".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Samuel Rogers : An Epistle to a Friend, with Other Poems
'Finished the "Epistle to a Friend". I do not so much admire it as I did the "Pleasures of Memory".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
John Nichols : Biographical and Literary Anecdotes of W Bowyer
'The anecdotes of Bowyer is to me a very entertaining book, I intend to read it through. I was much pleased with the following epigram by Sr Mr Brown "The king to Oxford sent a [?] horse/for Tories own no argument but force [13 lines of verse] [...]" The following anecdote is related of David Papillon [...] [page long extract].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
John Nichols : Biographical and Literary Anecdotes of W Bowyer
'The following story is taken from p 248 of the anecdotes of Bowyer. Among the innumerable stories that are told of him [Dr Brown Willis] [...] [1 1/2 page story].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : The Gentleman's Magazine
'When I came to extract the remarks on Dodsley, I found [they?] were remarks upon an old edition & that the editors we have published in 1782, have adopted the remarks & c.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
Robert Dodsley (editor) : A Collection of Poems in Six Volumes
'When I came to extract the remarks on Dodsley, I found [they?] were remarks upon an old edition & that the editors we have published in 1782, have adopted the remarks & c.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'Took Gibbon to the library. I have not had time to read more than one chapter being engaged with Bowyers. I can procure it another time.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Peter Pindar : Tales of the Hoy, interspersed with song
'Took Pindar's "Tales of Hoy" to the library; I think it much inferior to most of his other publications which I have seen. Corinna's "Epitaph", which I have transcribed is however one of his prettiest productions. Brought the 1st vol of "Remains of Living Authors".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Unknown
John Nichols : A Select Collection of Poems; with notes (Vol IV)
'Went to the library. Saw in Volume 4th of Nichol's "Select Collections of Poems" a poetical account of the monuments in Westminster Abbey, written with a considerable degree of humour.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Unknown
[n/a] : The Iris
'Took Colquhoun's "treatise of the police of the metropolis" to the library. I have not read it but, Mr Evans has; he says that he gives a most dreadful idea of the state of London; he says there are no less than 200, 000 persons, who when they get up in the morning do not know where they shall lay their head at night. That very miserable story, which I have cut out of an old "Iris" & is amongst the rest of the newspaper scraps, & entitled "On the Police of Paris" Mr Col[...] says was related to him by a Foreign Ambassador, who was at Paris at the time.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Newspaper
Patrick Colquhoun : Treatise of the police of the metrpolis
'Took Colquhoun's "treatise of the police of the metropolis" to the library. I have not read it but, Mr Evans has; he says that he gives a most dreadful idea of the state of London; he says there are no less than 200, 000 persons, who when they get up in the morning do not know where they shall lay their head at night. That very miserable story, which I have cut out of an old "Iris" & is amongst the rest of the newspaper scraps, & entitled "On the Police of Paris" Mr Col[...] says was related to him by a Foreign Ambassador, who was at Paris at the time.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Evans Print: Book
[n/a] : The Iris
'Dr Marwick advertises again.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
John Home : Douglas: A Tragedy
'Read Home's "tragedy of Douglas", I was much pleased with it. I have seen it remarked, I believe in the "Memoirs of Living Authors", that Home [...] has never been able to please an English audience with any but Douglas.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Samuel Jackson Pratt : Gleanings in England
'Returned Pratt's "Gleanings in England" to the SS Library having only read a few of the letters which did not please me;'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Samuel Foote : The Minor, A Comedy
'Read Foote's "Farce of the Minor"; I do not admire it near as much as I do the Mayor of Garratt.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Elizabeth Robinson Montagu : An Essay on the Writings and Genius of Shakespeare
'I think Mrs Montague [sic] has fully vindicated Shakespeare from the objections of Voltaire [...] Her three dialogues of the dead at the end of her essay, are I think very good ones.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
David Garrick : Catharine and Petruchio. A Comedy Altered from Shakespeare
'Read in the vol of plays lent me by my father, the farce of "Catherine and Petruchio"; abridged from Shakespeare's play of "Taming of the Shrew".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Thomas Mathias : A Translation of the Passages from Greek, Latin, French and Italian in the Pursuits of Literature
'Brought...a translation of the Greek, Latin, French and Italian quotations in the "Pursuits of Literature" which I had rather felt the want of in pursuing the work... I began with this preface but it was so dull that I gave it up after reading about a dozen pages of it. [The Pursuits] needs no apologist. It will stand with posterity on the same shelf as Juvenal, Boileau and Pope.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
James Thomas Kirkman : Memoirs of the Life of Charles Macklin Esq
'It being the Saturday previous to the annual meeting at the SS Library I was oblig[e]d to return, rather unwillingly, the "Life of Macklin" without having finished the volume. I have found what I have read more entertaining than I expected from the account given in the "Monthly Review" some months past.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
[n/a] : The Iris
'The "Iris" contains an advertisement of a book being published intitled "A Poetical Review of Miss Hannah More's Strictures of Female Education"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
Thomas James Mathias : The Pursuits of Literature [...] A Satirical Poem
'She [Mrs Montagu] is characterised in this manner in the first part of the "Pursuits of Literature"; comparing the commentators upon Shakespeare [transcribes note on Montagu's essay]. I shall perhaps be accused of want of taste in sending Campbell's "Pleasures of Hope" home unread & indeed I can give no good reason why I did so.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Thomas James Mathias : The Pursuits of Literature [...] A Satirical Poem
'Read the first 3 parts of the "Pursuits of Literature", of these the first I admire the most. There are people who will not allow that the author has either wit or learning, or is capable of writing good poetry. I think that wit & learning may be found in every page & that in some parts the poetry is excellent. I will give an example. Page 19. [Two pages of commentary and extracts]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Joanna Baillie : A Series of Plays In Which It is Attempted to Deli
'Read the last play in the Series on the passions. The subject of it is Hatred. It is a tragedy & the title is De Montfort. There is one rather curious mistake in this play. In act I sc. 2 De Montfort says [...quotes several lines of text]. In act 3 sc. I De Montfort says again [...again quotes] [De Montfort forgets name of a character twice]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
John Dryden : The Spanish Fryar
'Read Dryden's comedy of the Spanish Fryar, was not much pleased with it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
John Walker : Copper-Plate Magazine
'There is an advertisement prefixed to this number of the "Copper Plate Magazine", in which is given a list of the plates that have already been published in it amongst which I observe views of Norton Hall & of Sheffield.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Advertisement, Serial / periodical
Johann Beckmann : A History of Inventions and Discoveries
'Finished the last vol of Beckmann's "History of Inventions"; I do not know the book that contains a greater variety of information mixed with so much amusement, than these 3 volumes.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
George Henry Lewes : Life of Goethe
Letter to Barbara Leigh Smith from Bessie Raynor Parkes, 19 March 1856: 'What shall I say about Goethe? When I have done it I shall write to Marian - I don't see the self-development theory you see in him'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Bessie Raynor Parkes Print: Book
[n/a] : Athenaum
Mrs Robinson's journal of Oct 7 1854, reprinted in the Times June 15 1856: '..we sat and read Athenaums aloud, chatting meanwhile. There was something unusual in his manner,something softer than usual in his tone and eye, but I not what it proceeded from, and chattted gaily, leading the conversation - on Goethe, on women's dresses'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Robinson Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : New Monthly Magazine
[Transcript of essay, under the heading 'Today'] 'Today. New Monthly Magazine for January 1823'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Holte Bracebridge Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : The Antiquarian Repertory [Vol II of 4 vols]
[3 July 1797] 'brought the 2nd vol of the "Antiquarian Repertory"; I had read it before but there was a picture in it I wished to draw. [4 July 1797] I drew out of the "Antiquarian Repertory" a view of Little Saxham Church.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
Thomas Moore : Oh had we some bright little isle
'The Wish' 'Oh! Had we some bright little isle of our own,... S.W. 1821'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: 'S.W.'
William Shakespeare : The Works of Mr William Shakespeare; in six volumes
'I do not care for a First Folio ofShakespeare. I rather prefer the common editions of Rowe and Tonson, without notes, and with plates, which, being so execrably bad, serve as maps, or modest remembrancers, to the text; and without pretending to any supposable emulation with it, are so much better than the Shakespeare gallery engravings, which did. [...] Winter evenings-the world shut out-with less of ceremony the gentle Shakespeare. At such a season, the Tempest, or his own Winter's Tale- These two poets [Shakespeare and Milton] youcannot avoid reading aloud-to your-self or (as it chances) to some single person listening. More than one-and it degenerates into an audience.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb Print: Book
John Milton : [poetry]
'Much depends upon when and where you read a book. In the five or six impatient minutes, before the dinner is quite ready, who would think of taking up the Fairy Queen for a stop-gap, or a volume of Bishop Andrewes' sermons? Milton almost requires a solemn service of music to be played before you enter upon him. But he brings his music, to which, who listens, had need bring docile thoughts, and purged ears.[...] you cannot avoid reading [him] aloud-to your-self or (as it chances) to some single person listening. More than one-and it degenerates into an audience.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb Print: Book
Nathaniel Marshall : A defence of our constitution in church and state
'transcript of passages from chapter 4 under the commonplce book heading "non jurors"'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: John Fortescue Aland
Livy (Titus Livius) : History of Rome Book XIII
'My journey lay over the field of Thrasymenus, and as soon as the sun rose, I read Livy's description of the scene [...] I was exactly in the situation of the consul, Flaminus - completely hid in the morning fog...So that I can truly say that I have seen precisely what the Roman army saw on that day.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
John Aikin : Evenings at Home
'S----was reading in "Evenings at Home" the story of "A Friend in need is a Friend Indeed" ...[when he commented on the word choice in a certain sentence].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Print: Book
John Aikin : Evenings at Home
Letter from Maria Edgeworth to A.L.Barbauld, dated 26/2/1806, tells about this younger brother, who has just left the 'College of Dublin' and 'he has just finished a poem called the "Transmigrations of Indur" - the plan taken from your tale in Evenings at Home.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: C.S. Edgeworth Print: Book
William Paley : Natural Theology
'The logic of this book [Paley's Evidences] and as I may add of his Natural Theology gave me as much delight as did Euclid.' [Darwin's Autobiography]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Book
Joseph Addison : [unknown]
Sir John Hammerton looking back on his early days in Glasgow when he left school and became a correspondence clerk, he said of Cassell's Library "What an Aladdin's cave it proved to me! Addison, Goldsmith, Bacon, Steele, DeQuincey ..., Charles Lamb. Macaulay and many scores of others whom old Professor Morley introduced to me -- what a joy of life I obtained from these, and how greatly they made lifeworth living!"
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir John Hammerton Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : [unknown]
Sir John Hammerton looking back on his early days in Glasgow when he left school and became a correspondence clerk, he said of Cassell's Library "What an Aladdin's cave it proved to me! Addison, Goldsmith, Bacon, Steele, DeQuincey ..., Charles Lamb. Macaulay and many scores of others whom old Professor Morley introduced to me -- what a joy of life I obtained from these, and how greatly they made lifeworth living!"
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir John Hammerton Print: Book
Francis Bacon : [unknown]
Sir John Hammerton looking back on his early days in Glasgow when he left school and became a correspondence clerk, he said of Cassell's Library "What an Aladdin's cave it proved to me! Addison, Goldsmith, Bacon, Steele, DeQuincey ..., Charles Lamb. Macaulay and many scores of others whom old Professor Morley introduced to me -- what a joy of life I obtained from these, and how greatly they made life worth living!"
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir John Hammerton Print: Book
Richard Steele : [unknown]
Sir John Hammerton looking back on his early days in Glasgow when he left school and became a correspondence clerk, he said of Cassell's Library "What anAladdin's cave it proved to me! Addison, Goldsmith, Bacon, Steele, DeQuincey ..., Charles Lamb. Macaulay and many scores of others whom old Professor Morley introduced to me -- what a joy of life I obtained from these, and how greatly they made lifeworth living!"
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir John Hammerton Print: Book
Thomas De Quincey : [unknown]
Sir John Hammerton looking back on his early days in Glasgow when he left school and became a correspondence clerk, he said of Cassell's Library "What anAladdin's cave it proved to me! Addison, Goldsmith, Bacon, Steele, DeQuincey ..., Charles Lamb. Macaulay and many scores of others whom old Professor Morley introduced to me -- what a joy of life I obtained from these, and how greatly they made lifeworth living!"
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir John Hammerton Print: Book
Charles Lamb : [unknown]
Sir John Hammerton looking back on his early days in Glasgow when he left school and became a correspondence clerk, he said of Cassell's Library "What an Aladdin's cave it proved to me! Addison, Goldsmith, Bacon, Steele, DeQuincey ..., Charles Lamb. Macaulay and many scores of others whom old Professor Morley introduced to me -- what a joy of life I obtained from these, and how greatly they made life worth living!"
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir John Hammerton Print: Book
[unknown] : The Peep of Day; or a series of the earliest relig
BL edition inscribed 'Victoria of Prussia' and initialled page after page with some dates presumeably showing when read to. Earliest date 5th August 1871 lesson 1, Lesson 19 21 Aug 1871 lesson 29 by 26 Sept 1871, Lesson 1 'The Body' prayer to prevent body from getting hurt also dated 6 May 1872, 14 Sept 1878 lesson VI 'Of the Wicked Angels' dated 3 Jan 1879
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Victoria of Prussia Print: Book
John Aikin : Evenings at home
'My dear boys, when I was your age, there were no such children's books as ther are now...Now, among those very stupid old-fashioned boy's books was one which taught me [to use my eyes]...It's name was Evenings at Home, and in it was a story called "Eyes and no Eyes", a regular old-fashioned, prim, sententious story.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kingsley Print: Book
Ludovico Ariosto : Orlando Furioso
'I think of putting this letter in the post-office to night. My hour's since morning have been spent in reading Ariosto and "Six weeks at Longs." The latter end of this day will thus be better than the beginning.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle
Eaton Stannard Barrett : Six Weeks at Long's
'I think of putting this letter in the post-office to night. My hour's since morning have been spent in reading Ariosto and "Six weeks at Longs." The latter end of this day will thus be better than the beginning.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
R. Atterbury (Bishop of Rochester) : The Epistolacy Correspondence. Speeches and Miscellanies with historical notes
'How pleasing Atterbury's softer hour! How shin'd the Soul unconquer'd in the Tower!' Pope.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Hamilton Print: Book
[unknown] : Poems and Essays by a Lady Lately Deceased
The reader listed the contents of this publication. Vol 1. The Second Edition. 'Poems. Ode to Hope. Elegy on the death of Mr Garrick. A Ballad. Subject Love [underlined] for the Bath Easton Villa. Louisa a tale. Envy: a fragment. On the New Year. 'Essays. On Sensibility. On the Character of Latitia. On Politeness. On the Character of Casio. On Candour. '2nd Vol. Third Edition. On Fortitude. On the Advantages of Application [?]. On the Pleasures of Religion. On Gratitude. On Happiness. On Christian Perfection. On Resignation.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Hamilton Print: Book
M. de Secondat, Baron de Montequieu : Spirit of Laws
Two very long quotations: 1. 'Speech is as subject to interpretation there is so great a difference between indescretion and malice...' 2. 'Mythology. The promiscuous assemblage of truth and fiction would long since have been universally exploded...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Hamilton Print: Book
John Mead : [Sermon about Wakefield's Address to the Inhabitants of Nottingham]
Remark that this publication was 'Abt the Test Act', so presumably read it.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Hamilton Print: Book
[unknown] : The Christian Church from the Earliest Period to the Present Time
an Observation 'By those who profess a knowledge of human Nature, the real causes of deep and continued dissension will rarely be sought...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Hamilton Print: Book
[unknown] : A Letter to Earl Stanhope
content of this letter described 'as objected' in a pamphlet recommended by his Lordship 1789 (presumably the reader had read the letter)
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Hamilton
Aeschylus : The Tragedies of Aeschylus
'Vol 1 containing Prometheus Chain'd, The Supplicants, The Seven Chiefs against Thebes. 'Vol 2 Agamemnon. N.B. A Speech of Cassandra. This is the state of man: in prosperous fortune. a shadow passing light, throws to the ground joys baseless. fabrie. in a [?] come malice with a sponge moistened in gall, and wipes each beauteous character away. More than the first, this melts me soul to pity. The Choephora. bringing libations for the tomb; from whence the play received its name. The Furies. The Persians. [Quotes part of a speech by Aeossa (?)] "Who ever my friends, in the rough stream of life hath struggled with affliction... that gale shall allways breath."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Hamilton Print: Book
Rev William Smith : Poetic Works including his version of Longinus on the Sublime
24 Oct 1788: 'Smith's version of Longinus on the Sublime, a translation with notes and observations - is a credit to the author and reflects lustre on Longinus himself. [Long quotation]: "to the unlearned also it may be of use ... an inclination to literature"'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Hamilton Print: Book
Rev William Smith : Poetic Works including his version of Longinus on the Sublime
13 Dec 1788 Another long quotation from Smith's translation: 'The Sublime is a certain force in discourse... from these three particulars joined together.' Also listed Longinus's five sources of the sublime.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Hamilton Print: Book
Rev J Granger : Biographical History of England from Egbert the Great to the Revolution, with a preface. Vol 1 and 2
Long description of character of Sir Keneth (?) Digby. 'By his eager pursuit of knowledge seemed to be born only for contemplation, but he was thought to be so well qualified for action, that in 1628 he was appointed commander of a Squadron ... made repris also on the Algerians [?] and set at liberty a great number of English slaves... His book "bodies" and that of "The Nature of Man's Soul" are reckoned among the best of his works. Abdiah Cole, a Physician of Note, flourished in this reign. There is a portrait of him in a Dr of Physic's Gown by / Crofts.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Hamilton Print: Book
[unknown] : Memoirs of Maximillion de Baltiure, Duke of Sully, Prime Minister to Henry the Great
Long description of the character of Duke Sully by Henry 4th of France: 'his temper harsh, unpatient, obstinate, too enterprizing, presuming too much upon his own opinions... I know also that he has no malignity in his heart, that he is indefatigable in business... I find no-one so capable as he is of consoling me... That he may daily unify his heart and his manners.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Hamilton Print: Book
Friedrich Schiller : Geschichte des dreissigj?hrigen Kriegs
'I have translated a portion of Schiller's History of the thirty years war (it is all about Gustavus and the fellow-soldados of Dugald Dalgetty your dearly-beloved friend); and sent it off, with a letter introduced by Tait the Review-bookseller, to Longman and Co London.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
John Scott : 'Blackwood's Magazine' [ARTICLE TITLE] in 'The London Magazine'
'Last night, I was listening to music and the voice of song amid dandy clerks and sparkling females - laughing at times even to soreness at the marvellous Dr John Scott (see Blackwood's Magazine); and to-night, I am alone in this cold city - alone to cut my way into the heart of its benefices by the weapons of my own small quiver.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Walter Scott : Kenilworth
'Your common student wrote to me about Blackwood's Magazine, shewing who wrote in it and who spoke of it; he talks about 'Kenilworth a Romance'; he then describes his stomach-complaints, and wishes me better fortune, sometimes the dog even pities me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [unknown student] anon Print: BookManuscript: Letter
: Blackwood's magazine
'Your common student wrote to me about Blackwood's Magazine, shewing who wrote in it and who spoke of it; he talks about 'Kenilworth a Romance'; he then describes his stomach-complaints, and wishes me better fortune, sometimes the dog even pities me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [unknown student] anon Print: Serial / periodicalManuscript: Letter
Edward L. Wheeler : Deadwood Dick
'In the lower part of the newsagent's windows were the journals that catered for me. By would be reformers they were lumped together as "penny dreadfuls". One was "Deadwood Dick" -a cowboy who was always bumping off people in Deadman's Gulch or Gallow's Ravine, The reformers told me that my mind would become brutalised by reading Penny Dreadfuls... Besides "Deadwood Dick" in the shop window there was "Bronco Bill", with stories of a similar type. And there was "Jack Wright".'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : Bronco Bill
'In the lower part of the newsagent's windows were the journals that catered for me. By would be reformers they were lumped together as "penny dreadfuls". One was "Deadwood Dick" -a cowboy who was always bumping off people in Deadman's Gulch or Gallow's Ravine, The reformers told me that my mind would become brutalised by reading Penny Dreadfuls... Besides "Deadwood Dick" in the shop window there was "Bronco Bill", with stories of a similar type. And there was "Jack Wright".'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : Jack Wright
'In the lower part of the newsagent's windows were the journals that catered for me. By would be reformers they were lumped together as "penny dreadfuls". One was "Deadwood Dick" -a cowboy who was always bumping off people in Deadman's Gulch or Gallow's Ravine, The reformers told me that my mind would become brutalised by reading Penny Dreadfuls... Besides "Deadwood Dick" in the shop window there was "Bronco Bill", with stories of a similar type. And there was "Jack Wright".'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Serial / periodical
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow : Hiawatha
'Maybe to neutralise the Penny Dreadful, Cassells brought out the Penny Classics. These had a bluish-green cover and were world famous novels in abridged form, but sixty or seventy pages. And W.T. Stead brought out the Penny Poets. The covers of these were pimply surface-paper, a bright orange colour, and they contained selections from Longfellow, Tennyson, Keats, and many others. I first read "Hiawatha" and "Evangeline" in the Penny Poets and thought them marvellous; so marvellous that I began to write 'poetry' myself. Stead also brought out another penny book; this had a pink cover and contained selections from the ancient classics: stories from Homer, the writings of Pliny the younger, Aesop's "Fables". I took a strong fancy to Aesop, he was a Greek slave from Samos, in the sixth century BC, and workpeople were only just beginning to be called "wage slaves". I read all these; non-selective and Catholic my reading...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow : Evangeline
'Maybe to neutralise the Penny Dreadful, Cassells brought out the Penny Classics. These had a bluish-green cover and were world famous novels in abridged form, but sixty or seventy pages. And W.T. Stead brought out the Penny Poets. The covers of these were pimply surface-paper, a bright orange colour, and they contained selections from Longfellow, Tennyson, Keats, and many others. I first read "Hiawatha" and "Evangeline" in the Penny Poets and thought them marvellous; so marvellous that I began to write 'poetry' myself. Stead also brought out another penny book; this had a pink cover and contained selections from the ancient classics: stories from Homer, the writings of Pliny the younger, Aesop's "Fables". I took a strong fancy to Aesop, he was a Greek slave from Samos, in the sixth century BC, and workpeople were only just beginning to be called "wage slaves". I read all these; non-selective and Catholic my reading...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
Alfred, Lord Tennyson : [unknown]
'Maybe to neutralise the Penny Dreadful, Cassells brought out the Penny Classics. These had a bluish-green cover and were world famous novels in abridged form, but sixty or seventy pages. And W.T. Stead brought out the Penny Poets. The covers of these were pimply surface-paper, a bright orange colour, and they contained selections from Longfellow, Tennyson, Keats, and many others. I first read "Hiawatha" and "Evangeline" in the Penny Poets and thought them marvellous; so marvellous that I began to write 'poetry' myself. Stead also brought out another penny book; this had a pink cover and contained selections from the ancient classics: stories from Homer, the writings of Pliny the younger, Aesop's "Fables". I took a strong fancy to Aesop, he was a Greek slave from Samos, in the sixth century BC, and workpeople were only just beginning to be called "wage slaves". I read all these; non-selective and Catholic my reading...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
John Keats : [unknown]
'Maybe to neutralise the Penny Dreadful, Cassells brought out the Penny Classics. These had a bluish-green cover and were world famous novels in abridged form, but sixty or seventy pages. And W.T. Stead brought out the Penny Poets. The covers of these were pimply surface-paper, a bright orange colour, and they contained selections from Longfellow, Tennyson, Keats, and many others. I first read "Hiawatha" and "Evangeline" in the Penny Poets and thought them marvellous; so marvellous that I began to write 'poetry' myself. Stead also brought out another penny book; this had a pink cover and contained selections from the ancient classics: stories from Homer, the writings of Pliny the younger, Aesop's "Fables". I took a strong fancy to Aesop, he was a Greek slave from Samos, in the sixth century BC, and workpeople were only just beginning to be called "wage slaves". I read all these; non-selective and Catholic my reading...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
Homer : [unknown]
'Maybe to neutralise the Penny Dreadful, Cassells brought out the Penny Classics. These had a bluish-green cover and were world famous novels in abridged form, but sixty or seventy pages. And W.T. Stead brought out the Penny Poets. The covers of these were pimply surface-paper, a bright orange colour, and they contained selections from Longfellow, Tennyson, Keats, and many others. I first read "Hiawatha" and "Evangeline" in the Penny Poets and thought them marvellous; so marvellous that I began to write 'poetry' myself. Stead also brought out another penny book; this had a pink cover and contained selections from the ancient classics: stories from Homer, the writings of Pliny the younger, Aesop's "Fables". I took a strong fancy to Aesop, he was a Greek slave from Samos, in the sixth century BC, and workpeople were only just beginning to be called "wage slaves". I read all these; non-selective and Catholic my reading...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
Pliny the Younger : [unknown]
'Maybe to neutralise the Penny Dreadful, Cassells brought out the Penny Classics. These had a bluish-green cover and were world famous novels in abridged form, but sixty or seventy pages. And W.T. Stead brought out the Penny Poets. The covers of these were pimply surface-paper, a bright orange colour, and they contained selections from Longfellow, Tennyson, Keats, and many others. I first read "Hiawatha" and "Evangeline" in the Penny Poets and thought them marvellous; so marvellous that I began to write 'poetry' myself. Stead also brought out another penny book; this had a pink cover and contained selections from the ancient classics: stories from Homer, the writings of Pliny the younger, Aesop's "Fables". I took a strong fancy to Aesop, he was a Greek slave from Samos, in the sixth century BC, and workpeople were only just beginning to be called "wage slaves". I read all these; non-selective and Catholic my reading...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
Aesop : Fables
'Maybe to neutralise the Penny Dreadful, Cassells brought out the Penny Classics. These had a bluish-green cover and were world famous novels in abridged form, but sixty or seventy pages. And W.T. Stead brought out the Penny Poets. The covers of these were pimply surface-paper, a bright orange colour, and they contained selections from Longfellow, Tennyson, Keats, and many others. I first read "Hiawatha" and "Evangeline" in the Penny Poets and thought them marvellous; so marvellous that I began to write 'poetry' myself. Stead also brought out another penny book; this had a pink cover and contained selections from the ancient classics: stories from Homer, the writings of Pliny the younger, Aesop's "Fables". I took a strong fancy to Aesop, he was a Greek slave from Samos, in the sixth century BC, and workpeople were only just beginning to be called "wage slaves". I read all these; non-selective and Catholic my reading...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
Robert Blatchford : Merrie England
'When, a year later, a senior apprentice -a Clarion Scout -gave me a copy of the penny edition of Blatchford's "Merrie England" of which he had sold a large quantity "round the frames", its matter was so very different from what its title had led me to expect that I put it aside unread. Years later circumstances caused me to hunt out this copy of "Merrie England" and give it serious consideration. I read it with avidity from end to end. In less than an hour it had done my business completely. Why I would hardly so much as look at a book which, later on, had so enduring an effect on me is worth puzzling out.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Charles Dickens : [unknown]
'It [central London] was truly a wonder world, for I seeing it not merely with my eyes of flesh but with the eyes of heightened imagination; -seeing it not only through spectacles manufactured by an optician, but through glasses supplied by magicians names Charles Dickens, Walter Scott, William Makepeace Thackeray, Joseph Addison, Daniel Defoe, Henry Fielding, Toby Smollett, Sam Johnson and Will Shakespeare himself. Had I scraped an acquaintance with all these before I was fifteen? I knew them well! -and that was the trouble. I was book hungry, and I found a land where books were accessible in a quantity and variety sufficient to satisfy even my uncontrolled voracity.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Walter Scott : [unknown]
'It [central London] was truly a wonder world, for I seeing it not merely with my eyes of flesh but with the eyes of heightened imagination; -seeing it not only through spectacles manufactured by an optician, but through glasses supplied by magicians names Charles Dickens, Walter Scott, William Makepeace Thackeray, Joseph Addison, Daniel Defoe, Henry Fielding, Toby Smollett, Sam Johnson and Will Shakespeare himself. Had I scraped an acquaintance with all these before I was fifteen? I knew them well! -and that was the trouble. I was book hungry, and I found a land where books were accessible in a quantity and variety sufficient to satisfy even my uncontrolled voracity.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
William Makepeace Thackeray : [unknown]
'It [central London] was truly a wonder world, for I seeing it not merely with my eyes of flesh but with the eyes of heightened imagination; -seeing it not only through spectacles manufactured by an optician, but through glasses supplied by magicians names Charles Dickens, Walter Scott, William Makepeace Thackeray, Joseph Addison, Daniel Defoe, Henry Fielding, Toby Smollett, Sam Johnson and Will Shakespeare himself. Had I scraped an acquaintance with all these before I was fifteen? I knew them well! -and that was the trouble. I was book hungry, and I found a land where books were accessible in a quantity and variety sufficient to satisfy even my uncontrolled voracity.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Joseph Addison : [unknown]
'It [central London] was truly a wonder world, for I seeing it not merely with my eyes of flesh but with the eyes of heightened imagination; -seeing it not only through spectacles manufactured by an optician, but through glasses supplied by magicians names Charles Dickens, Walter Scott, William Makepeace Thackeray, Joseph Addison, Daniel Defoe, Henry Fielding, Toby Smollett, Sam Johnson and Will Shakespeare himself. Had I scraped an acquaintance with all these before I was fifteen? I knew them well! -and that was the trouble. I was book hungry, and I found a land where books were accessible in a quantity and variety sufficient to satisfy even my uncontrolled voracity.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : [unknown]
'It [central London] was truly a wonder world, for I seeing it not merely with my eyes of flesh but with the eyes of heightened imagination; -seeing it not only through spectacles manufactured by an optician, but through glasses supplied by magicians names Charles Dickens, Walter Scott, William Makepeace Thackeray, Joseph Addison, Daniel Defoe, Henry Fielding, Toby Smollett, Sam Johnson and Will Shakespeare himself. Had I scraped an acquaintance with all these before I was fifteen? I knew them well! -and that was the trouble. I was book hungry, and I found a land where books were accessible in a quantity and variety sufficient to satisfy even my uncontrolled voracity.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Henry Fielding : [unknown]
'It [central London] was truly a wonder world, for I seeing it not merely with my eyes of flesh but with the eyes of heightened imagination; -seeing it not only through spectacles manufactured by an optician, but through glasses supplied by magicians names Charles Dickens, Walter Scott, William Makepeace Thackeray, Joseph Addison, Daniel Defoe, Henry Fielding, Toby Smollett, Sam Johnson and Will Shakespeare himself. Had I scraped an acquaintance with all these before I was fifteen? I knew them well! -and that was the trouble. I was book hungry, and I found a land where books were accessible in a quantity and variety sufficient to satisfy even my uncontrolled voracity.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Tobias Smollett : [unknown]
'It [central London] was truly a wonder world, for I seeing it not merely with my eyes of flesh but with the eyes of heightened imagination; -seeing it not only through spectacles manufactured by an optician, but through glasses supplied by magicians names Charles Dickens, Walter Scott, William Makepeace Thackeray, Joseph Addison, Daniel Defoe, Henry Fielding, Toby Smollett, Sam Johnson and Will Shakespeare himself. Had I scraped an acquaintance with all these before I was fifteen? I knew them well! -and that was the trouble. I was book hungry, and I found a land where books were accessible in a quantity and variety sufficient to satisfy even my uncontrolled voracity.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [unknown]
'It [central London] was truly a wonder world, for I seeing it not merely with my eyes of flesh but with the eyes of heightened imagination; -seeing it not only through spectacles manufactured by an optician, but through glasses supplied by magicians names Charles Dickens, Walter Scott, William Makepeace Thackeray, Joseph Addison, Daniel Defoe, Henry Fielding, Toby Smollett, Sam Johnson and Will Shakespeare himself. Had I scraped an acquaintance with all these before I was fifteen? I knew them well! -and that was the trouble. I was book hungry, and I found a land where books were accessible in a quantity and variety sufficient to satisfy even my uncontrolled voracity.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [unknown]
'It [central London] was truly a wonder world, for I seeing it not merely with my eyes of flesh but with the eyes of heightened imagination; -seeing it not only through spectacles manufactured by an optician, but through glasses supplied by magicians names Charles Dickens, Walter Scott, William Makepeace Thackeray, Joseph Addison, Daniel Defoe, Henry Fielding, Toby Smollett, Sam Johnson and Will Shakespeare himself. Had I scraped an acquaintance with all these before I was fifteen? I knew them well! -and that was the trouble. I was book hungry, and I found a land where books were accessible in a quantity and variety sufficient to satisfy even my uncontrolled voracity.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
[n/a] : The Bible
'We had, at home, a huge Family Bible -one of the brass-bound sort -with fine fat type and hundreds of illustrations. It was always safe to leave me with this Bible lying on my belly on the hearthrug before the fire -while my mother went out somewhere with my sisters. They would find me even three hours later just where and as I had been left. That Bible with its illustrations by Gustave Dore and Felix Philipotteaux, was a joy and a solace for years. Especially the battle-pictures and those of storm and wreck. There was one of Joshua's army storming a hill fortress -with the great iron-studded door crashing down before the onrush of mighty men with huge-headed axes -that never failed to thrill...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
[n/a] : Cassells Illustrated History of England
'Next to the Bible in time, and soon superseding it in practice were four volumes of Cassell's Illustrated History of England, which my father got bound up from a set of weekly parts. They carried the story down to the accession of George III; but even so they were a mine of treasure it took years to ramsack. I read first all the battles... After the battles I read the murders; then the executions; and then, at last, as much as I could stomach of the connecting bits in between.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book, Serial / periodical, weekly parts collected by father and bound into four volumes
Charles Dickens : [novels]
'Later on I found at the bottom of a cupboard some old volumes -Addison's "Spectator", Pope's "Homer", and a few other things. My grandmother -who also devoured books in great gulps -gave me a "Robinson Crusoe", and lent me volumes containing four "Waverley Novels" apiece. Much about the same time my father got bound up a set of Dickens's novels he had bought in weekly parts. They were in the popular quarto edition with drawings by Fred Barnard, John Mahony and others. These were a real treasure -and all the more so as my father was an ardent Dickens "fan" who rather despised Scott as a "romantic" and a "Tory". His mother (born in 1815, so old enough to have read the "Waverley Novels" when they were still comparatively new things) rather sniffed at Dickens, and definitely preferred both Scott and Thackeray. She gave me "Vanity Fair" as an antidote to "David Copperfield" and added a Shakespeare, and a bundle of "paperback" editions -Fielding, Smollett, Fennimore Cooper and Captain Marryatt.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book, Serial / periodical, weekly parts collected by father and bound into four volumes
Joseph Addison : Spectator
'Later on I found at the bottom of a cupboard some of volumes -Addison's "Spectator", Pope's "Homer", and a few other things. My grandmother -who also devoured books in great gulps -gave me a "Robinson Crusoe", and lent me volumes containing four "Waverley Novels" apiece. Much about the same time my father got bound up a set of Dickens's novels he had bought in weekly parts. They were in the popular quarto edition with drawings by Fred Barnard, John Mahony and others. These were a real treasure -and all the more so as my father was an ardent Dickens "fan" who rather despised Scott as a "romantic" and a "Tory". His mother (born in 1815, so old enough to have read the "Waverley Novels" when they were still comparatively new things) rather sniffed at Dickens, and definitely preferred both Scott and Thackeray. She gave me "Vanity Fair" as an antidote to "David Copperfield" and added a Shakespeare, and a bundle of "paperback" editions -Fielding, Smollett, Fennimore Cooper and Captain Marryatt.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Serial / periodical
Homer : Illiad
'Later on I found at the bottom of a cupboard some of volumes -Addison's "Spectator", Pope's "Homer", and a few other things. My grandmother -who also devoured books in great gulps -gave me a "Robinson Crusoe", and lent me volumes containing four "Waverley Novels" apiece. Much about the same time my father got bound up a set of Dickens's novels he had bought in weekly parts. They were in the popular quarto edition with drawings by Fred Barnard, John Mahony and others. These were a real treasure -and all the more so as my father was an ardent Dickens "fan" who rather despised Scott as a "romantic" and a "Tory". His mother (born in 1815, so old enough to have read the "Waverley Novels" when they were still comparatively new things) rather sniffed at Dickens, and definitely preferred both Scott and Thackeray. She gave me "Vanity Fair" as an antidote to "David Copperfield" and added a Shakespeare, and a bundle of "paperback" editions -Fielding, Smollett, Fennimore Cooper and Captain Marryatt.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
'Later on I found at the bottom of a cupboard some of volumes -Addison's "Spectator", Pope's "Homer", and a few other things. My grandmother -who also devoured books in great gulps -gave me a "Robinson Crusoe", and lent me volumes containing four "Waverley Novels" apiece. Much about the same time my father got bound up a set of Dickens's novels he had bought in weekly parts. They were in the popular quarto edition with drawings by Fred Barnard, John Mahony and others. These were a real treasure -and all the more so as my father was an ardent Dickens "fan" who rather despised Scott as a "romantic" and a "Tory". His mother (born in 1815, so old enough to have read the "Waverley Novels" when they were still comparatively new things) rather sniffed at Dickens, and definitely preferred both Scott and Thackeray. She gave me "Vanity Fair" as an antidote to "David Copperfield" and added a Shakespeare, and a bundle of "paperback" editions -Fielding, Smollett, Fennimore Cooper and Captain Marryatt.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Walter Scott : Waverley Novels
'Later on I found at the bottom of a cupboard some of volumes -Addison's "Spectator", Pope's "Homer", and a few other things. My grandmother -who also devoured books in great gulps -gave me a "Robinson Crusoe", and lent me volumes containing four "Waverley Novels" apiece. Much about the same time my father got bound up a set of Dickens's novels he had bought in weekly parts. They were in the popular quarto edition with drawings by Fred Barnard, John Mahony and others. These were a real treasure -and all the more so as my father was an ardent Dickens "fan" who rather despised Scott as a "romantic" and a "Tory". His mother (born in 1815, so old enough to have read the "Waverley Novels" when they were still comparatively new things) rather sniffed at Dickens, and definitely preferred both Scott and Thackeray. She gave me "Vanity Fair" as an antidote to "David Copperfield" and added a Shakespeare, and a bundle of "paperback" editions -Fielding, Smollett, Fennimore Cooper and Captain Marryatt.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
William Makepeace Thackeray : Vanity Fair
'Later on I found at the bottom of a cupboard some of volumes -Addison's "Spectator", Pope's "Homer", and a few other things. My grandmother -who also devoured books in great gulps -gave me a "Robinson Crusoe", and lent me volumes containing four "Waverley Novels" apiece. Much about the same time my father got bound up a set of Dickens's novels he had bought in weekly parts. They were in the popular quarto edition with drawings by Fred Barnard, John Mahony and others. These were a real treasure -and all the more so as my father was an ardent Dickens "fan" who rather despised Scott as a "romantic" and a "Tory". His mother (born in 1815, so old enough to have read the "Waverley Novels" when they were still comparatively new things) rather sniffed at Dickens, and definitely preferred both Scott and Thackeray. She gave me "Vanity Fair" as an antidote to "David Copperfield" and added a Shakespeare, and a bundle of "paperback" editions -Fielding, Smollett, Fennimore Cooper and Captain Marryatt.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [plays]
'Later on I found at the bottom of a cupboard some of volumes -Addison's "Spectator", Pope's "Homer", and a few other things. My grandmother -who also devoured books in great gulps -gave me a "Robinson Crusoe", and lent me volumes containing four "Waverley Novels" apiece. Much about the same time my father got bound up a set of Dickens's novels he had bought in weekly parts. They were in the popular quarto edition with drawings by Fred Barnard, John Mahony and others. These were a real treasure -and all the more so as my father was an ardent Dickens "fan" who rather despised Scott as a "romantic" and a "Tory". His mother (born in 1815, so old enough to have read the "Waverley Novels" when they were still comparatively new things) rather sniffed at Dickens, and definitely preferred both Scott and Thackeray. She gave me "Vanity Fair" as an antidote to "David Copperfield" and added a Shakespeare, and a bundle of "paperback" editions -Fielding, Smollett, Fennimore Cooper and Captain Marryatt.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Henry Fielding : [unknown]
'Later on I found at the bottom of a cupboard some of volumes -Addison's "Spectator", Pope's "Homer", and a few other things. My grandmother -who also devoured books in great gulps -gave me a "Robinson Crusoe", and lent me volumes containing four "Waverley Novels" apiece. Much about the same time my father got bound up a set of Dickens's novels he had bought in weekly parts. They were in the popular quarto edition with drawings by Fred Barnard, John Mahony and others. These were a real treasure -and all the more so as my father was an ardent Dickens "fan" who rather despised Scott as a "romantic" and a "Tory". His mother (born in 1815, so old enough to have read the "Waverley Novels" when they were still comparatively new things) rather sniffed at Dickens, and definitely preferred both Scott and Thackeray. She gave me "Vanity Fair" as an antidote to "David Copperfield" and added a Shakespeare, and a bundle of "paperback" editions -Fielding, Smollett, Fennimore Cooper and Captain Marryatt.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Tobias Smollett : [unknown]
'Later on I found at the bottom of a cupboard some of volumes -Addison's "Spectator", Pope's "Homer", and a few other things. My grandmother -who also devoured books in great gulps -gave me a "Robinson Crusoe", and lent me volumes containing four "Waverley Novels" apiece. Much about the same time my father got bound up a set of Dickens's novels he had bought in weekly parts. They were in the popular quarto edition with drawings by Fred Barnard, John Mahony and others. These were a real treasure -and all the more so as my father was an ardent Dickens "fan" who rather despised Scott as a "romantic" and a "Tory". His mother (born in 1815, so old enough to have read the "Waverley Novels" when they were still comparatively new things) rather sniffed at Dickens, and definitely preferred both Scott and Thackeray. She gave me "Vanity Fair" as an antidote to "David Copperfield" and added a Shakespeare, and a bundle of "paperback" editions -Fielding, Smollett, Fennimore Cooper and Captain Marryatt.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Fennimore Cooper : [unknown]
'Later on I found at the bottom of a cupboard some of volumes -Addison's "Spectator", Pope's "Homer", and a few other things. My grandmother -who also devoured books in great gulps -gave me a "Robinson Crusoe", and lent me volumes containing four "Waverley Novels" apiece. Much about the same time my father got bound up a set of Dickens's novels he had bought in weekly parts. They were in the popular quarto edition with drawings by Fred Barnard, John Mahony and others. These were a real treasure -and all the more so as my father was an ardent Dickens "fan" who rather despised Scott as a "romantic" and a "Tory". His mother (born in 1815, so old enough to have read the "Waverley Novels" when they were still comparatively new things) rather sniffed at Dickens, and definitely preferred both Scott and Thackeray. She gave me "Vanity Fair" as an antidote to "David Copperfield" and added a Shakespeare, and a bundle of "paperback" editions -Fielding, Smollett, Fennimore Cooper and Captain Marryatt.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Captain Marryatt : [unknown]
'Later on I found at the bottom of a cupboard some of volumes -Addison's "Spectator", Pope's "Homer", and a few other things. My grandmother -who also devoured books in great gulps -gave me a "Robinson Crusoe", and lent me volumes containing four "Waverley Novels" apiece. Much about the same time my father got bound up a set of Dickens's novels he had bought in weekly parts. They were in the popular quarto edition with drawings by Fred Barnard, John Mahony and others. These were a real treasure -and all the more so as my father was an ardent Dickens "fan" who rather despised Scott as a "romantic" and a "Tory". His mother (born in 1815, so old enough to have read the "Waverley Novels" when they were still comparatively new things) rather sniffed at Dickens, and definitely preferred both Scott and Thackeray. She gave me "Vanity Fair" as an antidote to "David Copperfield" and added a Shakespeare, and a bundle of "paperback" editions -Fielding, Smollett, Fennimore Cooper and Captain Marryatt.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Charles Dickens : David Copperfield
'Later on I found at the bottom of a cupboard some of volumes -Addison's "Spectator", Pope's "Homer", and a few other things. My grandmother -who also devoured books in great gulps -gave me a "Robinson Crusoe", and lent me volumes containing four "Waverley Novels" apiece. Much about the same time my father got bound up a set of Dickens's novels he had bought in weekly parts. They were in the popular quarto edition with drawings by Fred Barnard, John Mahony and others. These were a real treasure -and all the more so as my father was an ardent Dickens "fan" who rather despised Scott as a "romantic" and a "Tory". His mother (born in 1815, so old enough to have read the "Waverley Novels" when they were still comparatively new things) rather sniffed at Dickens, and definitely preferred both Scott and Thackeray. She gave me "Vanity Fair" as an antidote to "David Copperfield" and added a Shakespeare, and a bundle of "paperback" editions -Fielding, Smollett, Fennimore Cooper and Captain Marryatt.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book, Serial / periodical, weekly parts collected by father and bound into volumes
Thomas Babington Macaulay : History of England
'We had read at school in our Reading Books, gorgeous bits from Macaulay's "History" -the Trial of the Seven Bishops and the Relief of Derry -and it was therefore natural that I should pounce with my penny at the sight of a copy of his essay on "Warren Hastings", which hit my eye on almost my first visit to the Row... I read it, I remember, on the Embankment -lying in the sun on my belly on the flat top of the ornamental arch, near Cleopatra's needle, up which a boy could climb... The series which included this edition of "Warren Hastings" gave an obvious first step along this road. It was one of Cassells National Library, a series of literary classics edited by Henry Morley, Professor of English Literature at London University, sold for 3d. paper and 6d. cloth. New or secondhand they opened an enticing field for adventurous exploration. So did a parallel series of shilling volumes the Universal Library issued by Routledge, batches of which used to be dumped upon the secondhand market and sold for 4d a copy.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Thomas Babington Macaulay : Warren Hastings
'We had read at school in our Reading Books, gorgeous bits from Macaulay's "History" -the Trial of the Seven Bishops and the Relief of Derry -and it was therefore natural that I should pounce with my penny at the sight of a copy of his essay on "Warren Hastings", which hit my eye on almost my first visit to the Row... I read it, I remember, on the Embankment -lying in the sun on my belly on the flat top of the ornamental arch, near Cleopatra's needle, up which a boy could climb... The series which included this edition of "Warren Hastings" gave an obvious first step along this road. It was one of Cassells National Library, a series of literary classics edited by Henry Morley, Professor of English Literature at London University, sold for 3d. paper and 6d. cloth. New or secondhand they opened an enticing field for adventurous exploration. So did a parallel series of shilling volumes the Universal Library issued by Routledge, batches of which used to be dumped upon the secondhand market and sold for 4d a copy.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
George Grote : History of Greece
'I took Lubbock's List as a guide in my book hunting and persevered until I had acquired and read every single book in Lubbock's "hundred". It took time, of course: it was only after many years that I could happen upon and acquire, secondhand, Grote's "History of Greece". But as I found them, so, doggedly, I set myself to read them, and to puzzle out, as well as I could, why they had acquired the repute in which they stood. It was, at times, hard going; I got little pleasure or profit from Keble's "Christian Year", and, though his gorgeous word tapestry impressed me greatly, little of either from Jeremy Taylor's "Holy Living" and "Holy Dying".'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
John Keble : The Christian Year: Thoughts in Verse for the Sundays and Holy Days throughout the Year
'I took Lubbock's List as a guide in my book hunting and persevered until I had acquired and read every single book in Lubbock's "hundred". It took time, of course: it was only after many years that I could happen upon and acquire, secondhand, Grote's "History of Greece". But as I found them, so, doggedly, I set myself to read them, and to puzzle out, as well as I could, why they had acquired the repute in which they stood. It was, at times, hard going; I got little pleasure or profit from Keble's "Christian Year", and, though his gorgeous word tapestry impressed me greatly, little of either from Jeremy Taylor's "Holy Living" and "Holy Dying".'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Jeremy Taylor : Holy Living
'I took Lubbock's List as a guide in my book hunting and persevered until I had acquired and read every single book in Lubbock's "hundred". It took time, of course: it was only after many years that I could happen upon and acquire, secondhand, Grote's "History of Greece". But as I found them, so, doggedly, I set myself to read them, and to puzzle out, as well as I could, why they had acquired the repute in which they stood. It was, at times, hard going; I got little pleasure or profit from Keble's "Christian Year", and, though his gorgeous word tapestry impressed me greatly, little of either from Jeremy Taylor's "Holy Living" and "Holy Dying".'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Jeremy Taylor : Holy Dying
'I took Lubbock's List as a guide in my book hunting and persevered until I had acquired and read every single book in Lubbock's "hundred". It took time, of course: it was only after many years that I could happen upon and acquire, secondhand, Grote's "History of Greece". But as I found them, so, doggedly, I set myself to read them, and to puzzle out, as well as I could, why they had acquired the repute in which they stood. It was, at times, hard going; I got little pleasure or profit from Keble's "Christian Year", and, though his gorgeous word tapestry impressed me greatly, little of either from Jeremy Taylor's "Holy Living" and "Holy Dying".'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : Faery Queene
'This preoccupation with the sensuous form I experienced most obviously and acutely when I read with mounting excitement Spenser's "Faery Queen".'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
George Henry Lewes : Biographical History of Philosophy
'But by a lucky chance I happened upon a book included in Lubbock's "hundred" -George Henry Lewes's "Biographical History of Philosophy". It came just when I needed it and to my extreme delight and mounting excitement opened before me an entirely new world of adventure.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Samuel Daniel : [poems complete works]
'I devoured poetry and nothing but poetry until I became insensible to poetry. Take an example; I happened upon some fat volumes of Campbell's "British Poets", the complete works of from four to eight poets in each volume which cost me 6d. apiece. They had shabby worn leather bindings, and the type was on the small side and closely set. But I ploughed through them, doggedly, as if reading for a bet, or an imposed task. One volume I remember contained the poetical works of Samuel Daniel, Browne, Giles and Phineas Fletcher, Ben Johnson, Drummond (of Harthornden), John Donne, and some more minor ones. Another contained along with "also rans" Cowley, Milton and "Hudibras" Butler. And, I repeat, I ploughed through them with a stout heart, but little sense, and a dwindling understanding.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
[probably] Isaac Hawkins Browne : [poems complete works]
'I devoured poetry and nothing but poetry until I became insensible to poetry. Take an example; I happened upon some fat volumes of Campbell's "British Poets", the complete works of from four to eight poets in each volume which cost me 6d. apiece. They had shabby worn leather bindings, and the type was on the small side and closely set. But I ploughed through them, doggedly, as if reading for a bet, or an imposed task. One volume I remember contained the poetical works of Samuel Daniel, Browne, Giles and Phineas Fletcher, Ben Johnson, Drummond (of Harthornden), John Donne, and some more minor ones. Another contained along with "also rans" Cowley, Milton and "Hudibras" Butler. And, I repeat, I ploughed through them with a stout heart, but little sense, and a dwindling understanding.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Giles Fletcher : [poems complete works]
'I devoured poetry and nothing but poetry until I became insensible to poetry. Take an example; I happened upon some fat volumes of Campbell's "British Poets", the complete works of from four to eight poets in each volume which cost me 6d. apiece. They had shabby worn leather bindings, and the type was on the small side and closely set. But I ploughed through them, doggedly, as if reading for a bet, or an imposed task. One volume I remember contained the poetical works of Samuel Daniel, Browne, Giles and Phineas Fletcher, Ben Johnson, Drummond (of Harthornden), John Donne, and some more minor ones. Another contained along with "also rans" Cowley, Milton and "Hudibras" Butler. And, I repeat, I ploughed through them with a stout heart, but little sense, and a dwindling understanding.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Phineas Fletcher : [poems complete works]
'I devoured poetry and nothing but poetry until I became insensible to poetry. Take an example; I happened upon some fat volumes of Campbell's "British Poets", the complete works of from four to eight poets in each volume which cost me 6d. apiece. They had shabby worn leather bindings, and the type was on the small side and closely set. But I ploughed through them, doggedly, as if reading for a bet, or an imposed task. One volume I remember contained the poetical works of Samuel Daniel, Browne, Giles and Phineas Fletcher, Ben Johnson, Drummond (of Harthornden), John Donne, and some more minor ones. Another contained along with "also rans" Cowley, Milton and "Hudibras" Butler. And, I repeat, I ploughed through them with a stout heart, but little sense, and a dwindling understanding.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Ben Jonson : [poems complete works]
'I devoured poetry and nothing but poetry until I became insensible to poetry. Take an example; I happened upon some fat volumes of Campbell's "British Poets", the complete works of from four to eight poets in each volume which cost me 6d. apiece. They had shabby worn leather bindings, and the type was on the small side and closely set. But I ploughed through them, doggedly, as if reading for a bet, or an imposed task. One volume I remember contained the poetical works of Samuel Daniel, Browne, Giles and Phineas Fletcher, Ben Jonson, Drummond (of Harthornden), John Donne, and some more minor ones. Another contained along with "also rans" Cowley, Milton and "Hudibras" Butler. And, I repeat, I ploughed through them with a stout heart, but little sense, and a dwindling understanding.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
William Drummond : [poems complete works]
'I devoured poetry and nothing but poetry until I became insensible to poetry. Take an example; I happened upon some fat volumes of Campbell's "British Poets", the complete works of from four to eight poets in each volume which cost me 6d. apiece. They had shabby worn leather bindings, and the type was on the small side and closely set. But I ploughed through them, doggedly, as if reading for a bet, or an imposed task. One volume I remember contained the poetical works of Samuel Daniel, Browne, Giles and Phineas Fletcher, Ben Jonson, Drummond (of Ha[w]thornden), John Donne, and some more minor ones. Another contained along with "also rans" Cowley, Milton and "Hudibras" Butler. And, I repeat, I ploughed through them with a stout heart, but little sense, and a dwindling understanding.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
John Donne : [poems complete works]
'I devoured poetry and nothing but poetry until I became insensible to poetry. Take an example; I happened upon some fat volumes of Campbell's "British Poets", the complete works of from four to eight poets in each volume which cost me 6d. apiece. They had shabby worn leather bindings, and the type was on the small side and closely set. But I ploughed through them, doggedly, as if reading for a bet, or an imposed task. One volume I remember contained the poetical works of Samuel Daniel, Browne, Giles and Phineas Fletcher, Ben Jonson, Drummond (of Ha[w]thornden), John Donne, and some more minor ones. Another contained along with "also rans" Cowley, Milton and "Hudibras" Butler. And, I repeat, I ploughed through them with a stout heart, but little sense, and a dwindling understanding.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Abraham Cowley : [poems complete works]
'I devoured poetry and nothing but poetry until I became insensible to poetry. Take an example; I happened upon some fat volumes of Campbell's "British Poets", the complete works of from four to eight poets in each volume which cost me 6d. apiece. They had shabby worn leather bindings, and the type was on the small side and closely set. But I ploughed through them, doggedly, as if reading for a bet, or an imposed task. One volume I remember contained the poetical works of Samuel Daniel, Browne, Giles and Phineas Fletcher, Ben Jonson, Drummond (of Ha[w]thornden), John Donne, and some more minor ones. Another contained along with "also rans" Cowley, Milton and "Hudibras" Butler. And, I repeat, I ploughed through them with a stout heart, but little sense, and a dwindling understanding.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
John Milton : [poems complete works]
'I devoured poetry and nothing but poetry until I became insensible to poetry. Take an example; I happened upon some fat volumes of Campbell's "British Poets", the complete works of from four to eight poets in each volume which cost me 6d. apiece. They had shabby worn leather bindings, and the type was on the small side and closely set. But I ploughed through them, doggedly, as if reading for a bet, or an imposed task. One volume I remember contained the poetical works of Samuel Daniel, Browne, Giles and Phineas Fletcher, Ben Jonson, Drummond (of Ha[w]thornden), John Donne, and some more minor ones. Another contained along with "also rans" Cowley, Milton and "Hudibras" Butler. And, I repeat, I ploughed through them with a stout heart, but little sense, and a dwindling understanding.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Samuel Butler : [poems complete works]
'I devoured poetry and nothing but poetry until I became insensible to poetry. Take an example; I happened upon some fat volumes of Campbell's "British Poets", the complete works of from four to eight poets in each volume which cost me 6d. apiece. They had shabby worn leather bindings, and the type was on the small side and closely set. But I ploughed through them, doggedly, as if reading for a bet, or an imposed task. One volume I remember contained the poetical works of Samuel Daniel, Browne, Giles and Phineas Fletcher, Ben Jonson, Drummond (of Ha[w]thornden), John Donne, and some more minor ones. Another contained along with "also rans" Cowley, Milton and "Hudibras" Butler. And, I repeat, I ploughed through them with a stout heart, but little sense, and a dwindling understanding.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas A. Jackson Print: Book
Jean Aubuisson : Traite de geognoise
'There is a project on foot about translating one D'Aubuisson [a] Frenchman's geology - a large book, for the first edition I am to have 60 guineas - the same sum for every succeeding edition. Brewster was very diligent in forwarding it; and tho' I neither like the book or the terms excessively, I feel much o[blige]d to him for his conduct.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Friedrich Schiller : Wallenstein
'The colossal "Wallenstein" and Thekla the angelical, and Max her impetuous lofty-minded lover are all gone to rest; I have closed Schiller for a night; and what can I do better than chat for one short hour with my old, earliest friend?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Joanna Baillie : Metrical Legends of Exalted Characters
'Waugh (the Review-man) sent me a book the other day, with a wish and an assurance that I "would write a very elegant and spirited critique on it" - which I am not so certain of as the magistrate pretends to be, but shall attempt notwithstanding. It is poetry, by Joanna Baillie, about Wallace and Columbus and patient Griseld, and so forth. I am to begin forthwith; should have begun indeed already, but Schiller and others stand in the way.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Anne Louise Germaine de Sta?l-Holstein : De l'Allemagne
'Those latter volumes of the Allemagne will perplex you, I fear. The third in particular is very mysterious; now and then quite absurd. Do not mind it much.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Thomas Carlyle : Life of Pascal
'Tell David Fergusson that I am charmed with his manuscript [a handwritten copy of Carlyle's "Life of Pascal"]; it is the prettiest [that] ever was written for the Encyclopaedia, and perfectly correct.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Sheet, Handwritten copy of Carlyle's own text
John Carr : Descriptive Travels in the Southern and Eastern Parts of Spain and the Balearic Isles, in the year 1809
'We quite run over with Books. She [JA's mother] has got Sir John Carr's Travels in Spain from Miss B. & I am reading a Society-Octavo, an Essay on the Military Police & Institutions of the British Empire, by Capt. Pasley of the Engineers, a book which I protested against at first, but which upon trial I find delightfully written & highly entertaining. I am as much in love with the Author as I ever was with Clarkson or Bucahanan, or even the two Mr Smiths of the city. The first soldier I ever sighed for; but he does write with extraordinary force & spirit.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Cassandra Leigh Austen Print: Book
James and Horatio Smith : Rejected Addresses; or the new Theatrum Poetarum
'Upon Mrs Digweed's mentioning that she had sent the Rejected Addresses to Mr Hinton, I began talking to her a little about them & expressed my hope of their having amused her. Her answer was, "Oh! dear, yes, very much; - very droll indeed; - the opening of the House! - & the striking up of the Fiddles!" What she meant, poor woman, who shall say? - I sought no farther.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Digweed Print: Book
[n/a] : Holy Scriptures
'When I grew into a youth and read everything I got my hands on, from Penny Dreadfuls to the Holy Scriptures, I came across phrases that puzzled me, such as "sans-culotte", "shiftless rabble", "dregs of humanity", "ignorant masses". I wondered where all these worthless people lived. I could only think it must be London or some such place outside my ken. Then one day it dawned on me, these scornful and superior writers were writing about me, and the people who lived in our street. It knocked me sideways for a little time, till the temperament I had inherited from my mother pulled me straight again... The latest I have come across is Richard Church, for whom, as a poet and novelist, I have full respect...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
[unknown] : Penny Dreadfuls
'When I grew into a youth and read everything I got my hands on, from Penny Dreadfuls to the Holy Scriptures, I came across phrases that puzzled me, such as "sans-culotte", "shiftless rabble", "dregs of humanity", "ignorant masses". I wondered where all these worthless people lived. I could only think it must be London or some such place outside my ken. Then one day it dawned on me, these scornful and superior writers were writing about me, and the people who lived in our street. It knocked me sideways for a little time, till the temperament I had inherited from my mother pulled me straight again... The latest I have come across is Richard Church, for whom, as a poet and novelist, I have full respect...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Serial / periodical
Richard Church : [unknown]
'When I grew into a youth and read everything I got my hands on, from Penny Dreadfuls to the Holy Scriptures, I came across phrases that puzzled me, such as "sans-culotte", "shiftless rabble", "dregs of humanity", "ignorant masses". I wondered where all these worthless people lived. I could only think it must be London or some such place outside my ken. Then one day it dawned on me, these scornful and superior writers were writing about me, and the people who lived in our street. It knocked me sideways for a little time, till the temperament I had inherited from my mother pulled me straight again... The latest I have come across is Richard Church, for whom, as a poet and novelist, I have full respect...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Unknown
[unknown] : How to make friends and influence people
'When I was a youth I envied others having this capacity to make close friends. I even bought a book, "How To Make Friends and Influence People". I read the book, but it did me no good; so I must be a hopeless case.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
Mrs Henry [Ellen] Wood : East Lynne
'My mother used to read the novels of Miss Braddon and Mrs Henry Wood, and those in a series called "The Family Story Teller", that she got from the public library. My father got her "East Lynne" through a pub Literary Society, she read it over and over again. I read it when I was about nine. Heavens, the tears I gulped back over the death of Little Willie!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
[unknown] : [notice]
'My father took me to see them sold up. He must have been off work again, foundry work was little better than casual labour then. The auctioneer's man had taken the two halves of the sash window out. On the wall by the window was written in chalk: "Owing to Arrears of Rent and by Order of the Landlord. Sale this day at 2.30".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Manuscript: Graffito
[n/a] : Bible
'There is a book you may have come across, and that was read a lot when I was young, called the Bible. I used to read it, too, when I learned to read; it is a bit old fashioned but very interesting when you get used to its archaic English. In the forty-first chapter of Genesis another Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
[unknown] : [notice]
'Whilst waiting my turn and having observed all these things, I started to spell out a notice above the mirror, I could read enough. It said "Haircut: Men 3d., Boys 2d., Shaving, 1d." That was in 1893, near enough. Prices have gone up a little since then.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Advertisement, Poster
Charles Henry Ross : Ally Sloper's Half-Holiday
'None of the periodicals shown there are alive today. There was "Ally Sloper's Half-Holiday", my favourite comic. When Father had a spot of overtime in, he used to buy a copy on Saturday, coming home from work with his wages and give it to me. Ally Sloper was always front page and full page. He was a comical man with a great bulbous nose, a wide grin, and he wore a tall hat that had a definite waist. He had a ma-in-law, and other relatives who were always making difficulties for him, but he always scored off them in the end. R.I.P. Ally.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Police News
'There was the "Police News" and the "Police Budget". I don't think these had any connection, officially, with the police, that was just their name. They specialised in depicting crime in pictures, and also the manly arts of boxing and wrestling. The most sensational crime of the previous week was always given on the front page; and if it was murder by knife or gunshot, there was always oceans of blood sloshed about the picture, and the dying man's face was horrific with his agony. These journals were printed on pink newsprint.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Police Budget
'There was the "Police News" and the "Police Budget". I don't think these had any connection, officially, with the police, that was just their name. They specialised in depicting crime in pictures, and also the manly arts of boxing and wrestling. The most sensational crime of the previous week was always given on the front page; and if it was murder by knife or gunshot, there was always oceans of blood sloshed about the picture, and the dying man's face was horrific with his agony. These journals were printed on pink newsprint.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Sketchy Bits
'Also on pink newsprint were "Sketchy Bits" and "Photo Bits". Most of the "bits" in these journals had huge nude thighs and huge, almost nude, bosoms, with the absolute minimum of clothing... These two "Bits" journals - that I sometimes bought for a halfpenny each at the second-hand periodical stall in the market -catered to some extent to masochists. There were pages of letters supposed to be written by readers to the editor -though it would not surprise me if they had all been written by the same journalist -that I did not quite understand as a boy. I read everything I came across, from the Bible to "Deadwood Dick", so I read these letters also.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Photo Bits
'Also on pink newsprint were "Sketchy Bits" and "Photo Bits". Most of the "bits" in these journals had huge nude thighs and huge, almost nude, bosoms, with the absolute minimum of clothing... These two "Bits" journals - that I sometimes bought for a halfpenny each at the second-hand periodical stall in the market -catered to some extent to masochists. There were pages of letters supposed to be written by readers to the editor -though it would not surprise me if they had all been written by the same journalist -that I did not quite understand as a boy. I read everything I came across, from the Bible to "Deadwood Dick", so I read these letters also.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Serial / periodical
Edward L. Wheeler : Deadwood Dick
'Also on pink newsprint were "Sketchy Bits" and "Photo Bits". Most of the "bits" in these journals had huge nude thighs and huge, almost nude, bosoms, with the absolute minimum of clothing... These two "Bits" journals - that I sometimes bought for a halfpenny each at the second-hand periodical stall in the market -catered to some extent to masochists. There were pages of letters supposed to be written by readers to the editor -though it would not surprise me if they had all been written by the same journalist -that I did not quite understand as a boy. I read everything I came across, from the Bible to "Deadwood Dick", so I read these letters also.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Heartsease Library
'Now that we had gas I found it much easier and pleasanter to read. When I had read all my own periodicals I used to read Mother's literature. Sometimes she bought a novelette; the "Heartsease Library" was one, a penny per week. She was in the public library, too. I read "The Channings" by Mrs Henry Wood, and "Lady Audley's Secret" by Miss Braddon, and others by these two who were my mother's favourite authors.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Serial / periodical
Mrs Henry [Ellen] Wood : The Channings
'Now that we had gas I found it much easier and pleasanter to read. When I had read all my own periodicals I used to read Mother's literature. Sometimes she bought a novelette; the "Heartsease Library" was one, a penny per week. She was in the public library, too. I read "The Channings" by Mrs Henry Wood, and "Lady Audley's Secret" by Miss Braddon, and others by these two who were my mother's favourite authors.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
Mary Elizabeth Braddon : Lady Audley's Secret
'Now that we had gas I found it much easier and pleasanter to read. When I had read all my own periodicals I used to read Mother's literature. Sometimes she bought a novelette; the "Heartsease Library" was one, a penny per week. She was in the public library, too. I read "The Channings" by Mrs Henry Wood, and "Lady Audley's Secret" by Miss Braddon, and others by these two who were my mother's favourite authors.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Our 2d evening's reading to Miss Benn had not pleased me so well, but I beleive [sic] something must be attributed to my Mother's too rapid way of getting on - & tho' she perfectly understands the Characters herself, she cannot speak as they ought. - Upon the whole however I am quite vain enough & well satisfied enough...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Cassandra Leigh Austen Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'I am exceedingly pleased that you can say what you do, having gone thro' the whole work ["Pride and Prejudice"] - & Fanny's praise is very gratifying; - my hopes were tolerably strong of [italics] her [end italics], but nothing like a certainty. Her liking Darcy & Elizth is enough. She might hate all the others if she would. I have her opinion under her own hand this morning, but your Transcript of it which I read first, was not & is not the less acceptable. - To [italics] me [end italics] it is of course all praise - but the more exact truth which she sends [italics] you [end italics] is good enough.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Cassandra Austen Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'...went along to the reference room of the public library to look up data on African trees. I searched the shelves and found just the book I wanted: a scientific work that gave full details of African trees. I sat studying it and making notes...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
[unknown] : Young People's First Book of Trees
'[given an alternative text by the librarian, entitled 'Young People's First Book of Trees'] Every time the man came through the room I slipped the African book on to my knees under the table and was intently studying the Young People's book...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
[n/a] : Strand Magazine
'I was reading a lot of magazine stories now. There was a boys' reading-room at the public library; the magazines were brought second-hand out of the men's reading-room when displaced by a new monthly issue: the "Strand Magazine", "Windsor", "Pearson's", and others...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Windsor
'I was reading a lot of magazine stories now. There was a boys' reading-room at the public library; the magazines were brought second-hand out of the men's reading-room when displaced by a new monthly issue: the "Strand Magazine", "Windsor", "Pearson's", and others...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Pearson's
'I was reading a lot of magazine stories now. There was a boys' reading-room at the public library; the magazines were brought second-hand out of the men's reading-room when displaced by a new monthly issue: the "Strand Magazine", "Windsor", "Pearson's", and others...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas More : Utopia
'These artless idealists had their favourite authors, which I now proceeded to read...Their piece de resistance was Sir Thomas More's "Utopia", closely followed by the prose works of William Morris, "The Story of the Unknown Church", and the like. There was quite a spate of novels with this ideology, but the only one that has come down to the present day is Edward Bellamy's "Looking Backward".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
William Morris : [prose works]
'These artless idealists had their favourite authors, which I now proceeded to read...Their piece de resistance was Sir Thomas More's "Utopia", closely followed by the prose works of William Morris, "The Story of the Unknown Church", and the like. There was quite a spate of novels with this ideology, but the only one that has come down to the present day is Edward Bellamy's "Looking Backward".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
William Morris : The Story of the Unknown Church
'These artless idealists had their favourite authors, which I now proceeded to read...Their piece de resistance was Sir Thomas More's "Utopia", closely followed by the prose works of William Morris, "The Story of the Unknown Church", and the like. There was quite a spate of novels with this ideology, but the only one that has come down to the present day is Edward Bellamy's "Looking Backward".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
Edward Bellamy : Looking Backwards
'These artless idealists had their favourite authors, which I now proceeded to read...Their piece de resistance was Sir Thomas More's "Utopia", closely followed by the prose works of William Morris, "The Story of the Unknown Church", and the like. There was quite a spate of novels with this ideology, but the only one that has come down to the present day is Edward Bellamy's "Looking Backward".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
[n/a] : Monthly Review
'Got the "Monthly Mag" & "Rev." from Miss Haynes. They appear to be two very entertaining no's. I am much pleased with the account of Mr Lambton in the "Monthly Mag". the "Walpoliana" is also very entertaining.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Serial / periodical
[anon] : Guy's Expositor
'The following Saturday afternoon [father] was a bit late getting home from work; he must have gone to the second-hand bookstall in the market. ...he handed me a book that was dropping to pieces. It was thin, with a dark green back. There were about fifty pages; there had been a lot more but the others must have dropped out. All the pages were loose. It was called "Guy's Expositor". It was just lists of words, but it told you where they had come from, and how their meaning had varied through the ages so that some words, eventually, came to mean just the opposite from what they had meant long ago. I was thrilled to the marrow with it...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
[n/a] : [Penny Poets]
'I had started to write "poetry". I was reading masses of it in the Penny Poets, and I thought I would like to be a poet myself...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'And the female crocodile does make a nest! I had read all about it in a book from the library...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
[unknown] : Quain's Anatomy
'I was getting a lot of stiff reading out of the public library, now, "for my father". One work was "Quain's Anatomy" in two volumes. The first volume was anatomy and physiology. I read all about bones, muscles, lungs, liver, kidneys, ductless glands, all the whole issue. The second volume was on reproduction and embryology. I was completely fascinated...'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
[unknown] : [Astronomy and spectrum analysis]
'I read a lot of astronomy and that, too, was wonderful. The world is full of wonders if one only looks for them. One book I got was on spectrum analysis, as applied to astronomy. I was fascinated by this too. I could not put the book down. One evening Mother had not a penny for the gas, and there was no paraffin in the lamp she still had. I crouched on the fender, reading by the red glow of the fire, so close that my hair was singed.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
[unknown] : [Astronomy and spectrum analysis]
'I was so interested in spectrum analysis that I took the big book to school with me, to read in playtime. The desks we had were box-type, there was a lid to lift and you could keep books inside. I had my book in there. We were doing composition. I had my head under the lid and inside the desk, reading more of the library book.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Stamper Print: Book
John Pepys : [speech]
'I rose early this morning, and looked over and corrected my brother John's speech which he is to make the next Apposition'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
John Pepys : [speech]
'At noon my brother John came to me, and I corrected as well as I could his Greek speech against the Apposition, though I believe he himself was as well able to do it as myself. After that, we went to read in the great Officiale about the blessing of bells in the Church of Rome.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
[unknown] : Pontificale romanum Clementis VIII, part 2
'At noon my brother John came to me, and I corrected as well as I could his Greek speech against the Apposition, though I believe he himself was as well able to do it as myself. After that, we went to read in the great Officiale about the blessing of bells in the Church of Rome.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Back I went by Mr Downing's order, and stayed there till 12 a-clock in expectation of one to come to read some writings; but he came not, so I stayed all alone reading the answer of the Dutch Embassador to our state, in answer to the reasons of my Lord's coming home which he gave for his coming, and did labour herein to contradict my Lord's arguments for his coming home.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
[unknown] : The humble address and hearty desires of the gentlemen, ministers and free-holders of the county of Northampton, presented to his Excellency the Lord General Monck, at his arrival at Northampton January, 24, 1659
'I called at St Paul's churchyard, where I bought Buxtorfes Hebrew Grammar and read a declaration of the gentlemen of Northamptonshire - which came out this afternoon.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Broadsheet
[n/a] : Book of Tobit
'To their church in the afternoon, and in Mrs Turner's pew my wife took up a good black hood and kept it. A stranger preached a poor sermon, and so I read over the whole book of the story of Tobit.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : Las cosas maravillosas della sancta ciudad de Roma
'This morning I lay long abed; then to my office, where I read all the morning my Spanish book of Rome.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : The church-history of Britain
'...and back to Pauls churchyard, where I stayed reading in Fullers history of the Church of England an hour or two...'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Roger L'Estrange [? probably] : A plea for limited monarchy, as it was established in this nation, before the late war. In a humble address to his Excellency, General Monck
'...and with them to Marshes at Whitehall to drink, and stayed there a pretty while reading a pamphlet, well-writ and directed to Generall Monke in praise of the form of Monarchy which was settled here before the Warrs.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
[Playford] : Select ayres and dialogues
'My Lord and the ship's company down to Sermon. I stayed above to write and look over my new song-book, which came last night to me from London in lieu of that that my Lord had of me.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'Home, and at night had a chapter read; and I read prayers out of the Common Prayer book, the first time that ever I read prayers in this house. So to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[n/a] : Common Prayer Book
'Home, and at night had a chapter read; and I read prayers out of the Common Prayer book, the first time that ever I read prayers in this house. So to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Up to my chamber to read a little, and write my Diary for three or four days past.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Unknown
John Speed : A prospect of the most famous parts of the world
'In the evening to the office, where I fell a-reading of Speeds geography for a while.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : The church-history of Britain
'And before supper I read part of the Maryan persecution in Mr Fuller.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Paul Scarron : The Fruitlesse Precaution
'And so home, where I fell to read "The fruitlesse precaution" (a book formerly recommended by Dr Clerke at sea to me), which I read in bed till I had made an end of it and do find it the best-writ tale that ever I read in my life.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Paul Scarron : The Fruitlesse Precaution
'but went home again by water, by the way reading of the other two stories that are in the book that I read last night, which I do not like so well as that.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'So after supper and reading of some chapters, I went to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Dauncey : The history of the thrice illustrious Princess Henrietta Maria de Bourbon, Queen of England
'To Westminster-hall and bought, among other books, one of the Life of our Queene. Which I read at home to my wife; but it was so sillily writ that we did nothing but laugh at it: among other things, it is dedicated to that Paragon of virtue and beauty, the Duchesse of Albermarle.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : Masse Book
'In Pauls churchyard I called at Kirton's; and there they had got a Masse book for me, which I bought and cost me 12s. And when I came home, sat up late and read in it - with great pleasure to my wife to hear that that she long ago was so well acquainted with.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [law book?]
'At night Mr Moore came and sat with me, and there I took a book and he did instruct me in many law=notions, in which I took great pleasure.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : An exact and most impartial accompt of the ... trial ... of nine and twenty regicides
'Home and fell a-reading of the tryalls of the late men that were hanged for the King's death; and found good satisfaccion in reading thereof.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : An exact and most impartial accompt of the ... trial ... of nine and twenty regicides
'Home by Coach and read late in the last night's book of the Tryalls...'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[John] [Phillips?] : Montelion, the prophetical almanac for the year 1661
'So to Pauls churchyard and there bought "Montelion", which this year doth not prove so good as the last was; and so after reading it, I burned it. After reading of that and the Comedy of "The Rump", which is also very silly, I went to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: almanac
John Tatham : The Rump, or The mirror of the late times
'So to Pauls churchyard and there bought "Montelion", which this yeardoth not prove so good as the last was; and so after reading it, I burned it. After reading of that and the Comedy of "The Rump", which is also very silly, I went to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'So we parted, and I and Mr Creed to Westminster-hall and looked over a book or two, and so to My Lord's...'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : The church-history of Britain
'To church in the afternoon. And after sermon took Tom. Fuller's "Church History" and read over Henry the 8ths life - in it. And so to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Randolph : Cornelianum Dolium
'After he was gone, I fell a-reading "Cornelianum Dolium" till 11 a-clock at night, with great pleasure; and after that to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : The church-history of Britain
'I fell a-reading in Fuller's "history of Abbys" and my wife in "Grand Cyrus" till 12 at night, and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'After that home and to bed - reading myself asleep while the wench sat mending my breeches by my bedside.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Unknown
Thomas Fuller : The church-history of Britain
'All evening at my book; and so to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : The church-history of Britain
'and I, before and after supper, to my Lute and Fullers "History", at which I stayed all alone in my Chamber till 12 at night; and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : The church-history of Britain
'At home I fell a-reading of Fullers "Church History" till it was late, and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Eaton Stannard Barrett : The Heroine; or, Adventures of Cherubina
'I finished the Heroine last night & was very much amused by it. I wonder James did not like it better. It diverted me exceedingly.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Austen Print: Book
Francis Osborne : [works]
'I in my chamber all the evening, looking over my Osborns works and new Emanuel Thesaurus's "Patriarchae".'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Emanuel Tesauro : Patriarche, sive Christi servatoris genealogia, per mundi aetates traducta
'I in my chamber all the evening, looking over my Osborns works and new Emanuel Thesaurus's "Patriarchae".'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [French Romances]
'And God forgive me, did spent it in reading some little French Romances.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [Good books]
'and I home and stayed there all day within - having found Mr Moore, who stayed with me till at night, talking and reading some good books.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [book]
'Then by linke home - and there to my book awhile and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [book]
'Then home - I to read.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [book]
'Then to reading and at night to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Smith : The sea-man's grammar
'earley up in the morning to read the "Seamans grammar and dictionary" I lately have got, which doth please me exceedingly well.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[n/a] : The Kingdomes Intelligencer
'This day I find in the news-Booke that Rogr. Pepys is chosen at Cambridge for the towne, the first place that we hear of to have made their choice yet.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : [unknown]
'And then I up to my chamber to read.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Cross : Sternhold and Hopkins Psalms
'So soon as word was brought me that Mr Coventry was come with the barge to the Tower, I went to him and find him reading of the psalmes in short-hand (which he is now busy about); and had good sport about the long marks that are made there for sentences in Divinity, which he is never like to make use of.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Coventry Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so home, and after a little reading, to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Francis Bacon : Faber Fortunae sive Doctrina de ambitu vitae
'And in the garden reading "Faber fortunae" with great pleasure. So home to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Having writ letters into the country and read something, I went to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Middleton : The Spanish Gypsy
'The afternoon, while Will is abroad, I spent in reading "The Spanish Gypsy", a play not very good, though commended much.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Robert Pepys : The Will of Robert Pepys of Brampton
'In the morning my father and I walked in the garden and read the Will; where though he gives me nothing at present till my father's death, or at least very little, yet I am glad to see that he hath done so well for us all - and well to the rest of his kindred.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
Robert Pepys : The Will of Robert Pepys of Brampton
'Home at noon, and there find Mr Moore and with him to an ordinary alone and dined; and there he and I read my Uncles Will and I had his opinion on it, and still find more and more trouble like to attend it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
[unknown] : [unknown]
'And then came home with us Sir W. Pen and drank with us and then went away; and my wife after him to see his daughter that is lately come out of Ireland. I stayed at home at my book.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Richard Hooker : Of the lawes of ecclesiastical politie
'At night fell to read in Hookers "Ecclesiastical policy" which Mr Moore did give me last Wednesday, very handsomely bound; and which I shall read with great pains and love for his sake.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Francis Osborne : Advice to a son
'...which makes me remember my father Osborne's rule for a gentleman, to spare in all things rather than in that.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : The historie of the holy warr
'and all the day, as I was at leisure, I did read in Fuller's "Holy Warr" (which I have of late bought) and did try to make a Song...'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [chancery Bill drawn against Trice]
'Dined at home; and so about my business in the afternoon to the temple, where I find my chancery bill drawn against T. Trice; which I read, and like it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
Thomas Hobbes : Of libertie and necessitie
'So to bed, with my mind cheery upon it; and lay long reading Hobbs his "liberty and necessity", and a little but a very shrewd piece.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown- little but shrewd piece]
'So to bed, with my mind cheery upon it; and lay long reading Hobbs his "liberty and necessity", and a little but a very shrewd piece.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Unknown
William Camden : Britannia
'and so I left them with him and went with Mr Moore to Grayes Inne to his chamber, and there he showed me his old Cambdens "Brittannia", which I intended to buy of him and so took it away with me and left it at St Pauls churchyard to be bound'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Selden : Mare Clausum
'at the office all the afternoon, and at night home to read in "Mare Clausum" till bedtime'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Selden : Mare Clausum
'we returned and I settled to read in "Mare Clausum" till bedtime'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
T Trice : [answer to Pepys's bill]
'This morning as I was in bed, one brings me T. Trices answer to my bill in Chancery from Mr Smallwood, which I am glad to see, though afeared it will do me hurt.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
John Selden : Mare Clausum
'I am now full of study about writing something about our making of strangers strike to us at sea; and so am altogether reading Selden and Grotius and such other Authors, to that purpose.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Hugo Grotius : Mare Liberum
'I am now full of study about writing something about our making of strangers strike to us at sea; and so am altogether reading Selden and Grotius and such other Authors, to that purpose.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Selden : Mare Clausum
'and so home and to supper and to Selden "Mare Clausum" and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Selden : Mare Clausum
'And so I home, and sat late up, reading of Mr Selden. And so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Selden : Mare Clausum
'So after my business was done and read something in Mr Selden, I went to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Selden : Mare Clausum
'and so left the table and went up to read in Mr Selden till church time;'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Selden : Mare Clausum
'So we parted; and I home and to Mr Selden and then to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'We have called upon Miss Dusautoy and Miss Papillon & been very pretty. - Miss D. has a great idea of being Fanny Price [the heroine of JA's novel, "Mansfield Park"], she & her younest sister together, who is named Fanny.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Miss] Dusautoy Print: Book
Jane Austen : [novels]
'Accept my sincere thanks for the pleasure your Volumes have given me: in the perusal of them I felt a great inclination to write & say so.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Stanier Clarke Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'You were very good to send me Emma - which I have in no respect deserved. It is gone to the Prince Regent. I have read only a few Pages which I very much admired - there is so much nature - and excellent description of Character in every thing you describe.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Stanier Clarke Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'I have been most anxiously waiting for an introduction to Emma, & am infinitely obliged to you for your kind recollection of me, which will procure me the pleasure of her acquaintance some days sooner than I shd otherwise have had it. - I am already become intimate in the Woodhouse family, & feel that they will not amuse & interest me less than the Bennetts, Bertrams, Norriss & all their admirable predecessors - I [italics] can [end italics] give them no higher praise.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Countess of Morley Print: Book
Jane Austen : Sense and Sensibility
'I have been most anxiously waiting for an introduction to Emma, & am infinitely obliged to you for your kind recollection of me, which will procure me the pleasure of her acquaintance some days sooner than I shd otherwise have had it. - I am already become intimate in the Woodhouse family, & feel that they will not amuse & interest me less than the Bennetts, Bertrams, Norriss & all their admirable predecessors - I [italics] can [end italics] give them no higher praise.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Countess of Morley Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'I have been most anxiously waiting for an introduction to Emma, & am infinitely obliged to you for your kind recollection of me, which will procure me the pleasure of her acquaintance some days sooner than I shd otherwise have had it. - I am already become intimate in the Woodhouse family, & feel that they will not amuse & interest me less than the Bennetts, Bertrams, Norriss & all their admirable predecessors - I [italics]can [end italics] give them no higher praise.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Countess of Morley Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'I have been most anxiously waiting for an introduction to Emma, & am infinitely obliged to you for your kind recollection of me, which will procure me the pleasure of her acquaintance some days sooner than I shd otherwise have had it. - I am already become intimate in the Woodhouse family, & feel that they will not amuse & interest me less than the Bennetts, Bertrams, Norriss & all their admirable predecessors - I [italics] can [end italics] give them no higher praise.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Countess of Morley Print: Book
John Seldon : Mare Clausum
'and so up to my study and read the two treatys before Mr Selden's "Mare Clausum"; and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
[unknown] : Additional evidences... relating to the reigns of K. James and K. Charles
'and so up to my study and read the two treatys before Mr Selden's "Mare Clausum"; and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Unknown
[unknown] : [unknown]
'And so home by Coach and I late reading in my Chamber; and then to bed, my wife being angry that I keep the house up so late.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Hence home and to read; and so to bed, but very late again.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'so home - to read - supper and to prayers; and then to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : History of the worthies of England
'Then to Pauls churchyard, and there I met with Dr: Fullers "Englands worthys" - the first time that I ever saw it; and so I sat down reading in it, till it was 2 a-clock before I thought of the time's going.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : History of the worthies of England
'My cold being increased, I stayed home all day, pleasing myself with my dining-room, now graced with pictures, and reading of Dr Fullers "Worthys".'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[n/a] : The Kingdomes Intelligencer
'This day in the news-booke, I find that my Lord Buckhurst and his fellows have printed their case as they did give in, upon examinacion, to a Justice of the peace.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : [unknown]
'I up to my chamber to read and write, and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Graunt : Natural and political observations... made upon the bills of mortality
'went to Westminster-hall and there bought Mr Grant's book of observations upon the weekly bills of Mortality - which appear to me, upon first sight, to be very pretty.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'At night to my chamber to read and sing; and so to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Fields : [petition]
'So home; and no sooner come but Sir W. Warren comes to me to bring me a paper of Fields (with whom we have lately had a great deal of trouble at the office), being a bitter petition to the King against our office, for not doing Justice upon his complaint to us of embezzlement of the King's stores by one Turpin. I took Sir Wm to Sir W. Pens (who was newly come from Walthamstowe), and there we read it and discoursed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
Fields : [petition]
'So home; and no sooner come but Sir W. Warren comes to me to bring me a paper of Fields (with whom we have lately had a great deal of trouble at the office), being a bitter petition to the King against our office, for not doing Justice upon his complaint to us of embezzlement of the King's stores by one Turpin. I took Sir Wm to Sir W. Pens (who was newly come from Walthamstowe), and there we read it and discoursed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Penn Manuscript: Sheet
Thomas Bayly : Herba Parietis or The wall-flower, as it grew out of the stone chamber belonging to Newgate, being a history which is partly true, partly romantick, morally devine, whereby a marriage between reality and fancy is solemnized by divinity
'...and so took boat again and got to London before them. All the way, coming and going, reading in "The Wallflower" with great pleasure.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Cicero : [unknown]
'Up earely; and after reading a little in Cicero, I made me ready and to my office - where all the morning busy.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Holland : [discourse on Naval administration]
'At my office all the morning, reading Mr Holland's discourse of the Navy, lent me by Mr Turner; and am much pleased with them, they hitting the very diseases of the Navy which we are troubled with nowadays. I shall bestow writing of them over and much reading thereof.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'He being gone, I to my study and read; and so to eat a bit of bread and cheese and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [letter]
'This night Tom came to show me a civil letter sent him from his mistress.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Letter
Tobias Gentleman : Englands way to win wealth... with a true relation of the inestimable wealth that is yearely taken out of His Majesties seas by the Hollanders
'Then we fell to reading of a book which I saw the other day at my Lord Sandwichs, entended for the late King, finely bound up - a treatise concerning the benefit the Hollanders make of our fishing; but whereas I expected great matters from it, I find it a very impertinent book; and though some things good, yet so full of tautologys that we were weary of it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Guillaume de Salluste du Bartas : Divine weekes and workes
'My wife and I spent a good deal of this evening in reading Du' Bartas's "Imposture" and other parts, which my wife of late have taken up to read, and is very fine as anything I meet with.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
George Chapman : Bussy D'Ambois
'and so home and to supper. And after reading part of "Bussy D'Ambois", a good play I bought today - to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Playford : Dancing Master OR English Dancing Master
'So I made Gosnell [sing] and we sat up, looking over the book of Dances till 12 at night, not observing how the time went; and so to prayers and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Holland : [discourse on Naval administration]
'and then to the office and there examining my Copy of Mr Hollands book till 10 at night; and so home to supper and bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Holland : [second discourse on Naval administration]
'and so to the office again and made an end of examining the other of Mr Hollands books about the Navy, with which I am much contented'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Fletcher : A wife for a month
'It being cold, Mr Lee and [I] did sit all the day, till 3 a-clock, by the fire in the Governors house; I reading a play of Flechers, being "A wife for a month" - wherein no great wit or language.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[anon] : A treatise of taxes and contributions
'And so went home, taking Mr Leigh with me; and after drunk a cup of wine, he went away and I to my office, there reading in Sir W Pettys book, and so home - and to bed'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Heydon : Advice to a daughter in opposition to the advice to a sonne... by Eugenius Theodidactus
'and so up and by the fireside we read a good part of the "Advice to a Daughter", which a simple Coxcombe hath wrote against Osborne; but in all my life I never did nor can expect to see so much nonsense in print.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Ovid : Metamorphoses
'and my wife and I to read Ovids "Metamorphoses", which I brought her home from Pauls churchyard tonight (having called for it by the way) and so to bed'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so to my office, practising arthmetique alone and making an end of last night's book, with great content, till 11 at night; and so home to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Samuel Pepys : [Sea Manuscript]
'So to the office till 10 at night upon business, and numbering and examining part of my Sea=manuscript with great pleasure - my wife sitting working by me.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
George Bate : Elenchi motuum nuperorum in Anglia pars secunda
'This day I bought the second part of Dr Bates's "Elenchus", which reaches to the fall of Richard and no further, for which I am sorry.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
King Charles II : His Majesties gracious speech to both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, February the 18th, 1662
'This day I read the King's speech to the parliament yesterday; which is very short and not very obliging, but only telling them his desire to have a power of indulging tender consciences, not that he will yield to have any mixture in the uniformity of Church discipline.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
[unknown] : [Writ]
'Towards noon there comes a man in, as if upon ordinary business, and shows me a Writt from the Exchequer, called a Comission of Rebellion, and tells me that I am his prisoner - in Fields business.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
[unknown] : [playbill]
'While my wife dressed herself, Creed and I walked out to see what play was acted today, and we find it "The Sleighted mayde".'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Advertisement, Broadsheet, Poster, playbill
[unknown] : [vowes]
'and I to my office till the evening, doing one thing or other and reading my vowes as I am bound every Lord's day'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Brown : The use of the line of numbers, on a sliding (or glasiers) rule... for the measuring of timber, either round or square
'Thence home and to my office till night, reading over and consulting upon the book and Ruler that I bought this morning of Browne concerning the Lyne of Numbers, in which I find much pleasure.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [Spanish books]
'staying a little in Paul's churchyard at the forreigne booksellers, looking over some Spanish books and with much ado keeping myself from laying out money there'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Francis Osborne : Advice to his son
'Up and spent the morning till the Barber came in reading in my chamber part of Osborne's "Advice to his Son" (which I shall not ever enough admire for sense and language)'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [vowes]
'While that [dinner] was prepared, to my office to read over my vowes, with great affection and to very good purpose.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : Navy precedents
'So home to my office, alone till dark, reading some part of my old "Navy precedents", and so home to supper.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [Report of the proceedings of the commission of 1618]
'to my office and there made an end of reading my book that I have had of Mr Barlows, of the Journall of the Comissioners of the Navy who begun to act in the year 1618 and continued six years; wherein is fine observations and precedents, out of which I do purpose to make a good collection.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Brown : Description and use of the carpenter's rule
'I walked back again, all the way reading of my book of Timber measure, comparing it with my new Sliding rule, brought home this morning, with great pleasure.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Selden : Mare Clausum
'Up betimes and to my office, where I first ruled with red Inke my English "Mare clausum"; which, with the new Orthodox title, makes it now very handsome.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [vowes]
'So home; and after reading my vowes, being sleepy, without prayers to bed'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
James Ussher : A body of divinitie
'Thence to the Temple and sat there till one a-clock, reading at Playford's in Dr Ushers "Body of Divinity" his discourse of the Scripture; which is as much, I believe, as is anywhere said by any man, but yet there is room to cavill, if a man would use no faith to the tradition of the Church in which he is born; which I think to be as good as any argument as most is brought for many things, and it may be for that, among others.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[n/a] : Kingdom Intelligence
'Scotland: it seems, for all the news-book tells us every week that they are all so quiet and everything in the Church settled, the old women had like to have killed the other day the Bishop of Galloway, and not half the churches of the whole kingdom conforms.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : A vindication of the degree of gentry in opposition to titular honours, and the humour of riches being the measure of honours. Done by a person of quality
'And so walk and by water to White-hall, all our way by water, both coming and going, reading a little book said to be writ by a person of Quality concerning English Gentry to be preferred before Titular honours; but the most silly nonsense, no sense nor grammar, yet in as good words that I ever saw in all my life, that from beginning to end you meet not with one entire and regular sentence.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Aesop : Aesop's Fables
'So home and read to my wife a Fable or two in Ogleby's "Aesop"; and so to supper and then to prayers and to bed'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Samuel Fortrey : Englands interest and improvement consisting in the increase of...trade [or] Short notes and observations drawn from the present decaying condition of this kingdom in point of trade
'Thence by water to Chelsy, all the way reading a little book I bought of Improvement of trade, a pretty book and many things useful in it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Sir Balth. Gerbier : Counsel and advise to all builders; for the choice of their surveyours... Together with several epistles to eminent persons, who may be concerned in building
'At the Coffee-house in Exchange=alley I bought a little book, "Counsell to Builders", written by Sir Balth. Gerbier; it is dedicated almost to all the men of any great condition in England, so that the epistles are more than the book itself; and both it and them not worth a turd, that I am ashamed that I bought it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Samuel Tuck : The Adventures of five houres
'And after dinner up and read part of the new play of "The Five houres adventures"; which though I have seen it twice, yet I never did admire or understand it enough - it being a play of the greatest plot that I ever expect to see, and of great vigour quite through the whole play, from beginning to the end.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Samuel Tuck : The Adventures of five houres
'Begun again to rise betimes, by 4 a-clock. And made an end of "The Adventures of five houres", and it is a most excellent play.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [Statute book]
'I to my office and there read all the morning in my Statute-book, consulting among others the statute against seeling of offices, wherein Mr Coventry is so much concerned.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Up and to read a little;'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[Samuel] [Newman] : A concordance to the Holy Scriptures
'I went up vexed to my chamber and there fell examining my new "Concordance" that I have bought with Newmans, the best that ever was out before, and I find mine altogether as copious as that and something larger, though the order in some respects not so good, that a man may think a place is missing, when it is only put in another place.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
William Lily : A short introduction of grammar... of the Latine tongue
'Up betimes and fell to reading my Latin grammer, which I perceive I have great need of, having lately found it by my calling Will to the reading of a Chapter in Latin and I am resolved to get through it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [vowes]
'and then I to my office and read my vowes seriously and with content; and so home to supper, to prayers, and to bed.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Cicero : [unknown]
'At noon my physic having done working, I went down to dinner. And then he [Mr Creede] and I up again and spent the most of the afternoon reading in Cicero and other books and in good discourse, and then he went away'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [vowes]
'So to the reading of my vowes seriously, and then to supper.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
[unknown] : [books on timber measuring and tides]
'Myself very studious to learn what I can of all things necessary for my place as an officer of the Navy - reading lately what concerns measuring of timber and knowledge of the tides.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [vowes]
'and so home and to my office a while to read my vowes. The home to prayers and to bed.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
[unknown] : [vowes]
'So home to dinner alone. And then to read a little and so to church again, where the Scott made an ordinary sermon; and so home to my office and there read over my vowes, and encreased them by a vow against all strong drink till November next, of any sort of Quantity... Then I fell to read over a silly play, writ by a person of Honour (which is, I find, as much to say a coxcombe) called "Love a la mode".'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
[Thomas] [Southland] : Love a la mode
'So home to dinner alone. And then to read a little and so to church again, where the Scott made an ordinary sermon; and so home to my office and there read over my vowes, and encreased them by a vow against all strong drink till November next, of any sort of Quantity... Then I fell to read over a silly play, writ by a person of Honour (which is, I find, as much to say a coxcombe) called "Love a la mode".'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'So home to dinner alone. And then to read a little and so to church again, where the Scott made an ordinary sermon; and so home to my office and there read over my vowes, and encreased them by a vow against all strong drink till November next, of any sort of Quantity... Then I fell to read over a silly play, writ by a person of Honour (which is, I find, as much to say a coxcombe) called "Love a la mode".'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Francis Bacon : Faber Fortune
'Up and to my office; and then walked to Woolwich, reading Bacon's "faber Fortune", which the oftener I read the more I admire.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Ben Johnson : Devil is an Asse
'So down to Deptford, reading Ben Johnsons "Devil is an Asse".'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Alexander Green : The Politician cheated
'walked to see Sir W. Penn at Deptford, reading by the way a most ridiculous play, a new one call[ed] "The Politician cheated".'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Sir John Birkenhead : Cabala, or An impartial account of the non-conformists' private design
'Thence with Mr Moore to the Wardrobe and there sat while my Lord was private with Mr Townsend about his accounts an hour or two - we reading of a merry book against the Presbyters called "Cabbala", extraordinary witty.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [vowes]
'I sat up an hour after Mr Coventry was gone to read my vowes - it raining a wonderful hard showre about 11 at night for an hour together. So to bed.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
[unknown] : [vowes]
'So home and at my office reading my vowes;'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Thence by coach with my Lord Peterborough and Sandwich to my Lord Peterborough's house; and there, after an hour's looking over some fine books of the Italian buildings with fine cuts, and also my Lord Peterborough's bowes and arrows, of which he is a great lover, we sat down to dinner...'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Will Hewer : [piece of Latin, practice translation probably]
'Thence home and examined a piece of Latin of Will's with my brother, and so to prayers and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
[unknown] : [unknown - recipes]
'and so we went to boat again and then down to the bridge and there tried to find a sister of Mrs Morrices, but she was not within neither, and so we went through bridge and I carried them on board the King's pleasure-boat - all the way reading in a book of Receipts of making fine meats and sweetmeats; among others, one "To make my own sweet water" - which made us good sport.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[Robert] [Wild] : Iter boreale
'To church again; and so home to my wife and with her read "Iter boreale", a poem made just at the King's coming home but I never read it before, and now like it pretty well but not so as it was cried up.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[Robert] [L'Estrange] : The Intelligencer
'and then abroad by water to White-hall and to Westminster-hall and there bought the first news-books of Lestrange's writing, he beginning this week; and makes methink but a simple beginning.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : [proclamation]
'This day I read a proclamacion for calling in and commanding everybody to apprehend my Lord Bristoll.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Broadsheet, Handbill, Poster
John Day : [Will]
'And then met my uncle Thomas by appointment, and he and I to the Prearogative Office in Paternoster Row and there searched and found my Uncle Day's will and read it over and advised upon it, and his wife's after him.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
Beatrice Day : [Will]
'And then met my uncle Thomas by appointment, and he and I to the Prearogative Office in Paternoster Row and there searched and found my Uncle Day's will and read it over and advised upon it, and his wife's after him.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
[unknown] : [vowes]
'Then into the garden to read my weekly vowes.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
[unknown] : [bills advertising a cure for smoking chimneys]
'This day my wife showed me bills printed, wherein her father, with Sir John Collidon and Sir Edwd. Ford, hath got a patent for curing of smoking chimnys. I wish they may do good thereof - but fear it will prove but a poor project.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Handbill
Thomas Fuller : Church-History
'At night fell to reading in the "Church History" of Fullers, and perticularly Cranmers letter to Queen Elizabeth, which pleases me mightly for his zeal, obedience and boldness in a cause of reilgion.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [anatomy of the body]
'Up and to my office, where all the morning - and part of it Sir J Mennes spent as he doth everything else, like a fool, reading the Anatomy of the body to me, but so sillily as to the making of me understand anything that I was weary of him.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir John Mennes [or Minnes] Print: Book
[unknown] : [vowes]
'And read very seriously my vowes, which I am fearful of forgetting by my late great expenses - but I hope in God I do not. And so to bed.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
[unknown] : [vowes]
'So home and my wife and I together all the evening, discoursing; and then after reading my vowes to myself... we hastened to supper and to bed.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
[unknown] : [vowes]
'So home to prayers, and then to read my vowes and to bed.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
Thomas Fuller : Church History
'Thence home and I spent most of the evening upon Fullers "Church History" and Barcklys "Argenis"; and so after supper to prayers and to bed'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Barclay : Argenis
'Thence home and I spent most of the evening upon Fullers "Church History" and Barcklys "Argenis"; and so after supper to prayers and to bed'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Samuel Butler : Hudibras
'And so I home to dinner, and thence abroad to Pauls churchyard and there looked upon the second part of "Hudibras", which I buy not but borrow to read, to see if it be as good as the first, which the world cries so mightily up; though it hath not a good liking in me, though I had tried by twice or three times reading to bring myself to think it witty.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Rushworth : Historical Collections
'After a little discourse with him, I took coach and home, calling upon my booksellers for two books, Rushworths and Scobells "collecions" - I shall make the King pay for them. The first I spent at my office some time to read and it is an excellent book.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [Arithmetic books]
'my wife, it being a cold day and it begin to snow, kept her bed till after dinner. And I below by myself looking over my arithmetique books and Timber Rule.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Rushworth : Historical Collections
'I to my office and spent an hour or two reading Rushworth; and so to supper home, and to prayers and bed'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Rushworth : Historical Collections
'and so after some reading in Rushworth, home to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Rushworth : Historical Collections
'and so to my office and to read in Rushworth; and so home to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Rushworth : Historical Collections
'In the evening, he gone, I to my office to read Rushworth upon the charge and answer of the Duke of Buckingham, which is very fine; and then to do a little business against tomorrow and so home to supper to my wife'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [vowes]
'To church; where after sermon, home and to my office before dinner, reading my vowes;'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
John Rushworth : Historical Collections
'He being gone, and I mightily pleased with his discourse, by which I alway[s] learn something, I to read a little in Rushworth; and so home to supper to my wife'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Adam Olearius : The voyages and travels of the ambassadors from the Duke of Holstein, to the Great Duke of Muscovy, and the King of Persia
'I went to the Temple and there spent my time in a bookseller's shop, reading in a book of some Embassages into Moscovia, &c., where was very good reading.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Angelo Corraro : Rome exactly described... in two curious discourses
'And so home with great ease and content, especially out of the content which I met with in a book I bought yesterday; being a discourse of the state of Rome under the present Pope, Alexander the 7th - it being a very excellent piece.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Angelo Corraro : Rome exactly described... in two curious discourses
'At night made an end of the discourse I read this morning, and so home to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[n/a] : [bill advertising cockfight]
'There parted in the street with them, and I to my Lord's; but he not being within, took Coach, and being directed by sight of bills upon the walls, did go to Shoe lane to see a Cocke-fighting at a new pit there - a sport I was never at in my life...'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Advertisement, Broadsheet, Poster
[unknown] : [unknown]
'He gone, I to my office and there late, writing and reading; and so home to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [on the globes]
'and then I begin to read to my wife upon the globes, with great pleasure and to good purpose, for it will be pleasant to her and to me to have her understand those things.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Rushworth : Historical Collection
'In the evening to the office, where I stayed late reading Rushworth, which is a most excellent collection of the beginning of the late quarrels in this kingdom. And so home to supper and to bed with good content of mind.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Rusthworth : Historical Collection
'So to my office, writing letters, and then to read and make an end of Rushworth; which I did, and do say that it is a book the best worth reading for a man of my condition in the world, that I do know.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'so home to dinner with my poor wife; and after dinner read a lecture to her in Geography, which she takes very prettily, and with great pleasure to her and me to teach her.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [Spanish books]
'and then through Bedlam (calling by the way at an old bookseller's, and there fell into looking over Spanish books and pitched upon some, till I thought of my oath when I was going to agree for them and so with much ado got myself out of the shop, glad at my heart and so away)'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'So home, reading all the way a good book;'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [lecture on the globes]
'and after supper, to read a lecture to my wife upon the globes, and so to prayers and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Samuel Pepys : Love a Cheate
'This evening, being in an humour of making all things even and clear in the world, I tore some old paper; among others, a Romance which (under the title of "Love a Cheate") I began ten year ago at Cambridge; and at this time, reading it over tonight, I liked it very well and wondered a little at myself at my vein at that time when I wrote it, doubting that I cannot do so well now if I would try.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
J Blaeu : Theatrum civitatum... Italie [OR] Ubrium praecipuarum mundi theatrum quintum
'I to my booksellers and there spent an hour looking over "Theatrum Urbium" and "Flandria illustrata", with excellent cuts, with great content.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Antonius Sanderus : Flandria Illustrata
'I to my booksellers and there spent an hour looking over "Theatrum Urbium" and "Flandria illustrata", with excellent cuts, with great content.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Francis Bacon : Faber Fortunae
'and so after dinner, by water home, all the way going and coming reading "Faber fortunae", which I can never read too often.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Sir Davenant : The first day's entertainment at Rutland House, by declamations and music, after the manner of the ancients
'and so up to my wife and with great mirth read Sir W Davenents two speeches in dispraise of London and Paris, by way of reproach one to the other, and so to prayers and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Charles Cotton : Scarronides, or Virgile Travesty
'calling at St Pauls churchyard and there looked upon a pretty Burlesque poem called "Scarronides, or Virgile Travesty" - extraordinary good.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Charles Dickens : The Black Veil
?I regret to see one or two errors in the first Volume, though I have the consolation of believing that none but practised eyes will observe them. I am glad you like The Black Veil. I think the title is a good one, because it is uncommon, and does not impair the interest of the story by partially explaining its main feature.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: Book
: The Morning Chronicle
?I forward you a Chronicle with Hogarth?s beautiful notice.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: Newspaper
: Fraser's Magazine
?I see honorable mention of myself, and Mr. Pickwick?s politics, in Fraser this month. They consider Mr. P a decided Whig.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: Serial / periodical
unknown : submissions to Bentley's Miscellany
?I have had several aggravations of my indisposition, in the shape of voluntary contributions for the Miscellany-one man has sent about as much as would fill half a dozen numbers; and nearly all have forwarded the most appalling nonsense I ever had the ill fortune to peruse.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Manuscript: Unknown
Richard Bentley : Prospectus for Bentley?s Miscellany
?I shall certainly have the pleasure of seeing you tomorrow, and will turn over the prospectus in my mind, meanwhile.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Manuscript: Unknown
John Gideon Millingen : The Portrait Gallery
?Dr Milligen?s paper, he must re-write the last half of it; it has cost me three hours this morning, and I can make nothing of it. I think very little of the gentleman who writes so complacently from Northampton with his first of a Series; but I suppose he?s a great man in a small way.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Manuscript: Unknown
[n/a] : Lloyd's Weekly London News
'Abraham Austin, carpenter and joiner, examined. I saw James... on Sunday morning again at my house, when he read the newspaper aloud about the murder and other things...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hocker Print: Newspaper
Henry Fielding : The Tragedy of Tragedies; or, The Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great
?I was seized last night with a violent pain in my head (fortunately, just as I had concluded my month?s work), and was immediately ordered as much medicine as would confine an ordinary-sized horse to his stall for a week. Whether it arises from the ?influentials?, or from close application, or from worry, or from the wind cholic, to quote King Arthur, I know not; but this I know-that surely against my will, much to my disappointment, here I am, and in a gloomy and miserable state, here I must remain.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: Unknown
: Poor Law Bill
?I send you herewith, the forthcoming Miscellany, with my glance at the new poor Law Bill.?
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: Unknown
G.P. Payne : Uncle Sam's Peculiarities
?My dear Sir, I have looked over Uncle Sam, and am still of the opinion I originally formed, that we could not use it for the Miscellany without great injury to the Author. It contains a great deal of matter; and if I took a few pages here and there, occasionally, it would neither, I am convinced, serve his purpose nor ours. I therefore think it better to return the MS to you without further delay, wishing it to be distinctly understood that in so doing, I wish by no means to be considered as expressing any unfavorable opinion of the MS itself.?
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Manuscript: Unknown
Zschokke : Blue Wonder
?My dear Sir, I inclose the Blue Wonder and the Nights at Sea. I think if you read the last, you may save yourself the trouble of reading the first. It seems to me, in the old Sailor?s very best style.?
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: Unknown
Matthew Barker : Nights at Sea
?My dear Sir, I inclose the Blue Wonder and the Nights at Sea. I think if you read the last, you may save yourself the trouble of reading the first. It seems to me, in the old Sailor?s very best style.?
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: Unknown
Major Pryse Lockhart Gordon : [articles]
?I have read the several articles by Major Pryse Gordon, which I herewith return. Although they would possess considerable interest for military or naval gentlemen, I fear that to the public generally ? our public at all events ? they would present few attractions. Perhaps you will do me the favor to present my best compliments and thanks to Major Gordon and to suggest that the United Service Journal would be the best medium he could select for the publication of his papers. Beg him to understand distinctly that in returning them, I by no means question their merit, but merely express my opinion that they are not adapted to the pages of the Miscellany.?
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: Unknown
: The Examiner
?Just as the boat was leaving Dover, a breathless Bots put a letter from town, and ?The Examiner? into my hands, the latter of which, I verily believe preserved me from that dismal extremity of qualmishness into which I am accustomed to sink when I have ?the blue above and the blue below?. I have always thought that the ?silence wheresoe?er I go? is a beautiful touch of Barry Cornwall?s (otherwise Procter) descriptive of the depression produced by sea-voyaging. I know it?s remarkably silent wherever I go, when I?m on the briny.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: Newspaper, Unknown
B.W. Proctor : 'The Sea'
?Just as the boat was leaving Dover, a breathless Bots put a letter from town, and ?The Examiner? into my hands, the latter of which, I verily believe preserved me from that dismal extremity of qualmishness into which I am accustomed to sink when I have ?the blue above and the blue below?. I have always thought that the ?silence wheresoe?er I go? is a beautiful touch of Barry Cornwall?s (otherwise Procter) descriptive of the depression produced by sea-voyaging. I know it?s remarkably silent wherever I go, when I?m on the briny.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: Book, Unknown
William Shakespeare : [works]
'I was repelled at home, rather than encouraged to read, and I never remember to have seen a book in my elders' hands. Literature was limited to the "Daily Telegraph". To read in secret I escaped to the washhouse, and I well remember during my early apprentice days at Spitalfields, my grandfather, catching a sight of me reading there a copy of Dicks's shilling edition of Shakespeare - the whole, a marvellous feat of cheap publishing -sternly reproachful, exclaimed: "Ah, Tom, that'll never bring you bread and cheese!"'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Okey Print: Book
[n/a] : The Bible
'The only books I remember seeing as a small child were an old copy of Foxe's "Book of Martyrs" and one of the Bible, including the Apocrypha, brought out of their hiding-places on Sunday evenings at Spitalfields to amuse the child with pictures, for both were illustrated - the "Book of Martyrs" with realistic engravings of the horrible tortures inflicted on the faithful Protestant. "Bel and the Dragon" in the Bible, too, was a favourite picture.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Okey Print: Book
John Foxe : Book of Martyrs
'The only books I remember seeing as a small child were an old copy of Foxe's "Book of Martyrs" and one of the Bible, including the Apocrypha, brought out of their hiding-places on Sunday evenings at Spitalfields to amuse the child with pictures, for both were illustrated - the "Book of Martyrs" with realistic engravings of the horrible tortures inflicted on the faithful Protestant. "Bel and the Dragon" in the Bible, too, was a favourite picture.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Okey Print: Book
Sir Walter Scott : Waverley
'Readers of my generation owe a great debt of gratitude to the enterprise of Messrs. Dicks. My first introduction to great fiction dates from the publication by them of Scott's novels in threepenny paper-covered volumes, easily pocketable, when my apprenticeship, in its early days, consisted of sorting and picking - wearisome, dull, mechanical, solitary work. The appearance of "Waverley" marked an epoch. I read it and its succeeding volumes with absorbing interest, stealing at times scraps of hours which should have been devoted to my work.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Okey Print: Book
Thomas Carlyle : Sartor Resartus
'Later I had determined to spend a Whit-Monday at the Alexandra Palace, and on my way thither bought an eighteen-penny copy of Carlyle's "Sartor Resartus". Arriving at the Palace I sat down in a quiet corner to look through its pages. Fascinated, I read and read; hour succeeded hour; swings and roundabouts passed into oblivion.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Okey Print: Book
[Thomas Peckett] [Prest] : Sweeney Todd the Barber
'The favourite literary pabulum of us boys at school, however, was less classical: "penny bloods" and other Weeklies issued in penny sheets, such as "Sweeny Todd the Barber". Romantic stories of highwaymen circulated freely from boy to boy until reduced to rags: Dick Turpin, Spring-heeled Jack, the gallant Claude Duval, gracefully dancing on the greensward with the ladies he had robbed, Edith the Captive, Edith Heron, with what impatience we awaited the issue of the next number, with what absorbing interest we followed the thrilling adventure!... What it did was to evoke the reading habit, and to one boy at least that was a valuable endowment. Nor did the "Boys of England" proffer a much healthier pabulum to the hunger of the young barbarian for extra-lawful adventure. I can even today visualise the number I read with the lovely alliterate title of its opening story, "Alone in the Pirates' Lair" - and the front page illustration - Jack Harkaway, sitting before the pirate on the island, open-eyed, drinking in the recital of his hazardous deeds;...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Okey Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : Dick Turpin
'The favourite literary pabulum of us boys at school, however, was less classical: "penny bloods" and other Weeklies issued in penny sheets, such as "Sweeny Todd the Barber". Romantic stories of highwaymen circulated freely from boy to boy until reduced to rags: Dick Turpin, Spring-heeled Jack, the gallant Claude Duval, gracefully dancing on the greensward with the ladies he had robbed, Edith the Captive, Edith Heron, with what impatience we awaited the issue of the next number, with what absorbing interest we followed the thrilling adventure!... What it did was to evoke the reading habit, and to one boy at least that was a valuable endowment. Nor did the "Boys of England" proffer a much healthier pabulum to the hunger of the young barbarian for extra-lawful adventure. I can even today visualise the number I read with the lovely alliterate title of its opening story, "Alone in the Pirates' Lair" - and the front page illustration - Jack Harkaway, sitting before the pirate on the island, open-eyed, drinking in the recital of his hazardous deeds;...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Okey Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : Spring-heeled Jack
'The favourite literary pabulum of us boys at school, however, was less classical: "penny bloods" and other Weeklies issued in penny sheets, such as "Sweeny Todd the Barber". Romantic stories of highwaymen circulated freely from boy to boy until reduced to rags: Dick Turpin, Spring-heeled Jack, the gallant Claude Duval, gracefully dancing on the greensward with the ladies he had robbed, Edith the Captive, Edith Heron, with what impatience we awaited the issue of the next number, with what absorbing interest we followed the thrilling adventure!... What it did was to evoke the reading habit, and to one boy at least that was a valuable endowment. Nor did the "Boys of England" proffer a much healthier pabulum to the hunger of the young barbarian for extra-lawful adventure. I can even today visualise the number I read with the lovely alliterate title of its opening story, "Alone in the Pirates' Lair" - and the front page illustration - Jack Harkaway, sitting before the pirate on the island, open-eyed, drinking in the recital of his hazardous deeds;...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Okey Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : Claude Duval
'The favourite literary pabulum of us boys at school, however, was less classical: "penny bloods" and other Weeklies issued in penny sheets, such as "Sweeny Todd the Barber". Romantic stories of highwaymen circulated freely from boy to boy until reduced to rags: Dick Turpin, Spring-heeled Jack, the gallant Claude Duval, gracefully dancing on the greensward with the ladies he had robbed, Edith the Captive, Edith Heron, with what impatience we awaited the issue of the next number, with what absorbing interest we followed the thrilling adventure!... What it did was to evoke the reading habit, and to one boy at least that was a valuable endowment. Nor did the "Boys of England" proffer a much healthier pabulum to the hunger of the young barbarian for extra-lawful adventure. I can even today visualise the number I read with the lovely alliterate title of its opening story, "Alone in the Pirates' Lair" - and the front page illustration - Jack Harkaway, sitting before the pirate on the island, open-eyed, drinking in the recital of his hazardous deeds;...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Okey Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : Edith the Captive
'The favourite literary pabulum of us boys at school, however, was less classical: "penny bloods" and other Weeklies issued in penny sheets, such as "Sweeny Todd the Barber". Romantic stories of highwaymen circulated freely from boy to boy until reduced to rags: Dick Turpin, Spring-heeled Jack, the gallant Claude Duval, gracefully dancing on the greensward with the ladies he had robbed, Edith the Captive, Edith Heron, with what impatience we awaited the issue of the next number, with what absorbing interest we followed the thrilling adventure!... What it did was to evoke the reading habit, and to one boy at least that was a valuable endowment. Nor did the "Boys of England" proffer a much healthier pabulum to the hunger of the young barbarian for extra-lawful adventure. I can even today visualise the number I read with the lovely alliterate title of its opening story, "Alone in the Pirates' Lair" - and the front page illustration - Jack Harkaway, sitting before the pirate on the island, open-eyed, drinking in the recital of his hazardous deeds;...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Okey Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : Edith Heron
'The favourite literary pabulum of us boys at school, however, was less classical: "penny bloods" and other Weeklies issued in penny sheets, such as "Sweeny Todd the Barber". Romantic stories of highwaymen circulated freely from boy to boy until reduced to rags: Dick Turpin, Spring-heeled Jack, the gallant Claude Duval, gracefully dancing on the greensward with the ladies he had robbed, Edith the Captive, Edith Heron, with what impatience we awaited the issue of the next number, with what absorbing interest we followed the thrilling adventure!... What it did was to evoke the reading habit, and to one boy at least that was a valuable endowment. Nor did the "Boys of England" proffer a much healthier pabulum to the hunger of the young barbarian for extra-lawful adventure. I can even today visualise the number I read with the lovely alliterate title of its opening story, "Alone in the Pirates' Lair" - and the front page illustration - Jack Harkaway, sitting before the pirate on the island, open-eyed, drinking in the recital of his hazardous deeds;...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Okey Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Boys of England
'The favourite literary pabulum of us boys at school, however, was less classical: "penny bloods" and other Weeklies issued in penny sheets, such as "Sweeny Todd the Barber". Romantic stories of highwaymen circulated freely from boy to boy until reduced to rags: Dick Turpin, Spring-heeled Jack, the gallant Claude Duval, gracefully dancing on the greensward with the ladies he had robbed, Edith the Captive, Edith Heron, with what impatience we awaited the issue of the next number, with what absorbing interest we followed the thrilling adventure!... What it did was to evoke the reading habit, and to one boy at least that was a valuable endowment. Nor did the "Boys of England" proffer a much healthier pabulum to the hunger of the young barbarian for extra-lawful adventure. I can even today visualise the number I read with the lovely alliterate title of its opening story, "Alone in the Pirates' Lair" - and the front page illustration - Jack Harkaway, sitting before the pirate on the island, open-eyed, drinking in the recital of his hazardous deeds;...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Okey Print: Serial / periodical
Bracebridge Hemyng : Jack Harkaway
'The favourite literary pabulum of us boys at school, however, was less classical: "penny bloods" and other Weeklies issued in penny sheets, such as "Sweeny Todd the Barber". Romantic stories of highwaymen circulated freely from boy to boy until reduced to rags: Dick Turpin, Spring-heeled Jack, the gallant Claude Duval, gracefully dancing on the greensward with the ladies he had robbed, Edith the Captive, Edith Heron, with what impatience we awaited the issue of the next number, with what absorbing interest we followed the thrilling adventure!... What it did was to evoke the reading habit, and to one boy at least that was a valuable endowment. Nor did the "Boys of England" proffer a much healthier pabulum to the hunger of the young barbarian for extra-lawful adventure. I can even today visualise the number I read with the lovely alliterate title of its opening story, "Alone in the Pirates' Lair" - and the front page illustration - Jack Harkaway, sitting before the pirate on the island, open-eyed, drinking in the recital of his hazardous deeds;...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Okey Print: Serial / periodical
John Wells : [manuscript on ship building]
'This day Mrs Turner did lend me, as a rarity, a manuscript of one of Mr Wells, writ long ago, teaching the method of building a ship; which pleases me mightily. I was at it tonight but durst not stay long at it, I being come to have a great pain and water in my eyes after candle-light.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
Thomas Fuller : [unknown]
'We spent the day in pleasant talk and company one with another (reading in Dr Fullers book what he says of the family of the cliffords and Kingsmils)'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Spencer : A discourse containing prodigies; wherein the vanity of presages by them is reprehended, and their true and proper ends asserted and vindicated
'He gone, I down by water to Woolwich and Deptford to look after the despatch of the ships, all the way reading Mr Spencer's book of Prodigys, which is most ingeniously writ, both for matter and style.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [books about the Navy]
'Thence walked with Mr Coventry to St James's and there spent by his desire the whole morning reading of some old Navy books given him of old Sir John Cookes by the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury that now is; wherein the order that was observed in the Navy then, above what it is now, is very observable, and fine things we did observe in our reading.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
Charles Ross : The Statistical Journal and Record of Useful Knowledge
'My dear Ross, Many thanks for your statistical Magazine, which contains some tables concerning juvenile delinquency that I was particularly anxious to see in a well-digested form. Reciprocating all your kind wishes most cordially, I rest Most sincerely yours, Charles Dickens.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens
[unknown] : [plays]
'So stayed within all day, reading of two or three good plays.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
William Harrison Ainsworth : Rookwood
'I should have written to you to-day to thank you for your flattering and kind-hearted mention of myself in the new Preface to Rookwood; if the weather had been finer I intended riding out to tell you how warmly I felt it, and how much sincere delight your friendship affords me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: Book
Wilks : Memoirs of Joseph Grimaldi
'I also return the Grimaldi MS. I have thought the matter over, and looked it over, too. It is very badly done, and is so redolent of twaddle that I fear I can not take it up on any conditions to which you would be disposed to accede. I should require to be ensured three hundred pounds in the first instance without any reference to the Sale-and as I should be bound to stipulate in addition that the work should never be published in Numbers, I think it would scarcely serve your purpose.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Manuscript: Unknown
Daniel Defoe : The Political History of the Devil, as well Ancient as Modern
'Did you ever read-of course you have though-Defoe?s history of the Devil? What a capital thing it is. I bought it for a couple of shillings yesterday morning, and have been quite absorbed in it ever since.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: BookManuscript: Unknown
George Cox : [MS verses]
'I have many things to acknowledge, but let me take them in turn. Firstly, I have to thank you for your verses. Need I say that however much of truth there may be in them, I should be guilty of very bad taste if I placed them before the public eye; or that the reference to myself and the feelings upon which it is founded are better kept within my own heart?' Lastly, I beg you to accept my best thanks for your novel; I hope to read it with much pleasure.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Manuscript: Unknown
Miss Reynolds : unknown
'Madam, I have read the paper you were kind enough to forward to me, and very much regret that I cannot avail myself of it. It is not in a style of composition which would be serviceable to the Miscellany of which I am the Editor, neither is it in my power to commence any new series of papers just now. I trust you will not feel hurt by this communication; be assured that I am perfectly sensible both of the kind womanly feeling which pervades your little tale, and of the excellence of the motive which prompted you to write it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Manuscript: Unknown
Thomas Gaspey : The Grand Juror
'My Dear Sir, As you have long since ceased to be ?a colt? in the periodical paddock, you will not be surprised at my not having been able to find room in the next No. for that same paper. If you will leave it in my good keeping until the 28th. (February is a short month) we will astonish the Grand Jurors with it. I have laughed very heartily over it, and although I have never served (for I always pay my taxes when they won?t call any longer, in order to get a bad name in the parish and so escape all honors) I can see it is true to the life.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Manuscript: Unknown
Grantley Berkely : Chariot versus coach
'There is also among the papers, one piece of absurdity by Mr. Grantley Berkely, called ?Chariot versus coach? which I had previously read and returned, and consequently suppose has been sent back to me by mistake.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Manuscript: Sheet
Edward Oliver : unknown
'Sir I very much regret that your note has so long remained unanswered. It was put aside among some answered letters, and so escaped me. I recollect very shortly after I received your two papers, writing you a note in which I ventured to say that I did not think the idea of a Surgeon?s Diary at all a promising one after the Physician?s; and that I did not consider your articles adapted to the Miscellany. I therefore declined these with many thanks for your preference.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Manuscript: Sheet, Unknown
John Forster : [works]
'Dr. Sir. Poets tell us that love is blind ? I fear indifference is more so. It is many months since I sent you a slight gage d?amour; it is many years (do not be alarmed, I am still very young) since I first became acquainted with your worth and excellence. I have seen you ? met you ? read your works ? heard you speak ? listened, in a breathless state, to your eloquent and manly expression of the sentiments which you do honor; and still by no word or sign have I discovered that you recognized in me the giver of the simple worthless riding whip which I have often seen in your hand, and once (when you [ ] it) nearly touched.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: BookManuscript: Sheet
Samuel Pepys : [contract]
'And after dinner to the Change a little and then to Whitehall, where anon the Duke of York came and a Committee we had of Tanger; where I read over my rough draft of the contract for Tanger Victualling and acquainted them with the death of Mr Alsopp...'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
Samuel Pepys : [contract]
'We read over the contract together and discoursed it well over and so parted'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
Henry Power : Experimental philosophy...containing new experiments microscopical, mercurial, magnetical
'Thence home and to my office; wrote by the post, and then to read a little in Dr Powre's book of discovery by the Microscope, to enable me a little how to use and what to expect from my glasse.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Henry Power : Experimental philosophy...containing new experiments microscopical, mercurial, magnetical
'After dinner, to my chamber and made an end of Dr Powre's book of the Microscope, very fine and to my content'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'After supper I up to read a little, and then to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Henry Power : Experimental philosophy...containing new experiments microscopical, mercurial, magnetical
'and so to supper anon and then to my office again a while, collecting observations out of Dr Powres book of Microscopes, and so home to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Sir John Sucklings : Aglaura
'After dinner I down to Woolwich with a galley, and then to Deptford and so home, all the way reading Sir J Suck[l]ings "Aglaura", which methinks is but a mean play - nothing of design in it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
William Davenant : The Siege of Rhodes
'So home and late reading "The Siege of Rhodes" to my wife, and then to bed - my head being in great pain and my palate still down.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Fletcher : The Custome of the Country
'So anon they went away and then I to read another play, "The Custome of the Country", which is a very poor one methinks.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Fletcher : The mad lover
'but I spent all morning reading of "The Madd Lovers" - a very good play'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[Captain] [Fisher?] : [papers]
'Up and by water with Mr Tooker (to Woolwich first, to do several businesses of the King's); and then on board Captain Fisher's ship, which we hire to carry goods to Tanger - all the way coming and going, I reading and discoursing over some papers of his'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
[unknown] : [unknown]
'At night home to supper, weary and my eyes sore with writing and reading - and to bed.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
[unknown] : Ichthyothera; or the royal trade of fishing [probably]
'and there fitted myself and took a hackney-coah I hired (it being a very cold and fowle day) to Woolwich, all the way reading in a good book touching the Fishery; and that being done, in the book upon the statutes of Charitable uses, mightily to my satisfaction.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Herne : The law of charitable uses, wherein the statute of 43. Eliz. chap. 4 is set forth and explained; with directions how to sue out and prosecute commissions grounded upon that statute
'and there fitted myself and took a hackney-coah I hired (it being a very cold and fowle day) to Woolwich, all the way reading in a good book touching the Fishery; and that being done, in the book upon the statutes of Charitable uses, mightily to my satisfaction.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Herne : The law of charitable uses, wherein the statute of 43. Eliz. chap. 4 is set forth and explained; with directions how to sue out and prosecute commissions grounded upon that statute
'Going out of the gate, an ordinary woman prayed me to give her room to London; which I did, but spoke not to her all the way, but read as long as I could see my book again.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so home and with her [wife] all the evening, reading and at musique with my boy, with great pleasure; and so to supper, prayers and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Cateline
'So home to dinner and then to my chamber to read Ben Johnson's "Cateline", a very excellent piece.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Lindley Murray : Power of Religion
'Mrs C read me part of Murray's Power of religion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Cole Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Doge of Venice
'During Mr Montgomery's stay he read books from my library, and on his returning Byron's Doge of Venice.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Montgomery Print: Book
unknown : [report on trial]
'I have just been looking over the trial of Mr Corder for the murder of Maria Martin.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Cape Print: Newspaper
Emile Zola : Pot-Bouille
'Read "Pot-Bouille"; "Pot-Bouille" made me laugh, there is one good character'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
: The Bible, that is, etc. [Geneva Bible]
Heere is the well where waters flow, To quench our heat of sinne, Heere is the tree where truth doth grow To lead our liues therein. Heere is the iudge that stintes all striffe When mens devices faile, Heere is the bread that feedes the life that death cannot assaile The tidinges of saluation deere Comes to our eares from hence The fortress of our faith is here And sheilde of our defence. Then bee not like the hogg that hath A pearle at his desire, And takes more pleasure in the trough and wallowinge in the mire Reade not this booke in any case But with a singles eye Reade not, but first desire Gods grace To vnderstande thereby. Pray still in faith, with this respect to mortifie thy sinne that knowledge may bringe god effect to frutifie therein. Then happie thou in all thy life What soe to the befall Yea double happie shalt thou bee When God by death thee calles
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Susanna Beckwith Print: Book
Herbert J C Grierson : Metaphysical Lyrics & Poems of the seventeenth century
Marginalia Many pencil sidelines in the Introduction. Donne, against l.52 "cf Good Friday" Herbert, The Collar "surrender to the will of God"; Aaron "old things are passed away"; Discipline "Consecration"; etc
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Robert Longworth-Dames Print: Book
: Bible
'il resolut de lire encore l'Evangile' (he resolved to read the Gospel again): is converted to Christianity and baptised in London.
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: 'Le Juif baptise' (The Baptised Jew) Print: Book
: Bible (New Testament)
When 8 or 9, 'my Father seeing I took Pleasure in learning my Book, he bestowed a Tutor on me ...' Reads Talmud etc. -- 'in all those Books, I made such Progress, that I became the Darling of my Father's Heart'. But 'I then read the New Testament, and compared it with the Old, I found many Prophecies ... fulfilled'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Moses Marcus Print: Book
: Bible
'She spent much time in reading the Scripture, and a Book called The best friend in the worst of times ... Another Book that she was much delighted with, was Mr Swinnock's Christian Mans Calling ... The Spiritual Bee was a great companion of hers...'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Howley Print: Book
: Gospel
'a Bible lying near her, she took it up, and opened it in the presence of the Company, who observing what place it was openend at, they found it to be the seventeenth chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew: this chapter she seemed to read over to her self with a buzzing Noise, pointing to every Verse and Line with her Finger.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Bower Print: Book
Sir Henry Cole : The Home Treasury - Felix Summerly's Fairy Tale Book
From Anne Thackeray Ritchie's 'Memoir for Laura': 'One of the nicest things that ever happened to us when we were children at Paris was the arrival of a huge parcel, which my Grannie cut open and inside there were piles and piles of the most beautiful delightful wonderful fairy tale books all painted with pictures ? I thought they would never come to an end but alas! in a week we had read them all. They were called the Felix Summerly series'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Thackeray Print: Book
[n/a] : Kelso Mail
From Rev. John Hastie's diary, 29th September [1797]: 'Newspaper "Kelso Mail" begun to be taken this first week of October between Knox [William Knox, schoolmaster, Edrom], James [James Herriot, farmer, Allanbank Mains, Stuartslaw and Kelloe Mains] and David Herriots [David Herriot, son of above James] and me twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Herriot Print: Newspaper
Frances Burney : Evelina
?Miss Burney I am come to thank you for the vast entertainment you have given me; ? I am quite happy to see you,? I wished to see you very much; ? it?s a charming book indeed, ? the Characters are vastly well supported,??
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Susanna Dobson Print: Book
John Rushworth : Historical Collections
'Then home to dinner; and after dinner to read in Rushworths "Collections" about the charge against the late Duke of Buckingham, in order to the fitting me to speak and understand the discourse anon before the King, about the suffering the Turkey merchants to send out their fleet at this dangerous time'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Robert Hooke : Micrographia [?]
'Before I went to bed, I sat up till 2 a-clock in my chamber, reading of Mr Hooke's "Microscopicall Observacions", the most ingenious book that I ever read in my life.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Dr Henry King : A sermon preached the 30th of January...1664
'I sat down and read over the Bishop of Chichesters sermon upon the anniversary of the King's death - much cried up but methinks a mean sermon.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Sir William Coventry : [letter]
'and by and by comes a letter from Mr Coventry's own hand to him; which he never opened (which was a strange thing) but did give it me to open and read, and consider what was fit for our offce to do in it and leave the letter with Sir W. Clarke... I copied out the letter...'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Letter
[n/a] : The Newes
'This day the News-book (upon Mr Moores showing Lestrange Captain Ferrers letter) did do my Lord Sandwich great right as to the late victory.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : [unknown]
'at night home to look over my new books, and so late to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[n/a] : The Intelligencer
'I met this noon with Dr Burnett, who told me, and I find in the news-book this week that he posted upon the Change, that whoever did spread that report that instead of the plague, his servant was killed by him, it was forgery;...'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : [copy of verses]
'and so we set out for Chatham - in my way overtaking some company, wherein was a lady, very pretty, riding single, her husband in company with her. We fell into talk, and I read a copy of verses which her husband showed me, and he discommended but the lady commended; and I read them so as to make the husband turn to commend them.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Unknown
Abraham Cowley : [poems]
'At night home and supped; and after reading a little in Cowley's poems, my head being disturbed overmuch with business today, I to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'At night to read, being weary with this day's great work.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and after supper to read melancholy alone, and then to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[King] [Charles I] : The workes of Charles I
'And so home to supper; and after reading a good while in the Kings "works", which is a noble book - to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Porter : The Villaine
'Thence to Brainford, reading "The Villaine" (a pretty good play) all the way.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [a play]
'Up, and walked to Greenwich reading a play, and to the office'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[n/a] : Bill of Mortality
'Here I saw this week's Bill of Mortality, wherein, blessed be God, there is above 1800 decrease, being the first considerable decrease we have had.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Broadsheet, Handbill, Poster
[n/a] : Bill of Mortality
'and there sent for the Weekely Bill and find 8252 dead in all, and of them 6978 of the plague - which is a most dreadfull Number - and shows reason to fear that the plague hath got that hold that it will yet continue among us.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Broadsheet, Handbill, Poster
Sir William Davenant : The Seige of Rhodes
'We spent most of the morning talking, and reading of "The Seige of Rhodes", which is certainly (the more I read it I think so) the best poem that ever was wrote.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Sir William Davenant : The Seige of Rhodes
'So after supper Captain Cocke and I and Temple on board the Bezan, and there to Cards for a while, and then to read again in "Rhodes" and so to sleep.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [parliamentary bill]
'but he showed me a bill which hath been read in the House making all breakng of bulk for the time to come felony; but it is a foolish Act and will do no great matter'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
[unknown] : [book about painting]
'and then up, and fell to reading of Mr Eveling's book about Paynting, which is a very pretty book.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Evelyn : Hortus Hyemalis
'He [Evelyn] read to me very much also of his discourse he hath been many years and now is about, about Guardenage; which will be a most noble and pleasant piece. He read me part of a play or two of his making, very good, but not as he conceits them, I think, to be. He showed me his "Hortus hyemalis"; leaves laid up in a book of several plants. kept dry, which preserve Colour however, and look very finely, better than any herball... He read me, though with too much gusto, some little poems of his own, that were not transcendent, yet one or two very pretty Epigrams: among others, of a lady looking in at a grate and being pecked at by an eagle that was there.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
[n/a] : Bill of Mortality
'The Bill of Mortality, to all our griefs, is encreased 399 this week, and the encrease general through the whole city and suburbs, which makes us all sad.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Broadsheet, Handbill, Poster
Edward Stillingfleete : Origines Sacrae, or A rational account of the grounds of Christian faith, as to the truth and divine authority of the scriptures
'Thence back by water to Captain Cockes, and there he and I spent a great deal of the evening, as we had done the day, reading and discoursing over part of Mr Stillingfleete's "Origines Saacrae", wherein many things are very good - and some frivolous.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Antoine Furetiere : Nouvelle Allegorique, ou Histoire des derniers troubles arrivez au royaume d'eloquence
'and so away to my Bezan again - and there to read in a pretty French book, "La Nouvelle Allegorique", upon the strife between Rhetorique and its enemies - very pleasant.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Henry Lawes : Ayres and dialogues
'Up, and after being trimmed, I alone by water to Erith, all the way with my song-book singing of Mr Laws's long recitative Song in the beginning of his book.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Sir Joseph Williamson : Oxford Gazette
'This day the first of the "Oxford Gazettes" came out, which is very pretty, full of news, and no folly in it - wrote by Williamson.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Newspaper
Jeremy Taylor : A collection of polemical discourses, wherein the Church of England in its worst as well as more flourishing condition, is defended
'but we had breakfasted a little at Mr Gawdens, he being out of town though; and there borrowed Dr Taylors Sermons, and is a most excellent book and worth my buying'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : The Vicar of Wakefield
'Mr Jaegle makes us read an English book that is called "The Vicar of Wakefield" which is very pretty, interesting, well wrote and where there are some very good characters'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Unknown
various : various
'I read about one book per day.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: John H.S. Craig Print: Advertisement, Book, Form, Handbill, Newspaper, Poster, Serial / periodical, Unknown
Moliere [pseud.] : L'Ecole des Maris
'we came back in the dark and read "L'Ecole des Maris" and after we played at 21'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Unknown
[unknown] : [unknown]
'I got up very late and ate a large breakfast after which I prayed and read with Mama almost till dinner time'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Unknown
Thomas a Kempis : The Imitation of Jesus Christ
'I spent the evening reading with Mama "the Imitation of Jesus Christ" until supper'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Unknown
Friedrich Schiller : Don Carlos in German
[27th December]'I took my lessons and learnt part of a superb tragedy in german called "Don Carlos" with Mr Jaegle.' ... [28th December]'We finished the lecture of "Don Carlos" that interested me extremely it really is the finest trajedy I have ever read. How much do I hate the memory of the abominable Philip whilst I respected and admired that of the Marquis de Poso that faithful and tender friend who lets himself be thought a traitor in order to save the life of Don Carlos his friend to whom he was under a small obligation, who takes his own life in order to save his and what was my sorrow to see that charming man end his life in vain. The wicked Philip stabbed his son the same day through jealousy! Another thing that annoyed me was not to have the pleasure of seeing the abominable tyrant punished yet I think that he is and that certainly and already.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Unknown
Pierre Corneille : Cinna
'This evening we read a fine trajedy by Corneille where there are many noble characters Emily has such strength and such nobleness'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Unknown
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
'I read a little of "Robinson Crusoe" that is how I spent my evening'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Book
[n/a] : Gazettes
'The weather was fine but so dirty I could not go out. I read the "Gazettes" this evening'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Newspaper
Frances Kingsley : Charles Kingsley, his Letters and Memories of his Life
'I remember years ago reading the life of Charles Kingsley who has been called "a very perfect gentleman". Yet in that book, collated by his wife, one can read how, just as the family was sitting down to a well provided breakfast table, a poor vagrant woman called at Evesleigh Rectory for help. She had been out all night and, as Kingsley himself admits, was utterly wretched. Tired, hungry and in rags she appealed to this "very perfect Christian knight" for a little food! Did she get it? No! the "very perfect knight" sent her empty away to walk some miles to the nearest workhouse!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood Print: Book
Elizabeth Missing Sewell : Stories on the Lord's Prayer
Elizabeth Missing Sewell, on the start of her writing career: 'I began "Amy Herbert"-- I scarcely know why -- only I had been reading some story of Mrs. Sherwood's, which struck me as having pretty descriptions, and I fancied I could write something of the same kind; and as a matter of curiosity I determined to make the attempt. I read both the few chapters of the intended tract ["Stories on the Lord's Prayer"], and the beginning of "Amy Herbert"to my sisters, and they liked them'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Manuscript: Unknown
Elizabeth Missing Sewell : Amy Herbert
Elizabeth Missing Sewell, on the start of her writing career: Elizabeth Missing Sewell, on the start of her writing career: 'I began "Amy Herbert"-- I scarcely know why -- only I had been reading some story of Mrs. Sherwood's, which struck me as having pretty descriptions, and I fancied I could write something of the same kind; and as a matter of curiosity I determined to make the attempt. I read both the few chapters of the intended tract ["Stories on the Lord's Prayer"], and the beginning of "Amy Herbert"to my sisters, and they liked them'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Manuscript: Unknown
Elizabeth Missing Sewell : Stories on the Lord's Prayer
Elizabeth Missing Sewell, on the anonymity of her first publication ("Stories on the Lord's Prayer", serialised in "The Cottager's Monthly Visitor" in 1840): 'I did not give my name, and no one knew anything about it, except my mother and sisters. I have often vexed myself since -- thinking that I did not tell my father -- but I had a dread of any person talking to me about my writing, and I knew that if he was pleased he would not be able to keep himself from telling me so. I was reading the little book aloud to my mother one evening when he was in the room, and not being well was lying on the sofa half asleep, as I thought; but he listened, and I think was interested, for he asked me what I was reading. I forget exactly what answer I made, but it certainly was not that I was reading anything of my own, and so I lost the opportunity of giving him pleasure.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Unknown
Thomas Hood : 'We watched her breathing through the night --'
Describing the terminal illness of a friend in her "Autobiography", Elizabeth Missing Sewell reproduces four stanzas from Thomas Hood, 'We watched her breathing through the night --'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell
Elizabeth Missing Sewell : 'little history of the early Church'
Elizabeth Missing Sewell on support received in the face of criticisms of her novel [italics]Margaret Percival[end italics] for its supposedly Roman Catholic sympathies: 'My one consolation, when criticised, was, and is, that the statement of the historical grounds on which the English Church rests were [sic] privately approved by [...] the Rev. Samuel Rickards, rector of Stowlangtoft, Essex [...] Mr. Rickards also advised me to write a little history of the early Church, which I afterwards did. He saw part of it, and liked it.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Rickards
Elizabeth Missing Sewell : The Earl's Daughter
'[italics]The Earl's Daughter[end italics] was [...] begun before my mother's death, and I read part of it to her, but she saw from the beginning that it was likely to be sad, and I think it rather oppressed her. [italics]Margaret Percival[end italics] I read to her entirely, and also a portion of [italics]Laneton Parsonage[end italics], and I remember being obliged to assure her that Alice Lennox (in the latter tale) when taken ill would not die, she took such a vivid interest in the story -- which was only completed after her death.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Manuscript: Unknown
Elizabeth Missing Sewell : Margaret Percival
'[italics]The Earl's Daughter[end italics] was [...] begun before my mother's death, and I read part of it to her, but she saw from the beginning that it was likely to be sad, and I think it rather oppressed her. [italics]Margaret Percival[end italics] I read to her entirely, and also a portion of [italics]Laneton Parsonage[end italics], and I remember being obliged to assure her that Alice Lennox (in the latter tale) when taken ill would not die, she took such a vivid interest in the story -- which was only completed after her death.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell
Elizabeth Missing Sewell : Laneton Parsonage
'[italics]The Earl's Daughter[end italics] was [...] begun before my mother's death, and I read part of it to her, but she saw from the beginning that it was likely to be sad, and I think it rather oppressed her. [italics]Margaret Percival[end italics] I read to her entirely, and also a portion of [italics]Laneton Parsonage[end italics], and I remember being obliged to assure her that Alice Lennox (in the latter tale) when taken ill would not die, she took such a vivid interest in the story -- which was only completed after her death.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Manuscript: Unknown
[Abbe] Barthelemy : Les Voyages du Jeune Anacharsis
'I took my two lessons with Mr Jaegle, we began to read "Les Voyages du Jeune Anarchasis". The little that I heard today pleased me enormously and the style is very fine'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Book
Bernardin de St Pierre : Paul et Virginie
'I began to read "Paul and Virginia" book that Mrs Braun brought here it is very pretty'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Book
Stephanie Felicite de Genlis : Veilees du Chateua ou Cours Morale a l'usage des Enfants
'We read today in the "Veilees du Chateau" I think that book very good for the young people'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Book
William Russell : History of Modern Europe
'We finished today to read Russels "Modern History", which is perfectly well wrote and in a very intertaining [sic] manner'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Book
James Thomson : [a tragedy]
'I read today an English Tragedy by Thomson that pleased me much and made me like that author's works'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Unknown
Samuel Richardson : Sir Charles Grandison
'I staid at home and read "Charles Grandison" that we have in French a charming book'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Sir Charles Grandison
'The Day was beautifull and I enjoyed the sweetness of the weather in riding walking and sitting out in the fields with a book - "Charles Grandisson" I am but at the second volume much amuses me I have begun to read also in English Robertsons history of America and Blairs lectures on Rhetoric and belles lettres - We have bought these books at Basle where they are well printed and cheap'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Book
William Robertson : The History of America
'The Day was beautifull and I enjoyed the sweetness of the weather in riding walking and sitting out in the fields with a book - "Charles Grandisson" I am but at the second volume much amuses me I have begun to read also in English Robertsons history of America and Blairs lectures on Rhetoric and belles lettres - We have bought these books at Basle where they are well printed and cheap'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Book
Hugh Blair : Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres
'The Day was beautifull and I enjoyed the sweetness of the weather in riding walking and sitting out in the fields with a book - "Charles Grandisson" I am but at the second volume much amuses me I have begun to read also in English Robertsons history of America and Blairs lectures on Rhetoric and belles lettres - We have bought these books at Basle where they are well printed and cheap'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Sir Charles Grandison
'I read of "Grandisson" - That Book pleases and interests me very much'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Sir Charles Grandison
'I have done to read "Grandisson" that book has amused me vastly'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Book
[unknown] : Rudolph of Wertenberg
'Ever since I have read "Rudolph of Wertenberg" I have more pleasure when I walk round this country, as it makes me remember on all that has happen in former times in this part of Switzerland, of which I have been well informed by that book; which I read with the greatst Satisfaction - and that I shall not forget So Soon'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Book
Elizabeth Wynne : [diaries]
'I have been reading today some of my journals and indeed find them so horribly stupid that it did not encourage me to continue them but as I hope that I shall soon have great many fine things to describe I will still write them and endeavour to make them less stupid'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Manuscript: diary
Oscar Wilde : Ballad of Reading Gaol or De Profundis
'This book made a deep and lasting impression upon me because, apart from its profound human interest in the widest sense of the term, the agonising process of revaluation of regeneration, which it portrays, took place in the grim prison where my own initiation into the way of the transgressor first began.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[n/a] : The Bible
Author describes being put into cell in Reading Gaol for the first time: 'That completed the furniture in the cell. But wait! I forgot the Bible! A humane Prison Commission had provided the cell with a Bible. I remember how, to stave off the hysteria I felt rising within me, I took it down and scanned it casually, noting passages in fine English which set forth the fate of those who rebel against the Lord of Hosts. Turning the leaves reapidly, I came to the New Testament, the Gospel of Love. Finally I laid it down and looked around my cell, stray passages of what I had read running through my mind - "All ye are God's children...bear ye one another's burdens...Verily I say unto you, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself...Father forgive them, for they know not what they do..." The Bible! And mind and heart cried out, "What utter rot!"'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Charles Dickens : David Copperfield
'I am not ashamed to confess that during those weeks of imprisonment I too wept both by day and by night; not loudly or clamorously, but silently and with an intensity of misery that wasted my strength and filled my brain with hideous thoughts. The first library book issued to me was "David Copperfield"; and with the incipient ego-centrism of the budding criminal I imagined I could detect similarities between Dickens's early experiences and my own. For many nights I cried myself to sleep with "David Copperfield" hugged close, as if in him I had found a fellow sufferer.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[n/a] : Koran
'I have read somewhere in the Koran, "The fate of every man have we bound about his neck".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'in the Army I spent most of my leisure reading in a desultory fashion anything that aroused my interest. Later on I bought or borrowed books on subjects not usually studied by privates, and began to co-ordinate my reading. Soldiers who did much reading were then objects of suspicion and I began to find myself a marked man.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'After a wait of two months as a trial prisoner, during which I was able to do a considerable amount of reading, I was taken to the Guildhall for trial'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
Description of first month spent in Winchester Prison after sentence: 'Nearly twenty-three hours out of every twenty-four were spent in strict cellular confinement, with no outlet for any form of activity other than the monotony of stitching coalsacks, or reading the Bible for a few minutes at meal times'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'I endeavoured to counteract this depression by reading the Bible, the only book I had besides a Prayer Book and a Protestant manual called the "Narrow Way", and by forcing myself to concentrate on the structure of sentences as well as to try to comprehend the meaning of what I was reading. Since that time I have twice read the Bible from cover to cover in similar circumstances and for similar reasons. I was then too young and too fundamentally ignorant to understand and appreciate the Bible for what it is - that came later - but even then I was concious of its tremendous interest as a record of the strivings and sufferings of men in their efforts to pierce the veil and solve the ultimate mysteries of life and death... My early Bible reading under duress has not perhaps influenced my life for good in the objective sense of the word,... I know that the main reason I had for devoting so much time to such reading was with the idea of overcoming my moods of brooding and depression, and later to supress the vile thoughts and obscene imaginings which assailed me with evergrowing intensity in the silence and maddening loneliness of my cell.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'At Winchester I was able to get the first volume of Gibbon's "Decline and Fall", but had no time to finish it. On another occasion at another prison I read the whole work through from beginning to end.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : [book on China]
'I had read about this country [China] with its forty centuries of history - more or less static, but which, at the present time, is passing through the most momentous transformation in history'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown- various titles]
'There was also a pretty good library on board [HMS Spartiate], and I suppose the chaplain, who had charge of it, had noticed that I chose books not usually read by stokers and had commented on it. During our trips from place to place I used to sit or lie on the fo'c'sle when not on watch reading biography, criticism, history and philosophy, or indeed any book of more than ephemeral interest.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[n/a] : Who's Who
Describes studies in order to become an imposter - way of making a living: 'Works of reference in public libraries furnished me with whatever data I required about particular families and professions - Burke, "Who's Who", Crockford, the Army List, the Navy List, the University Registers and Year Books - until in due course I was able to engage in the game of thrust and parry with all kinds of people and keep my end up.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book, Serial / periodical
Burke : Peerage
Describes studies in order to become an imposter - way of making a living 'Works of reference in public libraries furnished me with whatever data I required about particular families and professions - Burke, "Who's Who", Crockford, the Army List, the Navy List, the University Registers and Year Books - until in due course I was able to engage in the game of thrust and parry with all kinds of people and keep my end up.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[n/a] : Crockford's Clerical Dictionary
Describes studies in order to become an imposter - way of making a living 'Works of reference in public libraries furnished me with whatever data I required about particular families and professions - Burke, "Who's Who", Crockford, the Army List, the Navy List, the University Registers and Year Books - until in due course I was able to engage in the game of thrust and parry with all kinds of people and keep my end up.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[n/a] : Army List
Describes studies in order to become an imposter - way of making a living: 'Works of reference in public libraries furnished me with whatever data I required about particular families and professions - Burke, "Who's Who", Crockford, the Army List, the Navy List, the University Registers and Year Books - until in due course I was able to engage in the game of thrust and parry with all kinds of people and keep my end up.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[n/a] : Navy List
Describes studies in order to become an imposter - way of making a living: 'Works of reference in public libraries furnished me with whatever data I required about particular families and professions - Burke, "Who's Who", Crockford, the Army List, the Navy List, the University Registers and Year Books - until in due course I was able to engage in the game of thrust and parry with all kinds of people and keep my end up.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[n/a] : University Registers
Describes studies in order to become an imposter - way of making a living: 'Works of reference in public libraries furnished me with whatever data I required about particular families and professions - Burke, "Who's Who", Crockford, the Army List, the Navy List, the University Registers and Year Books - until in due course I was able to engage in the game of thrust and parry with all kinds of people and keep my end up.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[n/a] : University Year Books
Describes studies in order to become an imposter - way of making a living: 'Works of reference in public libraries furnished me with whatever data I required about particular families and professions - Burke, "Who's Who", Crockford, the Army List, the Navy List, the University Registers and Year Books - until in due course I was able to engage in the game of thrust and parry with all kinds of people and keep my end up.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [works]
'I have read the whole of Shakespeare several times and the character with whom I have most sympathy is poor Hamlet, the introvert, the dreamer!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : [sermons]
'I read the Bible because in my humble opinion it is one of the most difficult books in the language to read correctly, as many parsons would do well to realise; sermons, Bampton and Gifford lectures, lectures on art, drama, history, science and philosophy, and also speeches by the acknowledged masters of oratory... For what? Nothing!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : Bampton lectures
'I read the Bible because in my humble opinion it is one of the most difficult books in the language to read correctly, as many parsons would do well to realise; sermons, Bampton and Gifford lectures, lectures on art, drama, history, science and philosophy, and also speeches by the acknowledged masters of oratory... For what? Nothing!
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : Gifford lectures
'I read the Bible because in my humble opinion it is one of the most difficult books in the language to read correctly, as many parsons would do well to realise; sermons, Bampton and Gifford lectures, lectures on art, drama, history, science and philosophy, and also speeches by the acknowledged masters of oratory... For what? Nothing!
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : [lectures on art, drama, history, science and philosophy]
'I read the Bible because in my humble opinion it is one of the most difficult books in the language to read correctly, as many parsons would do well to realise; sermons, Bampton and Gifford lectures, lectures on art, drama, history, science and philosophy, and also speeches by the acknowledged masters of oratory... For what? Nothing!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : [speeches]
'I read the Bible because in my humble opinion it is one of the most difficult books in the language to read correctly, as many parsons would do well to realise; sermons, Bampton and Gifford lectures, lectures on art, drama, history, science and philosophy, and also speeches by the acknowledged masters of oratory... For what? Nothing!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Charles Dickens : [unknown]
'As I began to mend, the Governor, to keep me from brooding too much, gave orders that I was to have all the reading matter I wanted within the limits of the prison library, and my book changed just as often as I liked and at any hour of the day. To a man eager to improve his acquaintance with standard literature such a privilege was immeasurably great, and for the next six weeks or so I browsed among the Victorian novelists - Austin [sic?], the Brontes, Dickens, Thackeray, George Eliot, Meredith, Lytton, Kingsley, Reade, Hughes, Trollope and others.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Charlotte Bronte : [unknown]
'As I began to mend, the Governor, to keep me from brooding too much, gave orders that I was to have all the reading matter I wanted within the limits of the prison library, and my book changed just as often as I liked and at any hour of the day. To a man eager to improve his acquaintance with standard literature such a privilege was immeasurably great, and for the next six weeks or so I browsed among the Victorian novelists - Austin [sic?], the Brontes, Dickens, Thackeray, George Eliot, Meredith, Lytton, Kingsley, Reade, Hughes, Trollope and others.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Emily Bronte : [unknown]
'As I began to mend, the Governor, to keep me from brooding too much, gave orders that I was to have all the reading matter I wanted within the limits of the prison library, and my book changed just as often as I liked and at any hour of the day. To a man eager to improve his acquaintance with standard literature such a privilege was immeasurably great, and for the next six weeks or so I browsed among the Victorian novelists - Austin [sic?], the Brontes, Dickens, Thackeray, George Eliot, Meredith, Lytton, Kingsley, Reade, Hughes, Trollope and others.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Anne Bronte : [unknown]
'As I began to mend, the Governor, to keep me from brooding too much, gave orders that I was to have all the reading matter I wanted within the limits of the prison library, and my book changed just as often as I liked and at any hour of the day. To a man eager to improve his acquaintance with standard literature such a privilege was immeasurably great, and for the next six weeks or so I browsed among the Victorian novelists - Austin [sic?], the Brontes, Dickens, Thackeray, George Eliot, Meredith, Lytton, Kingsley, Reade, Hughes, Trollope and others.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Jane Austen [?] : [unknown]
'As I began to mend, the Governor, to keep me from brooding too much, gave orders that I was to have all the reading matter I wanted within the limits of the prison library, and my book changed just as often as I liked and at any hour of the day. To a man eager to improve his acquaintance with standard literature such a privilege was immeasurably great, and for the next six weeks or so I browsed among the Victorian novelists - Austin [sic?], the Brontes, Dickens, Thackeray, George Eliot, Meredith, Lytton, Kingsley, Reade, Hughes, Trollope and others.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
William Makepeace Thackeray : [unknown]
'As I began to mend, the Governor, to keep me from brooding too much, gave orders that I was to have all the reading matter I wanted within the limits of the prison library, and my book changed just as often as I liked and at any hour of the day. To a man eager to improve his acquaintance with standard literature such a privilege was immeasurably great, and for the next six weeks or so I browsed among the Victorian novelists - Austin [sic?], the Brontes, Dickens, Thackeray, George Eliot, Meredith, Lytton, Kingsley, Reade, Hughes, Trollope and others.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
George Eliot : [unknown]
'As I began to mend, the Governor, to keep me from brooding too much, gave orders that I was to have all the reading matter I wanted within the limits of the prison library, and my book changed just as often as I liked and at any hour of the day. To a man eager to improve his acquaintance with standard literature such a privilege was immeasurably great, and for the next six weeks or so I browsed among the Victorian novelists - Austin [sic?], the Brontes, Dickens, Thackeray, George Eliot, Meredith, Lytton, Kingsley, Reade, Hughes, Trollope and others.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
George Meredith : [unknown]
'As I began to mend, the Governor, to keep me from brooding too much, gave orders that I was to have all the reading matter I wanted within the limits of the prison library, and my book changed just as often as I liked and at any hour of the day. To a man eager to improve his acquaintance with standard literature such a privilege was immeasurably great, and for the next six weeks or so I browsed among the Victorian novelists - Austin [sic?], the Brontes, Dickens, Thackeray, George Eliot, Meredith, Lytton, Kingsley, Reade, Hughes, Trollope and others.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Edward Lytton : [unknown]
'As I began to mend, the Governor, to keep me from brooding too much, gave orders that I was to have all the reading matter I wanted within the limits of the prison library, and my book changed just as often as I liked and at any hour of the day. To a man eager to improve his acquaintance with standard literature such a privilege was immeasurably great, and for the next six weeks or so I browsed among the Victorian novelists - Austin [sic?], the Brontes, Dickens, Thackeray, George Eliot, Meredith, Lytton, Kingsley, Reade, Hughes, Trollope and others.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Charles Kingsley : [unknown]
'As I began to mend, the Governor, to keep me from brooding too much, gave orders that I was to have all the reading matter I wanted within the limits of the prison library, and my book changed just as often as I liked and at any hour of the day. To a man eager to improve his acquaintance with standard literature such a privilege was immeasurably great, and for the next six weeks or so I browsed among the Victorian novelists - Austin [sic?], the Brontes, Dickens, Thackeray, George Eliot, Meredith, Lytton, Kingsley, Reade, Hughes, Trollope and others.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Charles Reade : [unknown]
'As I began to mend, the Governor, to keep me from brooding too much, gave orders that I was to have all the reading matter I wanted within the limits of the prison library, and my book changed just as often as I liked and at any hour of the day. To a man eager to improve his acquaintance with standard literature such a privilege was immeasurably great, and for the next six weeks or so I browsed among the Victorian novelists - Austin [sic?], the Brontes, Dickens, Thackeray, George Eliot, Meredith, Lytton, Kingsley, Reade, Hughes, Trollope and others.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Thomas [?] Hughes : [unknown]
'As I began to mend, the Governor, to keep me from brooding too much, gave orders that I was to have all the reading matter I wanted within the limits of the prison library, and my book changed just as often as I liked and at any hour of the day. To a man eager to improve his acquaintance with standard literature such a privilege was immeasurably great, and for the next six weeks or so I browsed among the Victorian novelists - Austin [sic?], the Brontes, Dickens, Thackeray, George Eliot, Meredith, Lytton, Kingsley, Reade, Hughes, Trollope and others.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Anthony Trollope : [unknown]
'As I began to mend, the Governor, to keep me from brooding too much, gave orders that I was to have all the reading matter I wanted within the limits of the prison library, and my book changed just as often as I liked and at any hour of the day. To a man eager to improve his acquaintance with standard literature such a privilege was immeasurably great, and for the next six weeks or so I browsed among the Victorian novelists - Austin [sic?], the Brontes, Dickens, Thackeray, George Eliot, Meredith, Lytton, Kingsley, Reade, Hughes, Trollope and others.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'after I had a bath or a wash we would fall to and spend the rest of the evening round the fire, I reading and Kate sewing or knitting. I joined the public library and so got plenty of good literature.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
John Henry Newman : Obedience, the remedy for religious perplexity
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 20 June 1845: 'The Meyricks have been here today. Mr. Meyrick told Edwards [Sewell's brother] there was no doubt that Newman is going over to Rome, which agrees but little with an observation made by Dr. Pusey to G. F. a short time since that no one could know how devoted a servant of the Church Newman was till after his death. The Church though may mean the Catholic or Universal Church, and so Rome may be included. It is a horrid, startling notion, but a sermon of Newman's I was reading to-night would be a great safeguard against being led into mischief by it. "Obedience, the remedy for religious perplexity."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
unknown : Article on the Jesuits
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 21 October 1845: 'Some of us went for a lovely walk yesterday by the sea cliffs of St. Lawrence. Mr. Edgar Estcourt [...] talked to me a little about William [Sewell]'s novel [italics]Hawkstone[end italics], doubting the fact told me about the Jesuits, and wishing they could be tried in a court of justice; and afterwards he gave me an article about them in the [italics]Oxford and Cambridge Review[end italics], most laudatory of them, and of Ignatius Loyola, and very condemnatory of Luther. It had no effect upon me however. There is too much of the partisan style about it, and it is too bombastic, and contains few facts....'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Serial / periodical
: The Oxford and Cambridge Review
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 21 October 1845: 'Some of us went for a lovely walk yesterday by the sea cliffs of St. Lawrence. Mr. Edgar Estcourt [...] talked to me a little about William [Sewell]'s novel [italics]Hawkstone[end italics], doubting the fact told me about the Jesuits, and wishing they could be tried in a court of justice; and afterwards he gave me an article about them in the [italics]Oxford and Cambridge Review[end italics], most laudatory of them, and of Ignatius Loyola, and very condemnatory of Luther. It had no effect upon me however. There is too much of the partisan style about it, and it is too bombastic, and contains few facts....'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Serial / periodical
Cecilia Tilley : Chollerton
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, September 1846: 'We went into London one day [...] Burns's is a dull shop decidedly. You see the same books time after time [...] It is an inconvenient shop too. No place to sit down at, and the books crowded too close to the door. I took up [italics]Chollerton[end italics] (a Church tale) and skimmed parts through the uncut leaves and was not fascinated. It seemed strained and the fasting was brought forward prominently, and there seemed too much womanish humility.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Harriet Martineau : Tales on the Game Laws
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 26 November 1846: 'I read nothing scarcely [...] Miss Martineau's [italics]Tales on the Game Laws[end italics] I began, but they are so dull to me that I have scarcely patience to finish. The thing I like about them is their fairness. The rich people are not all wretches, though Miss Martineau's sympathies are evidently with the poor.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Unknown
Alison : accounts of Napoleon's battles
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 31 December 1846: 'I read a little now, and am almost afraid I am learning to do without reading. Napoleon's battles in Alison's history are so dreadfully dry, after one has been writing and working all day.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Unknown
[unknown] : [unknown - various titles]
'I read hard in divinity, history and general literature, and threw myself into the religious life of the prison to assuage my pain. The chaplain was a decent fellow, as chaplains go, and as an educated man always receives some consideration as to literature I was able to get hold of some pretty good stuff... I renewed my acquaintance with the lives of the Fathers, read several biographies of Christ and St Paul and also studies on the Apostles.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : [lives of the Fathers]
'I read hard in divinity, history and general literature, and threw myself into the religious life of the prison to assuage my pain. The chaplain was a decent fellow, as chaplains go, and as an educated man always receives some consideration as to literature I was able to get hold of some pretty good stuff... I renewed my acquaintance with the lives of the Fathers, read several biographies of Christ and St Paul and also studies on the Apostles.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : [biographies of Christ]
'I read hard in divinity, history and general literature, and threw myself into the religious life of the prison to assuage my pain. The chaplain was a decent fellow, as chaplains go, and as an educated man always receives some consideration as to literature I was able to get hold of some pretty good stuff... I renewed my acquaintance with the lives of the Fathers, read several biographies of Christ and St Paul and also studies on the Apostles.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : [biographies of St Paul]
'I read hard in divinity, history and general literature, and threw myself into the religious life of the prison to assuage my pain. The chaplain was a decent fellow, as chaplains go, and as an educated man always receives some consideration as to literature I was able to get hold of some pretty good stuff... I renewed my acquaintance with the lives of the Fathers, read several biographies of Christ and St Paul and also studies on the Apostles.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : [studies on the Apostles]
'I read hard in divinity, history and general literature, and threw myself into the religious life of the prison to assuage my pain. The chaplain was a decent fellow, as chaplains go, and as an educated man always receives some consideration as to literature I was able to get hold of some pretty good stuff... I renewed my acquaintance with the lives of the Fathers, read several biographies of Christ and St Paul and also studies on the Apostles.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown - various titles]
Second confinement in the Prison at Hull: 'To enumerate some of the books I read would be to write a small catalogue; but I covered a fairly wide range in drama, fiction, poetry, biography, history, science, philosophy, theology, besides miscellaneous reading.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Thomas Babbington Macaulay : [uknown]
Second confinement in the Prison at Hull: 'I remember how when the light began to fail of evenings, I often risked punishment by getting up to my window to finish an essay by Macaulay, whose style charmed me, or one of those vibrant, pulpitating lectures on hero-worship by Carlyle!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Thomas Carlyle : [uknown]
Second confinement in the Prison at Hull: 'I remember how when the light began to fail of evenings, I often risked punishment by getting up to my window to finish an essay by Macaulay, whose style charmed me, or one of those vibrant, pulpitating lectures on hero-worship by Carlyle!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Thomas Carlyle : [uknown]
'I often found peace in the pages of Ecclesiastes or Isaiah, or in the writings of men whom Barry has described as the heralds of revolt - John Inglesant, George Eliot, Carlyle, Heine, Loti, Nietzsche, etc. But in time even literature palls.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'I often found peace in the pages of Ecclesiastes or Isaiah, or in the writings of men whom Barry has described as the heralds of revolt - John Inglesant, George Eliot, Carlyle, Heine, Loti, Nietzsche, etc. But in time even literature palls.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Joseph Henry Shorthouse : John Inglesant
'I often found peace in the pages of Ecclesiastes or Isaiah, or in the writings of men whom Barry has described as the heralds of revolt - John Inglesant, George Eliot, Carlyle, Heine, Loti, Nietzsche, etc. But in time even literature palls.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
George Eliot : [unknown]
'I often found peace in the pages of Ecclesiastes or Isaiah, or in the writings of men whom Barry has described as the heralds of revolt - John Inglesant, George Eliot, Carlyle, Heine, Loti, Nietzsche, etc. But in time even literature palls.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Heinrich Heine : [unknown]
'I often found peace in the pages of Ecclesiastes or Isaiah, or in the writings of men whom Barry has described as the heralds of revolt - John Inglesant, George Eliot, Carlyle, Heine, Loti, Nietzsche, etc. But in time even literature palls.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Pierre Loti : [unknown]
'I often found peace in the pages of Ecclesiastes or Isaiah, or in the writings of men whom Barry has described as the heralds of revolt - John Inglesant, George Eliot, Carlyle, Heine, Loti, Nietzsche, etc. But in time even literature palls.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Friedrich Nietzsche : [unknown]
'I often found peace in the pages of Ecclesiastes or Isaiah, or in the writings of men whom Barry has described as the heralds of revolt - John Inglesant, George Eliot, Carlyle, Heine, Loti, Nietzsche, etc. But in time even literature palls.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
[unknown] : [Greek Philosophy]
'At Maidstone, both on this occasion and subsequently when I served several months in separate confinement as a convict preparatory to going to Parkhurst, I was able, through the chaplain's kindness, to study not only Greek philosophy, but also Locke, Hume, Berkeley, Kant, Hegel, Fichte, Schelling, Schopenhauer, Fechner, Lotze, etc. Being a very rapid reader and having some ability in getting at the gist of a book I got through a fair amount of really interesting reading. ... In the summer I grabbed a book as soon as it was light enough to read, say, four o'clock, read till and during breakfast, dinner, supper and continued till 9:30 or 10 o'clock at night, an average of 8 to 10 hours a day. There were times, of course, when the burden of prison life bred a spirit of discontent and restlessness which books could not assuage.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
John Locke : [unknown]
'At Maidstone, both on this occasion and subsequently when I served several months in separate confinement as a convict preparatory to going to Parkhurst, I was able, through the chaplain's kindness, to study not only Greek philosophy, but also Locke, Hume, Berkeley, Kant, Hegel, Fichte, Schelling, Schopenhauer, Fechner, Lotze, etc. Being a very rapid reader and having some ability in getting at the gist of a book I got through a fair amount of really interesting reading. ... In the summer I grabbed a book as soon as it was light enough to read, say, four o'clock, read till and during breakfast, dinner, supper and continued till 9:30 or 10 o'clock at night, an average of 8 to 10 hours a day. There were times, of course, when the burden of prison life bred a spirit of discontent and restlessness which books could not assuage.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
David Hume : [unknown]
'At Maidstone, both on this occasion and subsequently when I served several months in separate confinement as a convict preparatory to going to Parkhurst, I was able, through the chaplain's kindness, to study not only Greek philosophy, but also Locke, Hume, Berkeley, Kant, Hegel, Fichte, Schelling, Schopenhauer, Fechner, Lotze, etc. Being a very rapid reader and having some ability in getting at the gist of a book I got through a fair amount of really interesting reading. ... In the summer I grabbed a book as soon as it was light enough to read, say, four o'clock, read till and during breakfast, dinner, supper and continued till 9:30 or 10 o'clock at night, an average of 8 to 10 hours a day. There were times, of course, when the burden of prison life bred a spirit of discontent and restlessness which books could not assuage.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
George Berkeley : [unknown]
'At Maidstone, both on this occasion and subsequently when I served several months in separate confinement as a convict preparatory to going to Parkhurst, I was able, through the chaplain's kindness, to study not only Greek philosophy, but also Locke, Hume, Berkeley, Kant, Hegel, Fichte, Schelling, Schopenhauer, Fechner, Lotze, etc. Being a very rapid reader and having some ability in getting at the gist of a book I got through a fair amount of really interesting reading. ... In the summer I grabbed a book as soon as it was light enough to read, say, four o'clock, read till and during breakfast, dinner, supper and continued till 9:30 or 10 o'clock at night, an average of 8 to 10 hours a day. There were times, of course, when the burden of prison life bred a spirit of discontent and restlessness which books could not assuage.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : [unknown]
'At Maidstone, both on this occasion and subsequently when I served several months in separate confinement as a convict preparatory to going to Parkhurst, I was able, through the chaplain's kindness, to study not only Greek philosophy, but also Locke, Hume, Berkeley, Kant, Hegel, Fichte, Schelling, Schopenhauer, Fechner, Lotze, etc. Being a very rapid reader and having some ability in getting at the gist of a book I got through a fair amount of really interesting reading. ... In the summer I grabbed a book as soon as it was light enough to read, say, four o'clock, read till and during breakfast, dinner, supper and continued till 9:30 or 10 o'clock at night, an average of 8 to 10 hours a day. There were times, of course, when the burden of prison life bred a spirit of discontent and restlessness which books could not assuage.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel : [unknown]
'At Maidstone, both on this occasion and subsequently when I served several months in separate confinement as a convict preparatory to going to Parkhurst, I was able, through the chaplain's kindness, to study not only Greek philosophy, but also Locke, Hume, Berkeley, Kant, Hegel, Fichte, Schelling, Schopenhauer, Fechner, Lotze, etc. Being a very rapid reader and having some ability in getting at the gist of a book I got through a fair amount of really interesting reading. ... In the summer I grabbed a book as soon as it was light enough to read, say, four o'clock, read till and during breakfast, dinner, supper and continued till 9:30 or 10 o'clock at night, an average of 8 to 10 hours a day. There were times, of course, when the burden of prison life bred a spirit of discontent and restlessness which books could not assuage.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Johann Gottlieb Fichte : [unknown]
'At Maidstone, both on this occasion and subsequently when I served several months in separate confinement as a convict preparatory to going to Parkhurst, I was able, through the chaplain's kindness, to study not only Greek philosophy, but also Locke, Hume, Berkeley, Kant, Hegel, Fichte, Schelling, Schopenhauer, Fechner, Lotze, etc. Being a very rapid reader and having some ability in getting at the gist of a book I got through a fair amount of really interesting reading. ... In the summer I grabbed a book as soon as it was light enough to read, say, four o'clock, read till and during breakfast, dinner, supper and continued till 9:30 or 10 o'clock at night, an average of 8 to 10 hours a day. There were times, of course, when the burden of prison life bred a spirit of discontent and restlessness which books could not assuage.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph von Schelling : [unknown]
'At Maidstone, both on this occasion and subsequently when I served several months in separate confinement as a convict preparatory to going to Parkhurst, I was able, through the chaplain's kindness, to study not only Greek philosophy, but also Locke, Hume, Berkeley, Kant, Hegel, Fichte, Schelling, Schopenhauer, Fechner, Lotze, etc. Being a very rapid reader and having some ability in getting at the gist of a book I got through a fair amount of really interesting reading. ... In the summer I grabbed a book as soon as it was light enough to read, say, four o'clock, read till and during breakfast, dinner, supper and continued till 9:30 or 10 o'clock at night, an average of 8 to 10 hours a day. There were times, of course, when the burden of prison life bred a spirit of discontent and restlessness which books could not assuage.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Arthur Schopenhauer : [unknown]
'At Maidstone, both on this occasion and subsequently when I served several months in separate confinement as a convict preparatory to going to Parkhurst, I was able, through the chaplain's kindness, to study not only Greek philosophy, but also Locke, Hume, Berkeley, Kant, Hegel, Fichte, Schelling, Schopenhauer, Fechner, Lotze, etc. Being a very rapid reader and having some ability in getting at the gist of a book I got through a fair amount of really interesting reading. ... In the summer I grabbed a book as soon as it was light enough to read, say, four o'clock, read till and during breakfast, dinner, supper and continued till 9:30 or 10 o'clock at night, an average of 8 to 10 hours a day. There were times, of course, when the burden of prison life bred a spirit of discontent and restlessness which books could not assuage.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Gustav Fechner : [unknown]
'At Maidstone, both on this occasion and subsequently when I served several months in separate confinement as a convict preparatory to going to Parkhurst, I was able, through the chaplain's kindness, to study not only Greek philosophy, but also Locke, Hume, Berkeley, Kant, Hegel, Fichte, Schelling, Schopenhauer, Fechner, Lotze, etc. Being a very rapid reader and having some ability in getting at the gist of a book I got through a fair amount of really interesting reading. ... In the summer I grabbed a book as soon as it was light enough to read, say, four o'clock, read till and during breakfast, dinner, supper and continued till 9:30 or 10 o'clock at night, an average of 8 to 10 hours a day. There were times, of course, when the burden of prison life bred a spirit of discontent and restlessness which books could not assuage.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
Rudolph Hermann Lotze : [unknown]
'At Maidstone, both on this occasion and subsequently when I served several months in separate confinement as a convict preparatory to going to Parkhurst, I was able, through the chaplain's kindness, to study not only Greek philosophy, but also Locke, Hume, Berkeley, Kant, Hegel, Fichte, Schelling, Schopenhauer, Fechner, Lotze, etc. Being a very rapid reader and having some ability in getting at the gist of a book I got through a fair amount of really interesting reading. ... In the summer I grabbed a book as soon as it was light enough to read, say, four o'clock, read till and during breakfast, dinner, supper and continued till 9:30 or 10 o'clock at night, an average of 8 to 10 hours a day. There were times, of course, when the burden of prison life bred a spirit of discontent and restlessness which books could not assuage.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stuart Wood [pseud?] Print: Book
unknown : ["black-letter poems"]
'I had also to go this morning and read some old black-letter poems in the Advocates' Library: and the stomach, like a true British subject, is rebelling not a little against all these infringements of its rights and privileges.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
: Life of Southey
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 19 [sic: should be 13] August 1850, during stay with the Rev. G. Cooke, Cubington: 'I have been reading [italics]Southey's Life[end italics]; it does me a great deal of good. His life in a book [...] [has] helped me more than any sermon. Southey's hard work and pecuniary anxieties come home to me. His plodding on, longing to be free; and yet his perfect contentment.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Unknown
John Ruskin : Lectures on Architecture and Painting
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 14 August 1850: 'Ruskin's [italics]Lectures on Architecture and Painting[end italics] which I have been reading, interest and please me immensely. They certainly are dogmatical. They are disfigured by exaggerated tirades against Romanism, but they are full of wonderful thought, and an intense feeling for truth'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
unknown : An Authentic Sketch of the life and public services of His Excellency Sir Charles Theophilus Metcalfe, Bart., KCB etc (second volume)
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 19 February 1856: 'I came here [Bournemouth] for a fortnight and have stayed a month. I have written a little, and read a good deal, -- the second volume of [italics]Sir Charles Metcalfe's Life[end italics], which makes me look upon him as more of a hero than many whom Carlyle would worship; and [italics]Hypatia[end italics] and two sermons of Dr. Pusey's against Germanism, and part of [italics]Hero Worship[end italics], to say nothing of pamphlets and magazines, and a diligent study of [italics]The Times[end italics] every evening.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Pusey : two sermons
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 19 February 1856: 'I came here [Bournemouth] for a fortnight and have stayed a month. I have written a little, and read a good deal, -- the second volume of [italics]Sir Charles Metcalfe's Life[end italics], which makes me look upon him as more of a hero than many whom Carlyle would worship; and [italics]Hypatia[end italics] and two sermons of Dr. Pusey's against Germanism, and part of [italics]Hero Worship[end italics], to say nothing of pamphlets and magazines, and a diligent study of [italics]The Times[end italics] every evening.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Unknown
Thomas Carlyle : Heroes and Hero-Worship
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 19 February 1856: 'I came here [Bournemouth] for a fortnight and have stayed a month. I have written a little, and read a good deal, -- the second volume of [italics]Sir Charles Metcalfe's Life[end italics], which makes me look upon him as more of a hero than many whom Carlyle would worship; and [italics]Hypatia[end italics] and two sermons of Dr. Pusey's against Germanism, and part of [italics]Hero Worship[end italics], to say nothing of pamphlets and magazines, and a diligent study of [italics]The Times[end italics] every evening.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
: pamphlets
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 19 February 1856: 'I came here [Bournemouth] for a fortnight and have stayed a month. I have written a little, and read a good deal, -- the second volume of [italics]Sir Charles Metcalfe's Life[end italics], which makes me look upon him as more of a hero than many whom Carlyle would worship; and [italics]Hypatia[end italics] and two sermons of Dr. Pusey's against Germanism, and part of [italics]Hero Worship[end italics], to say nothing of pamphlets and magazines, and a diligent study of [italics]The Times[end italics] every evening.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell
: magazines
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 19 February 1856: 'I came here [Bournemouth] for a fortnight and have stayed a month. I have written a little, and read a good deal, -- the second volume of [italics]Sir Charles Metcalfe's Life[end italics], which makes me look upon him as more of a hero than many whom Carlyle would worship; and [italics]Hypatia[end italics] and two sermons of Dr. Pusey's against Germanism, and part of [italics]Hero Worship[end italics], to say nothing of pamphlets and magazines, and a diligent study of [italics]The Times[end italics] every evening.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Serial / periodical
: The Times
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 19 February 1856: 'I came here [Bournemouth] for a fortnight and have stayed a month. I have written a little, and read a good deal, -- the second volume of [italics]Sir Charles Metcalfe's Life[end italics], which makes me look upon him as more of a hero than many whom Carlyle would worship; and [italics]Hypatia[end italics] and two sermons of Dr. Pusey's against Germanism, and part of [italics]Hero Worship[end italics], to say nothing of pamphlets and magazines, and a diligent study of [italics]The Times[end italics] every evening.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Serial / periodical
Charles Kingsley : Hypatia
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 19 February 1856: 'I came here [Bournemouth] for a fortnight and have stayed a month. I have written a little, and read a good deal, -- the second volume of [italics]Sir Charles Metcalfe's Life[end italics], which makes me look upon him as more of a hero than many whom Carlyle would worship; and [italics]Hypatia[end italics] and two sermons of Dr. Pusey's against Germanism, and part of [italics]Hero Worship[end italics], to say nothing of pamphlets and magazines, and a diligent study of [italics]The Times[end italics] every evening.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
St Paul : Epistle to the Hebrews
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 19 February 1856: 'I was reading to-day the 5th chapter of the epistle to the Hebrews. I have taken this epistle for a particular study this Lent. It is a great favourite of mine. In so many ways it comes home to one's everyday trials and needs. Thinking of my birthday [19 February] threw me back into the past, and the description of our Lord having been made perfect through suffering seemed to harmonise with the great lesson which I suppose we all learn as we go on in life, that whatever we have done, or said, or thought, which may be in any way of value [...] is the fruit of suffering.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Elizabeth Gaskell : Life of Charlotte Bronte
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 'Tuesday Evening, 9th June [1857]': 'I have just finished Mrs. Gaskell's [italics]Life of Miss Bronte[end italics]. Years ago, when [italics]Jane Eyre[end italics] came out I read it. People said it was coarse, and I felt it was, but I felt also that the person who wrote it was not necessarily coarse-minded, that the moral of the story was intended to be good; but that it failed in detail. The life is intensely, painfully interesting. A purer, more high-minded person it seems there could scarcely be, wonderfully gifted, and with a man's energy and power of will and passionate impulse; and yet gentle and womanly in all her ways [goes on to reflect upon Bronte's depressive temperament, and to characterise her religious feeling as 'abstract belief not personal love']'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Charlotte Bronte : Jane Eyre
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 'Tuesday Evening, 9th June [1857]': 'I have just finished Mrs. Gaskell's [italics]Life of Miss Bronte[end italics]. Years ago, when [italics]Jane Eyre[end italics] came out I read it. People said it was coarse, and I felt it was, but I felt also that the person who wrote it was not necessarily coarse-minded, that the moral of the story was intended to be good; but that it failed in detail. The life is intensely, painfully interesting. A purer, more high-minded person it seems there could scarcely be, wonderfully gifted, and with a man's energy and power of will and passionate impulse; and yet gentle and womanly in all her ways [goes on to reflect upon Bronte's depressive temperament, and to characterise her religious feeling as 'abstract belief not personal love']'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Charles de Remusat : 'French Essays on Literature'
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 28 January [?1865]: 'I am reading [italics]French Essays on Literature[end italics] [sic] -- so clever they are! Charles de Remusat describes the French of the eighteenth century as "Des gens qui ne lisaient qu'afin de pouvoir parler". Could anything be more apt?'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Jean Baptiste Henri-Dominique Lacordaire : Conferences de Notre Dame de Paris
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 7 November 1868: 'Began Lacordaire's [italics]Conferences de Notre Dame[end italics]. He starts with premises open to much discussion, and all his arguments fall to the ground unless one can accept the premises.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
anon : slip of paper printed with news of declaration of war [?between France and Prussia]
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 15 July 1870, from Eisenach: 'War [apparently the Franco-Prussian war] is actually declared. We heard the news this morning as we were at breakfast in the [italics]Salle[end italics]. Some one (I think it was the master of the hotel) came up and laid before me a printed slip of paper. I had just been talking about railway trains, and thought this had something to do with them. When I read it you can understand the surprise.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: loose slip of paper
Richard Rowe : Episodes in an Obscure Life
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 15 August 1871, during visit to friends at Ashbourne Green, Derbyshire: 'I have been reading [italics]Episodes of an Obscure Life[end italics] [sic], and have made up my mind that I know as little of the life of the East End of London, or rather of the lives of the people, as I do of those of the angels. Write, or think, or work, as one may, there are thousands one could never reach, simply because one could not understand them.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Unknown
: The Times
Eleanor L. Sewell, niece of Elizabeth Missing Sewell, in chapter 21 of [italics]The utobiography of Elizabeth Missing Sewell[end italics]: 'Miss Sewell's arduous life-work came to an end [...] in 1890, and from that year to 1897 she kept up many outside activities [...] keenly interested in events of the day, reading the [italics]Times[end italics] aloud in the evening or some book of note.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Newspaper
unknown : ['books of note']
Eleanor L. Sewell, niece of Elizabeth Missing Sewell, in chapter 21 of [italics]The utobiography of Elizabeth Missing Sewell[end italics]: 'Miss Sewell's arduous life-work came to an end [...] in 1890, and from that year to 1897 she kept up many outside activities [...] keenly interested in events of the day, reading the [italics]Times[end italics] aloud in the evening or some book of note.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'The evening was very stupid as both Betsey and Justine did not talk one being asleep and the other busily employed reading the bible' [according to Harriet Wynne]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Justina Wynne Print: Book
Sarah Stickney Ellis : Family Secrets
'I am occupied a geat deal just now in reading a new novel called "Family Secrets", it is a compound of unnatural occurrences but being embarked on it I am dommed to wade through five volumes', it belongs to the Purser's Steward'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Fremantle Print: Book
William Watson : Ode on the Day of the Coronation of King Edward VII
`My dear Watson: Who would have supposed that I should write to thank you for your considerateness in sending the Ode, in such circumstances as the present. If the Coronation should never come off, future generations will add a footnote to the verses - then no longer copywright! - to remind readers of their remarkable history; which though it will not increase the value of what is intrinsially so fine, will lend a curious secondary intersst to them. However, as the Coronation will probably happen after all, it is useless to speculate in this way. I will not attempt to criticise. All I can say is that the Ode struck me on a first reading & still impresses me, as being a piece of your very highest work; & to reach the level of your former productions is no mean achievement. Ideas & execution are singularly sustained throughout. I cannot find any place where they dip or falter: & my regret at coming to the last page was that there was no more of the poem. Believe me Sincerely yours Thomas Hardy`
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hardy Print: Unknown, Probably a pamphlet or book
William Forbes-Mitchell : Reminiscences of the Great Mutiny 1857-9
'I have just returned from reading a chapter of your book to my wife and her daughter. There was not a dry eye at the table, and the reader had to suspend operations, choking upon sobs. They were tears of pride and sympathy. I beg to offer you this family anecdote as a testimony to the success of your reminiscences. Of making books there is said to be no end, and I have made many. But if I could only think once, before I died, that I had given so much and such noble pleasure to a reader, I should be more than rewarded. You have made me proud and glad to be a Scotsman.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Lawrence L. Lynch : Shadowed by Three: A Detective Story
One of them asked what he had been reading. 'Lynch, of course,' said Louis promptly, with a twinkling in his eye. 'Lynch? Lynch?' The name was jotted down in a notebook and on cuffs. There was a bewildered air among them as they glanced at each other. They were all of the intelligentsia and considered themselves well up in modern literature, yet here was a name they had never heard. Louis was being perfectly truthful. He had been reading 'Shadowed by Three' and 'Dashing Kate, the Female Detective', shilling shockers that amused him so much he had noted the author's name and was looking for more of his works.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
: Dashing Kate, the Female Detective
One of them asked what he had been reading. 'Lynch, of course,' said Louis promptly, with a twinkling in his eye. 'Lynch? Lynch?' The name was jotted down in a notebook and on cuffs. There was a bewildered air among them as they glanced at each other. They were all of the intelligentsia and considered themselves well up in modern literature, yet here was a name they had never heard. Louis was being perfectly truthful. He had been reading 'Shadowed by Three' and 'Dashing Kate, the Female Detective', shilling shockers that amused him so much he had noted the author's name and was looking for more of his works.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Robert Browning :
Taking a book of Browning's poems from his pocket he showed Louis a verse which he said he could not understand...bending forward, his hands clasped, he gazed expectant, while Louis read over the poem. Alas, for the hero worshipper! This is what the Master said: 'I'm damned if I know what it means. It reads like cat's meat to me.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : Father Damien, an Open Letter to the Reverend Dr Hyde of Honolulu
Louis announced that he had written something he wanted us to hear. When we had taken our seats round the centre table he stood before us with a manuscript in his hand...then in his deep voice vibrant with emotion, with heightened colour and blazing eyes he read aloud the 'Father Damien Letter.' Never in my life have I heard anything so dramatic, so magnificent. There was deep feeling in every sentence - scorn, indignation, biting irony, infinite pity - and invective that fairly scorched and sizzled. The tears were in his eyes when he finished. Throwing the manuscript on the table he turned to his wife. She who had never failed him, rose to his feet, and holding out both hands to him in a gesture of enthusiasm, cried: 'Print it! Publish it!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Unknown
Robert Louis Stevenson : Weir of Hermiston
After lunch was always a pleasant time at Vailima...that was the time Louis usually chose to read aloud something he had written. We were an eager, attentive audience, and when he had finished he welcomed suggestions and we were free to say whatever we liked. Usually we were unanimously enthusiastic, especially over chapters of 'Weir of Hermiston'...once, however, he read a story called 'The Witch Woman' that none of us cared for very much. My mother said it showed the influence of a Swedish author Louis had been reading, and was not in his own clear, individual style. She made no comment when he sent it to his publisher, and nothing more was heard of 'The Witch Woman'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Unknown
Robert Louis Stevenson : The Witch Woman
After lunch was always a pleasant time at Vailima...that was the time Louis usually chose to read aloud something he had written. We were an eager, attentive audience, and when he had finished he welcomed suggestions and we were free to say whatever we liked. Usually we were unanimously enthusiastic, especially over chapters of 'Weir of Hermiston'...once, however, he read a story called 'The Witch Woman' that none of us cared for very much. My mother said it showed the influence of a Swedish author Louis had been reading, and was not in his own clear, individual style. She made no comment when he sent it to his publisher, and nothing more was heard of 'The Witch Woman'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
: Bible
'Whenever I read in St Paul's Epistle on justification by faith alone, my good mistress would read in the Epistle of St James, such passages as say that a man is not justified by faith alone, but by faith and works, which often embarrassed me not a little. However, I comforted myself with the conceit of having more texts of Scripture on my side of the question than she had on her side. As to St James, I was almost ready to conclude, that he was not quite orthodox, and so at last I did not much mind what he said.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
: Bible
'I often privately took the Bible to bed with me, and in the long summer mornings read for hours together in bed'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Tate Wilkinson : The memoirs of Mr Tate Wilkinson
'Since the publication of the first edition of these memoirs, I have read "The Memoirs of Mr. Tate Wilkinson" patentee of the Theatres Royal of York and Hull, and was much surprized to learn that the famous Ned Shuter was a gracious soul.' [Lackington goes on to quote a long passage from this work, vol iii, page 27; and pages 5 & 6].
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Sophie Cottin : Mathilde
'I read a French novel, "Matilde", which interested me much and is extremely well written - by Mde Cottin'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Fremantle Print: Book
[n/a] : Gibraltar Chronicle
'I read in the "Gibraltar Chronicle" that Adml. Villeneuve was assassinated at Rennes on the 23rd of April, what a horrid tyrant must Bonaparte be if he had anything to do with such a shocking murder'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Fremantle Print: Newspaper
William Shakespeare : Measure for Measure
'Sat alone all the evening and read two Shakespeare's plays, "Measure for Measure" and "Henry the 6th".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Fremantle Print: Unknown
William Shakespeare : Henry VI
'Sat alone all the evening and read two Shakespeare's plays, "Measure for Measure" and "Henry the 6th".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Fremantle Print: Unknown
unknown : prayer
'A study was made on Armistice Day reactions, comparable to those made in previous years. Even at the Cenotaph there was only a low degree of interest, and in Westminster Abbey at 11 a.m. there were 7 civilians, one soldier and 4 poppy-sellers outside ; 30 women and 5 men at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior, where a priest read a prayer, and there were five wreaths. The level of reaction generally was exceedingly low, even when compared with Nov. 11th, 1939.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: [a priest] anon Print: Unknown
Charles Bossut : Essai sur l'histoire generale des mathematiques
'It is very likely that I may send you some Mathematical thing or other, seeing I have got Bossut's history of mathematics, at this time, where perhaps there may be something new to you'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
John Leyden : 'Shout, Britons, for the Battle of Asaye'
[Carlyle transcribes a poem by John Leyden he has read in Hogg's 'Spy' and sends it to Robert Mitchell] 'Well, if I am not much deceived you will thank me, for transcribing you the following poem of his, composed on (Wellington, then) Wellesl[e]y's victory at Assaye, while Leyden was in India. -I met with it in "the Spy" a kind of periodical thing published the other year in Edinr.' Shout, Britons, for the battle of Assaye; For that was a day, When we stood in our array, Like the Lion's might at bay; And our battle-word was CONQUER OR DIE Rouse, rouse the cruel leopard from his lair, With his yell the mountain rings; And his red eye round he flings, As arrow-like he springs, And spreads his clutching paw to rend and tear. Then first array'd in battle front we saw, Far as the eye could glance, The Mahratta banners dance, O'er the desolate expanse And their standard was the leopard of Malwa. But when we first encounter'd man to m[an] Such odds came never on, Against Greece or Macedon, When they shook the Persian throne, Mid the old barbaric pomp of Ispahan. No number'd might of living could tam[e] Our gallant band that broke Through the bursting clouds of smoke, When the vollied thunder spoke From a thousand mouldering mouths of lurid fla[me] Hail, Wellesl[e]y who led the mortal fray Amid the locust swarm, Dark fate was in thy arm; And thy shadow shall alarm The Mahratta at thy name, from this day. Ah! Mark these British corses on the plain, Each vanish'd like a star, 'Mid the dreadful ranks of war, While the women stood afar, And gaz'd in silent terror at the slain. Shout, Britons, for the battle of Assaye; Ye who perish'd in your prime, Your hallow'd names sublime, Shall live to ceaseless time; Your heroic worth and fame shall never die. Can any thing be grander? - what fire! what energy! -if there is any thing in existence that surpasses this, it must be Hoenli[nden]?but what is like Hoenlinden? -Tell me in your next, what you think of this piece - Is not, think you, "From a thousand mouldering mouths of lurid flame" misprinted somehow? would "smouldering" do any better?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
William Shakespeare : [Works]
'Have you read Shakespear? If you have not, then I desire you, read it directly, and tell me what you think of him -which is his masterpiece. He is always excellent'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical, Unknown
Thomas Murray : [critique of William Nicholson's works in 'The Courier']
'I noticed, with pleasure, the insertion of your "Critique": but was very much mortified, - at seeing the pitiful conclusion which the Editor had foisted in,- in addition to the error in the signature. 'Tis a matter of no consequence - only it [italics]ruffles[end italics] in the mean-time. Our Bard has at length compelled them to print his poetry - and prose too, for, was not that same [italics]Blattum-Bulgium[end italics] disquisition his? And had not he a letter last week "on Burns"? - What a flo[w] of language - what a strength of epithet he pos[s]esses!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
W. Scott Irving : [poem celebrating peace at end of Napoleonic wars]
'I noticed, with pleasure, the insertion of your "Critique": but was very much mortified, - at seeing the pitiful conclusion which the Editor had foisted in,- in addition to the error in the signature. 'Tis a matter of no consequence - only it [italics]ruffles[end italics] in the mean-time. Our Bard has at length compelled them to print his poetry - and prose too, for, was not that same [italics]Blattum-Bulgium[end italics] disquisition his? And had not he a letter last week "on Burns"? - What a flo[w] of language - what a strength of epithet he pos[s]esses!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
W. Scott Irving : [essays on Burns and monuments]
'I noticed, with pleasure, the insertion of your "Critique": but was very much mortified, - at seeing the pitiful conclusion which the Editor had foisted in,- in addition to the error in the signature. 'Tis a matter of no consequence - only it [italics]ruffles[end italics] in the mean-time. Our Bard has at length compelled them to print his poetry - and prose too, for, was not that same [italics]Blattum-Bulgium[end italics] disquisition his? And had not he a letter last week "on Burns"? - What a flo[w] of language - what a strength of epithet he pos[s]esses!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Maclaurin : [writings quoted in a letter from Thomas Murray to Carlyle]
'I was greatly diverted by your specimen of Mr. Maclaurin's prose-run-mad. He seems to have imbibed, in the full sense of the word, the melody of his native mountains; - and who can doubt, that, in a short time he will chaunt right pleasantly, with Celtic sweetness the praises and perfections of this [underscored twice]lamb of his heart[end underscoring]!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter
Laurence Sterne : Tristram Shandy
'Once, for instance, I recollect that to fill up one of those aweful hiatus in conversation that occur at times in spite of all one's efforts to the contrary - and to entertain Miss M., I took up a Tristram Shandy; and read her one of the very best jokes within the boards of the book - Ah-h-h-h! sighed Miss M. and put on a look of right tend[er] melancholy!! - Now. - Did the smallest glimmering of reason appea[r]? Never.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Thomas Murray : [article entitled 'An Affecting Occurrence']
'A-propos of Authors - This evening at tea, Miss Ramsay (our governess) inquired at me if I had read that affecting representation of the Calamities of Literary men, in the last Courier;- replying in the negative, she handed me the paper: - and judge of my surprise when, looking at the bottom, I recognised the signature of Mr. Murray - You will readily conceive, I read it with additional interest on this account - but allow me to remark (and this is all the Critique I design to pass on it) that it needed no such adventitious circumstance to recommend it. The melancholy truth which it contains, and the elegant sympathysing manner in which it is told, speak for themselves. - In sober sadness, now, did you really see that same melancholy old author, at Merchiston? - or is he not a creature of Mr. Murray's brain? Tell me whether I am right in being inclined to adopt the latter opinion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Francis Jeffrey : Edinburgh Review
'I have seen the last number of the Edinr review at Mount-annan. I regret, with you, that Jeffrey should bestow so much of his time on Politics; and I rejoice in the prospect [(for] this is one of the advantages of Peace!) that in a short [time] he will not have this in his power. He must be an extra-ordinary man. No subject however hackneyed, but he has the art of extracting some new thought out of it. The introduction to the Critiq[ue] on Byron is in my opinion admirable?so acute so philosophical: - None but a man of keen penetration, and deep research could have written such a thing - Even the present state of Europe is interesting in his hands.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Sophie Cottin : Elisabeth, ou les exiles de Siberie
'What are you reading? I am waiting for an account of "Waverl[e]y" from you. - The principal part of my reading in addition to Mathematics &c has been "the Exiles of Siberia", "Hoole's Tasso['s] Jerusalem", "Oberon" translated from the German by Southeby, "Beatties Minstrel", Savage's poems, Fenelons "lives of ancient Philosophers" and "the Miseries of Human life" 2 vols. If there is any of these that you have not seen - and want my sentiments about - you shall have them in my next'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
James Beattie : The Minstrel
'What are you reading? I am waiting for an account of "Waverl[e]y" from you. - The principal part of my reading in addition to Mathematics &c has been "the Exiles of Siberia", "Hoole's Tasso['s] Jerusalem", "Oberon" translated from the German by Southeby, "Beatties Minstrel", Savage's poems, Fenelons "lives of ancient Philosophers" and "the Miseries of Human life" 2 vols. If there is any of these that you have not seen - and want my sentiments about - you shall have them in my next'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Unknown
Christoph Wieland : Oberon. Ein Gedicht in 14 Gesangen
'What are you reading? I am waiting for an account of "Waverl[e]y" from you. - The principal part of my reading in addition to Mathematics &c has been "the Exiles of Siberia", "Hoole's Tasso['s] Jerusalem", "Oberon" translated from the German by Southeby, "Beatties Minstrel", Savage's poems, Fenelons "lives of ancient Philosophers" and "the Miseries of Human life" 2 vols. If there is any of these that you have not seen - and want my sentiments about - you shall have them in my next'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Unknown
John Hoole : Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered
'What are you reading? I am waiting for an account of "Waverl[e]y" from you. - The principal part of my reading in addition to Mathematics &c has been "the Exiles of Siberia", "Hoole's Tasso['s] Jerusalem", "Oberon" translated from the German by Southeby, "Beatties Minstrel", Savage's poems, Fenelons "lives of ancient Philosophers" and "the Miseries of Human life" 2 vols. If there is any of these that you have not seen - and want my sentiments about - you shall have them in my next'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Unknown
Richard Savage : [Poems]
'What are you reading? I am waiting for an account of "Waverl[e]y" from you. - The principal part of my reading in addition to Mathematics &c has been "the Exiles of Siberia", "Hoole's Tasso['s] Jerusalem", "Oberon" translated from the German by Southeby, "Beatties Minstrel", Savage's poems, Fenelons "lives of ancient Philosophers" and "the Miseries of Human life" 2 vols. If there is any of these that you have not seen - and want my sentiments about - you shall have them in my next'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Unknown
Francois Fenelon : Abrege des vies des anciens philosophes
'What are you reading? I am waiting for an account of "Waverl[e]y" from you. - The principal part of my reading in addition to Mathematics &c has been "the Exiles of Siberia", "Hoole's Tasso['s] Jerusalem", "Oberon" translated from the German by Southeby, "Beatties Minstrel", Savage's poems, Fenelons "lives of ancient Philosophers" and "the Miseries of Human life" 2 vols. If there is any of these that you have not seen - and want my sentiments about - you shall have them in my next'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
James Beresford : Miseries of Human Life
'What are you reading? I am waiting for an account of "Waverl[e]y" from you. - The principal part of my reading in addition to Mathematics &c has been "the Exiles of Siberia", "Hoole's Tasso['s] Jerusalem", "Oberon" translated from the German by Southeby, "Beatties Minstrel", Savage's poems, Fenelons "lives of ancient Philosophers" and "the Miseries of Human life" 2 vols. If there is any of these that you have not seen - and want my sentiments about - you shall have them in my next'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Robert Mitchell : [a mathematical paper]
'I did not tell you that when I left Edinr for Dumfries, I put your paper in my pocket - and whilst my right worthy compagnons de voyage (for I came in the Mail from Moffat) were sunk in politics, post-horses, farming &c &c. I took out my friend's theorem, and leaving the base clod-hoppers to welter on among drains and dunghills and bullocks and balances of power -I entered Dumfries wholly disengaged from sublunary things; and well nigh perswaded that an angle [underscored twice]might [end underscore] be trisected'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Unknown
George Gordon Lord Byron : [Poems]
'What Books have you been perusing - and how did you like Sha[ke]spea[re]? - Since I saw you I have toil'd thro' many a thick octa[vo] - many of them to little purpose. Byron's and Scott's "Poems" I have read and must admire - tho' you recollect, we used to give Campbell a de[cided] preference - and I still think, with justice. Have you ever seen Hoole's "Tas[so?]" I have among many others read, it, "Leonidas", "The Epigoniad", "Oberon", "Savage[e's] Poems" &.c. Miss Porter's "Scottish Chiefs" and "Waverl[e]y" have been the principal of my Novels - With regard to "Waverl[e]y" I cannot help remarking t[hat] in my opinion it is the best novel that has been published these thirty years. The characters of Ebenezer Cru[i]ckshank[s] mine host of the garter, the Reverend Mr. Gowk - thrapple and Squire Bradwardian display a Cervantic vein of humour which has seldom been surpassed - whilst the descriptions of the gloomy caverns of the Highlands, and the delineations of the apathic Callum Beg and enterprising Vich Ian Vohr show a richness of [italics]Scottean[end italics] colouring which few have equalled. Give me your opinion of it if you have read it; - and if not - endeavour by all means to procure it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Walter Scott : [Poems]
'What Books have you been perusing - and how did you like Sha[ke]spea[re]? - Since I saw you I have toil'd thro' many a thick octa[vo] - many of them to little purpose. Byron's and Scott's "Poems" I have read and must admire - tho' you recollect, we used to give Campbell a de[cided] preference - and I still think, with justice. Have you ever seen Hoole's "Tas[so?]" I have among many others read, it, "Leonidas", "The Epigoniad", "Oberon", "Savage[e's] Poems" &.c. Miss Porter's "Scottish Chiefs" and "Waverl[e]y" have been the principal of my Novels - With regard to "Waverl[e]y" I cannot help remarking t[hat] in my opinion it is the best novel that has been published these thirty years. The characters of Ebenezer Cru[i]ckshank[s] mine host of the garter, the Reverend Mr. Gowk - thrapple and Squire Bradwardian display a Cervantic vein of humour which has seldom been surpassed - whilst the descriptions of the gloomy caverns of the Highlands, and the delineations of the apathic Callum Beg and enterprising Vich Ian Vohr show a richness of [italics]Scottean[end italics] colouring which few have equalled. Give me your opinion of it if you have read it; - and if not - endeavour by all means to procure it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Walter Scott : Waverley
'What Books have you been perusing - and how did you like Sha[ke]spea[re]? - Since I saw you I have toil'd thro' many a thick octa[vo] - many of them to little purpose. Byron's and Scott's "Poems" I have read and must admire - tho' you recollect, we used to give Campbell a de[cided] preference - and I still think, with justice. Have you ever seen Hoole's "Tas[so?]" I have among many others read, it, "Leonidas", "The Epigoniad", "Oberon", "Savage[e's] Poems" &.c. Miss Porter's "Scottish Chiefs" and "Waverl[e]y" have been the principal of my Novels - With regard to "Waverl[e]y" I cannot help remarking t[hat] in my opinion it is the best novel that has been published these thirty years. The characters of Ebenezer Cru[i]ckshank[s] mine host of the garter, the Reverend Mr. Gowk - thrapple and Squire Bradwardian display a Cervantic vein of humour which has seldom been surpassed - whilst the descriptions of the gloomy caverns of the Highlands, and the delineations of the apathic Callum Beg and enterprising Vich Ian Vohr show a richness of [italics]Scottean[end italics] colouring which few have equalled. Give me your opinion of it if you have read it; - and if not - endeavour by all means to procure it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Richard Glover : Leonidas, A Poem
'What Books have you been perusing - and how did you like Sha[ke]spea[re]? - Since I saw you I have toil'd thro' many a thick octa[vo] - many of them to little purpose. Byron's and Scott's "Poems" I have read and must admire - tho' you recollect, we used to give Campbell a de[cided] preference - and I still think, with justice. Have you ever seen Hoole's "Tas[so?]" I have among many others read, it, "Leonidas", "The Epigoniad", "Oberon", "Savage[e's] Poems" &.c. Miss Porter's "Scottish Chiefs" and "Waverl[e]y" have been the principal of my Novels - With regard to "Waverl[e]y" I cannot help remarking t[hat] in my opinion it is the best novel that has been published these thirty years. The characters of Ebenezer Cru[i]ckshank[s] mine host of the garter, the Reverend Mr. Gowk - thrapple and Squire Bradwardian display a Cervantic vein of humour which has seldom been surpassed - whilst the descriptions of the gloomy caverns of the Highlands, and the delineations of the apathic Callum Beg and enterprising Vich Ian Vohr show a richness of [italics]Scottean[end italics] colouring which few have equalled. Give me your opinion of it if you have read it; - and if not - endeavour by all means to procure it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
William Wilkie : The Epigoniad
'What Books have you been perusing - and how did you like Sha[ke]spea[re]? - Since I saw you I have toil'd thro' many a thick octa[vo] - many of them to little purpose. Byron's and Scott's "Poems" I have read and must admire - tho' you recollect, we used to give Campbell a de[cided] preference - and I still think, with justice. Have you ever seen Hoole's "Tas[so?]" I have among many others read, it, "Leonidas", "The Epigoniad", "Oberon", "Savage[e's] Poems" &.c. Miss Porter's "Scottish Chiefs" and "Waverl[e]y" have been the principal of my Novels - With regard to "Waverl[e]y" I cannot help remarking t[hat] in my opinion it is the best novel that has been published these thirty years. The characters of Ebenezer Cru[i]ckshank[s] mine host of the garter, the Reverend Mr. Gowk - thrapple and Squire Bradwardian display a Cervantic vein of humour which has seldom been surpassed - whilst the descriptions of the gloomy caverns of the Highlands, and the delineations of the apathic Callum Beg and enterprising Vich Ian Vohr show a richness of [italics]Scottean[end italics] colouring which few have equalled. Give me your opinion of it if you have read it; - and if not - endeavour by all means to procure it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Jane Porter : The Scottish Chiefs, A Romance
'What Books have you been perusing - and how did you like Sha[ke]spea[re]? - Since I saw you I have toil'd thro' many a thick octa[vo] - many of them to little purpose. Byron's and Scott's "Poems" I have read and must admire - tho' you recollect, we used to give Campbell a de[cided] preference - and I still think, with justice. Have you ever seen Hoole's "Tas[so?]" I have among many others read, it, "Leonidas", "The Epigoniad", "Oberon", "Savage[e's] Poems" &.c. Miss Porter's "Scottish Chiefs" and "Waverl[e]y" have been the principal of my Novels - With regard to "Waverl[e]y" I cannot help remarking t[hat] in my opinion it is the best novel that has been published these thirty years. The characters of Ebenezer Cru[i]ckshank[s] mine host of the garter, the Reverend Mr. Gowk - thrapple and Squire Bradwardian display a Cervantic vein of humour which has seldom been surpassed - whilst the descriptions of the gloomy caverns of the Highlands, and the delineations of the apathic Callum Beg and enterprising Vich Ian Vohr show a richness of [italics]Scottean[end italics] colouring which few have equalled. Give me your opinion of it if you have read it; - and if not - endeavour by all means to procure it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Walter Scott : Waverley
'? I had a sight of ?Waverley? soon after I received your letter, and I cannot help saying that, in my opinion, it is by far the best novel that has been written these thirty years - at least, that I know of. Eben. Cruickshanks, mine host of The Seven Golden Candlesticks, and Mr. Gifted Gilfillan, are described in the spirit of Smollett or Cervantes. Who does not shed a tear for the ardent Vich Ian Vohr, and the unshaken Evan Dhu, when perishing amid the shouts of an English mob, they refuse to swerve from their principles? And who will refuse to pity the marble Callum Beg, when, hushed in the strife of death, he finishes his earthly career on Clifton Moor, far from the blue mountains of the North, without one friend to close his eyes? 'Tis an admirable performance. Is Scott still the reputed author?' Editor's addition: [In this letter Carlyle mentions reading Euler's ?Algebra,? 1 Addison's ?Freeholder,? 2 Cuvier's ?Theory of the Earth,? 3 Moli?re's ?Comedies,? the monthly reviews, critical journals, etc.]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Leonhard Euler : Elements of Algebra
'? I had a sight of ?Waverley? soon after I received your letter, and I cannot help saying that, in my opinion, it is by far the best novel that has been written these thirty years - at least, that I know of. Eben. Cruickshanks, mine host of The Seven Golden Candlesticks, and Mr. Gifted Gilfillan, are described in the spirit of Smollett or Cervantes. Who does not shed a tear for the ardent Vich Ian Vohr, and the unshaken Evan Dhu, when perishing amid the shouts of an English mob, they refuse to swerve from their principles? And who will refuse to pity the marble Callum Beg, when, hushed in the strife of death, he finishes his earthly career on Clifton Moor, far from the blue mountains of the North, without one friend to close his eyes? 'Tis an admirable performance. Is Scott still the reputed author?' Editor's addition: [In this letter Carlyle mentions reading Euler's ?Algebra,?1 Addison's ?Freeholder,?2 Cuvier's ?Theory of the Earth,?3 Moli?re's ?Comedies,? the monthly reviews, critical journals, etc.]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Joseph Addison : The Free-holder, I-LV
'? I had a sight of ?Waverley? soon after I received your letter, and I cannot help saying that, in my opinion, it is by far the best novel that has been written these thirty years - at least, that I know of. Eben. Cruickshanks, mine host of The Seven Golden Candlesticks, and Mr. Gifted Gilfillan, are described in the spirit of Smollett or Cervantes. Who does not shed a tear for the ardent Vich Ian Vohr, and the unshaken Evan Dhu, when perishing amid the shouts of an English mob, they refuse to swerve from their principles? And who will refuse to pity the marble Callum Beg, when, hushed in the strife of death, he finishes his earthly career on Clifton Moor, far from the blue mountains of the North, without one friend to close his eyes? 'Tis an admirable performance. Is Scott still the reputed author?' Editor's addition: [In this letter Carlyle mentions reading Euler's ?Algebra,?1 Addison's ?Freeholder,?2 Cuvier's ?Theory of the Earth,?3 Moli?re's ?Comedies,? the monthly reviews, critical journals, etc.]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Georges Cuvier : 'Discours preliminaire' to Recherches sur les ossemens fossiles des quadrupedes
'? I had a sight of ?Waverley? soon after I received your letter, and I cannot help saying that, in my opinion, it is by far the best novel that has been written these thirty years - at least, that I know of. Eben. Cruickshanks, mine host of The Seven Golden Candlesticks, and Mr. Gifted Gilfillan, are described in the spirit of Smollett or Cervantes. Who does not shed a tear for the ardent Vich Ian Vohr, and the unshaken Evan Dhu, when perishing amid the shouts of an English mob, they refuse to swerve from their principles? And who will refuse to pity the marble Callum Beg, when, hushed in the strife of death, he finishes his earthly career on Clifton Moor, far from the blue mountains of the North, without one friend to close his eyes? 'Tis an admirable performance. Is Scott still the reputed author?' Editor's addition: [In this letter Carlyle mentions reading Euler's ?Algebra,?1 Addison's ?Freeholder,?2 Cuvier's ?Theory of the Earth,?3 Moli?re's ?Comedies,? the monthly reviews, critical journals, etc.]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Moliere [pseud.] : [Comedies]
'? I had a sight of ?Waverley? soon after I received your letter, and I cannot help saying that, in my opinion, it is by far the best novel that has been written these thirty years - at least, that I know of. Eben. Cruickshanks, mine host of The Seven Golden Candlesticks, and Mr. Gifted Gilfillan, are described in the spirit of Smollett or Cervantes. Who does not shed a tear for the ardent Vich Ian Vohr, and the unshaken Evan Dhu, when perishing amid the shouts of an English mob, they refuse to swerve from their principles? And who will refuse to pity the marble Callum Beg, when, hushed in the strife of death, he finishes his earthly career on Clifton Moor, far from the blue mountains of the North, without one friend to close his eyes? 'Tis an admirable performance. Is Scott still the reputed author?' Editor's addition: [In this letter Carlyle mentions reading Euler's ?Algebra,?1 Addison's ?Freeholder,?2 Cuvier's ?Theory of the Earth,?3 Moli?re's ?Comedies,? the monthly reviews, critical journals, etc.]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Henry Coventry : Philemon to Hydaspes: or the history of false religion in the earlier pagan world related in a series of coversations
'I also received great benefits from reading Coventry's Philemon to Hydaspes; it consists of dialogues on false religion, extravagant devotion, etc. in which are many very curious remarks on visionaries of various ages and sects. This work is complete in five parts octavo. There has also been a decent Scotch edition, published in twelves, both editions are now rather scarce.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Stewart Lewis : [Poems]
[Carlyle apologises for not having written sooner, saying he has been waiting until he has procured a copy of Stewart Lewis' poems which he now has] 'It is imperfect, but I believe wants only two pages at each end?and at any rate it [is] the best, indeed only one, I could get hold of.' Upon reperusing the volume, I feel more and more confident, that it contains poems, which if properly selected and given to the world along with the other productions of its Author, would secure him both honour and emoluments: - I am not going to enter into any critical detail of their merits; but I cannot help [ob]serving, that had Lewis never written any thing else, than [the] ?verses on the death of an only son? - and the song ?Wandering Ma[ry?-] his title to the name of poet would have been undisputed. The volume indeed abounds with a strain of original thought and fee[ling] which is not always to be met with in books of the kind. [And] for the want of which, a thousand ban-dogs and dun-[de]er and donjon-keeps and Ladyes fair can never compensate'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Sir John Leslie [or Playfair?] : review of Laplace's Essai philosophique sur les probabilites
'It is a considerable time since I saw Leslie's review of La Place'[s] essay on chances - and remarked with considerable surprise - the bold avowall of his sentiments on Hume's doctrine - "The Christian Instructor" attacks him with considerable asperity - and, I think, success. Hume's essays, I have not read - and therefore cannot condemn - The evidence of testimony, too, no doubt has its limits - But as far as I can judge, all that is urged either by La Place or His reviewer - does not at all affect Christianity.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Pierre Simon Laplace : Essai philosophique sur les probabilites
'It is a considerable time since I saw Leslie's review of La Place'[s] essay on chances - and remarked with considerable surprise - the bold avowall of his sentiments on Hume's doctrine - "The Christian Instructor" attacks him with considerable asperity - and, I think, success. Hume's essays, I have not read - and therefore cannot condemn - The evidence of testimony, too, no doubt has its limits - But as far as I can judge, all that is urged either by La Place or His reviewer - does not at all affect Christianity.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown novel]
[Carlyle tells how he was trying to write a learned exegesis and came to a dead halt] 'One cannot long be idle - you will not wonder that I took up the first book that came in my way - and tho' it was the dullest of all dull books, yet by a fatality attendant on those things, I could not give it up. It purported to be a "history of a lover" - showing how Cecilia (somebody) being poor but honest went to Paris, with some Brandy Irish Dowager (of Tipperary) and was much astounded at their goings on - yet very much liked by the beaux. Shewing how after divers trials and temptations she married with a lord (something) who had been a very great rascal in his early days but was now become a most delectable personage; how the[y] lived in great harmony of souls till the honest man one day riding on som[e] wold and happening to fall from his beast in the presence of this notable lady, she fell into hystericks or convulsions and was taken home in a wo[e]ful plight - where she loitered on till she was "brought to bed", when she took her leave of the good man and all the world - Would you believe me, I read & read this horrid story & might have been reading yet had not a most dolorous ode to Matrimonial - no "Monody on the Death of a beloved" &c compelled me to throw past the book; and set to writing you a letter.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Jane Porter : Thaddeus of Warsaw
'Great and manifold are the books I have read since I saw you. You recommended "Thaddeus of Warsaw" long ago you may remember - and the work in my judgement fully deserves it. Miss Porter has no wit - she invariably bungles a picture of the conversatio[n] of ordinary persons, whenever she attempts it - why does she delight in unfolding the forward weaknesses of the female heart, and making even Mary Beaufort love first? - Yet with all her deficiencies she is interesting; - never failing to excite our sympathy, tho she cannot rank with our Fielding or Smollett?she infinitely surpasses the insipid froth of "The mob of Gentlemen, who write with ease".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Cicero : De Officiis
'As an extraordinary instance of perseverance, I must mention my having read "Cicero de officiis". You must read it too Bob - You will get thro' it in a week - and cannot think your time mis[s]pent. It consists of letters addressed to his son - and if we compare the steady, affectionate, unbending precepts of the venerable Roman - with the only work of a similar kind in our own times - Chesterfield's advice - we shall blush for the eighteenth century!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Philip Dormer Stanhope, Fourth Earl of Chesterfield : Letters to his Son
'As an extraordinary instance of perseverance, I must mention my having read "Cicero de officiis". You must read it too Bob - You will get thro' it in a week - and cannot think your time mis[s]pent. It consists of letters addressed to his son - and if we compare the steady, affectionate, unbending precepts of the venerable Roman - with the only work of a similar kind in our own times - Chesterfield's advice - we shall blush for the eighteenth century!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
John Biggs : [conversion narrative]
'I was one day called aside, and a hand-bill was given me; and thinking it to be a quack doctor's bill for a certain disease, I expressed my suprise at its being given to me in such a particular manner; but on reading it, I found it contained a particular account of the wonderful conversion of a John Biggs, when he was twenty-one years of age. Mr Biggs says, that ever since that time he has had communion with God his Father every hour. He publishes this bill (he says) for the glory of God; but that the public might have an opportunity of dealing with this wonderful saint and perfectly holy man, he put his address in capitals, John Biggs, No. 98 Strand. I keep this bill as a curiosity.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Handbill
Voltaire [pseud.] : La Pucelle d'Orleans
'But the most extraordinary production of any, I have seen these many days, is "La Pucelle d'Orleans" an Epic by Voltaire. This Mock-Heroic illustrates several things -First that the French held Voltaire a sort of demigod - secondly (and consequently) that they were wrong in so doing - and thirdly that the said Voltaire is the most impudent, blaspheming, libidinous blackgaurd [sic] that ever lived.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Cicero : De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum
'But the book I am most pleased with is "Cicero de Finibus" - not that there is much new discussion in it, but his manner is so easy and elegant; and, besides, there is such a charm connected with attending to the feelings and principles of a man over whom "the tide of years has rolled". We are entertained even with a common sentiment; and when we meet with a truth which we ourselves had previously discovered, we are delighted with the idea that our minds are similar to that of the venerable Roman'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Dugald Stewart : Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind
'The first article in the last Quarterly review is [on] Stewart's second volume. The wise men of London are earnest in their censures of "the metaphysical heresies" of their northern neighbours: and notwithstanding the high admiration they pay to Stewarts talents, the[y] differ from him in almost all his results - because they disbelieve his principles - the "first principles" of Dr. Reid. Their opinion (and they give no reasons), on a point of this nature, is of little consequence. All the prejudices natural to Englishmen, they entertain in their full extent - and always modify their decisions accordingly[.] For my part, tho' far be it from me to attempt to disparage or vilipend this great man - I cannot help thinking, that, the perusal of his book has done me hurt. Perpetually talking about analysing perceptions, & retiring within ones self, & mighty improvements that we are to make?no one knows how, - I believe, he will generally leave the mind of his reader?crowded with disjointed notions & nondescript ideas - which the sooner he gets rid of, the better. I know you think differently; but de gustibus non est disputandum [concerning taste it is needless to dispute, ed. note]; and very probably, the fault is not with the Author - but his subject'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
William Rowe Lyall : [review in the Quarterly Review of Dugald Stewart's Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind]
'The first article in the last Quarterly review is [on] Stewart's second volume. The wise men of London are earnest in their censures of "the metaphysical heresies" of their northern neighbours: and notwithstanding the high admiration they pay to Stewarts talents, the[y] differ from him in almost all his results - because they disbelieve his principles - the "first principles" of Dr. Reid. Their opinion (and they give no reasons), on a point of this nature, is of little consequence. All the prejudices natural to Englishmen, they entertain in their full extent - and always modify their decisions accordingly[.] For my part, tho' far be it from me to attempt to disparage or vilipend this great man - I cannot help thinking, that, the perusal of his book has done me hurt. Perpetually talking about analysing perceptions, & retiring within ones self, & mighty improvements that we are to make?no one knows how, - I believe, he will generally leave the mind of his reader?crowded with disjointed notions & nondescript ideas - which the sooner he gets rid of, the better. I know you think differently; but de gustibus non est disputandum [concerning taste it is needless to dispute, ed. note]; and very probably, the fault is not with the Author - but his subject'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
anon : [review in the Quarterly Review of Scott's Guy Mannering]
'"Guy Mannering" is reviewed in the same number [ of the Quarterly Review]. Tho' we have still more reason to question their competency here - you will probably admit that "the Dutch boors of Mannering tho' never so well painted, must cause a different class of sensations from those excited by the Salvator banditti of Waverl[e]y." - Yet the only extract they give (the departure of the gypsies, and Meg Merrilies' address to Ellangowan) is very much in the Salvator stile.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
anon. : [review in the Quarterly Review Byron's Lara]
'I am glad you saw Lara; and am indebted for your account of it. I read the review of it in the Quarterly review?some time ago.' [there follow Carlyle's observations on Mitchell's account of the plot; apparently Carlyle has not yet read the poem]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
David Hume : Essays Moral, Political and Literary
'I am highly indebted to you for Hume. I like his essays better than any thing I have read these many days. He has prejudices, he does maintain errors - but he defends his positions, with so much ingenuity, that one would be almost sorry to see him dislodged. His Essays on "Superstition & Enthusiasm", on "the Dignity & meanness of Human Nature" and several others, are in my opinion admirable both in matter & manner: - particularly the first where his conclusions might be verified by instances, with which we are all acquainted. The manner, indeed, of all is excellent: - the highest & most difficult effect of art - the appearance of its absence - appears throughout. But many of his opinions are not to be adopted - How odd does it look for instance to refer all the modifications of "National character", to the influence of moral causes. Might it not be asserted with some plausibility, that even those which he denominates moral causes, originate from physical circumstances? Whence but from the perpetual contemplation of his dreary glaciers & rugged glens - from his dismal broodings in his long & almost solitary nights, has the Scandinavian conceived his ferocious Odin, & his horrid "spectres of the deep"? Compare this with the copper-castles and celestial gardens of the Arabian - and we must admit that physical causes have an influence on man. I read "the Epicurean," "the Stoic," "the Platonist" & "the Sceptic" under some disadvantage. They are perhaps rather clumsily executed - and the idea of David Hume declaiming, nay of David Hum[e] making love appears not less grotesque than would that of ad ? -oc [covered by seal: d]ancing a French cotillon. As a whole however [I am de]lig[hted w]ith the book, and if you can want it, I shall mo[reover] give it a second perusal.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
[n/a] : Edinburgh Review
'Have you seen the last Edinr review? There are several promising articles in it - Scotts "Lord of the Isles," Standard Novels, Lewis' & Clarke's travels up the Missouri, (of which a most delectable account is given in the Quarterly), Joanna Southcott, &c &c. I have been revising Akenside, since I saw you. - He pos[s]esses a warm imagination & great strength & beauty of diction. His poem, you know, does not like Campbell's "Hope" consist of a number of little incidents told in an interesting manner - & selected to illustrate his positions - it is little else than a moral declamation. Nevertheless I like it. Akenside was an enthusiastic admirer of the ancient republics and of the ancient philosophers - He thought highly of Lord Shaftesbury's principles & had a bad opinion of Scotsmen. For this last peculiarity, he has been severely caricatured by Smollet[t] in his Peregrine Pickle - under the character of the fantastic English Doctor in Franc[e] - When we mention Shaftesbury - is his book in your pos[s]ession, and can you let me have a reading of it?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Robert Southey : [essay in the Quarterly Review on Lewis and Clarke's Travels]
'Have you seen the last Edinr review? There are several promising articles in it - Scotts "Lord of the Isles," Standard Novels, Lewis' & Clarke's travels up the Missouri, (of which a most delectable account is given in the Quarterly), Joanna Southcott, &c &c. I have been revising Akenside, since I saw you. - He pos[s]esses a warm imagination & great strength & beauty of diction. His poem, you know, does not like Campbell's "Hope" consist of a number of little incidents told in an interesting manner - & selected to illustrate his positions - it is little else than a moral declamation. Nevertheless I like it. Akenside was an enthusiastic admirer of the ancient republics and of the ancient philosophers - He thought highly of Lord Shaftesbury's principles & had a bad opinion of Scotsmen. For this last peculiarity, he has been severely caricatured by Smollet[t] in his Peregrine Pickle - under the character of the fantastic English Doctor in Franc[e] - When we mention Shaftesbury - is his book in your pos[s]ession, and can you let me have a reading of it?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Mark Akenside : Night Thoughts
'Have you seen the last Edinr review? There are several promising articles in it - Scotts "Lord of the Isles," Standard Novels, Lewis' & Clarke's travels up the Missouri, (of which a most delectable account is given in the Quarterly), Joanna Southcott, &c &c. I have been revising Akenside, since I saw you. - He pos[s]esses a warm imagination & great strength & beauty of diction. His poem, you know, does not like Campbell's "Hope" consist of a number of little incidents told in an interesting manner - & selected to illustrate his positions - it is little else than a moral declamation. Nevertheless I like it. Akenside was an enthusiastic admirer of the ancient republics and of the ancient philosophers - He thought highly of Lord Shaftesbury's principles & had a bad opinion of Scotsmen. For this last peculiarity, he has been severely caricatured by Smollet[t] in his Peregrine Pickle - under the character of the fantastic English Doctor in Franc[e] - When we mention Shaftesbury - is his book in your pos[s]ession, and can you let me have a reading of it?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Tobias Smollett : Peregrine Pickle
'Have you seen the last Edinr review? There are several promising articles in it - Scotts "Lord of the Isles," Standard Novels, Lewis' & Clarke's travels up the Missouri, (of which a most delectable account is given in the Quarterly), Joanna Southcott, &c &c. I have been revising Akenside, since I saw you. - He pos[s]esses a warm imagination & great strength & beauty of diction. His poem, you know, does not like Campbell's "Hope" consist of a number of little incidents told in an interesting manner - & selected to illustrate his positions - it is little else than a moral declamation. Nevertheless I like it. Akenside was an enthusiastic admirer of the ancient republics and of the ancient philosophers - He thought highly of Lord Shaftesbury's principles & had a bad opinion of Scotsmen. For this last peculiarity, he has been severely caricatured by Smollet[t] in his Peregrine Pickle - under the character of the fantastic English Doctor in Franc[e] - When we mention Shaftesbury - is his book in your pos[s]ession, and can you let me have a reading of it?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
David Hume : Essays Moral, Political and Literary
'The best book I have read, since I wrote you, is Hume's "Essays, political and literary". It is indeed a most ingenious production - characterised by acuteness and originality, in all its parts. I have not room to tell you where I agree with its Author, and where I differ; nor how highly I admire his reasoning powers. What pity that he is a Deist! How much might his strong talents have accomplished in the cause of truth, when they did so much in that of error! It is indeed melancholy to behold so many men of talent, in our times all leaning to the same side - but I am much inclined to believe, that the reign of infidelity is past its height.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Hugh Blair : Lectures on Rhetoric
'I had almost forgotten to thank [you] for my books - they are just such as I wanted. "Blair" is an excellent piece - and very cheap. I am only sorry you sent it at all: I was in no particular want of it & you ought certainly to have done with the money whatever your situation required. - One is apt to be put about, when obliged to equip for such an expedition as yours. - The Italian grammar is hardly calculated for me - but answers in the mean time. The Novelle morale is an excellent book for the purpose'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
[unknown] : [an Italian Grammar]
'I had almost forgotten to thank [you] for my books - they are just such as I wanted. "Blair" is an excellent piece - and very cheap. I am only sorry you sent it at all: I was in no particular want of it & you ought certainly to have done with the money whatever your situation required. - One is apt to be put about, when obliged to equip for such an expedition as yours. - The Italian grammar is hardly calculated for me - but answers in the mean time. The Novelle morale is an excellent book for the purpose'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Francesco Soave : Novelle Morali
'I had almost forgotten to thank [you] for my books - they are just such as I wanted. "Blair" is an excellent piece - and very cheap. I am only sorry you sent it at all: I was in no particular want of it & you ought certainly to have done with the money whatever your situation required. - One is apt to be put about, when obliged to equip for such an expedition as yours. - The Italian grammar is hardly calculated for me - but answers in the mean time. The Novelle morale is an excellent book for the purpose'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Dugald Stewart : The Life and Writings of William Robertson
'I was re[a]ding lately, Stewart's "life of Robertson", Smith's "wealth of nations", and Kames' "Essays on the principles of morality". The first is a sensible sort of book - unworthy, however, of Stewart. Dr Smith is a man of much research, & appears to understand completely all the bearings of his complicated subject. I have read his first and second volumes with much pleasure. He always writes like a philosopher. With regard to Lord Kames - his works are generally all an awkward compound of ingenuity and absurdity and in this volume the latter quality it appears to me, considerably preponderates. It is Metaphysical; upon Belief, identity, Necessity &c &c and I devoutly wish that no friend of mine may ever come to study it - unless he wish to learn - To weave fine cobwebs fit for scull That's empty when the moon is full. - and in that case he cannot study under a more proper master.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Adam Smith : The Wealth of Nations
'I was re[a]ding lately, Stewart's "life of Robertson", Smith's "wealth of nations", and Kames' "Essays on the principles of morality". The first is a sensible sort of book - unworthy, however, of Stewart. Dr Smith is a man of much research, & appears to understand completely all the bearings of his complicated subject. I have read his first and second volumes with much pleasure. He always writes like a philosopher. With regard to Lord Kames - his works are generally all an awkward compound of ingenuity and absurdity and in this volume the latter quality it appears to me, considerably preponderates. It is Metaphysical; upon Belief, identity, Necessity &c &c and I devoutly wish that no friend of mine may ever come to study it - unless he wish to learn - To weave fine cobwebs fit for scull That's empty when the moon is full. - and in that case he cannot study under a more proper master.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Henry Home, Lord Kames : Essays on the Principles of Morality and Natural Religion
'I was re[a]ding lately, Stewart's "life of Robertson", Smith's "wealth of nations", and Kames' "Essays on the principles of morality". The first is a sensible sort of book - unworthy, however, of Stewart. Dr Smith is a man of much research, & appears to understand completely all the bearings of his complicated subject. I have read his first and second volumes with much pleasure. He always writes like a philosopher. With regard to Lord Kames - his works are generally all an awkward compound of ingenuity and absurdity and in this volume the latter quality it appears to me, considerably preponderates. It is Metaphysical; upon Belief, identity, Necessity &c &c and I devoutly wish that no friend of mine may ever come to study it - unless he wish to learn - To weave fine cobwebs fit for scull That's empty when the moon is full. - and in that case he cannot study under a more proper master.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Benjamin Thomson Count Rumford : Essays, Political, Economical and Philosophical
'When I returned to Annan, it occurred to me, that it would be proper to see what was become of my Hall discourses. It occurred to me, much about the same time, that it would be proper to study Rumfords essays, Mackenzies travels, Humboldts New Spain, Berkeley's principles of knowledge, Stewarts essays, Simson's fluxions &c &c &c - It was some great man's advice, to every person in a hurry - never to do more than one thing at a time. Judge what progress I must have made - when I engaged in half-a-dozen. - Manufacturing theses - wrestling with lexicons, Chemical experiments, Scotch philosophy and Berkeleian Metaphysics - I have scarcely sufficient strength left, to write you even now. Upon consideration, therefore, of these egregious labours - I hope, you cannot refuse to forgive me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
George Stewart Mackenzie : Travels in the Island of Iceland during the summer of 1810
'When I returned to Annan, it occurred to me, that it would be proper to see what was become of my Hall discourses. It occurred to me, much about the same time, that it would be proper to study Rumfords essays, Mackenzies travels, Humboldts New Spain, Berkeley's principles of knowledge, Stewarts essays, Simson's fluxions &c &c &c - It was some great man's advice, to every person in a hurry - never to do more than one thing at a time. Judge what progress I must have made - when I engaged in half-a-dozen. - Manufacturing theses - wrestling with lexicons, Chemical experiments, Scotch philosophy and Berkeleian Metaphysics - I have scarcely sufficient strength left, to write you even now. Upon consideration, therefore, of these egregious labours - I hope, you cannot refuse to forgive me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Jean-Jacques Rousseau : Thoughts of Jean Jacques Rousseau, Citizen of Geneva, selected from his writings by an Anonymous Editor
'There is a very extraordinary passage in Rousseau's Thoughts on Fanaticism. It is printed in his Thoughts, published by Debrett, Vol.i. page 11. Bayle (says he) has acutely proved that Fanaticism is more pernicious than Atheism. This is incontestable. What he has been very careful, however, not to mention, and, what is not less true is, that Fanaticism, although sanguinary and cruel, is still an exalted passion, which elevates the heart of man, raises him above the fear of death, multiplies his resources exceedingly, and which only wants to be better directed, to be productive of the most sublime virtues. (He adds) The argumentative spirit of controversy and philosophy, on the contrary, attaches us to life, enervates and debases the soul, concentrates all passions in the baseness of self-interest, and thus gradually saps the real foundation of all society.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Friedrich von Humboldt : Essai politique sur la royaume de nouvelle espagne
'When I returned to Annan, it occurred to me, that it would be proper to see what was become of my Hall discourses. It occurred to me, much about the same time, that it would be proper to study Rumfords essays, Mackenzies travels, Humboldts New Spain, Berkeley's principles of knowledge, Stewarts essays, Simson's fluxions &c &c &c - It was some great man's advice, to every person in a hurry - never to do more than one thing at a time. Judge what progress I must have made - when I engaged in half-a-dozen. - Manufacturing theses - wrestling with lexicons, Chemical experiments, Scotch philosophy and Berkeleian Metaphysics - I have scarcely sufficient strength left, to write you even now. Upon consideration, therefore, of these egregious labours - I hope, you cannot refuse to forgive me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
George Berkeley : Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge
'When I returned to Annan, it occurred to me, that it would be proper to see what was become of my Hall discourses. It occurred to me, much about the same time, that it would be proper to study Rumfords essays, Mackenzies travels, Humboldts New Spain, Berkeley's principles of knowledge, Stewarts essays, Simson's fluxions &c &c &c - It was some great man's advice, to every person in a hurry - never to do more than one thing at a time. Judge what progress I must have made - when I engaged in half-a-dozen. - Manufacturing theses - wrestling with lexicons, Chemical experiments, Scotch philosophy and Berkeleian Metaphysics - I have scarcely sufficient strength left, to write you even now. Upon consideration, therefore, of these egregious labours - I hope, you cannot refuse to forgive me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Dugald Stewart : Philosophical Essays
'When I returned to Annan, it occurred to me, that it would be proper to see what was become of my Hall discourses. It occurred to me, much about the same time, that it would be proper to study Rumfords essays, Mackenzies travels, Humboldts New Spain, Berkeley's principles of knowledge, Stewarts essays, Simson's fluxions &c &c &c - It was some great man's advice, to every person in a hurry - never to do more than one thing at a time. Judge what progress I must have made - when I engaged in half-a-dozen. - Manufacturing theses - wrestling with lexicons, Chemical experiments, Scotch philosophy and Berkeleian Metaphysics - I have scarcely sufficient strength left, to write you even now. Upon consideration, therefore, of these egregious labours - I hope, you cannot refuse to forgive me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Thomas Simpson : A Treatise of Fluxions
'When I returned to Annan, it occurred to me, that it would be proper to see what was become of my Hall discourses. It occurred to me, much about the same time, that it would be proper to study Rumfords essays, Mackenzies travels, Humboldts New Spain, Berkeley's principles of knowledge, Stewarts essays, Simson's fluxions &c &c &c - It was some great man's advice, to every person in a hurry - never to do more than one thing at a time. Judge what progress I must have made - when I engaged in half-a-dozen. - Manufacturing theses - wrestling with lexicons, Chemical experiments, Scotch philosophy and Berkeleian Metaphysics - I have scarcely sufficient strength left, to write you even now. Upon consideration, therefore, of these egregious labours - I hope, you cannot refuse to forgive me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Charles Bossut : Essai sur l'histoire generale ds mathematiques
'When we speak of calculi - I brought home [some f]ew mathematical books, which I must tell you of - Bossuts "history [of] mathematics", Woods "optics", Cunn's "Euclid" and Newton's "principia" constitute my [stock] of this sort - I got Lucans "Pharsalia" also, and some little extracts of Fenelons "dialogues des morts". If there are any of these (except Newton for which you would be [obliged] to wait awhile) that you wish to see - they are ready for you. I had read Bossut before - and have not done much at him of late. Neither have I read any quantity of Wood yet, having been nibbling at the "Principia" (which with all my struggling, I come but ill at understanding - indeed in some places I don't understand it at all) ever since I came home. Of Lucan I have not read above seven lines.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
James Wood : The Elements of Optics
'When we speak of calculi - I brought home [some f]ew mathematical books, which I must tell you of - Bossuts "history [of] mathematics", Woods "optics", Cunn's "Euclid" and Newton's "principia" constitute my [stock] of this sort - I got Lucans "Pharsalia" also, and some little extracts of Fenelons "dialogues des morts". If there are any of these (except Newton for which you would be [obliged] to wait awhile) that you wish to see - they are ready for you. I had read Bossut before - and have not done much at him of late. Neither have I read any quantity of Wood yet, having been nibbling at the "Principia" (which with all my struggling, I come but ill at understanding - indeed in some places I don't understand it at all) ever since I came home. Of Lucan I have not read above seven lines.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Isaac Newton : Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica
'When we speak of calculi - I brought home [some f]ew mathematical books, which I must tell you of - Bossuts "history [of] mathematics", Woods "optics", Cunn's "Euclid" and Newton's "principia" constitute my [stock] of this sort - I got Lucans "Pharsalia" also, and some little extracts of Fenelons "dialogues des morts". If there are any of these (except Newton for which you would be [obliged] to wait awhile) that you wish to see - they are ready for you. I had read Bossut before - and have not done much at him of late. Neither have I read any quantity of Wood yet, having been nibbling at the "Principia" (which with all my struggling, I come but ill at understanding - indeed in some places I don't understand it at all) ever since I came home. Of Lucan I have not read above seven lines.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Lucan : Pharsalia
'When we speak of calculi - I brought home [some f]ew mathematical books, which I must tell you of - Bossuts "history [of] mathematics", Woods "optics", Cunn's "Euclid" and Newton's "principia" constitute my [stock] of this sort - I got Lucans "Pharsalia" also, and some little extracts of Fenelons "dialogues des morts". If there are any of these (except Newton for which you would be [obliged] to wait awhile) that you wish to see - they are ready for you. I had read Bossut before - and have not done much at him of late. Neither have I read any quantity of Wood yet, having been nibbling at the "Principia" (which with all my struggling, I come but ill at understanding - indeed in some places I don't understand it at all) ever since I came home. Of Lucan I have not read above seven lines.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Walter Scott : Guy Mannering, or The Astrologer
'I saw Scott's "Waterloo" and "Guy Mannering" when I was in Edinr[.] The former has been so dreadfully abused already - that I have nothing to add to the Newspaper puns, &c with which it has been assailed. The[re] are (as Gray said of the "castle of Indolence") some good lines in it I have far too little room for speaking of Mannerings beauties and defects at present - I will discuss it next time I write, if I can find nothing better.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Field of Waterloo, A Poem
'I saw Scott's "Waterloo" and "Guy Mannering" when I was in Edinr[.] The former has been so dreadfully abused already - that I have nothing to add to the Newspaper puns, &c with which it has been assailed. The[re] are (as Gray said of the "castle of Indolence") some good lines in it I have far too little room for speaking of Mannerings beauties and defects at present - I will discuss it next time I write, if I can find nothing better.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Thomas Mortimer : The British Plutarch
'It is about ten days since I got rid of a severe inflam[m]ation-of the throat, which confined me to the house for two weeks. During two or three days, I was not able to speak plainly; & you will easily conceive, that I passed my time very heavily. I endeavoured to read several things: I tried a book of modern Biography "The British Plutarch"; but soon finding it to be a very miserable book, I shut it for good and all. I next opened the "Spectator" - and tho' his ja[u]nty manner but ill accorded with my sulky humours, I toiled thro' a volume & a half, with exemplary patience. Lastly, I had recourse to Lord Chesterfield's "advice to his son"; and I think I never before so distinctly saw the pitiful disposition of this Lord. His directions concerning washing the face & paring the nails are indeed very praiseworthy: and I should be content to see them printed in a large type, and placed in frames above the chimneypieces of boarding-schools - for the purpose of enforcing the duties of cleanliness, upon the rising generation. But the flattery, the dissimulation & paltry cunning that he is perpetually recommending, leave one little room to regret that Chesterfield was not his father. Such was the result of my studies, in my sickness: - a result highly unfavourable to those feelings of prostration before high birth & weight of purse, which (many tell us) it is so eminently the duty of all men to cultivate. Indeed this is not the first time that I have noticed in my mind, a considerable tendency to undervalue the great ones of this world'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Joseph Addison : The Spectator
'It is about ten days since I got rid of a severe inflam[m]ation-of the throat, which confined me to the house for two weeks. During two or three days, I was not able to speak plainly; & you will easily conceive, that I passed my time very heavily. I endeavoured to read several things: I tried a book of modern Biography "The British Plutarch"; but soon finding it to be a very miserable book, I shut it for good and all. I next opened the "Spectator" - and tho' his ja[u]nty manner but ill accorded with my sulky humours, I toiled thro' a volume & a half, with exemplary patience. Lastly, I had recourse to Lord Chesterfield's "advice to his son"; and I think I never before so distinctly saw the pitiful disposition of this Lord. His directions concerning washing the face & paring the nails are indeed very praiseworthy: and I should be content to see them printed in a large type, and placed in frames above the chimneypieces of boarding-schools - for the purpose of enforcing the duties of cleanliness, upon the rising generation. But the flattery, the dissimulation & paltry cunning that he is perpetually recommending, leave one little room to regret that Chesterfield was not his father. Such was the result of my studies, in my sickness: - a result highly unfavourable to those feelings of prostration before high birth & weight of purse, which (many tell us) it is so eminently the duty of all men to cultivate. Indeed this is not the first time that I have noticed in my mind, a considerable tendency to undervalue the great ones of this world'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book, Serial / periodical
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield : Letters to His Son
'It is about ten days since I got rid of a severe inflam[m]ation-of the throat, which confined me to the house for two weeks. During two or three days, I was not able to speak plainly; & you will easily conceive, that I passed my time very heavily. I endeavoured to read several things: I tried a book of modern Biography "The British Plutarch"; but soon finding it to be a very miserable book, I shut it for good and all. I next opened the "Spectator" - and tho' his ja[u]nty manner but ill accorded with my sulky humours, I toiled thro' a volume & a half, with exemplary patience. Lastly, I had recourse to Lord Chesterfield's "advice to his son"; and I think I never before so distinctly saw the pitiful disposition of this Lord. His directions concerning washing the face & paring the nails are indeed very praiseworthy: and I should be content to see them printed in a large type, and placed in frames above the chimneypieces of boarding-schools - for the purpose of enforcing the duties of cleanliness, upon the rising generation. But the flattery, the dissimulation & paltry cunning that he is perpetually recommending, leave one little room to regret that Chesterfield was not his father. Such was the result of my studies, in my sickness: - a result highly unfavourable to those feelings of prostration before high birth & weight of purse, which (many tell us) it is so eminently the duty of all men to cultivate. Indeed this is not the first time that I have noticed in my mind, a considerable tendency to undervalue the great ones of this world'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Alexander Pope : The Iliad / Odyssey of Homer
'I am glad to hear that you are getting forward so well with Homer. I know almost nothing about him - having never read any thing but Pope's translation, and not above a single book of the original - & that several years ago. Indeed I know very little of the Greek at any rate. I have several times begun to read Xenophon's anabasis completely: but always gave it up in favour of something else - You complain that nothing that you do leaves a vestige behind it: - what do you make of Homer?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Homer : The Iliad / Odyssey
'I am glad to hear that you are getting forward so well with Homer. I know almost nothing about him - having never read any thing but Pope's translation, and not above a single book of the original - & that several years ago. Indeed I know very little of the Greek at any rate. I have several times begun to read Xenophon's anabasis completely: but always gave it up in favour of something else - You complain that nothing that you do leaves a vestige behind it: - what do you make of Homer?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Xenophon : Anabasis
'I am glad to hear that you are getting forward so well with Homer. I know almost nothing about him - having never read any thing but Pope's translation, and not above a single book of the original - & that several years ago. Indeed I know very little of the Greek at any rate. I have several times begun to read Xenophon's anabasis completely: but always gave it up in favour of something else - You complain that nothing that you do leaves a vestige behind it: - what do you make of Homer?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
George Crabe : Poems
'Out of a considerable quantity of garbage which I have allowed myself, at different intervals, to devour, I have only to mention Crabbes Poems as worthy of being read. In addition to great powers of correct description, he pos[s]esses all the sagacity of an anatomist in searching into the stormy passions of the human heart - and all the apathy of an anatomist in describing them.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Isaac Newton : Philosophi? Naturalis Principia Mathematica
'For the rest - I continued reading Newton's "Principia" with considerable perseverance & little success - till on arriving a short way into the third book - I discovered that I had too little knowledge of Astronomy, to understand his reasoning rightly. And I forthwith sent to Edinr for De Lambre's "abr?g? d'Astronomie"; and in the mean time, betook myself to reading Wood's "optics". I cannot say much about this book. Its author intermeddles not with the abstruse parts of the science - such as the causes of reflection & refraction?the reason why transparent bodies, at given angles of incidence, reflect their light almost entirely (concerning which, I meet with many learned details, in the Encyclopedia Britan) - but contents himself with demonstrating, in a plain enough manner, the ordinary effects of plane & spherical mirrors - and of lenses of various kinds - applying his doctrines, to the explanation of various optical instruments & remarkable phenomena. But in truth, I know little about it, I read it with too great velocity. - I also read Keil's "introductio ad veram Physicam"; but I shall let it pass till next time I write. In fine De Lambre arrived; & I have read into his fourth Le?on -and like it greatly.I intended to have told you some of his observations - but I would not overwhelm you with ennui all at once - and therefore, I shall be silent at present. - [italics]ne quid nimis[end italics] [moderation in all things - editor's note] ? as the proverb saith'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
James Wood : The Elements of Optics
'For the rest - I continued reading Newton's "Principia" with considerable perseverance & little success - till on arriving a short way into the third book - I discovered that I had too little knowledge of Astronomy, to understand his reasoning rightly. And I forthwith sent to Edinr for De Lambre's "abr?g? d'Astronomie"; and in the mean time, betook myself to reading Wood's "optics". I cannot say much about this book. Its author intermeddles not with the abstruse parts of the science - such as the causes of reflection & refraction?the reason why transparent bodies, at given angles of incidence, reflect their light almost entirely (concerning which, I meet with many learned details, in the Encyclopedia Britan) - but contents himself with demonstrating, in a plain enough manner, the ordinary effects of plane & spherical mirrors - and of lenses of various kinds - applying his doctrines, to the explanation of various optical instruments & remarkable phenomena. But in truth, I know little about it, I read it with too great velocity. - I also read Keil's "introductio ad veram Physicam"; but I shall let it pass till next time I write. In fine De Lambre arrived; & I have read into his fourth Le?on -and like it greatly.I intended to have told you some of his observations - but I would not overwhelm you with ennui all at once - and therefore, I shall be silent at present. - [italics]ne quid nimis[end italics] [moderation in all things - editor's note] ? as the proverb saith'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Jean Baptiste Joseph Delambre : Abrege d'astronomie
'For the rest - I continued reading Newton's "Principia" with considerable perseverance & little success - till on arriving a short way into the third book - I discovered that I had too little knowledge of Astronomy, to understand his reasoning rightly. And I forthwith sent to Edinr for De Lambre's "abr?g? d'Astronomie"; and in the mean time, betook myself to reading Wood's "optics". I cannot say much about this book. Its author intermeddles not with the abstruse parts of the science - such as the causes of reflection & refraction?the reason why transparent bodies, at given angles of incidence, reflect their light almost entirely (concerning which, I meet with many learned details, in the Encyclopedia Britan) - but contents himself with demonstrating, in a plain enough manner, the ordinary effects of plane & spherical mirrors - and of lenses of various kinds - applying his doctrines, to the explanation of various optical instruments & remarkable phenomena. But in truth, I know little about it, I read it with too great velocity. - I also read Keil's "introductio ad veram Physicam"; but I shall let it pass till next time I write. In fine De Lambre arrived; & I have read into his fourth Le?on -and like it greatly.I intended to have told you some of his observations - but I would not overwhelm you with ennui all at once - and therefore, I shall be silent at present. - [italics]ne quid nimis[end italics] [moderation in all things - editor's note] ? as the proverb saith'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
John Keill : Introductio ad veram physicam
'For the rest - I continued reading Newton's "Principia" with considerable perseverance & little success - till on arriving a short way into the third book - I discovered that I had too little knowledge of Astronomy, to understand his reasoning rightly. And I forthwith sent to Edinr for De Lambre's "abr?g? d'Astronomie"; and in the mean time, betook myself to reading Wood's "optics". I cannot say much about this book. Its author intermeddles not with the abstruse parts of the science - such as the causes of reflection & refraction?the reason why transparent bodies, at given angles of incidence, reflect their light almost entirely (concerning which, I meet with many learned details, in the Encyclopedia Britan) - but contents himself with demonstrating, in a plain enough manner, the ordinary effects of plane & spherical mirrors - and of lenses of various kinds - applying his doctrines, to the explanation of various optical instruments & remarkable phenomena. But in truth, I know little about it, I read it with too great velocity. - I also read Keil's "introductio ad veram Physicam"; but I shall let it pass till next time I write. In fine De Lambre arrived; & I have read into his fourth Le?on -and like it greatly.I intended to have told you some of his observations - but I would not overwhelm you with ennui all at once - and therefore, I shall be silent at present. - [italics]ne quid nimis[end italics] [moderation in all things - editor's note] ? as the proverb saith'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Thomas or William Belsham : [either Elements of the Philosophy of Mind or Essays in Philosophical Morality]
'I return always to the study of Physics with more pleasure - after trying "The Philosophy of Mind". It is delightful, after wandering in the thick darkness of metaphysics?to behold again the fair face of truth. When will there arise a man who shall do for the science of mind - what Newton did for that of matter - establish its fundamental laws on the firm basis of induction - and discard forever those absurd theories - that so many dreamers have devised? - I believe this is a foolish question - for its answer is - never. - I am led to talk in this manner - by having lately read M[r.] Sweart's [Stewart's] "History of Philosophy" in the supplement to the "Encyclopedia Britannica"[.] I doubt I am going to displease you - but I must say - that I do not recollect of ever having bestowed as much attention with so little effect - upon any author as upon Profr Stewart. Let me study his writings as I like - my mind seems only to turn on its axis - but without progressive or retrograde motion at all.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Dugald Stewart : [Introductory essay to Encyclopaedia Britannica]
'I return always to the study of Physics with more pleasure - after trying "The Philosophy of Mind". It is delightful, after wandering in the thick darkness of metaphysics?to behold again the fair face of truth. When will there arise a man who shall do for the science of mind - what Newton did for that of matter - establish its fundamental laws on the firm basis of induction - and discard forever those absurd theories - that so many dreamers have devised? - I believe this is a foolish question - for its answer is - never. - I am led to talk in this manner - by having lately read M[r.] Sweart's [Stewart's] "History of Philosophy" in the supplement to the "Encyclopedia Britannica"[.] I doubt I am going to displease you - but I must say - that I do not recollect of ever having bestowed as much attention with so little effect - upon any author as upon Profr Stewart. Let me study his writings as I like - my mind seems only to turn on its axis - but without progressive or retrograde motion at all.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Voltaire : (possibly) The Philosophical Dictionary for the pocket, Written in French by a society of men of letters and translated into English
'A much greater man than Rousseau says, "The only remedy for the infectious disease of Fanaticism, is a philosophical temper, which spreading through society, at length softens manners, and obviates the excesses of the distemper; for whenever it get ground, the best way is to fly from it and stay till the air is purified. The laws and religion are no preservative against this mental pestilence; religion so far from being a salutary aliment in these cases, in infected brains becomes poison" (Lackington continues to quote 2 further paragraphs).
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
John Playfair : Dissertation Second: Exhibiting a general View of the Progress of Mathematical and Physical Science
'My habits have been so much deranged by change of place, that I have not yet got rightly settled to my studies. I have read little since I saw you: and of that little, I doubt, I have not made the best use. Have you seen Playfairs introductory essay in the Encyclopedia? I am sure you will like it. It is distinguished for its elegance & perspicuity. I perused it some weeks ago, and thought it greatly preferable to Stewarts. Indeed I have often told you, that I am somewhat displeased with myself because I cannot admire this great philosopher, half as much as many critics do. He is so very stately - so transcendental - and withal so unintelligible, that I cannot look upon him with the needful veneration. I was reading the second volume of his "Philosophy of the human mind", lately. It is principally devoted to the consideration of Reason. The greater part of the book is taken up with statements of the opinions of others; and it often required all my penetration to discover what the Author's own views of the matter were. He talks much about Analysis & Mathematics, and disports him very pleasantly upon geometrical reasoning; but leaves what is to me the principal difficulty, untouched. Tell me if you have read it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Dugald Stewart : Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind
'My habits have been so much deranged by change of place, that I have not yet got rightly settled to my studies. I have read little since I saw you: and of that little, I doubt, I have not made the best use. Have you seen Playfairs introductory essay in the Encyclopedia? I am sure you will like it. It is distinguished for its elegance & perspicuity. I perused it some weeks ago, and thought it greatly preferable to Stewarts. Indeed I have often told you, that I am somewhat displeased with myself because I cannot admire this great philosopher, half as much as many critics do. He is so very stately - so transcendental - and withal so unintelligible, that I cannot look upon him with the needful veneration. I was reading the second volume of his "Philosophy of the human mind", lately. It is principally devoted to the consideration of Reason. The greater part of the book is taken up with statements of the opinions of others; and it often required all my penetration to discover what the Author's own views of the matter were. He talks much about Analysis & Mathematics, and disports him very pleasantly upon geometrical reasoning; but leaves what is to me the principal difficulty, untouched. Tell me if you have read it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Walter Scott : Tales of My Landlord
'You have no doubt seen the "Tales of my Landlord". Certainly "Waverl[e]y" and "Mannering" and "the Black Dwarf" were never written by the same person. If I mistake not - Dr M'Crie's strictures are a little too severe, on some occassions - and his love of the Cameronians too violent. The Worthy Doctor's humour is as heavy as lead'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Thomas M'Crie : Vindication of the Covenanters
'You have no doubt seen the "Tales of my Landlord". Certainly "Waverl[e]y" and "Mannering" and "the Black Dwarf" were never written by the same person. If I mistake not - Dr M'Crie's strictures are a little too severe, on some occassions - and his love of the Cameronians too violent. The Worthy Doctor's humour is as heavy as lead'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : The Scotsman
'A variety of works have been begun about the new year (as is the fashion) in the "periodical line". A weekly newspaper the "Scotsman" has reached the third number. I have seen them all - a little violent in their Whiggism; but well enough written in some places. Pillans & Jeffrey & Moncrieff and many others have been respectively named as the Editor. There is also a weekly essay "The Sale Room" begun about six weeks ago - by whom, I know not. The writers are not without abilities; but the last numbers seemed to indicate that the work was about to give up the ghost.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : The Sale Room
'A variety of works have been begun about the new year (as is the fashion) in the "periodical line". A weekly newspaper the "Scotsman" has reached the third number. I have seen them all - a little violent in their Whiggism; but well enough written in some places. Pillans & Jeffrey & Moncrieff and many others have been respectively named as the Editor. There is also a weekly essay "The Sale Room" begun about six weeks ago - by whom, I know not. The writers are not without abilities; but the last numbers seemed to indicate that the work was about to give up the ghost.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Johann Spurzheim : [work on phrenology]
[Having heard some lectures on Spurzheim's ideas] 'I have since looked into the Dr's book, and if possible the case is worse. Certainly, it is not true, that, our intellectual & moral & physical powers are jumbled in such huge disorder - surely it will be marvellous if these powers can be defined and estimated with such Mathematical precision, from the size & figure of the scull; but it is very silly to say that Spurzhiem has demonstrated all this - Spurzhiem has demonstrated nothing; -for any thing he knows to the contrary, the faculties of the soul are to be ascertained from the figure & size of the abdomen - if the venerable science of palmistry is not to be revived - It is in vain to rail against the opposition shewn to novelties?the doctrine is not to be rejected for its novelty, but for its want of truth'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
[n/a] : Edinburgh Review
'I have read little of any consequence since I wrote to you. You will have seen the last Numbers of the "Edinr" & "Quarterly" reviews. In the latter, among a great deal of foul & nauseating stuff, I was happy to see that due credit is at length given to Mr Duncan for his valuable institution.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Quarterly Review
'I have read little of any consequence since I wrote to you. You will have seen the last Numbers of the "Edinr" & "Quarterly" reviews. In the latter, among a great deal of foul & nauseating stuff, I was happy to see that due credit is at length given to Mr Duncan for his valuable institution.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Blaise Pascal : Les Provinciales, ou les lettres
'I was reading Pascal's "lettres provinciales". None can help admiring his wit & probity. He sustains excellently the character of [italics]naivet?[end italics]which he has assumed - and with infinite dexterity, hunts the jesuits thro' all their doublings and subterfuges, till he has triumphantly exposed the wretched baseness of their conduct. It is pity that the Salvation of Europe required the reestablishment of this vile order of men.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Christian Leopold, Baron von Buch : Reise durch Norwegen und Lappland
'Last week I perused von Buch's "travels in Norway & Lapland". Much of his attention is devoted to Mineralogy, of which I am very ignorant, and his movements are sometimes not a little mysterious, from the want of a proper map of the country. Nevertheless he communicates some valuable information respecting the natural productions - & the wandering inhabitants of those dreary regions. His manner is as clumsy & ponderous as that of German philosophers generally is - and no where is this [more ap]parent than when he attempts to be striking, or tries his powers in the pathetic lin[e].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Jean Sylvain Bailly : Histoire de l'astronomie moderne
'I took Bail]ly's "histoire d'Astronomie", out of the College library, last time I was over the firth. [He seems] to write with great eloquence & perspicuity; but I have read little of him.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
[n/a] : Dumfries Courier
'We get a "Dumfries Courier" here amongst us. Our third Number reached us a few days ago. It seems M'Darmaid [M'Diarmid] is become sole Editor; - it is not the opinion of the readers here, that the paper has been a gainer by the change. The Ranger seems (under favour) to be but a silly kind of person - and his friend Mr Bright is a very vapid gentleman. It is a pity that Spoudastes his labours have been curtailed, before he has completed his investigations. But we must make a shift to live without knowing who wrote Mary's dream.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Newspaper
Jean Sylvain Bailly : Histoire de l'astronomie moderne
'Three weeks ago, I finished M. Bailly's "histoire de l'Astronomie Modern[e.]" His acquaintance with the science seems to have been more extensive than profound; his stile is elegant - perhaps somewhat too florid, and interspersed with metaphors which an English critic might be tempted sometimes to call conceited - I wish I were an Astronomer - Is it not an interesting reflection to consider, that a little creature such as man-tho' his eye can see the heaven but as it were for a moment - is able to delineate the aspects which it presented long ages before he came into being - and to predict the aspects which it will present when ages shall have gone by. The past the present & the future are before him.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Thomas Chalmers : A Series of Discourses on the Christian Revelation, Viewed in Connection with Modern Astronomy
'But Dr Chalmers, it would seem, is fearful lest these speculations [on the nature of the universe] lead us away from Christianity and has written a volume of discourses to prove that the insignificance of our planet in the universe is no argument against the truth of religion. Orthodox men declare, of course, that he has completely discomfited his opponents - I read it sometime ago - It abounds in that fiery thoroughgoing stile of writing for which the Author is so remarkable: nevertheless his best argument seems to be, that as it is in the scriptures, we have no business to think about it [at] all - an argument which was well enough known to be a panacea in cases of that nature - before his volume saw the light. '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Thomas Chalmers : [article on paperism in Edinburgh Review]
'This same Doctor [Chalmers], as you will know wr[i]tes the first article in the late "Edinr review" - on the causes & cure of mendicity. After expatiating at considerable length on the evils of pauperism, he proposes as a remedy to increase the number of clergymen. They who know the general habits of Scottish ministers will easily see how sovereign a specific this is. The remainder of the review is good reading; but as you will have seen it before this time, I will not trouble you farther on the matter - I have seen the last Number of the "Quarterly review". It seems to be getting into a very rotten frothy vein. Mr Southey is a most unblushing character; & his political lucubrations are very notable. He has been sorely galled by "the Caledonian Oracle" poor man - I know nothing about Mr Duncan's controversy except thro the "Scotsman"; and they assign him the victory'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Robert Southey : [article in Quarterly Review]
'This same Doctor [Chalmers], as you will know wr[i]tes the first article in the late "Edinr review" - on the causes & cure of mendicity. After expatiating at considerable length on the evils of pauperism, he proposes as a remedy to increase the number of clergymen. They who know the general habits of Scottish ministers will easily see how sovereign a specific this is. The remainder of the review is good reading; but as you will have seen it before this time, I will not trouble you farther on the matter - I have seen the last Number of the "Quarterly review". It seems to be getting into a very rotten frothy vein. Mr Southey is a most unblushing character; & his political lucubrations are very notable. He has been sorely galled by "the Caledonian Oracle" poor man - I know nothing about Mr Duncan's controversy except thro the "Scotsman"; and they assign him the victory'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : The Scotsman
'This same Doctor [Chalmers], as you will know wr[i]tes the first article in the late "Edinr review" - on the causes & cure of mendicity. After expatiating at considerable length on the evils of pauperism, he proposes as a remedy to increase the number of clergymen. They who know the general habits of Scottish ministers will easily see how sovereign a specific this is. The remainder of the review is good reading; but as you will have seen it before this time, I will not trouble you farther on the matter - I have seen the last Number of the "Quarterly review". It seems to be getting into a very rotten frothy vein. Mr Southey is a most unblushing character; & his political lucubrations are very notable. He has been sorely galled by "the Caledonian Oracle" poor man - I know nothing about Mr Duncan's controversy except thro the "Scotsman"; and they assign him the victory'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Newspaper
William Wallace : [article on Fluxions in Encyclopaedia Britannica]
'What I deplore is that laziness and dissipation of mind to which I am still subject. At present I am quieting my conscience with the thought that I shall study very diligently this winter. Heaven grant it be so! for without increasing in knowledge what profits it to live? Yet the commencement has been inauspicious. Three weeks ago I began to read Wallace's "Fluxions" in the Encyclopaedia, and had proceeded a little way, when the "Quarterly Review", some problems in a very silly Literary and Statistical Magazine of which the the schoolmasters are supporters, Madm de Sta?l's "Germany", etc. etc., have suspended my operations these ten days. After all I am afraid that this winter will pass as others have done before it - unmarked by improvement; and what is to hinder the next, & its followers till the end of the short season allotted me to do so likewise?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
[n/a] : Literary and Statistical Magazine for Scotland
'What I deplore is that laziness and dissipation of mind to which I am still subject. At present I am quieting my conscience with the thought that I shall study very diligently this winter. Heaven grant it be so! for without increasing in knowledge what profits it to live? Yet the commencement has been inauspicious. Three weeks ago I began to read Wallace's "Fluxions" in the Encyclopaedia, and had proceeded a little way, when the "Quarterly Review", some problems in a very silly Literary and Statistical Magazine of which the the schoolmasters are supporters, Madm de Sta?l's "Germany", etc. etc., have suspended my operations these ten days. After all I am afraid that this winter will pass as others have done before it - unmarked by improvement; and what is to hinder the next, & its followers till the end of the short season allotted me to do so likewise?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Anne Louise Germaine, Madame de Stael : De l'Allemagne
'What I deplore is that laziness and dissipation of mind to which I am still subject. At present I am quieting my conscience with the thought that I shall study very diligently this winter. Heaven grant it be so! for without increasing in knowledge what profits it to live? Yet the commencement has been inauspicious. Three weeks ago I began to read Wallace's "Fluxions" in the Encyclopaedia, and had proceeded a little way, when the "Quarterly Review", some problems in a very silly Literary and Statistical Magazine of which the the schoolmasters are supporters, Madm de Sta?l's "Germany", etc. etc., have suspended my operations these ten days. After all I am afraid that this winter will pass as others have done before it - unmarked by improvement; and what is to hinder the next, & its followers till the end of the short season allotted me to do so likewise?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
[n/a] : Quarterly Review
I told you I had seen the "Quarterly Review". You would notice its contents in the newspaper. It is a long time since I ceased to be one of its admirers. The writers pos[s]ess no inconsiderable share of dogmatism; and their learning, which they are, to an unpleasant degree, fond of displaying[,] is of that minute & scholastic nature which is eminently distinguished from knowledge. Moreover their zeal for the "Social order" seems to eat them up[,] and their horror of revolution is violent as a hydrophobia. These qualities are prominent in the last number - and accordingly it contains much disgusting matter; but I like it better as a whole, than some of its predecessors. There is in it a distant and respectful but severe criticism on Dugald Stewart's writings, which comes much nearer my views of his character, than any of the panegyrics which the Edinr Reviewers have so lavishly bestowed upon him.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Matthew Lewis : The Monk
'The other night I sat up till four o'clock, reading Matthew Lewis's "Monk". It is the most stupid & villainous novel that I have read for a great while. Considerable portions of it are grossly indecent[,] not to say brutish - one does not care a straw about one of the characters - and tho' "little Mat" has legions of ghosts & devils at his bidding - one views their movements with profound indifference.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
[n/a] : Edinburgh Magazine
'I have seen the first number of Constable's new magazine - it seems scarcely equal to Blackwood's - the last number of which has appeared. B. advertises a new one with a slight variation in the title. There is also another periodical publication published once a fortnight (I forget its name), begun under the auspices of Peter Hill. I perused only one article and can give no account of it. I cannot pretend to say what this influx of magazines indicates or portends.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Edinburgh Monthly Magazine
'I have seen the first number of Constable's new magazine - it seems scarcely equal to Blackwood's - the last number of which has appeared. B. advertises a new one with a slight variation in the title. There is also another periodical publication published once a fortnight (I forget its name), begun under the auspices of Peter Hill. I perused only one article and can give no account of it. I cannot pretend to say what this influx of magazines indicates or portends.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Edinburgh observer or Town and Country Magazine
'I have seen the first number of Constable's new magazine - it seems scarcely equal to Blackwood's - the last number of which has appeared. B. advertises a new one with a slight variation in the title. There is also another periodical publication published once a fortnight (I forget its name), begun under the auspices of Peter Hill. I perused only one article and can give no account of it. I cannot pretend to say what this influx of magazines indicates or portends.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
: Monthly Review
"The following remarks made by the compilers of the Monthy Review for 1788, page 286, are so applicable to the present subject, that I hope my introducing the passage will not be deemed improper." Quotes "Such doctrine no doubt must be comfortable to poor wretches so circumstanced as those were to whom this pious preacher had the goodness to adedress his discourse; but some (and those not men of shallow reflection) have questioned whether it is altogether right, thus to free the most flagitious outcasts of society from the terrors of an after-reckoning; since it is too well known, that most of them make little account of their punishment in this world. Instead of the 'fearful looking for of (future) judgement;' they are enraptured witht the priospect of a joyful flight 'to the expanded arms of a loving Saviour__ longing to embrace his long lost children' Surely this is not the way (humanly speaking) to check the alarming progress of moral depravity; to which, one would think no kind of encouragement ought to be given."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Serial / periodical
David Hume : The History of England during the reigns of James I and Charles I
'I have read thro' that clear & candid but cold hearted narration of David Hume - and now seven of Toby Smollet[t]'s eight chaotic volumes are before me. To say nothing of Gibbon (of whom I have only read a volume) - nor of the Watsons the Russel[l]s the Voltaires &c &c known to me only by name. Alas! thou seest how I am beset. - It would be of little avail to criticise Bacons "Essays": it is enough to say, that Stewarts opinion of them is higher than I can attain. For style, they are rich & venerable - for thinking, incorrect & fanciful.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Tobias Smollett : History of England
'I have read thro' that clear & candid but cold hearted narration of David Hume - and now seven of Toby Smollet[t]'s eight chaotic volumes are before me. To say nothing of Gibbon (of whom I have only read a volume) - nor of the Watsons the Russel[l]s the Voltaires &c &c known to me only by name. Alas! thou seest how I am beset. - It would be of little avail to criticise Bacons "Essays": it is enough to say, that Stewarts opinion of them is higher than I can attain. For style, they are rich & venerable - for thinking, incorrect & fanciful.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'I have read thro' that clear & candid but cold hearted narration of David Hume - and now seven of Toby Smollet[t]'s eight chaotic volumes are before me. To say nothing of Gibbon (of whom I have only read a volume) - nor of the Watsons the Russel[l]s the Voltaires &c &c known to me only by name. Alas! thou seest how I am beset. - It would be of little avail to criticise Bacons "Essays": it is enough to say, that Stewarts opinion of them is higher than I can attain. For style, they are rich & venerable - for thinking, incorrect & fanciful.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Francis Bacon : Essays
'I have read thro' that clear & candid but cold hearted narration of David Hume - and now seven of Toby Smollet[t]'s eight chaotic volumes are before me. To say nothing of Gibbon (of whom I have only read a volume) - nor of the Watsons the Russel[l]s the Voltaires &c &c known to me only by name. Alas! thou seest how I am beset. - It would be of little avail to criticise Bacons "Essays": it is enough to say, that Stewarts opinion of them is higher than I can attain. For style, they are rich & venerable - for thinking, incorrect & fanciful.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Francois VI, Duc de La Rochefoucauld : Reflexions ou sentences et maximes morales
'Some time ago, I bought me a copy of La Rochefoucault. It has been said that the basis of his system is the supposition of selflove being the motive of all our actions. It rather seems, as if he had laid down no system at all. Regarding man as a wretched, mischievous thing, little better than a kind of vermin, he represents him as the sport of his passions, above all of vanity, and exposes the secret springs of his conduct always with some wit, and (?bating the usual sacrifices of accuracy to smartness), in general, with great truth & sagacity'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
[n/a] : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
'Some time since, all the world was astonished at the 2nd number of "Blackwoods (formerly the Edinr) magazine" - The greater part of it is full of gall: but the most venomous article is the "translation of a Chaldee manuscript" said to be found in the library of Paris - It is written in the phrase of the Scriptures - [and gives] an allegorical account of the origin & end of the late "Edinr magazine" - greatly to the [dis]paragement of Constable & the Editors - Most of the Authors of "Edinr" are characterised with great acrimony - under the likeness of birds & beasts & creeping things - "Blackwood" is like to be beleaguered with prosecutions for it - two are already raised against him. Replies in the shape of "explanations", "letters to Drs M'Crie and Thomson" have been put forth - more are promised - and doubtless, rejoinders are in a state of preparation. Whatever may become of "Blackwood" or his antagonists - the "reading" or rather the talking "public" is greatly beholden to the Author. He has kept its jaws moving these four weeks - and the sport is not finished yet'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
William Coxe : Travels in Switzerland
'I have been reading little except Coxe's travels in Switzerland, Poland, Russia &c, Humes history together with part of Smollet[t], Gibbon &c. Coxe is an intelligent man, and communicates in a very popular manner considerable information concerning the countries thro' which he passed - Hume you know to be distinct & impartial: but he has less sympathy than might be expected with the heroic patriots - the Hampdens & the Sidneys that glorify the pages of English history. I fear Smollett is going to be a confused creature. I have read but a volume of Gibbon - and I do not like him - his style is flowery - his sarcasms wicked - his notes oppressive, often beastly.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
William Coxe : Travels in Poland, Russia, Sweden and Denmark
'I have been reading little except Coxe's travels in Switzerland, Poland, Russia &c, Humes history together with part of Smollet[t], Gibbon &c. Coxe is an intelligent man, and communicates in a very popular manner considerable information concerning the countries thro' which he passed - Hume you know to be distinct & impartial: but he has less sympathy than might be expected with the heroic patriots - the Hampdens & the Sidneys that glorify the pages of English history. I fear Smollett is going to be a confused creature. I have read but a volume of Gibbon - and I do not like him - his style is flowery - his sarcasms wicked - his notes oppressive, often beastly.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
David Hume : The History of England During the Reigns of James I and Charles I
'I have been reading little except Coxe's travels in Switzerland, Poland, Russia &c, Humes history together with part of Smollet[t], Gibbon &c. Coxe is an intelligent man, and communicates in a very popular manner considerable information concerning the countries thro' which he passed - Hume you know to be distinct & impartial: but he has less sympathy than might be expected with the heroic patriots - the Hampdens & the Sidneys that glorify the pages of English history. I fear Smollett is going to be a confused creature. I have read but a volume of Gibbon - and I do not like him - his style is flowery - his sarcasms wicked - his notes oppressive, often beastly.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'I have been reading little except Coxe's travels in Switzerland, Poland, Russia &c, Humes history together with part of Smollet[t], Gibbon &c. Coxe is an intelligent man, and communicates in a very popular manner considerable information concerning the countries thro' which he passed - Hume you know to be distinct & impartial: but he has less sympathy than might be expected with the heroic patriots - the Hampdens & the Sidneys that glorify the pages of English history. I fear Smollett is going to be a confused creature. I have read but a volume of Gibbon - and I do not like him - his style is flowery - his sarcasms wicked - his notes oppressive, often beastly.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Anna Laetitia Barbauld : 'Eyes, and No Eyes; or, The Art of Seeing'
From Letter V, "Letters on Daily Life": 'I wonder whether you ever met with an old-fashioned story called "Eyes and no Eyes." It was written, I think, by Mrs. Barbauld. I read it when I was a child. It went to show that two persons going for a walk through the same fields might return home with totally different impressions made upon them.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Fanny Kemble : Autobiography
From Letter VIII, [italics]Letters on Daily Life[end italics]: 'In what spirit of self-denial, and with what noble motives acting can be undertaken as a profession, we have all learnt lately by the publication of Mrs. Fanny Kemble's autobiography [...] certainly after reading it I do not think any one can say that acting is incompatible with the highest womanly dignity, and most sincere religious purpose.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Trench : sonnet opening 'Thou cam'st not to thy place by accident'
In Letter XI, "Letters on Daily Life", Elizabeth Missing Sewell reproduces a sonnet by 'Archbishop Trench' opening 'Thou cam'st not to thy place by accident / It is the very place God meant for thee,' with the remark that this poem 'has often been a help to me when I have felt inclined to wish my position other than it is.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell
?Maria ?Edgeworth : 'To-morrow'
In Chapter XII [sic], "Letters on Daily Life": 'In my young days we used to read Miss Edgeworth's story of "To-morrow", in which the procrastinator gives the history of the misfortunes that his habit has involved him in, and breaks off abruptly, leaving it to his editor to say that the story was to be finished [italics]to-morrow[end italics]. I don't know that the tale actually prevented me from procrastinating when I was a child, but it imprinted firmly in my mind that procrastination was a dangerous fault, and the impression has remained with me and been very useful ever since.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Jane Taylor : The Contributions of Q.Q.
In Letter XXI, "Letters on Daily Life" (addressed to 'C___'), on the correspondent's supposedly having mentioned to her her feeling that 'government of the thoughts' was 'an impossibility': 'I can recollect the book which first brought to me the conviction that such mental control was a duty. It was a volume of short essays and stories, called [italics]The Contributions of Q.Q.[end italics], by Jane Taylor, the well-known author of [italics]Hymns for Infant Minds[end italics]. It brought me a new idea just at the time when I most needed the help [...] I am glad to be able to acknowledge thankfully the aid that this old-fashioned, book, with its quaint title, afforded me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Antoine-Joseph Pernety : The History of a Voyage to the Malouine (or Falkland) Islands, made in 1763 and 1764, under the Command of M. de Bouganville in order to form a Settlement there; and of Two Voyages to the Streights of Magellan, with An Account of the Patagonians.
'Should you, my dear friend, be desirous of perusing a variety of remedies, equally judicious as well as efficacious with those of Mr Wesley, you will meet with ample satisfaction by turning to "Dom Pernety's Voyage to the Falkland Islands", page 153 to 162 quarto edition.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Basil Hall : Travels in North America 1827-8
'I am reading Hall's book, but will read it through before I say a word about it, for I find my opinion changes so much between the first and third volume of a book'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Basil Hall : Travels in North America 1827-8
'Have you read Hall's America? If you have, I hope you dislike it as much as I do. It is amusing but very unjust and unfair. It will make his fortune at the Admiralty. Then he temporizes about the Slave Trade; with which no man should ever hold parley, but speak of it with abhorrence, as the greatest of all human abominations'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
T.H. Lister : Epicharis
'I do not like your Tragedy; there is little interest in it; no material fault but the absence of anything very good. I am not the less obliged to you for sending it. You will hate me for giving you my true opinion, but you have asked me to do so and in such matters I never deceive'.
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith
William Francis Patrick Napier : History of the Peninsular War
'I quite agree about Napier's book. I did not think that any man would venture to write so true, bold and honest a book; it gave me a high idea of his understanding, and makes me very anxious about his [italics]caractere[end italics].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
John Galt : Laurie Todd or the Settlers in the Woods
'Read "Laurie Todd" by Galt. It is excellent; no surprising events, or very striking characters, but the humorous and entertaining parts of common life, brought forward in a tenour of probable circumstances. Read Raffles's Life. A virtuous, active, high-minded man; placed at last where he ought to be: a round man, in a round hole'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Lady Raffles : [memoir of her husband Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles]
'Read "Laurie Todd" by Galt. It is excellent; no surprising events, or very striking characters, but the humorous and entertaining parts of common life, brought forward in a tenour of probable circumstances. Read Raffles's Life. A virtuous, active, high-minded man; placed at last where he ought to be: a round man, in a round hole'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Thomas Moore : Life of Byron
'Have you read Moore? I come in, I see, for a little notice once or twice. I find the Peer and Poet (and I knew it only yesterday) has dedicated a stanza or two to me in Don Juan'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
James Justinian Morier : Zohrab the Hostage
'We have read "Zohrab the Hostage" with the greatest pleasure. If you have not read it, pray do. I was so pleased with it that I could not help writing a letter of congratulation and collaudation to Morier, the author, who, by the bye, is an excellent man'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
(ed.) Lady Dacre : Recollections of a Chaperon
'I am always glad when a clever book has been written; not only because it pleases me, but because it is a new triumph for Brains. I have had very great pleasure in reading the stories; it is very difficult to say what they are made of, but they are very agreeable, and I beg for more. There is only one I dislike, it is too inocent for me - and yet I consider myself a very innocent person. I never read any stories which had so much the manners and conversation of real life; all aim at it, none have ever succeeded so well. I always write to everybody who publishes a book that gives me pleasure - so excuse me and believe me, dear Lady Dacre, ever sincerely yours...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Thomas Hamilton : Men and Manners in America
'Read Hamilton';s "America", it is quite excellent'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Robert James Mackintosh : Memoirs of the Life of the Right Honourable Sir James Mackintosh
'I think you will like Sir James Mackintosh's Life; it is full of his own thoughts upon men, books and events, and I derived from it the greatest pleasure. He makes most honourable mention of your mother, whom I only know by one of her productions, - enough to secure my admiration'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Antoine Beauvilliers : L'Art de Cuisiner
'I have been reading aloud Beauvilliers book of Cookery. I find as I suspected that garlic is power; not in its despotic shape but exercised with the geatest discretion'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Frances Milton Trollope : Tremordyn Cliff
'I am very desirous to read Mrs Trollope's Paris and the Parisians; her Tremordyn Cliff I read with considerable pleasure. She must be an amorous Old Dame; all these matters she describes with the most juvenile warmth and impetuosity'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Washington Irving : Astoria
'I have read "Astoria" with great pleasure; it is a book to put in your library, as an entertaining, well written - [italics]very[end italics] well written - account of savage life, on a most extensive scale'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Thomas Babington Macaulay : [writings on Indian Courts and Education]
'Get, and read, Macaulay's Papers upon the Indian courts and Indian Education. They are admirable for their talent and their honesty. We see why he was hated in India, and how honourable to him that hatred is'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Nicholas Nickleby
'Nickleby is very good. I stood out against Mr Dickens as long as I could, but he has conquered me'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Serial / periodical
Henry Harpur Spry : Modern India
'Read Spry's account of India - and believe if you can (I do) that within 150 mles of Calcutta there is a nation of Cannibals living in trees. It is an amusing Book.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
William, Baron Stowell Scott : [reports of cases in the Admiralty Court]
'I am very deep in Lord Stowell's "Reports", and if it were wartime I should officiate as Judge of the Admiralty Court. It was a fine business to make a public law for all nations, or to confirm one; and it is rather singular that so sly a rogue should have done it so honestly'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Unknown
(ed.) Mary Berry : [letters of Mme. du Deffand to Horace Walpole]
'I am reading again Madame du Deffand. God forbid I should be as much in love with anybody (yourself excepted) as the poor woman was with Horace Walpole!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
M. Guizot : 'Washington: par M. Guizot'
'I read Guizot's Washington in the Summer; nothing can be better, more succinct more judicious, more true more just; but I think I have done with reviewing'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
[Mrs] Crowe : Susan Hopley
'I have read Susan Hopley - the incidents are improbable but the Book took me on - and I kept reading it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Philip Doddridge : The Family Expositor
I console myself with Doddridge's Expositor and "The Scholar Armed", to say nothing of a very popular book called "The Dissenter tripped up".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
[anon] : The Scholar Armed
I console myself with Doddridge's Expositor and "The Scholar Armed", to say nothing of a very popular book called "The Dissenter tripped up".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith
[unknown] : The Dissenter Tripped Up
I console myself with Doddridge's Expositor and "The Scholar Armed", to say nothing of a very popular book called "The Dissenter tripped up".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith
Mountstuart Elphinstone : History of India
'Pray Read the first Vol of Elphinstone's India - the News from China gives me the greatest pleasure. I am for bombarding all the exclusive Asiatics who shut up the Earth and will not let me walk civilly and quietly through it, doing no harm, and paying for all I want'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Charles Napier : An account of the war in Portugal between Don Pedro and Don Miguel
'You should read Napier's two little volumes of the war in Portugal. He is an heroic fellow, equal to anything in Plutarch; and moreover a long-headed, clever hero, who takes good aim before he fires'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
unknown : A Life in the Forest
'Read "A Life in the Forest", skipping nimbly; but there is much of good in it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Thomas Babington Macaulay : Lays of Ancient Rome
'Have you read Macaulay's Lays? they are very much liked. I have read some but I abor all Grecian and Roman subjects'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Honore de Balzac : Pere Goriot
'Did you ever read Pere Goriot by Balzac or La Messe de L'Athee they are very good and perfectly readable for ladies and clergymen'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Honore de Balzac : La Messe de l'Athee
'Did you ever read Pere Goriot by Balzac or La Messe de L'Athee they are very good and perfectly readable for ladies and clergymen'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Martin Chuzzlewit
'You have been so used to these sort of impertinences, that I believe you will exuse me for saying how very much I am pleased with the first number of your new work. Pecksniff and his daughters, and Pinch, are admirable, - quite first rate painting, such as no-one but yourself can execute. I did not like your genealogy of the Chuzzlewits, and I must wait a little to see how Martin turns out; I am impatient for the next number'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Serial / periodical
Leonard Horner : Memoirs and Correspondence of Francis Horner, M.P.
'I hope you like Horner's "Life". It succeeds extremely well here. It is full of all the exorbitant and impracticable views so natural to young men at Edinburgh; but there is great order, great love of knowledge, high principle and feelings, which ought to grow and trive in superior minds'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Theobald Mathew : Arabiniana, or Remains of Mr Serjeant Arabin
'Tell William Murray, with my kindest regards, to get for you, when he comes to town, a book called "Arabiniana, or Remains of Mr Serjeant Arabin", - very witty and humorous. It is given away - not sold, but I have in vain endeavoured to get a copy'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Harriet Martineau : Life in the Sick Room
'I have just read Miss Martineau's "Sick Room". I cannot understand it. It is so sublime, and mystical that I frequently cannot guess at her meaning; all that I can find out is that in long chronical illnesses, a patient finds sources of amusement that do not at first occurr, but which have a tendency to engage the mind, and alleviate pain; all this however I could have conjectured without the assistance of an Octavo book'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
William Ellery Channing : [sermon on War]
'I think Channing an admirable writer, so much eloquence so much sense so much command of Language; yet admirable as his Sermon on War is, I have the Vanity to think my own equally good quite as sensible quite as eloquent as full of good parables and of fine Language, and you will be more inclined to agree with me in this Comparison when I tell you that I preached in St Paul's the identical Sermon which Ld Grey so much admires. - I thought I could not write anything half so good so I preached Channing'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Unknown
[n/a] : Edinburgh Review
'Has Lord Grey read the Edinburgh Review? the article on Barrere is by Macaulay, that upon Lord St Vincent by Barrow; I thnk this latter very entertaining, but it was hardly worth while to crucify Barrere - Macauley might as well have selected Turpin'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Serial / periodical
Arthur Stanley : Life and Correspondence of Thomas Arnold
'Read Stanleys Life of Arneld, Twiss Life of Ld Eldon'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Horace Twiss : Life of Lord Chancellor Eldon
'Read Stanleys Life of Arneld, Twiss Life of Ld Eldon'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Horace Twiss : Life of Lord Chancellor Eldon
'I think I have already mentioned to you the Life of Ld Eldon by Horace Twiss. It is not badly done, and I think it would very much amuse Ld Grey as it is the history almost of his times. He seems (Lord Eldon) to have been a cunning canting old Rogue whose object was to make all the money he [could] by office at any expence of the public happiness'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
(ed.) Richard Bourke : Correspondence of Burke
'I am beginning Burke's Letters or rather have gone through one volume but it is (I mean the Volume) full of details which do not interest me and there are no signs yet of that beautiful and fruitful imagination which is the great charm of Burke; and with the politics of so remote a period I do not concern myself'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Alexander William Kinglake : Eothen, or Traces of Travel brought home from the East
'Read Travels in the East called Eothen, they are by a Mr Kinglake of Taunton a Chancery Barrister, and are written in a very lively manner; they will amuse Lord Grey who I presume is regularly read to every day'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Daniel Owen-Madden [published anon.] : Ireland and its Rulers Since 1829
'I think "Ireland and its Leaders" worth reading and beg of you to tell me who wrote it if you happen to know, for you though you call yourself solitary live much more in the world than I do while I am in the Country'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
[n/a] : The Times
'Have you noticed the Abuse of St Pauls in the Times - I ws moved to write but kept Silence though it was pain and grief to me'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Newspaper
Frederick Marryat : The Settlers in Canada
'Read Captain Marryats Settlement in Canada'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : Treasure Island
One day, as Louis was leaving the hotel, he stopped to send a message up to my mother by one of the 'Buttons', as they were called. The only boy present was sitting, deeply engrossed in a book. When Louis spoke to him, he made no answer but went on reading. Impatient, Louis plucked the book out of the boy's hand. It was 'Treasure Island'. Returning it instantly, he said: 'Go right on reading, my little man. Don't let anyone disturb you.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Margaret Oliphant : Review of The Master of Ballantrae
On one occasion, he came to me, flourishing a paper wildly in the air...I thought he had suddenly inherited a fortune, or that something of an extreme value had fallen in his way. 'What in heaven's name is it?' I asked. 'This, my friend. For years a certain critic has practically damned my works - said there was nothing really in them - and now this person, whose ability I have always admired despite the fact that I have suffered, has declared: "Stevenson has at last produced one of the best books of the season, and the claim of his friends seems fully justified, for the work is full of genius."' His face was all aglow with feverish excitement. 'Who is this wonderful critic, Stevenson, whose praise you so enjoy? And what bitter things has he said of you before?' 'We will drop the severe things, Moors. You would never guess, if I gave you all morning, who it is who has at last admitted me to be in the front rank of my profession. It is Mrs Oliphant, my dear sir - Mrs Oliphant!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Sir William Temple : Essays
'Read, in the evening, "Temple on the Origin of Government:" in which the source of political power is successfully traced....' [Green usually gives extensive summary comments about books, interspersed with his reactions.]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : Gulliver's Travels
'Finished, afterwards, "Gulliver's Travels". Could this severe satire....'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Roscoe : The life of Lorenzo de' Medici, called the Magnificant
'Began with eagerness, and read, with increasing avidity, the first four Chapters of Roscoe's "Life of Lorenzo de Medici"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Julius Caesar : Commentaries
'Read, after a long interval, with much delight, the first two Books of Caesar's "Commentaries"....'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Niccolo Machiavelli : History of Florence
'Began, with a view of comparing notes, Macchiavel's "Historie Fiorentino"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
James Boswell : Life of Johnson
'Pursued Boswell's "life of Johnson"....'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Hawkesworth : Life of Swift [in Works of Swift?]
'Read Hawkesworth's "Life of Swift"....'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Thomas Sheridan : Life of Swift
'Finished Sheridan's "Life of Swift"....'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Jortin : Life of Erasmus
'Finished Jortin's "Life of Erasmus"....'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Livy : History of Rome
'Read the first two books of "Livy's History"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Richard Watson : Apology for the Bible
'Read Bp. Watson's "Apology for the Bible", in reply to Paine....'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Edmund Burke : Thoughts on the prospect of a regicide peace
'Read Burke's "Letters on a Regicide Peace"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Richard Hurd : Life of Warburton [in Warburton, Works]
'Read with interest and curiosity, Hurd's "Life of Warburton"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : Miscellaneous Works
'Looked into Gibbon's "Miscellaneous Works"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Robertson : History of Scotland
'Finished Robertson's "History of Scotland"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Robertson : History of Charles V.
'Finished Robertson's "History of Scotland"....'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Niccolo Machiavelli : Discourses on Livy
'Read the 1st Book of Macchievel's "Discorsi sopra Livio"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Robertson : History of America
'Finished the first three Books of Robertson's "America"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
James Beattie : An essay on the nature and immutability of truth
'Looked over, by a cursory perusal, Beattie's "Essay on Truth"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Horace Walpole : The Castle of Otranto
'Read the "Castle of Otranto", which grievously disappointed my expectations...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Edmond Malone : An inquiry into the authenticity of certain papers
'Looked over Malone's "Enquiry into the Authenticity of Ireland's Shakesperian Papers"; a learned and decisive piece of criticism...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Ann Radcliffe : The Italian
'Finished the "Italian"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : Memoirs
'Finished Gibbon's "Memoirs of himself"--an exquisite morceau of literature...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : The history of the four last years of the Queen
'Read Swift's "Four last Years of Queen Anne"; a clear, connected detail of facts, exhibited with exquisite art...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Edmund Burke : A philosophical enquiry into the origin of our ideas of the sublime and the beautiful
'Finished a cursory perusal of Burke on the "Sublime and Beautiful"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Adam Smith : Essays on philosophical subjects
'Read Adam Smith's "History of Astronomy", in his posthumous tracts, published by Dugald Stewart...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
James Beattie : Elements of moral science
'Read over Beattie's "Elements of Moral Science"--a miserable work...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Richard Steele : The Tatler
'Looked over the first Vol. of the "Tatlers"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Richard Hurd : Discourse concerning Imitation
'Read Hurd's "Discourse on Poetical Imitation": a critical disquisition of considerable depth and skill...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Horace : Epistola ad Augustum, annotated by Richard Hurd
'Read the "1st Epistle of Horace", Lib. 2 (the celebrated Epistle to Augustus) with the aid of Dacier's notes, and Hurd's Commentary...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Horace : Art of Poetry, annotated by Richard Hurd,
'Read Hurd's "Commentary on Horace's Art of Poetry"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Horace Walpole : The Mysterious Mother
'Read Sir Horace Walpole's "Mysterious Mother". There is a gusto of antiquity...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Thomas James Mathias : Pursuits of Literature
'Finished, with much interest, the "Pursuits of Literature"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Longinus : On the Sublime
'Finished Longinus on the Sublime; to which I had been led, by Gibbon's critique in his "Extraits Raisonnes"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Quintilian : Institutes
'Finished the 1st Book of Quinctilian "De Institutione Oratoria"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Gay : Beggar's Opera
'Looked over the "Beggar's Opera". The slang of low iniquity, is happily given in this strange drama...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Brown : An essay on satire
'Looked over Brown's "Essays on Satire", prefixed to Pope's "Moral Poems"; in which the nature and end of Satire is happily portrayed...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Anonymous : Arabian Nights Entertainments
'I have been for some time amusing myself with the "Arabian Nights" Entertainments, to whose fascinating influence I am quite ductile...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Wollaston : Religion of Nature delineated
'Began, and read the first section of, Wollaston's "Religion of Nature"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Gifford : The Baviad
'Finished the "Baviad and Maeviad"; an exquisite satire on the loathsome affectations of the Della Crusca school of poetry...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Daines Barrington : Observations on the Ancient Statutes
'Finished Barrington's "Observations on the Ancient Statutes"; a well conceived and elaborate work...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Joseph Warton : Life of Pope, in Works,
'Finished Warton's "Life of Pope" prefixed to his edition of Pope's "Works"; and compared Wakefield's "Preface" to his "Observations on Pope". These two critics differ essentially in their judgment of Pope...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Thomas Gray : Works
'Looked over some of Gray's Poems. I am almost tempted to agree in Johnson's character of these compositions...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Dryden : Works
'Read several of Dryden's original Poems. The sudden transition from his "Funeral Lines on Oliver Cromwell", to his "Astraea Redux on the Restoration", the two first poems in the collection, has a curious effect...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Alexander Pope : The Dunciad, with annotations by Warton and Wakefield
'Read the "Dunciad", with Warton's and Wakefield's Annotations...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Samuel Garth : The Dispensary
'Read Garth's "Dispensary"; a lively and pleasing poem, sparkling with considerable wit, but defrauded of its just fame by the "Dunciad"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Memoirs of Martin Scriblerus
'Finished the "Memoirs of Scriblerus"; an exquisite piece of satire, of which the separate parts of Swift, Pope, and Arbuthnot, are sometimes very distinguishable...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Robert Macfarlane : History of George III
'Read Macfarlane's "History of George III.": a strange amalgama of vulgarity, impudence, and scurrility, compounded into a specious and shewy mass, by a morbid vigour of intellect...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : London
'Perused Johnson's "London", and "Vanity of Human Wishes". His Numbers are strong in sense, and smooth in flow; but want that varied grace, and inextinguishable spirit, which constitute the essential charm of Pope's...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Vanity of Human Wishes
'Perused Johnson's "London", and "Vanity of Human Wishes". His Numbers are strong in sense, and smooth in flow; but want that varied grace, and inextinguishable spirit, which constitute the essential charm of Pope's...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Roscoe : Life of Lorenzo de Medici
'Concluded a second reading of Roscoe's "Lorenzo de Medici", which fades considerably on a reperusal...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
George Campbell : The Philosophy of Rhetoric
'Began Campbell's "Rhetoric"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Edward Young : Night Thoughts
'Looked into Young's "Night Thoughts": debased throughout with many poor and puerile conceits...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Anthony Hamilton : Memoires de la Vie du Comte de Gramont
'Finished the "Memoirs of Grammont"; which exhibit, with less wit and spirit than I expected, a shameful picture of the voluptuousness, intrigues, and abandoned profligacy, of the Court of Charles II...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Colley Cibber : Apology for the Life of Colley Cibber
'Began Colley Cibber's "Life"; and was much delighted with his minute yet masterly account of the principal actors who figured previously to the Revolution...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Richard Hurd : Moral and political dialogues
'Read Hurd's "Dialogue" between Cowley and Sprat, on Retirement...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William King : De origine mali
'Looked over King's "Origin of Evil"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Russell : The History of Modern Europe
'Finished the 2d. Vol. of Russell's "History of Modern Europe"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Locke : Essay concerning Human Understanding
'Read the first Book of Locke's "Essay on the Human Understanding",--in refutation of the doctrine of innate principles...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Frances Chamberlaine Sheridan : The History of Nourjahad
'Finished the 'Novel of "Nourjahad" in the evening. Nothing, I think, can be more happily conceived for its purpose, than the plan of this little romance...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Bertrand de Moleville : Memoires secrets pour servir a l'histoire
'Finished Bertrand De Moleville's "Memoirs of the Last Year of the Reign of Louis the 16th". They contain much curious, and I presume, authentic information relative to the crisis of the Revolution...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Sir John Dalrymple : Memoirs of Great Britain and Ireland
'Began Dalrymple's "Memoirs of Great Britain and Ireland"; and read the two introductory sections, containing a masterly review of our political affairs...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Haslam : Observations on Insanity
'Read Haslam on Insanity....'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Godwin : Memoirs of the Author of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
'Looked over Godwin's "Memoirs of Mrs. Woolstonecraft"; which strikingly evince that love, even in a modern philosopher, "emollit mores, nec sinet esse feros"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Anthony Ashley Cooper : Inquiry concerning Virtue
'Read Shaftesbury's "Enquiry concerning Virtue". His ideas are not very distinctly state; but he seems, to place Virtue in a proper management of the affections...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Joshua Reynolds : Seven Discourses
'Finished Sir Joshua Reynolds' "Discourses", with an eye to a peculiar and distinguishing doctrine which runs through the whole, and is manifestly a particular favourite with the author...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Bernard Mandeville : Fable of the Bees
'Read Mandeville's "Fable of the Bees", and his "Enquiry into the Origin of Virtue"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Bernard Mandeville : Enquiry into the Origin of Virtue
'Read Mandeville's "Fable of the Bees", and his "Enquiry into the Origin of Virtue"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Preface to Shakespeare
'Looked over Johnson's vigorous defence of Shakespear against the charge of violating, whether from neglect or disdain, the Unities of Time and Place in his Dramas...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Francis Bacon : Essays
'Dipped into Bacon's "Essays"; so pregnant with just, original, and striking observations on every topic which is touched, that I cannot select what pleases me most...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Brown : An estimate of the manners and principles of the times
'Read Brown's "Estimate of the Manners and Principles of the Times". The 2d Vol. is merely a supplementary comment on the 1st; and in that, after allowing us a spirit of liberty, of humanity, and of equity, he maintains, that a vain luxurious and selfish effeminacy, introduced by exorbitant trade and wealth, has sapped our principles of religion, honour, and pubilc spirit...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Augustus Henry Fitzroy : The serious reflections of a rational Christian
'Looked over "Serious Reflections by a rational Christian", from 1788 to 1798 written by the Duke of G-...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Philip Dormer Stanhope : Characters of eminent personages of his own time
'Looked over Lord Chesterfield's "Characters": all of which are neatly, and some very finely, drawn...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Jean-Baptiste Dubos : Critical reflections on poetry, painting and music
'Finished the 1st Volume and Part of "Du Bos sur la Poesie et Peinture"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Edmund Burke : Vindication of Natural Society
'Read Burke's "Vindication of Natural Society". Except in parts (as in the opening and ending) I cannot think that this piece has much of Bolingbroke's style and manner...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Lives of the Poets
'Finished a cursory perusal of Johnson's "Lives of the Poets", with a view to the principles on which his critical decisions are founded...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Joseph Addison : The Spectator
'Examined, with a view to those principles, Addison's Eleven Papers in the "Spectator"; beginning at No. 409, and with the omission of the 410th, ending with the 421st. In the first and preparatory paper, he defines Taste...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Edmund Burke : A philosophical enquiry into the origin of our ideas of the sublime and the beautiful
'Read Burke's Disquisition prefixed to his "Sublime and Beautiful"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Montesquieu : De l?esprit des loix
'Read the first four Books of Montesquieu's "Esprit des Loix"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Mitford : History of Greece
'Looked into Mitford's "History of Greece". The Athenian Democracy imparts no sort of relish for that sort of government...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Thomas Reid : An inquiry into the human mind
'Read the first five chapters of Reid's "Enquiry into the Human Mind": in which he examines the senses of Smell, Taste, Hearing, and Touch...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
George Berkeley : A treatise concerning the principles of human knowledge
'Read the Introduction to Berkeley's "Principles of Human Knowledge", in which he really seems to be serious and in earnest...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Voltaire : Essay sur l?histoire du siecle de Louis XIV
'Finished Voltaire's "Siecle de Louis 14me.": a most entertaining and instructive work...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Philip Yorke : Athenian Letters
'Finished the "Athenian Letters"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
J. J. Barth?lemy : Travels of Anacharsis the Younger in Greece
'Finished the "Travels of Anacharsis". This work is ably executed, and must have cost prodigious pains; but it still leaves us, as we must ever be left, extremely ignorant of the political constitutions, religious worship, and private manners of the Greeks...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Horace Walpole : Historic doubts on the life and reign of King Richard the third
'Read Horace Walpole's "Historic Doubts on the Life and Reign of Richard the 3d."--doubts, which he has in some measure transfused into my mind...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Horace Walpole : Works
'Looked over Horace Walpole's "Fugitive Pieces"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Regained
'Finished the "Paradise Regained". Milton has been most unhappy in the choice of his subject;--an inexplicable and suspicious legend...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Milton : Samson Agonistes
'Read Milton's "Samson Agonistes";--a noble Poem, but a miserable Drama...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Sir James Mackintosh : A discourse on the study of the law of nature, and nations
'Perused, with delight and admiration, Mackintosh's "Preliminary Discourse on the Study of the Law of Nature and Nations"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Torquato Tasso : Jerusalem Delivered
'Finished Tasso's "Jerusalem", in Hoole's Translation comparing it occasionally with the original, and with Fairfax's version...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, marquise S?vign : Lettres choisies de Mesdames de Sevign? et de Main
'Looked over a Volume of "Lettres Choisies de Mesdames Sevigne et Maintenon"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Thomas Burnet : The theory of the earth
'Began Burnet's "Theory of the Earth". Nothing can exceed the dexterity, or liveliness, or picturesque force, of his reasoning...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
James Ussher : An introduction to the theory of the human mind
'Read with much interest, in a Collection of Fugitive Pieces, an "Introduction to the Theory of the Human Mind", by J. Usher, author of Clio....'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Sir James Mackintosh : Vindiciae Gallicae
'Read Mackinosh's "Vindiciae Gallicae". His style and manner in the Piece are magnificent, but uniformly cumbrous, and occasionally coarse...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Soame Jenyns : A free inquiry into the nature and origin of evil
'Read Soame Jenyns' "Origin of Evil". His grand solution of the introduction of evil is, that it could not have been prevented, by Omnipotence, without the loss of some superior good...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : Essai sur l??tude de la litt?rature
'Read Gibbon's "Essai sur l'Etude de la Litterature": an ostentatious performance...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Francis Bacon : Letters, speeches, charges, advices, &c. of Francis Bacon
'Finished Lord Bacon's Letters, edited by Birch. It is grievous to see this great man, who appears from various passages fully sensible of his vast powers and attainments, and impressed with a just confidence of the weight he would have with posterity, eternally cringing...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Edward Hooker : Of the laws of ecclesiastical politie
'Read the 1st Book of Hooker's "Ecclesiastical Polity"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Richard Hurd : An introduction to the study of the prophecies
'Finished Hurd's "Lectures on the Prophecies"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Jonathan Shipley : The works of the Right Reverend Jonathan Shipley
'Finished Bishop Shipley's Works; to the reading of which I had been powerfully recommended by M-h. A vein of good sense, expressed in an original, unaffected, and frequently energetic and impressive manner, runs through the whole of these compositions....'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Richard Hurd : Sermons preached at Lincoln?s-Inn
'Read the first Vol. of Hurd's "Sermons at Lincoln's-Inn"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Finished a review of Cicero's tract "De Officiis"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Unknown
Cicero : De Senectute
'Read Cicero "De Senectute": a most exquisite and finished disquisition...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Thomas May : The history of the Parliament of England
'Read the first 6 chapters of May's "History of the Long Parliament"; containing a retrospect of affairs, down to its assembling...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Dryden : The satires of Juvenalis, translated into English
'Read Dryden's Dedication to his "Translations of Juvenal's Satires":--a stranger, rambling composition...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Richardson : A philosophical analysis and illustration of some of Shakespeare's characters
'Read Richardson's "Philosophical Analysis" of some of Shakespear's Characters. The design is happy, and, upon the whole, ingeniously executed...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Richard Owen Cambridge : The scribleriad: an heroic poem in six books
'Read Cambridge's "Scribleriad". The mock heroic is well sustained throughout; but the Poem is deficient in broad humour...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Hugh Blair : Lectures on rhetoric and belles lettres
'Finished the perusal of Blair's "Lectures on Rhetoric". The praise of ingenuity, of a judgment in general correct, and a taste for the most part timidly correct, I can readily allow him; but to no higher order of merit in a critic...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Jackson of Exeter : The four ages; together with essays on various subjects
'Read Jackson's (of Exeter) "Four Ages". He inverts the usual order; and promises halycon days, from the improvement of every art and every science, in the golden age to which we are rapidly advancing...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Warburton : The divine legation of Moses demonstrated
'Looked through the 3d. Book of Warburton's "Divine Legation". It is impossible to pursue this eccentric Genius steadily, through the mazy curves along which he wheels his airy flight...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Thomas Balguy : Discourses on various subjects
'Read Balguy's "Discourses". They are all masterly; but the first four, and the 8th, tower above the rest in excellence...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Pierre Mathurin : The memoirs of the Duke of Sully
'Read the 1st Vol. of Sully's "Memoirs". They open a scene of manners, which, to modern conception, appears perfectly romantic...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Isaac Watts : Logic, or the right use of reason
'Looked over the 1st and 2d Parts of Watts' "Logic"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Archibald Alison : Essays on the nature and principles of taste
'Read the First of Alison's "Two Essays on the Nature and Principles of Taste". Taste, he defines, That faculty by which we perceive and enjoy whatever is sublime and beautiful...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Henry Pemberton : A view of Sir Isaac Newton?s philosophy
'Looked over the Introduction to Pemberton's "View of Sir Isaac Newton's Philosophy". He affirms (sec. 2.) that it is the gratification of our taste, which is the source of our desire of knowledge...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Moore : Zeluco. Various views of human nature
'Finished Moore's "Zeluco". The character is will contrived to purge the selfish and malignant passions, by exhibiting the hideous effect of their unrestricted indulgence...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Moral Epistles
'Read Pope's five "Ethic Epistles" or "Moral Essays". There is an occasional pertness and flippancy in them, not to my taste...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Moore : Edward. Various views of human nature
'Finished Moore's "Edward". The outset of this novel delighted me highly; but as it advances, the interest declines...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Whitehurst : An inquiry into the original state and formation of the earth
'Looked into Whitehurst's "Theory of the Earth". His hypothesis is, That our globe was originally a confused mass of all the elements; That from gravitation and elective attraction, these elements gradually subsided into concentric layers...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Uvedale Price : An essay on the picturesque
'Read the 1st Part of Price's "Essay on the Picturesque"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Gilpin : Three Essays
'Looked over Gilpin's Two Essay[s]; on Picturesque Beauty, and Picturesque Travel...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
August von Kotzebue : Das merkw?rdigste Jahr meines Lebens
'There is a great Peer in our neighbourhood, who gives me the run of his library while he is in town; and I am fetching up my arrears in books, which everybody (who reads at all) has read; among others, I stumbled upon the Life of Kotzebue, or rather his year of exile, and read it with the geatest interest. It is a rapid succession of very striking events, told with great force and simplicity. His display of sentiment seems very natural to the man, foolish as it sometimes is.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Marguerite de Launay, Baronne de Staal : Memoires
'With Madame de Staal's Memoirs, so strongly praised by the excellent Baron Grimm, I was a good deal disappointed: she has nothing to tell and does not tell it very well. She is neither important, nor admirable for talents or virtues. Her life was not worth recording.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Archibald Constable [ed.] : Encyclopaedia Britannica
'I see your name mentioned among the writers in Constable's Encyclopaedia; pray tell me what articles you have written: I shall always read anything which you write. The travels of the Gallo-American gentleman alluded to by Mr Constable are I suppose those of Mr Simon. He is a very sensible man, and I should be curious to see the light in which this country appeared to him. I should think he would be too severe'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, Marquise de Sevigne : [Letters]
'I have now read three volumes of Madame de Sevigne - with a conviction that her letters are very much overpraised. Mr Thomas Grenville says he has made seven vigorous attacks on Madame de Sevigne and been as often repulsed'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
William Jacob : Travels in the South of Spain
'I always tell you all the books worth notice that I read, and I rather counsel you to read Jacob's "Spain", a book with some good sense in it, and not unentertaining; also, by all means, the first volume of Franklin's Letters. I will disinherit you if you do not admire everything written by Franklin. In addition to all other good qualities, he was thoroughly honest'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Benjamin Franklin : The Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D
'I always tell you all the books worth notice that I read, and I rather counsel you to read Jacob's "Spain", a book with some good sense in it, and not unentertaining; also, by all means, the first volume of Franklin's Letters. I will disinherit you if you do not admire everything written by Franklin. In addition to all other good qualities, he was thoroughly honest'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Dugald Stewart : [Dissertation printed in the Encyclopaedia Britannica]
'I have just read Dugald Stewart's "Preliminary Dissertations". In the first place, it is totally clear of all his defects. No insane dread of misrepresentation; no discussion put off until another time, just at the moment it was expected, and would have been interesting; no unmanly timidity; less formality of style and cathedral pomp of sentence. The good, it would be trite to enumerate: - the love of human happiness and virtue, the ardour for the extension of knowledge, the command of fine language, happiness of allusion, varied and pleasing literature, tact, wisdom and moderation! Without these high qualities, we all know Stewart cannot write. I suspect he has misrepresented Horne Took, and his silence regarding Hartley is very censurable. I was amazingly pleased with his comparison of the universities to enormous hulks confined with mooring chains, everything flowing and progressing around them. Nothing can be more happy'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
[unknown] : [evidence of Elgin Marble Committee]
'I speak of books as I read them, and I read them as I can get them. You are read up to twelve o' clock of the preceding day, and therefore must pardon the staleness of my subjects. I read yesterday the evidence of the Elgin Marble Committee. Lord Elgin has done a very useful thing in taking them away from the Turks. Do not throw pearls to swine; and take them away from swine when they are so thrown. They would have been destroyed there, or the French would have had them'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Unknown
George Canning : [Canning's letter to newspapers attavking an anonymous pamphleteer (John Cam Hobhouse, it transpired), who had attacked him]
'My astonishment was very great at readind Canning's challenge to the anonymous pamphleteer. If it were the first proof of the kind it would be sufficient to create a general distrust of his sense, prudence and capacity for action... What does a politician know of his trade, when twenty years have not made him pamphlet-proof?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Newspaper
Jean Francois Georgel : M?moires pour servir ? l'histoire des ?v?nements de la fin du 18e si?cle depuis 1760 jusqu'en 1806?10
'I have read Georgel and must say I have seldom read a more stupid book. The first volume in which he relates what he had seen and observed himself is well enough, but the last three volumes are no more than a mere newspaper collection of the proceedings of the Convention, trite lamentations on the wickedness of the revolution, and common parsonic notions of the rights of kings. Does the book strike you in any other point of view? Such as it is, I shall write a review of it, and I should be obliged to you, to tell me if you think my opinion just. Is his explanation of the Story of the Necklace to be credited? Could a man of the Cardinal's rank, who had filled the situation of Ambassador at the Court of Vienna, be the dupe of such a woman as Madame La Motte. Or was he the rogue? or was he the dupe? and La Motte the agent of the Queen? If this is not the true version, where is the true version to be found? Is there any new information respecting the French Revolution in Georgel? there seems none such to me'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Jean Francois Georgel : M?moires pour servir ? l'histoire des ?v?nements de la fin du 18e si?cle depuis 1760 jusqu'en 1806?10
'I recommend you to read the first and second volumes of the Abbe Georgel's Memoirs. You will suppose, from this advice, that there is something improper in the third and fourth: but, to spare you the trouble of beginning with them, I assure you I only exclude them from my recommendation because they are dull. You will see, in the second volume, a detailed account of the celebrated Necklace Story, which regaled your mama and papa before you were born'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Heart of Midlothian
'There is a grat difference of opinion about Scott's new novel. At Holland House it is much run down: I dare not oppose my opinion to such an assay or proof-house; but it made me cry and laugh very often and I was very sorry when it was over, and so I cannot in justice call it dull'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Heart of Midlothian
'I am very desirous to hear what your Vote is about Walter Scott; I think it excellent, quite as good as any of his novels excepting that in which Claverhouse is introduced, and of which I forget the name. It made me laugh, and cry fifty times, and I read it with the liveliest interest. He repeats his characters but it seems that they will bear repetition'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Henry Brougham : A Letter to SIR SAMUEL ROMILLY, MP from H. BROUGHAM, Esq. MPFRS upon the Abuse of Charities
'Brougham's pamphlet accidentally happens to be very dull. It is not of much importance but there was no absolute necessity for its being so. Wit and declamation would be misplaced, but a clever man may be bright and flowing while he is argumentative and prudent. He makes out a great case in general: and nobody would accuse Lord Lonsdale and the Bishop of undue precipitation if they were to make some sort of reply to the charge of particular delinquencies levelled against them'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith
Henry Fearon : Narrative of a Journey of Five Thousand Miles Through the Eastern and Western States of America
'I recommend you to read Hall, Palmer, Fearon and Bradburys Travels in America, particularly "Fearon". There is nothing to me so curious and intersting as the rapidity with which they are spreading themselves over that vast continent'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
John Bradbury : Travels in the Interior of America in the years 1809, 1810 and -1811
'I recommend you to read Hall, Palmer, Fearon and Bradburys Travels in America, particularly "Fearon". There is nothing to me so curious and intersting as the rapidity with which they are spreading themselves over that vast continent'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
John Palmer : Journal of Travels in the United States of North America, and in Lower Canada, Performed in the Year 1817, &c. &c
'I recommend you to read Hall, Palmer, Fearon and Bradburys Travels in America, particularly "Fearon". There is nothing to me so curious and intersting as the rapidity with which they are spreading themselves over that vast continent'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Francis Hall : Journal of Travels in the United States of North America
'I recommend you to read Hall, Palmer, Fearon and Bradburys Travels in America, particularly "Fearon". There is nothing to me so curious and intersting as the rapidity with which they are spreading themselves over that vast continent'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Morris Birkbeck : Notes on a Journey in America from the Coast of Virginia to the Territory of Illinois
'Birkbeck's second book is not so good as his first. He deceives himself - says he wishes to deceive himself - and is not candid. If a man chuses to say: I will live up to my neck in mud, fight bears, swim in rivers, and combat with backwoodsmen that I may ultimately gain an independence for myself and my children, this is plain, and intelligible: but by Birkbeck's account it is much like settling at Putney or Kew, only the people are more liberal and enlightened'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Morris Birkbeck : Letters from Illinois
'Birkbeck's second book is not so good as his first. He deceives himself - says he wishes to deceive himself - and is not candid. If a man chuses to say: I will live up to my neck in mud, fight bears, swim in rivers, and combat with backwoodsmen that I may ultimately gain an independence for myself and my children, this is plain, and intelligible: but by Birkbeck's account it is much like settling at Putney or Kew, only the people are more liberal and enlightened'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Henry Fielding : The life of Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great
'Read Fielding's "Life of Jonathan Wild"; a caustic satire, in Swift's coarsest manner...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'Finished the perusal of the first Six Books of Milton's "Paradise Lost". The scene betwixt Satan, Sin, and Death, in the 2d. Book, is transcendantly sublime...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Henry Fielding : The history of the adventures of Joseph Andrews
'Read the 4th. and last Book of Fielding's "Joseph Andrews". I see no necessity for the marvellous in incident, at the conclusion of this Novel...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Henry Fielding : Amelia
'Finished Fielding's "Amelia". There is a still stronger and more disgusting taint of vulgarity, in this Novel, than in Joseph Andrews...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Hey : Lectures in divinity
'Finished the 1st Book of Dr. Hey's "Lectures in Divinity". His manner struck me as stiff and perplexed, at first: but this wears off, as I advance...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Robert Bloomfield : The farmer?s boy
'Perused the "Farmer's Boy"; a rural Poem, by Robert Bloomfield; edited by Capel Lofft...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Edward Pearson : Remarks on the Theory of Morals
'Finished Pearson's "Remarks on the Theory of Morals"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Virgil : Aenied
'Finished the "Aeneid". Virgil's excellence, it is obvious, consists, not in the daring flights of a vigorous and sublime imagination, but in the exquitie art and consummate taste with which he turn, and polishes, and refines into perfection...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Godwin : St Leon, a tale of the sixteenth century
'Read Godwin's "St. Leon". In the Preface, he explicitly abjures the doctrine of extinguishing the private affections, which he had inculcated in his Political Justice...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
James Gregory : Philosophical and literary essays
'Read, after a long intermission (April 27, 1797) the 2d volume of Gregory's "Essays"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Johann David Michaelis : Introduction to the New Testament
'Looked into Marsh's "Michaelis"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
William Frend : Animadversions on the elements of Christian theology
'Read Frend's "Animadversions" on Prettyman's Theology:--more temperate and chastised than I expected...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Richard Porson : Letters to Mr. Archdeacon Travis
'Finished Porson's "Letters to Travis", on the disputed passage in John...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Joseph Warton : Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope
'Finished a perusal of Warton's "Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Herbert Marsh : The history of the politicks of Great Britain and France
'Finished Marsh's "Tract on the Politics of Great Britain and France"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Richard Hurd : Discourse concerning Imitation
'Read again, and with more attention, Hurd's "Discourse on Poetical Imitation"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Charles Gildon : "An Essay" in Works of Shakespeare
'Read Gildon's "Essay", prefixed to Shakespear's poems, in which he largely discuses Dramatic Poetry...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Cicero : Brutus
'Looked into Cicero's "Buruts"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
George Pretyman : Elements of Christian theology
'Looked into Prettyman's "Theology". The Dedication to Pitt is insufferably fulsome...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Edmond Malone : Critical and Miscellaneous Works of John Dryden
'Finished Malone's "Life of Dryden", prefixed to an Edition of his Prose Works. By the drudgery of searching deeds, wills, genealogies, registers, and recods of all sorts, Malone has discovered some new facts, and detected a few mistakes, respecting Dryden and his Famly, of very little consequence...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Daines Barrington : The history of singing birds
'Read Daines Barrington's curious "Observations on the Notes of Birds"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Thomas Campbell : The Pleasures of Hope
'Read Campbell's "Pleasures of Hope". Parts of this Poem are animated and fine...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
James Thomas Kirkman : Memoirs of the life of Charles Macklin
'Looked into Kirkman's "Life of Macklin"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
John Dryden : Prose Works, ed. Malone
'Began Dryden's "Prose Works"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Ann Radcliffe : A journey made in the summer of 1794
'Read Mrs. Radcliffe's "Tour to the Lakes". Much might be expected from this Lady's well known powers of description, exerted on so congenial a theme...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Soame Jenyns : The works of Soame Jenyns, Esq
'Finished the two first Volumes of Soame Jenyns "Works", edited by Cole...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
James Boswell : The life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D.
'Dipped into Boswell's "Life of Johnson". Johnson pronounces Hume either mad or a liar...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Johann Goffried Herder : Outlines of a philosophy of the history of man
'Began Herder's "Outlines of the Philosophy of the History of Man", of which I had heard high praise;--but was soon obliged to desist. He appears to write like a great child, eager to communicate its late acquirements, however trivial..'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Henry James Pye : A Commentary illustrating the Poetic of Aristotle
'Glanced over Pye's "Commentary on Aristotle's Poetics"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Samuel Darby : A letter to the Rev. Mr. T. Warton, on his late edition of Milton's Juvenile Poems
'Read a very elegant piece of criticism, intitled "A Letter to the Rev. Mr. T. Warton", on his late Edition of Milton?s "Juvenile" Poems...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Reuben BURROW : Unknown from 'Ladies' and Gentleman's Diary'
Mathematics, I have absolutely never thought on - excepting some trifles from the Ladies' and Gentleman's diary - which I shall have conscience enough not to trouble you with at present.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Cicero : De Finibus
But the book I am most pleased with is 'cicero de Finibus' - not that there is much new discussion in it, but his manner is so easy and elegant; and, besides, there is such a charm connected with attending to the feelings and principles of a man over whom the 'tide of years has rolled.' We are entertained even with a common sentiment; and when we meet with a truth which we ourselves had previously discovered, we are delighted with the idea that our minds are similar to that of the venerable Roman.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
William Hazlitt : 'Standard Novels'
"Have you seen the last Edinr review? There are several promising articles in it - Scott's 'Lord of the Isles,' Standard Novels, Lewis' & Clarke's travels up the Missouri (of which a most delectable account in the Quarterly), Joanne Southcott, &c &c".
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Lewis & Clarke : Travels up the Missouri
"Have you seen the last Edinr review? There are several promising articles in it - Scott's 'Lord of the Isles,' Standard Novels, Lewis' & Clarke's travels up the Missouri (of which a most delectable account in the Quarterly), Joanne Southcott, &c &c".
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Sir Isaac Newton : Institutes
'It occurred to me; much about the same time that it would be proper to study Stewart's Essays, Berkel[e]y's principes of knowledge, Rumfords Essays, Newton ['s] Institutes, Simpson's Fluxions &c &c - If to these overpowering engagements you add the numberless fits of indolence - and the perpetual visitations of spleen, to which one is subjected in this dirty little uncomfortable planet of ours - I presume you will have a sufficient excuse for my silence; and will rather wonder indeed that you have heard from me at all.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
anon : Belfast Town & County Almanack
'I have looked into the Belfast Town and Country Almanack - and consulted several cunning men upon the subject - and from all quartrs, I collect - that the moon will be full about one of the clock on the morning of Thursday the 9th inst.-'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Unknown
Sir John Leslie : Elements of Geometry
'With regard to the division of the circle into 360 parts,- I think it cannot be done by elementary Geometry - at least if M. Gauss is right - who (Leslie tells us) has demonstrated that a polygon can be inscribed in a circle - directly - by means of circles and straight lines - only - when the number of its sides is a prime number and can be denoted by 2n + 1.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
William Thomson : The New Testament. Translated from the Greek, 3 vols
'I received about a month ago the Revd Willm Thomson of Ochiltree's new translation of the Testament. Of course I am no judge of his 'new renderings'; but the stile both of writing & thinking displayed in those parts which I have looked at, is dull & sluggish as the clay itself. He brags of having altered the expressions of the old translation - every body I suppose will readily admit this - and be ready to wish him joy of all the honour than [that] can arise from such alterations...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
William Wallace : 'Fluxions' in Encyclopedia Britannica
'Soon after my arrival here, I fell to Wallace's fluxions, with might and main. I would study, I thought, with great vehemence, every night - and the two hours at noon, which I have to dispose of, I would devote to the reading of history and other lighter matters - But alas! two hours I found to be insufficien[t] - by degrees poor Wallace was encroached upon - and is now all but finally discarded. His introduction, it must be confessed, is ponderous & repulsive. His horror of the binomial theorem leads him into strange bye-paths. But he demonstartes [sic] with great rigour.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Robert Mitchell : 'theorems'
'I perused your theorems with some attention. They are well worthy of a place in the Courier - though not for the purpose you mention. Mr Johnston, if I mistake not, is a small gentleman, whom it would be no honour to demolish.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Unknown
Tobias Smollett : History of England [probably]
'I have been reading little [since I last wrote to you] except Coxe's travels in Switzerland, Poland, Russia &c, Humes history together with part of Smollet[t], Gibbon &c. Coxe is an intelligent man, and communicates in a very popular manner considerable information concerning the countries thro which he passed.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
n/a] : [newspaper]
'I left Ecclefechan on the evening of Tuesday the 19th Decr on the top of the Glasgow Mail. Little occurred worthy of notice, till on my arrival in Moffatt, I discovered among my fellow travellers, along with three Lancashire cotton men, a pure species of popinjay - of whom all I can now say, is that he was much shocked at seeing [no] "roasbeef fo suppa" and expressed his grief and surprise by several nondescript interjections; that he was unable to determine whether the fowl on the table was a tame duck or wild, and thereupon "did patiently incline" to the reasonings of an ancient Scottish gourmand who at length succeeded in settling his mind upon this important subject; and that upon my inquiriing after the news of the paper which he was reading, he informed me that the Aachodoocs had returned to England, and that (this he preluded by three nods of satisfaction) the Prince Regent was gone to Brighton.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Unknown 'Scottish Gourmand' Print: Newspaper
Samuel Rogers : Human Life
'Rogers is in an indescribable agony about his poem. The Hollands have read and like it. The verses on Paestum are said to be beautiful. The whole poem is not more than 800 lines. Fazackerly thinks it poor meagre stuff; Luttrell approves it; I have not seen it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Nicholas Fazackerly Print: Unknown
Samuel Rogers : Human Life
'Rogers has at length appeared; an old friend must be a good poet; but without reference to this feeling there are some good descriptions - the Mother and Child, Mr Fox at St Annes and a few more. The beginning of the verses at Paestum are good, but there are many lines and couplets all over the poem quite unintelligible; particularly I recommend your attention to those verses on a sleeping boy on the 2d or 3d page - what is meant by the emmets and the wrens?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Unknown
Henry Grey Bennet : Letter to Viscount Sidmouth, Secretary of State for the Home Department, on the Transportation Laws, the State of the Hulks and of the Colonies in New South Wales
'Tell Lord Grey to read Bennet's pamphlet; it is a little long, but good and right in the main object. At the end is a very affecting letter from the Botany Bay Chaplain'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith
Jonas Dennis : Convocatio Cleri
'Tell my Lord, if he wants to read a good savory ecclesiastical pamphlet, to read Jonas Dennis' "Concio Cleri", a book of about 150 pages. He is the first parson who has caught scent of the Roman Catholic Bill passed at the end of the last Parliament, and no she-bear robbed of her whelps can be more furious'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith
James McIntosh : [Review in Edinburgh Review of Bentham's Plan of Parliamentary Refom]
'Lord Grey will like that article in the Edinburgh Review upon Universal Suffrage; it is by Sir James McIntosh. There is a pamphlet on Bullion by Mr Copplestone of Oxford much read; but bullion is not I think a favourite dish at Howick'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Serial / periodical
Edward Copleston : [Review in Edinburgh Review of Ricardo on Currency and Prinsep on Money]
'Lord Grey will like that article in the Edinburgh Review upon Universal Suffrage; it is by Sir James McIntosh. There is a pamphlet on Bullion by Mr Copplestone of Oxford much read; but bullion is not I think a favourite dish at Howick'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Serial / periodical
Arthur Hallam : History Of Europe During The Middle Ages
'Hallam's style does not appear to me so bad as it has been represented; indeed I am ashamed to say I rather think it a good style. He is a bold man and great names do not deter him from finding fault; he began with Pindar, and who has any right to complain after that? The characteristic excellencies of the work seem to be fidelity, accuracy, good sense, a love of Virtue and a zeal for Liberty'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
William Heude : A Voyage up the Persian Gulf and a Journey Overland from India to England
'I have finished a short article of Heude's travels across the desert, from Bagdad to Constantinople'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
unknown : [article in Edinburgh Review of Ross's Voyage to Baffin's Bay]
'I have read no article but Ross which I like and Larrey which I do not dislike tho' I think it might have been made more entertaining. The article upon, and by Brougham is too long for the distressing brevity of human life'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Serial / periodical
unknown : [article in Edinburgh Review about Larrey's Memoires de Chirurgie Militaire]
'I have read no article but Ross which I like and Larrey which I do not dislike tho' I think it might have been made more entertaining. The article upon, and by Brougham is too long for the distressing brevity of human life'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Serial / periodical
Ferdinando Galiani : [Letters]
'I have been reading Galiani's correspondence. I had no conception that Abbes and ladies wrote to each other in such a style and feel ashamed of my Simplicity and innocence'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Ferdinando Galiani : [Letters]
'I have read Galiani's letters, but they are so utterly insignificant, that there is nothing more to be said of them than that they are not worth speaking about. I scarcely ever read a more insignificant collection of letters'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Bride of Lammermoor
'I am truly obliged by your kindness in sendng me the last novel of Walter Scott. It would be profanation to call him Mr Walter Scott. I should as soon say Mr Shakespeare or Mr Fielding. Sir William and Lady Ashton are excellent, and highly dramatic. Drumthwackett is very well done; parts of Caleb are excellent. Some of the dialogues between Bucklaw and Craigengelt are as good as can be, and both these characters very well imagined. [italics] As the Author has left off writing [end italics], I shall not again be disturbed so much in my ordinary occupations. When I get hold of one of these novels, turnips, sermons and justice business are all forgotten'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Bride of Lammermoor
'Walter Scott seems to me the same sort of thing laboured in a very inferior way, and more careless, with many repetitions of himself. Caleb is overdone. Sir W. and Lady Ashton are very good characters, and the meeting of the two coaches and six the best scene in the book. The catastophe is shocking and disgusting'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Walter Scott : Ivanhoe
'I waited to thank you until I had read the novel. There is [italics] no doubt [end italics] of its success. There is nothing very powerful and striking in it; but it is uniformly agreeable, lively and interesting, and the least dull, and most easily read of any novels I remember. Pray make the author go on; I am sure he has five or six more such novels in him, therefore five or six holidays for the whole kingdom'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Walter Scott : Ivanhoe
'Have you read "Ivanhoe"? It is the least dull, and the most easily read through, of all Scott's novels; but there are many more powerful. The subject, in novels, poems, and pictures, is half the battle. The representation of our ancient manners is a fortunate one, and ample enough for three or four more novels'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
[Captain] Gollownin : Recollections of Japan, by Capt. Gollownin of the Russian Navy, author of the narrative of a three years' residence in that country
'If you want to read an agreeable book, read Galownin's narrative of his confinement in and escape from Japan; and I think it may do very well for reading out, which I believe is your practice - a practice which I approve rather than follow: - and neglect it from mere want of virtue. I think also you may read De Foe's Life of Colonel Jack, - entertaining enough when his heroe is a scoundrel, but waxing dull as it gets moral. I never set you any difficult tasks in reading, but am as indulgent to you as I am to myself'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : Colonel Jack - The History and Remarkable Life Of the truly Honourable Col. Jacque, commonly call'd Col. Jack, who was Born a Gentleman, put 'Prentice to a Pick-Pocket, was Six and Twenty Years a Thief, and then Kidnapp'd to Virginia, Came back a Merchant
'If you want to read an agreeable book, read Galownin's narrative of his confinement in and escape from Japan; and I think it may do very well for reading out, which I believe is your practice - a practice which I approve rather than follow: - and neglect it from mere want of virtue. I think also you may read De Foe's Life of Colonel Jack, - entertaining enough when his heroe is a scoundrel, but waxing dull as it gets moral. I never set you any difficult tasks in reading, but am as indulgent to you as I am to myself'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
[Captain] Gollownin : Recollections of Japan, by Capt. Gollownin of the Russian Navy, author of the narrative of a three years' residence in that country
'I strongly recommend to you Captain Golownin's narrative of his imprisonment in Japan; it is one of the most entertaining books I have read for a long time.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Mary Berry : Some Account of the Life of Rachael Wriothesley, Lady Russell; followed by a Series of Letters from Lady Russell to her Husband
'I thank you very much for the entertainment I have received from your book. I should however have been afraid to marry such a woman as Lady Rachel; it would have been too awful. There are pieces of china very fine and beautiful, but never intended for daily use'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Monastery
'I am much obliged by your present of The Monastery, which I have read, and which I must frankly confess I admire less than any of the others - much less. Such I think you will find the judgement of the public to be. The idea of painting ancient manners in a fictitious story and in well-known scenery is admirable, and the writer has admirable talents for it; but nothing is done without pains, and I doubt whether pains have been taken in The Monastery, - if they have, they have failed. It is quite childish to introduce supernatural agency; as much of the terrors and follies of supersition as you please, but no actual ghosts and hobgoblins. I recommend one novel every year, and more pains. So much money is worth getting; so much deserved fame is worth keeping, so much amusement we ought all to strive to continue for the public good. You will excuse my candour - you know I am your wellwisher. I was the first to praise Ivanhoe, as I shall be to praise the next, if I can do so conscientiously'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Abbot
'I have just read "The Abbot"; it is far above common novels, but of very inferior execution to his others, and hardly worth reading. He has exhausted the subject of Scotland, and worn out the few characters that the early periods of Scotch history ould supply him with. Meg Merrilies appears afresh in every novel'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Horace Walpole : [Letters]
'Read, if you have not read, all Horace Walpole's letters, wherever you can find them; - the best wit ever published in the shape of letters'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Robert Southey : The Life Of Wesley And Rise And Progress Of Methodism Including Remarks On The Life And Character Of John Wesley
'I have read Southey and think it so fair and reasonable a book, that I have little or nothing to say about it; so that I follow your advice and abandon it to any one who may undertake it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Pirate
'I am much obliged by your kindness in sending me The Pirate. You know how much I admire the genius of the author, but even that has its limits and is exhaustible. I am afraid this novel will depend upon the former reputation of the author, and will add nothing to it [...] I do not blame him for writing himself out, if he knows he is doing so, and has done his [italics] best [end italics] and his [italics] all [end italics]. If the native land of Scotland will supply no more scenes and characters, for he is always best in Scotland [...] pray (wherever the scene is laid) no more [italics] Meg Merrilies and Dominie Sampson [end italics] - very good the first and second times, but now quite worn out, and always recurring. All human themes have an end (except Taxation); but I shall heartily regret my annual amusement if I am to lose it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
[unknown] : The Beacon
'You must have had a lively time at Edinburgh from this "Beacon". But Edinburgh is rather too small for such explosions, where the conspirators and conspired against must be guests at the same board, and sleep under the same roof. The articles upon Madame de Stael and upon Wilks's Protestants appear to me to be very good. The article upon Scotch juries is surely too long'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Serial / periodical
Giovanni Perrone : Catechismi intorno al Protestantesimo ed alla Chiesa Cattolica
In letter to 'My Dear ----,' E. M. Sewell reproduces several passages (in English translation) from Giovanni Perrone, "Catechismi intorno al Protestanteismo ed alla Chiesa Cattolica" (1861), following remark: 'An Italian catechism, published some years ago, has lately been reprinted, in which the people are warned against the insidious heresies of Protestantism generally, and of the English in particular. The lies it contains send one into fits of laughter.' [Discussion of text continued after examples].
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
unknown : Pamphlet on the Chiesa Evangelica
Elizabeth Missing Sewell, in letter to 'My Dear _____', from Florence, May 1861: 'A pamphlet [on the Chiesa Evangelica] which has been lent me, giving an account of its formation, plainly owns that it does not pretend to be a regular church.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell
Mary Russell Mitford : Rienzi
Elizabeth Missing Sewell, describing travel from Pisa toward Spezzia in letter of 5 June 1861 to 'My Dear _____', headed 'Bugiasta or Pagiastra, or something of the kind; but we can't quite make out where we are, only it is half-way between Spezzia and Sestri, and on the road to Genoa.': 'We started after six [am], M and myself on the outside seat [?of coach]. What with pleasant conversation, the reading of "Rienzi" and the newspaper, and occasional little naps, I managed to spend an agreeable day.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
: newspaper
Elizabeth Missing Sewell, describing travel from Pisa toward Spezzia in letter of 5 June 1861 to 'My Dear _____', headed 'Bugiasta or Pagiastra, or something of the kind; but we can't quite make out where we are, only it is half-way between Spezzia and Sestri, and on the road to Genoa.': 'We started after six [am], M and myself on the outside seat [?of coach]. What with pleasant conversation, the reading of "Rienzi" and the newspaper, and occasional little naps, I managed to spend an agreeable day.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Newspaper
anon : [novel]
'When we arrived at Turin, we had no hope of being present at a sitting of Parliament, but our Sicilian friend [a friend of Cavour and acquaintance of Garibaldi, previously encountered by Sewell in a railway carriage], who had promised to call upon us, came [...] to bring us tickets of admission for Monday [...] He was as voluble and excited as before, and produced a novel which he had lately written, and which he begged us to accept. A most remarkable production it was, as I found when I read it! ___ the Pope, Antonelli, and Lamorciere, being brought in by name, and made to take part in a plot of atrocious and not very readable wickedness.'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell
Cockburn : [pamphlet]
'I read a pamphlet of Cockburn's; rather good'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith
Walter Scott : The Fortunes of Nigel
'Many thanks for Nigel; a far better novel than The Pirate, though not of the highest order of Scott's novels. It is the first novel in which there is no Meg Merrilies. There is, however, a Dominie Sampson in the horologer. The first volume is admirable. Nothing can be better than the apprentices, the shop of old Heriot, the state of the city. James is quite excellent wherever he appears. I do not dislike Alsatia. The miser?s daughter is very good; so is the murder. The story execrable; the gentlemanlike, light, witty conversation always (as in all his novels) very bad. Horrors on humour are his forte. He must avoid running into length?great part of the second volume very long and tiresome; but upon the whole the novel will do?keeps up the reputation of the author; and does not impair the very noble and honourable estate which he has in his brains'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
John Gibson Lockhart : Some Passages in the Life of Mr Adam Blair Minister of the Gospel at Cross-Meikle
'I think Adam Blair beautifully done?quite beautifully. It is not every lady who confesses she reads it; but if you had been silent upon the subject, or even if you had denied it, you would have done yourself very little good with me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Walter Scott : Peveril of the Peak
'A good novel, but not so good as either of the two last, and not good enough for such a writer. The next must be better or it will be the last. There is I see Flibbertigibbet over again. Bridgenorth is not new, Charles is the best done. My opinion is worth but little but I am always sincere. There is one comfort, however, in reading Scott?s novels, that his worst are better than what are called the successful productions of other persons'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Joseph Blanco White : Doblado's Letters from Spain
'I hope you have read and admired Doblado. To get a Catholic Priest who would turn King's Evidence is a prodigious piece of good luck, but it may damage the Catholic question'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Walter Scott : St Ronan's Well
'Many thanks for St Ronan, by far the best that has appeared for some time,?I mean the best of Sir Walter?s, and therefore, of course, better than all others. Every now and then there is some mistaken and over-charged humour?but much excellent delineation of character,?the story very well told, and the whole very interesting. Lady Binks, the old landlady, and Touchwood are all very good. Mrs Blower particularly so. So are MacTurk and Lady Penelope. I wish he would give his people better names: Sir Bingo Binks is quite ridiculous. I was very glad to find Dryasdust and Meg Merrilies excluded; one was never good, and the other too often good. The curtain should have dropped on finding Clara?s glove. Some of the serious scenes with Clara and her brother are very fine,?the Knife scene masterly. In her light and gay moments Clara is very vulgar; but Sir Walter always fails in well bred men and women,?and yet, who has seen more of both? and who in the ordinary intercourse of Society is better bred? Upon the whole, I call this a very successful exhibition'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Basil Hall : Extracts from a Journal Written on the Coasts of Chile, Peru, and Mexico
'I did not write one syllable of Hall's book. When first he showed me his manuscript, I told him it would not do; it ws too witty and brilliant. He then wrote it over again, and I told him it would do very well indeed; and it [italics] has [end italics] done very well. He is a very painstaking person'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Jacques Peuchet : Memoires de mademoiselle Bertin sur la Reine Marie-Antoinette
'I do not like Madame Bertin, I suspect all such books'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Constantine Henry Phipps, Lord Normanby : Matilda
'Have you read Mathilda? If you have, you will not tell me what you think of it, you are as cautious as Wishaw. I mentioned to Lord Normanby, that it was the book selected as a victim for the next No of the Edinburgh Review, and that my brethren had complimented me with the Knife?Lady Normanby gave a loud shriek.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
George Combe : [probably] A System of Phrenology
'I can make nothing of Craniology, for this reason: [Smith then discusses why he is not convinced by the idea] But to state what are original propensities, and to trace out the family or genealogy of each, is a task requiring great length, patience and metaphysical acuteness; and Combe's book is too respectably done to be taken by storm.' Instead of this I will send you as you seem to be prest the review of [italics] Granby [end italics], a novel of very great merit'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
George Agar-Ellis, Lord Dover : The true history of the state prisoner, Commonly called the Iron Mask
'Pray read Agar Ellis's ' Iron Mask;' not so much for that question [that of old age], though it is not devoid of curiosity, as to remark the horrible atrocities perpetrated under absolute monarchies; and to justify and extol Lord Grey, and, at the humblest distance, Sydney Smith and other men, who, according to their station in life and the different talents given them, have defended liberty.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
William Pitt Scargill [anon.] : Elizabeth Evanshaw
'I have received from you within these few months some very polite and liberal presents of new publications ; and though I was sorry you put yourself to any expense on my account, yet I was flattered by this mark of respect and good-will from gentlemen to whom I am personally unknown. I am quite sure, however, that you overlooked the purpose and tendency of a work called Elizabeth Evanshaw, or that you would not have sent it to a clergyman of the Established Church, or indeed to a clergyman of any church. [Smith then rebukes the publishers at length for producing irreligious books, including a translation of Voltaire, before going on to say that, nevertheless] I shall read all the works and tell you my opinion of them from time to time. I was very much pleased with the "Two Months in Ireland", but did not read the poetical part; the prosaic division of the work is very good'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
[anon.] : Three Months in Ireland. By an English Protestant
'I have received from you within these few months some very polite and liberal presents of new publications ; and though I was sorry you put yourself to any expense on my account, yet I was flattered by this mark of respect and good-will from gentlemen to whom I am personally unknown. I am quite sure, however, that you overlooked the purpose and tendency of a work called Elizabeth Evanshaw, or that you would not have sent it to a clergyman of the Established Church, or indeed to a clergyman of any church. [Smith then rebukes the publishers at length for producing irreligious books, including a translation of Voltaire, before going on to say that, nevertheless] I shall read all the works and tell you my opinion of them from time to time. I was very much pleased with the "Two Months in Ireland", but did not read the poetical part; the prosaic division of the work is very good'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Henry Gally Knight : Foreign and Domestic View of the Catholic Question
'I have read Knight's pamphlet. Pretty good, though I think, if I had seen as much, I could have told my story better'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith
Anne Jean Marie Rene Savary : The Memoirs of the Duke of Rovigo
'I have been reading the Duke of Rovigo - a fool, a Villain, and as dull as it is possible for any book to be about Buonaparte'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Clery : Journal
'You should read Cle
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Clery : Journal
'I am glad you were pleased with Clery. As I have succeeded in one recommendation, I will take the liberty of making another, and advise you to buy Count Rumford's Essays, and to read that in particular which treats of the food of the poor. The amazingly small expence at which they can be fed is really surprising'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: [Mrs] Beach Print: Book
Benjamin Thomson, Count von Rumford : Essays, Political, Economical and Philosophical
'I am glad you were pleased with Clery. As I have succeeded in one recommendation, I will take the liberty of making another, and advise you to buy Count Rumford's Essays, and to read that in particular which treats of the food of the poor. The amazingly small expence at which they can be fed is really surprising'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Thomas Rennel [ed.] : [Sermons]
'Dr Rennel has published two or three Sermons lately which I would advise you to buy: they are written in a style of fine animated declamation. The Bishop of London's have a very high character'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Unknown
Jean-Fran?ois de Galaup de la Perouse : Voyage de la Perouse autour du monde
'You must get La Peyrouse's Voyage - and Vancouver's, and a book just come out on practical education by a Mr Edgeworth - [italics] Edgeworth on Practical Education [end italics] i vol. 4to I believe. It is written conjointly by Father and daughter, and is the result of 20 years reflection and Experiment. I have heard some extracts from it which delighted me very much'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
George Vancouver : A Voyage Of Discovery To The North Pacific Ocean And Round The World In Which The Coast of North-West America Has Been Carefully Examined And Accurately Surveyed. Undertaken by His Majesty's Command
'You must get La Peyrouse's Voyage - and Vancouver's, and a book just come out on practical education by a Mr Edgeworth - [italics] Edgeworth on Practical Education [end italics] i vol. 4to I believe. It is written conjointly by Father and daughter, and is the result of 20 years reflection and Experiment. I have heard some extracts from it which delighted me very much'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Samuel Parr : 'Spital Sermon'
'Read Parr's sermon and tell me how you like it. I think it dull, with occasional passages of Eloquence. His notes are very entertaining. You will find in them a great compliment to my brother'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith
Joshua Reynolds : Lectures
'...Sir Joshua Reynolds's Lectures. Mitford's History of Greece. Orme's History of Hindoostan. Vertot's Revolutions of Portugal and Sweden. Bossuet's Oraisons Funebres, Petit Careme de Massillon. Select Sermons of Dr Barrow. Burke's Settlement of the English Colonies in America. Alison on Taste. The first book, though written on painting, full of all wisdom. The second, a good history. The third, highly entertaining, fourth ditto. The fifth, a splendid example of sound eloquence. The sixth, piety, pure language, fine style. The seventh, lofty eloquence. The eighth, neat and philosophical. The ninth, feeling and eloquence. Here I think is is much wisdom as you can get for eight guineas. But remember to consult your family physician, your mother. I only know the general powers of these medicines; but she will determine their adaptation to your particular constitution'.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
William Mitford : History of Greece
'...Sir Joshua Reynolds's Lectures. Mitford's History of Greece. Orme's History of Hindoostan. Vertot's Revolutions of Portugal and Sweden. Bossuet's Oraisons Funebres, Petit Careme de Massillon. Select Sermons of Dr Barrow. Burke's Settlement of the English Colonies in America. Alison on Taste. The first book, though written on painting, full of all wisdom. The second, a good history. The third, highly entertaining, fourth ditto. The fifth, a splendid example of sound eloquence. The sixth, piety, pure language, fine style. The seventh, lofty eloquence. The eighth, neat and philosophical. The ninth, feeling and eloquence. Here I think is is much wisdom as you can get for eight guineas. But remember to consult your family physician, your mother. I only know the general powers of these medicines; but she will determine their adaptation to your particular
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Robert Orme : History of Hindustan
'...Sir Joshua Reynolds's Lectures. Mitford's History of Greece. Orme's History of Hindoostan. Vertot's Revolutions of Portugal and Sweden. Bossuet's Oraisons Funebres, Petit Careme de Massillon. Select Sermons of Dr Barrow. Burke's Settlement of the English Colonies in America. Alison on Taste. The first book, though written on painting, full of all wisdom. The second, a good history. The third, highly entertaining, fourth ditto. The fifth, a splendid example of sound eloquence. The sixth, piety, pure language, fine style. The seventh, lofty eloquence. The eighth, neat and philosophical. The ninth, feeling and eloquence. Here I think is is much wisdom as you can get for eight guineas. But remember to consult your family physician, your mother. I only know the general powers of these medicines; but she will determine their adaptation to your particular
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Rene Aubert Vertot : Revolutions of Portugal, The
'...Sir Joshua Reynolds's Lectures. Mitford's History of Greece. Orme's History of Hindoostan. Vertot's Revolutions of Portugal and Sweden. Bossuet's Oraisons Funebres, Petit Careme de Massillon. Select Sermons of Dr Barrow. Burke's Settlement of the English Colonies in America. Alison on Taste. The first book, though written on painting, full of all wisdom. The second, a good history. The third, highly entertaining, fourth ditto. The fifth, a splendid example of sound eloquence. The sixth, piety, pure language, fine style. The seventh, lofty eloquence. The eighth, neat and philosophical. The ninth, feeling and eloquence. Here I think is is much wisdom as you can get for eight guineas. But remember to consult your family physician, your mother. I only know the general powers of these medicines; but she will determine their adaptation to your particular
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Rene Aubert Vertot : History of the revolutions in Sweden, occasioned by the change of religion, and alteration of the government in that kingdom
'...Sir Joshua Reynolds's Lectures. Mitford's History of Greece. Orme's History of Hindoostan. Vertot's Revolutions of Portugal and Sweden. Bossuet's Oraisons Funebres, Petit Careme de Massillon. Select Sermons of Dr Barrow. Burke's Settlement of the English Colonies in America. Alison on Taste. The first book, though written on painting, full of all wisdom. The second, a good history. The third, highly entertaining, fourth ditto. The fifth, a splendid example of sound eloquence. The sixth, piety, pure language, fine style. The seventh, lofty eloquence. The eighth, neat and philosophical. The ninth, feeling and eloquence. Here I think is is much wisdom as you can get for eight guineas. But remember to consult your family physician, your mother. I only know the general powers of these medicines; but she will determine their adaptation to your particular
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Jacques Benigne Bossuet : Oraisons Funebres
'...Sir Joshua Reynolds's Lectures. Mitford's History of Greece. Orme's History of Hindoostan. Vertot's Revolutions of Portugal and Sweden. Bossuet's Oraisons Funebres, Petit Careme de Massillon. Select Sermons of Dr Barrow. Burke's Settlement of the English Colonies in America. Alison on Taste. The first book, though written on painting, full of all wisdom. The second, a good history. The third, highly entertaining, fourth ditto. The fifth, a splendid example of sound eloquence. The sixth, piety, pure language, fine style. The seventh, lofty eloquence. The eighth, neat and philosophical. The ninth, feeling and eloquence. Here I think is is much wisdom as you can get for eight guineas. But remember to consult your family physician, your mother. I only know the general powers of these medicines; but she will determine their adaptation to your particular constitution'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Jean Baptiste Massillon : 'Petite Careme'
'...Sir Joshua Reynolds's Lectures. Mitford's History of Greece. Orme's History of Hindoostan. Vertot's Revolutions of Portugal and Sweden. Bossuet's Oraisons Funebres, Petit Careme de Massillon. Select Sermons of Dr Barrow. Burke's Settlement of the English Colonies in America. Alison on Taste. The first book, though written on painting, full of all wisdom. The second, a good history. The third, highly entertaining, fourth ditto. The fifth, a splendid example of sound eloquence. The sixth, piety, pure language, fine style. The seventh, lofty eloquence. The eighth, neat and philosophical. The ninth, feeling and eloquence. Here I think is is much wisdom as you can get for eight guineas. But remember to consult your family physician, your mother. I only know the general powers of these medicines; but she will determine their adaptation to your particular constitution'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Isaac Barrow : [Select Sermons]
'...Sir Joshua Reynolds's Lectures. Mitford's History of Greece. Orme's History of Hindoostan. Vertot's Revolutions of Portugal and Sweden. Bossuet's Oraisons Funebres, Petit Careme de Massillon. Select Sermons of Dr Barrow. Burke's Settlement of the English Colonies in America. Alison on Taste. The first book, though written on painting, full of all wisdom. The second, a good history. The third, highly entertaining, fourth ditto. The fifth, a splendid example of sound eloquence. The sixth, piety, pure language, fine style. The seventh, lofty eloquence. The eighth, neat and philosophical. The ninth, feeling and eloquence. Here I think is is much wisdom as you can get for eight guineas. But remember to consult your family physician, your mother. I only know the general powers of these medicines; but she will determine their adaptation to your particular
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Edmund [??] Barrow : [??] Speech on conciliation with the American colonies
'...Sir Joshua Reynolds's Lectures. Mitford's History of Greece. Orme's History of Hindoostan. Vertot's Revolutions of Portugal and Sweden. Bossuet's Oraisons Funebres, Petit Careme de Massillon. Select Sermons of Dr Barrow. Burke's Settlement of the English Colonies in America. Alison on Taste. The first book, though written on painting, full of all wisdom. The second, a good history. The third, highly entertaining, fourth ditto. The fifth, a splendid example of sound eloquence. The sixth, piety, pure language, fine style. The seventh, lofty eloquence. The eighth, neat and philosophical. The ninth, feeling and eloquence. Here I think is is much wisdom as you can get for eight guineas. But remember to consult your family physician, your mother. I only know the general powers of these medicines; but she will determine their adaptation to your particular constitution'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Unknown
Archibald Alison : Essays on the Nature and Principles of Taste
'...Sir Joshua Reynolds's Lectures. Mitford's History of Greece. Orme's History of Hindoostan. Vertot's Revolutions of Portugal and Sweden. Bossuet's Oraisons Funebres, Petit Careme de Massillon. Select Sermons of Dr Barrow. Burke's Settlement of the English Colonies in America. Alison on Taste. The first book, though written on painting, full of all wisdom. The second, a good history. The third, highly entertaining, fourth ditto. The fifth, a splendid example of sound eloquence. The sixth, piety, pure language, fine style. The seventh, lofty eloquence. The eighth, neat and philosophical. The ninth, feeling and eloquence. Here I think is is much wisdom as you can get for eight guineas. But remember to consult your family physician, your mother. I only know the general powers of these medicines; but she will determine their adaptation to your particular constitution'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Unknown
William Godwin : Political Justice
"I attempt to read a book which attacks my most cherished sentiments as calmly as one which corroborates them. I have not read your writings slightly, I have daily occasion to recur to them, but it has been twenty years since 'Political Justice' was written, and have men ceased to fight, has vice and misery wasted away? No, therefore modification is required."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : Edinburgh Review
'I have as yet read very few articles in the Edinburgh Review, having lent it to a sick countess, who only wished to read it because a few copies only had arrived in London. I like very much the review of Davy, think the review of Espriela much too severe and am extremely vexed by the review of Hoyle's Exodus. The levities it contains will I am sure give very great offence'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Serial / periodical
Mary Berry (ed.) : [Letters of Mme du Deffand to Horace Walpole and to Voltaire]
'I think Miss Berry's introduction of matter so offensive to the living very injudicious and blameable. You may be right perhaps in calling her preface dull and stupid but I doubt it is hypocritical - because I do not think there is any hypocrisy in her'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Edmund Burke : [unknown]
'I have read since I saw you Burke's works, some books of Homer, Suetonius, a great deal of agricultural reading, Godwin's "Enquirer", and a great deal of Adam Smith. As I have scarcely looked at a book for five years, I am rather hungry'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Homer : [unknown]
'I have read since I saw you Burke's works, some books of Homer, Suetonius, a great deal of agricultural reading, Godwin's "Enquirer", and a great deal of Adam Smith. As I have scarcely looked at a book for five years, I am rather hungry'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Suetonius : [unknown]
'I have read since I saw you Burke's works, some books of Homer, Suetonius, a great deal of agricultural reading, Godwin's "Enquirer", and a great deal of Adam Smith. As I have scarcely looked at a book for five years, I am rather hungry'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Adam Smith : [unknown]
'I have read since I saw you Burke's works, some books of Homer, Suetonius, a great deal of agricultural reading, Godwin's "Enquirer", and a great deal of Adam Smith. As I have scarcely looked at a book for five years, I am rather hungry'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
William Godwin : The Inquier: Reflections on Education, Manners and Literature
'I have read since I saw you Burke's works, some books of Homer, Suetonius, a great deal of agricultural reading, Godwin's "Enquirer", and a great deal of Adam Smith. As I have scarcely looked at a book for five years, I am rather hungry'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
John Allen : [article in the Annual Register, 1806]
'I have just been reading Allen's account of your Administration. Very well done, for the cautious and decorous style; but it is really quite shameful that a good stout answer has not been written to your calumniators'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : [The Budget]
'I have read the Budget today and am in low spirits at the provoking prosperity of the country. It is impossible to ruin it in spite of all Brougham can say - and Perceval can do'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Unknown
John Locke : [Works]
'I am reading Locke in my old age never having read him in my youth, a fine satisfactory sort of fellow but very long winded'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
John Ferriar : Essay Towards a Theory of Apparitions
'It was my intention to review Ferriar's "Theory of Apparitions"; but it is such a null, frivolous book, that it is impossible to take any notice of it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Robert Ker Porter : Account of the Last Russian Campaign
'after reading half thro' Porter's "Russian Campaign", I found it to be such an incorrigible mass of folly and stupidity, that nothing could be said of it but what was grossly abusive. I have read the controversy about the Auxiliary Bible Society, and will speedily send you an article upon it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Isaac Milner : [Controversy with Marsh on Auxiliary Bible Society]
'after reading half thro' Porter's "Russian Campaign", I found it to be such an incorrigible mass of folly and stupidity, that nothing could be said of it but what was grossly abusive. I have read the controversy about the Auxiliary Bible Society, and will speedily send you an article upon it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth : Eunice
'I have not read Miss Edgeworth's novel nor have I much opinion of her powers of execution saving and excepting Irish characters. Everything else I have read of hers I thought very indifferent, even her tale called [italics] Eunice [end italics]. If she has put in her novels people who fed her and her odious father she is not trustworthy'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
I. Casaubon (ed.) : Historia Augustana
'Suetonius is finished and S. begins the Historia Augustana'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Bryan Edwards : The history, civil and commercial, of the British Colonies in the West Indies
'S. reads Bryan Edwards History of the West Indies. M. reads Ethwald and eats oranges - in the evening Shelley reads aloud the view of the French Revolution for a short time'. [text as far as Ethwald in PBS' hand, thereafter MG]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Mary Wollstonecraft : An Historical and Moral View of the origin and progress of the French Revolution
'S. reads Bryan Edwards History of the West Indies. M. reads Ethwald and eats oranges - in the evening Shelley reads aloud the View of the French Revolution for a short time'. [text as far as Ethwald in PBS' hand, thereafter MG]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : 'France: An Ode' [from] Fears in Solitude
'S reads Ode to France aloud and repeats the poem to tranquility'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Livy : [unknown]
'S. reads Livy - talk - in the evening S. read[s] Paradise Regained alloud and then goes to sleep'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Regained
'S. reads Livy - talk - in the evening S. read[s] Paradise Regained alloud and then goes to sleep'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'Shelley reads Gibbon alloud to me'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Livy : [unknown]
'read Gibbon (end of I vol) S. reads Livy'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Holroyd, Lord Sheffield (ed.) : Miscelaneous Works of Edward Gibbon Esquire, with memoirs of his life and writings composed by himself
'talk with Hogg - and read Gibbon but very little (30) in the evening work & S reads Gibbons memoirs aloud'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Holroyd, Lord Sheffield (ed.) : Miscelaneous Works of Edward Gibbon Esquire, with memoirs of his life and writings composed by himself
'S reads Gibbon aloud to me (160) - Weeks calls - Hogg comes - work - S reads Gibbons memoirs aloud'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'S reads Gibbon aloud to me (160) - Weeks calls - Hogg comes - work - S reads Gibbons memoirs aloud'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Euripides : [unknown]
[italics]'Euripides qto edition - Aeschylus - Sophocles'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Aeschylus : [unknown]
[italics]'Euripides qto edition - Aeschylus - Sophocles'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Sophocles : [unknown]
[italics]'Euripides qto edition - Aeschylus - Sophocles'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Livy : History of Rome
[italics] 'In the evening read Livy - p.385 2nd vol. - 1/2 1200p in 17 days desultory reading.' [end italics]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Livy : History of Rome
[italics] 'at night read Livy 385.450. - Seneca'. [end italics]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Seneca : [unknown]
[italics] 'at night read Livy 385.450. - Seneca'. [end italics]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Virgil : Georgics
[italics] 'The Maie 3th vol. of Gibbon 607. Virgils Georgics'. [end italics]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Livy : History of Rome
[italics] 'S. remains at home. reads Livy - [scored out] p.532 2d vol. [end scored out] Maie reads very little of Gibbon - We read and are delighted with Lara - the finest of Lord B's poems. S. reads Lara aloud in the evening. [end italics]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Lara: a tale
[italics] 'S. remains at home. reads Livy - [scored out] p.532 2d vol. [end scored out] Maie reads very little of Gibbon - We read and are delighted with Lara - the finest of Lord B's poems. S. reads Lara aloud in the evening. [end italics]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Livy : History of Rome
[italics]'S. Livy p.532 - Cumis, (adeo minimis etiam rebum prava religio inserit Deos) mures in aede Jovis aurum rosisse 556. 2 vol. Maie says that if we had met the Emperor Julian in private life he would have appeared a very ordinary man The fables of Aesop in Greek. - Boethius consolation of philosophy - how in the reign of Theodoric [underlined] a Christian? [end underlining] gr - Lord Bacon's works - Gibbon likes Boethius - [end italics] Mary reads Gibbon (100).' [italic text is by PBS, non-italic by MG]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Aesop : Fables
[italics]'S. Livy p.532 - Cumis, (adeo minimis etiam rebum prava religio inserit Deos) mures in aede Jovis aurum rosisse 556. 2 vol. Maie says that if we had met the Emperor Julian in private life he would have appeared a very ordinary man The fables of Aesop in Greek. - Boethius consolation of philosophy - how in the reign of Theodoric [underlined] a Christian? [end underlining] gr - Lord Bacon's works - Gibbon likes Boethius - [end italics] Mary reads Gibbon (100).' [italic text is by PBS, non-italic by MG]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Boethius : De Consolatione Philosophiae
[italics]'S. Livy p.532 - Cumis, (adeo minimis etiam rebum prava religio inserit Deos) mures in aede Jovis aurum rosisse 556. 2 vol. Maie says that if we had met the Emperor Julian in private life he would have appeared a very ordinary man The fables of Aesop in Greek. - Boethius consolation of philosophy - how in the reign of Theodoric [underlined] a Christian? [end underlining] gr - Lord Bacon's works - Gibbon likes Boethius - [end italics] Mary reads Gibbon (100).' [italic text is by PBS, non-italic by MG]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francis Bacon : [Works]
[italics]'S. Livy p.532 - Cumis, (adeo minimis etiam rebum prava religio inserit Deos) mures in aede Jovis aurum rosisse 556. 2 vol. Maie says that if we had met the Emperor Julian in private life he would have appeared a very ordinary man The fables of Aesop in Greek. - Boethius consolation of philosophy - how in the reign of Theodoric [underlined] a Christian? [end underlining] gr - Lord Bacon's works - Gibbon likes Boethius - [end italics] Mary reads Gibbon (100).' [italic text is by PBS, non-italic by MG]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Livy : History of Rome
[italics]'S. finishes the 2d vol of Livy 1657 page... S. unwell and exhausted' [end italics]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Godwin : Life of Geoffrey Chaucer the early English poet, including memoirs of John of Gaunt
'read talk and nurse - S reads the life of Chauser'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Godwin : Life of Geoffrey Chaucer the early English poet, including memoirs of John of Gaunt
'S finishes the life of Chauser'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
unknown : Cassell's Illustrated Family Paper
'Noona seems to have a very interesting story in his bound up Cassell's Paper and I think we have one of them in our own.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
: Punch
'.. there is a picture in Punch and it is a man beating a great many drums ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
: Punch
'And I saw a Punch which I thought I would like so much....there was one queer picture in Mr Punch which I must tell you about'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
R M Ballantyne : Martin Rattler or a Boy's Adventures in the Forests of Brazil
'I have got the book from Mrs Bell it is Martin Rattler.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Ovid : unknown
'I am getting on very well with Ovid.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Traditional Ballad : Shan Van Voght
'Oh my vessel's on the say says the shan van voght And I do not know what to say says the shan van voght.'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
Benjamin Disraeil : Alroy: a Romance
'Have you ever read Alroy by Disraeli?' [includes quotations from Alroy].
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Alexandre Dumas : Le Vicomte de Bragelonne
'I have read Bragelonne'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Thomas Babington Macaulay : History of England
'At present I am going for Macaulay's History and no novels at all.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
: Good Words
'There is a nice little bit of poetry about that in an old number of Good Words.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Harrison Ainsworth : Jack Sheppard
.'.. poor old Jack Sheppard. I doubt not Ainsworth meant to be moral.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
: Broadway
'Have you seen anything of the Broadway: I rather like it.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
?Robert ?Wodrow : [MSS in the Advocates' Library]
'I spent most of yesterday in the Advocates' Library and got about half way through the catalogue.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Unknown
Henry Kingsley : Mademoiselle Mathilde
'Do you know Henry Kingsley. Read Mademoiselle Mathilde by him, now coming out in the Gentleman's Magazine ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Algernon Charles Swinburne : Poems and Ballads [first series]
'I suppose Poems and Ballads will stand in the way of a Laureateship.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Alfred, Lord Tennyson : '1865-1866'
'... such cursed nonsense as the last thing in Good Words. Oh! Alfred Tennyson! Alfred Tennyson, oh!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Alfred Tennyson : The Lotus Eaters/St Simeon Stylites
'By the way what awful trash Tennyson's serial poetry is just now. To think of the man who wrote the 'Lotus Eaters' 'St Simeon Stylites' et caetera.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Horace : Book II Ode III
'I send you three translations of a bit of Horace, in order to hear what you think of the last measure.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Thomas Babington Macaulay : The History of England
'All the reading up is Macaulay, p.530 to 535 and then p. 616 to 630'. [The context of the reference suggests the text is Macaulay's History of England. RLS has been referring to pages 530-535, and 616-630 in his research for the play he is writing entitled Monmouth.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow : The Golden Legend
"Can you find and send to me the last lines of Longfellow's Golden legend, beginning 'It is Lucifer, son of the air,' and so on. 'Since God put him there, he is God's minister for some good end.'"
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel : unknown
'Hegel must either be frightfully clever, or a most egregious ass: I incline to the latter position.'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Wodrow : The History of the Suffrings of the Church of Scotland from the Restoration to the Revolution
'It contains more detailed accounts than anything I ever saw, except Wodrow ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
George Herbert : The Temple: The Church Porch xxii
'I have been reading a good deal of Herbert ... "Carve or discourse; do not famine fear, Who carves is kind to two, who talks to all."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Wilkie Collins : The Moonstone
The Moonstone is frightfully interesting; isn't the detective prime?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
: Bible
"Do you think Job's birthday was the 29th of February 'As for that night let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined to the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.' [....] 'Where wast though when I laid the foundations of the earth? ... Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?' And so on to the end:'Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty answer him? He that reproveth God, let him answer it.'"
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
John Black (trans.) : Memoirs of Goldoni (the celebrated Italian Dramatist) written by himself
'Hogg reads the life of Goldoni aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jefferson Hogg Print: Book
Thomas Browne : Religio Medici
'Shelley reads Religio Medici aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'in the evening Hogg reads Gibbon to me (393)'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jefferson Hogg Print: Book
William Godwin : Life of Geoffrey Chaucer the early English poet
'[italics to indicate Shelley's hand] S. has read the life of Chaucer - Ochley's History of the Saracens. Mad. du Stael sur la litteratur - to page 113. of the third Vol. of Livy. [end italics]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Simon Ockley : The Conquest of Syria, Persia and Aegypt, by the Saracens
'[italics to indicate Shelley's hand] S. has read the life of Chaucer - Ochley's History of the Saracens. Mad. du Stael sur la litteratur - to page 113. of the third Vol. of Livy. [end italics]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Anne Louise Germaine de (Madame de) Stael : De la Litterature consideree dans ses rapports avec les institutions sociales
'[italics to indicate Shelley's hand] S. has read the life of Chaucer - Ochley's History of the Saracens. Mad. du Stael sur la litteratur - to page 113. of the third Vol. of Livy. [end italics]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Livy : Ad Urbe Condita [probably]
'[italics to indicate Shelley's hand] S. has read the life of Chaucer - Ochley's History of the Saracens. Mad. du Stael sur la litteratur - to page 113. of the third Vol. of Livy. [end italics]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'Hogg reads Gibbon to me - go to Bullocks Museum - see the birds - return at 4 - work and H reads Gibbon aloud (finish 4 volume)'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jefferson Hogg Print: Book
Livy : Ad Urbe Condita
'Shelley reads Livy - he has arrived at vol 3 - Page 307'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Livy : Ad Urbe Condita
Shelley reads Livy and then reads Gibbon with me till dinner'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Livy : Ad Urbe Condita
'[italics to indicate Shelley's hand] Easter Monday. Maie finished the 5th vol. of Gibbon [...] In the evening read - S finishes Livy (p920 vol 3.) & 1/2 past 12 at night'.[end italics] [& a mistake for at??]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Walter Scott : Rokeby; a poem
'read man as he is - Hogg comes and reads Rokeby to me'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jefferson Hogg Print: Book
[unknown] : [work in Italian]
'after dinner read l'esprit des nations 132 Shelley read[s] Italian - read 15 lines of Ovids metamo[r]phosis with Hogg - [italics to indicate Shelley's hand] The Assassins - Gibbon Chap. LXIV - all that can be known of the assassins is to be found in Memoires of the Acad[e]my of Inscriptions tom. xvii p127-170'.[end italics]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Unknown
Edward Gibbon : History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'after dinner read l'esprit des nations 132 Shelley read[s] Italian - read 15 lines of Ovids metamo[r]phosis with Hogg - [italics to indicate Shelley's hand] The Assassins - Gibbon Chap. LXIV - all that can be known of the assassins is to be found in Memoires of the Acad[e]my of Inscriptions tom. xvii p127-170'.[end italics]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Ovid : Metamorphoses - story of Myrrha
'read Ovid with Hogg (fin. 2nd fable). Shelley reads Gibbon and pastor fido with Clary - in the evening read Esprit des Nations (72). S. reads Pastor Fido (102) and Gibbon (vol 12 - 364) and the story of Myrrha in Ovid'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'[italics to denote Shelley's hand] Mary reads the 3rd fable of ovid. S & Clare read Pastor Fido. S. Reads Gibbon - (To recollect the life of Rienzi - Fortifiocca)[end italics]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Lodovico Ariosto : Orlando Furioso
'read a scene or two out of "As You Like It" - go upstairs to talk with Shelley - Read Ovid (54 lines only) Shelley finishes the 3d canto of Ariosto'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Ovid : Metamorphoses (vii)
'[italics to denote Shelley's hand] S. reads Ovid - Medea and the description of the Plague - After tea M. reads Ovid 90 lines - S & C. read Ariosto - 7th Canto. M. reads Voltaire p. 126.'[end italics]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Voltaire [pseud.] : Le Micromegas de M. de Voltaire, avec une histoire des croisades & un nouveau plan de l'histoire de l'esprit humain
'Shelley reads Voltaire Essai sur des Nations'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Miguel de Cervantes : Don Quixote
'Jefferson reads Don Quixote - C. reads Gibbon - S. finishes the 17th canto of Orlando Furioso - Read Voltaire's Essay on Nations'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Jefferson Hogg Print: Book
Ludovico Ariosto : Orlando Furioso
'Jefferson reads Don Quixote - C. reads Gibbon - S. finishes the 17th canto of Orlando Furioso - Read Voltaire's Essay on Nations'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Seneca : [unknown]
'Construe ovid (117) & read a some cantos of Spenser - Shelley reads Seneca'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Seneca : [unknown]
'Read Spenser (End of 9th canto) Shelley reads Seneca (143)'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Seneca : [unknown]
'construe ovid - after dinner construe Ovid 100 lines - Finish 11 book of Spenser and read 2 Canto's of the third - Shelley reads seneca every day & all day (308)'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Mary Wollstonecraft : Mary: a Fiction
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1814 - since all these titles are mentioned in journal entries, they are not given separate database entries from this source] 'Mary. Those marked x. S. [Percy Bysshe Shelley] has read also xLetters from Norway x Mary, A Fiction. x Wordsworth's Excursion. x. Madoc. by Southey. 2 vol x Curse of Kehama. x Sorcerer. a novel. x Political Justice. 2 x The Monk - by Lewis - 4 x Thaliba 2 x The Empire of the Nairs 4 x Queen Mab x St Godwin x Wrongs of Women 2 x Caleb Williams 3 x Zadig x Life of Alfieri, by himself 2 x Essay on Sepulchres x Louvet's Memoirs Carnot's Memorial x Lives of the Revolutionists by Adolphus 2 x Edgar Huntley. x Peregrine Proteus. x The Italian. x Prince Alexy Haimatoff. Philip Stanley. by Brown x Miss Bailly's plays x Moores Journal x Agathon x Mungo Park's Travels in Africa. 1st part x Barrow's Embassy to China Milton's letter to Mr Hartlib Emilia Galotti. x Bryan Edwards hist. of the W. Indies x View of the French Revolution by M.W.G. x Candide x Kirke White. 62 volumes'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Petronius : unknown
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1814: all the titles have database entries based on journal entries about reading them] Diogenes Laertius Cicero - Colectanea. Petronius Suetonius Barrow's Embassy to China Mungo Park's travels. 60 vol'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Moliere [pseud.] : Les Precieuses Ridicules
[Betsey]:'The gazettes from France were read this evening there was nothing remarquable in them. We began again "Les Precieuses Ridicules" but had no time to for supper was called'. [Eugenia]: 'In the evening the Paris papers were read I did not give them any attention then we began to reread for Madame de Bombelles "Les Precieuses Ridicules" which was interrupted by supper'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wynne Print: Book
William Wordsworth : [Poems]
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : The Faerie Queene
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Godwin : The Lives of Edward and John Philips, nephews and pupils of Milton
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Charles James Fox, Lord Holland : A history of the early part of the reign of James the Second
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Robert Paltock : Life and Adventures of Peter Wilkins, a Cornish Man
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Robert Southey [anon.] : Letters from England; by Don Manuel Alvarez Espriella . . . Translated from the Spanish
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[anon.] : Memoirs of Lady Hamilton; With Illustrative Anecdotes of Many of her Friends and Distinguished Contemporaries
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Beckford : Vathek
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
August von Kotzebue : Das merkw?rdigste Jahr meines Lebens
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : Tale of a Tub, A. Written for the Universal Improvement of Mankind
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Areopagitica: a Speech of Mr John Milton for the Liberty of Unlicenc'd Printing, to the Parliament of England
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : New Testament, The
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise x The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : [Poems]
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament x Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
James Thomson : Castle of Indolence, The
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Regained
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Lycidas
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [Plays]
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon x Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser [sic] Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edmund Burke [anon.] : A Vindication of Natural Society . . . In a letter to Lord ****
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Sallust :
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Eugene Labaume : Relation circonstanci?e de la campagne de Russie
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Voltaire [pseud.] : Histoire de Charles XII, Roi de Suede
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1815. Only those titles not mentioned in journal entries are given separate database entries. xs denote books also read by Percy Shelley - again, only those not mentioned in journal entries are indicated separately in the database] 'Posthumous Works. 3. Sorrows of Werter Don Roderick - by Southey Gibbons Decline & fall. x Paradise Regained x Gibbons Life and Letters - 1st edition 2 x Lara New Arabian Nights 3 Corinna Fall of the Jesuits Rinaldo Rinaldini Fo[n]tenelle's Plurality of the Worlds Hermsprong Le diable boiteux Man as he is. Rokeby. Ovid's Metamo[r]phoses in Latin x Wordsworth's Poems x Spenser's Fairy Queen x Life of the Philipps x Fox's History of James II The Reflector Wieland. Fleetwood Don Carlos x Peter Wilkins Rousseau's Confessions. x Espriella's Letters from England Lenora - a poem Emile x Milton's Paradise Lost X Life of Lady Hamilton De l'Alemagne - by Made de Stael 3 vols. of Barruel x Caliph Vathek Nouvelle Heloise x Kotzebue's account of his banishment to Siberia. Waverly Clarissa Harlowe Robertson's Hist. of america x Virgil xTale of Tub. x Milton's speech on Unlicensed printing x Curse of Kehama x Madoc La Bible Expliquee Lives of Abelard and Heloise The New Testament Coleridge's Poems. 1st vol. Syteme de la Nature x Castle of Indolence Chattertons Poems. x Paradise Regained Don Carlos. x Lycidas. x St Leon Shakespeare's Play. Part of which Shelley reads aloud Burkes account of civil society x Excursion Pope's Homer's Illiad x Sallust Micromegas x Life of Chauser Canterbury Tales Peruvian letters. Voyages round the World Pluarch's lives. x 2 vols of Gibbon Ormond Hugh Trevor x Labaume's Hist. of the Russian War Lewis's tales Castle of Udolpho Guy Mannering Charles XII by Voltaire Tales of the East'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Torquato Tasso : Gerusalemme Liberata
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1815, compiled by Mary Shelley. Only texts not referred to in journal entries are given separate database entries here] 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Torquato Tasso : Aminta
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1815, compiled by Mary Shelley. Only texts not referred to in journal entries are given separate database entries here] 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Jean-Jacques Rousseau : Les Confessions; suivies de R?veries du promeneur solitaire
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1815, compiled by Mary Shelley. Only texts not referred to in journal entries are given separate database entries here] 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Hesiod : Works and Days
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1815, compiled by Mary Shelley. Only texts not referred to in journal entries are given separate database entries here] 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plutarch :
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1815, compiled by Mary Shelley. Only texts not referred to in journal entries are given separate database entries here] 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francis Bacon : Novum Organum
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1815, compiled by Mary Shelley. Only texts not referred to in journal entries are given separate database entries here] 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Vittorio Alfieri : [Tragedies]
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1815, compiled by Mary Shelley. Only texts not referred to in journal entries are given separate database entries here] 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Theocritus : [unknown]
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1815, compiled by Mary Shelley. Only texts not referred to in journal entries are given separate database entries here] 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
James MacPherson : The Works of Ossian, the son of Fingal, translated from the Gaelic Language by James MacPherson
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1815, compiled by Mary Shelley. Only texts not referred to in journal entries are given separate database entries here] 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Herodotus : [unknown]
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1815, compiled by Mary Shelley. Only texts not referred to in journal entries are given separate database entries here] 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Thucydides : [probably History of the Peloponnesian War]
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1815, compiled by Mary Shelley. Only texts not referred to in journal entries are given separate database entries here] 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Homer : [Iliad / Odyssey]
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1815, compiled by Mary Shelley. Only texts not referred to in journal entries are given separate database entries here] 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Locke : Essay Concerning Human Understanding, An
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1815, compiled by Mary Shelley. Only texts not referred to in journal entries are given separate database entries here] 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Jean Antoine de Cerceau : Conjuration de Nicholas Gabrini, dit de Rienzi, tyran de Rome en 1347
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1815, compiled by Mary Shelley. Only texts not referred to in journal entries are given separate database entries here] 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Louis Maimbourg : Histoire de l'arianisme depuis sa naissance, jusqu'a sa fin, avec l'origine et le progres de l'heresie des sociniens
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1815, compiled by Mary Shelley. Only texts not referred to in journal entries are given separate database entries here] 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Childe Harold's Pilgrimage: A Romaunt
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1816. The diary from May 1815-July 1816 is lost, so this list is our only record for Mary's reading in early 1816. Later in the year texts are referred to in diary entries so as far as possible these works are not given separate database references based on this list. An x marks the fact that Percy Shelley read the book too.] x Moritz' tour in England Tales of the Minstrels x Park's Journal of a Journey in Africa Peregrine Proteus x Siege of Corinth & Parasina. 4 vols. of Clarendon's History x Modern Philosophers opinions of Various writers on the punishment of death by B. Montagu Erskines speeches x Caleb Williams x 3rd Canto of Childe Harold Schiller's arminian Lady Craven's Leters Caliste Nouvelle nouvelles Romans de Voltaire Reveries d'un Solitaire de Rousseau Adele et Theodore x Lettres Persannes de Montesquieu Tableau de Famille Le vieux de la Montagne x Conjuration de Rienzi Walther par La Fontaine Les voeux temeraires Herman d'Una Nouveaux nouvelles de Mad. de Genlis x Christabel Caroline de Litchfield x Bertram x Le Criminel se[c]ret Vancenza by Mrs Robinson Antiquary x Edinburgh Review num. LII Chrononhotonthologus x Fazio Love and Madness Memoirs of Princess of Bareith x Letters of Emile The latter part of Clarissa Harlowe Clarendons History of the Civil War x Life of Holcroft x Glenarvon Patronage The Milesian Chief. O'Donnel x Don Quixote x Vita Alexandri - Quintii Curtii Conspiration de Rienzi Introduction to Davy's Chemistry Les Incas de Marmontel Bryan Perdue Sir C. Grandison x Castle Rackrent x Gulliver's Travels x Paradise Lost x Pamela x 3 vol of Gibbon 1 book of Locke's Essay Some of Horace's odes x Edinburgh Review L.III Rights of Women De senectute by Cicero 2 vols of Lord Chesterfield's leters to his son x Story of Rimini' 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Godwin : Things as they are; or, the Adventures of Caleb Williams
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1816. The diary from May 1815-July 1816 is lost, so this list is our only record for Mary's reading in early 1816. Later in the year texts are referred to in diary entries so as far as possible these works are not given separate database references based on this list. An x marks the fact that Percy Shelley read the book too.] x Moritz' tour in England Tales of the Minstrels x Park's Journal of a Journey in Africa Peregrine Proteus x Siege of Corinth & Parasina. 4 vols. of Clarendon's History x Modern Philosophers opinions of Various writers on the punishment of death by B. Montagu Erskines speeches x Caleb Williams x 3rd Canto of Childe Harold Schiller's arminian Lady Craven's Leters Caliste Nouvelle nouvelles Romans de Voltaire Reveries d'un Solitaire de Rousseau Adele et Theodore x Lettres Persannes de Montesquieu Tableau de Famille Le vieux de la Montagne x Conjuration de Rienzi Walther par La Fontaine Les voeux temeraires Herman d'Una Nouveaux nouvelles de Mad. de Genlis x Christabel Caroline de Litchfield x Bertram x Le Criminel se[c]ret Vancenza by Mrs Robinson Antiquary x Edinburgh Review num. LII Chrononhotonthologus x Fazio Love and Madness Memoirs of Princess of Bareith x Letters of Emile The latter part of Clarissa Harlowe Clarendons History of the Civil War x Life of Holcroft x Glenarvon Patronage The Milesian Chief. O'Donnel x Don Quixote x Vita Alexandri - Quintii Curtii Conspiration de Rienzi Introduction to Davy's Chemistry Les Incas de Marmontel Bryan Perdue Sir C. Grandison x Castle Rackrent x Gulliver's Travels x Paradise Lost x Pamela x 3 vol of Gibbon 1 book of Locke's Essay Some of Horace's odes x Edinburgh Review L.III Rights of Women De senectute by Cicero 2 vols of Lord Chesterfield's leters to his son x Story of Rimini' 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Elizabeth Hamilton : Memoirs of Modern Philosophers
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1816. The diary from May 1815-July 1816 is lost, so this list is our only record for Mary's reading in early 1816. Later in the year texts are referred to in diary entries so as far as possible these works are not given separate database references based on this list. An x marks the fact that Percy Shelley read the book too.] x Moritz' tour in England Tales of the Minstrels x Park's Journal of a Journey in Africa Peregrine Proteus x Siege of Corinth & Parasina. 4 vols. of Clarendon's History x Modern Philosophers opinions of Various writers on the punishment of death by B. Montagu Erskines speeches x Caleb Williams x 3rd Canto of Childe Harold Schiller's arminian Lady Craven's Leters Caliste Nouvelle nouvelles Romans de Voltaire Reveries d'un Solitaire de Rousseau Adele et Theodore x Lettres Persannes de Montesquieu Tableau de Famille Le vieux de la Montagne x Conjuration de Rienzi Walther par La Fontaine Les voeux temeraires Herman d'Una Nouveaux nouvelles de Mad. de Genlis x Christabel Caroline de Litchfield x Bertram x Le Criminel se[c]ret Vancenza by Mrs Robinson Antiquary x Edinburgh Review num. LII Chrononhotonthologus x Fazio Love and Madness Memoirs of Princess of Bareith x Letters of Emile The latter part of Clarissa Harlowe Clarendons History of the Civil War x Life of Holcroft x Glenarvon Patronage The Milesian Chief. O'Donnel x Don Quixote x Vita Alexandri - Quintii Curtii Conspiration de Rienzi Introduction to Davy's Chemistry Les Incas de Marmontel Bryan Perdue Sir C. Grandison x Castle Rackrent x Gulliver's Travels x Paradise Lost x Pamela x 3 vol of Gibbon 1 book of Locke's Essay Some of Horace's odes x Edinburgh Review L.III Rights of Women De senectute by Cicero 2 vols of Lord Chesterfield's leters to his son x Story of Rimini' 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : The Siege of Corinth: a poem; Parisina: a poem
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1816. The diary from May 1815-July 1816 is lost, so this list is our only record for Mary's reading in early 1816. Later in the year texts are referred to in diary entries so as far as possible these works are not given separate database references based on this list. An x marks the fact that Percy Shelley read the book too.] x Moritz' tour in England Tales of the Minstrels x Park's Journal of a Journey in Africa Peregrine Proteus x Siege of Corinth & Parasina. 4 vols. of Clarendon's History x Modern Philosophers opinions of Various writers on the punishment of death by B. Montagu Erskines speeches x Caleb Williams x 3rd Canto of Childe Harold Schiller's arminian Lady Craven's Leters Caliste Nouvelle nouvelles Romans de Voltaire Reveries d'un Solitaire de Rousseau Adele et Theodore x Lettres Persannes de Montesquieu Tableau de Famille Le vieux de la Montagne x Conjuration de Rienzi Walther par La Fontaine Les voeux temeraires Herman d'Una Nouveaux nouvelles de Mad. de Genlis x Christabel Caroline de Litchfield x Bertram x Le Criminel se[c]ret Vancenza by Mrs Robinson Antiquary x Edinburgh Review num. LII Chrononhotonthologus x Fazio Love and Madness Memoirs of Princess of Bareith x Letters of Emile The latter part of Clarissa Harlowe Clarendons History of the Civil War x Life of Holcroft x Glenarvon Patronage The Milesian Chief. O'Donnel x Don Quixote x Vita Alexandri - Quintii Curtii Conspiration de Rienzi Introduction to Davy's Chemistry Les Incas de Marmontel Bryan Perdue Sir C. Grandison x Castle Rackrent x Gulliver's Travels x Paradise Lost x Pamela x 3 vol of Gibbon 1 book of Locke's Essay Some of Horace's odes x Edinburgh Review L.III Rights of Women De senectute by Cicero 2 vols of Lord Chesterfield's leters to his son x Story of Rimini' 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Carl Philipp Moritz : Reisen eines Deutschen in England im Jahr 1782
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1816. The diary from May 1815-July 1816 is lost, so this list is our only record for Mary's reading in early 1816. Later in the year texts are referred to in diary entries so as far as possible these works are not given separate database references based on this list. An x marks the fact that Percy Shelley read the book too.] x Moritz' tour in England Tales of the Minstrels x Park's Journal of a Journey in Africa Peregrine Proteus x Siege of Corinth & Parasina. 4 vols. of Clarendon's History x Modern Philosophers opinions of Various writers on the punishment of death by B. Montagu Erskines speeches x Caleb Williams x 3rd Canto of Childe Harold Schiller's arminian Lady Craven's Leters Caliste Nouvelle nouvelles Romans de Voltaire Reveries d'un Solitaire de Rousseau Adele et Theodore x Lettres Persannes de Montesquieu Tableau de Famille Le vieux de la Montagne x Conjuration de Rienzi Walther par La Fontaine Les voeux temeraires Herman d'Una Nouveaux nouvelles de Mad. de Genlis x Christabel Caroline de Litchfield x Bertram x Le Criminel se[c]ret Vancenza by Mrs Robinson Antiquary x Edinburgh Review num. LII Chrononhotonthologus x Fazio Love and Madness Memoirs of Princess of Bareith x Letters of Emile The latter part of Clarissa Harlowe Clarendons History of the Civil War x Life of Holcroft x Glenarvon Patronage The Milesian Chief. O'Donnel x Don Quixote x Vita Alexandri - Quintii Curtii Conspiration de Rienzi Introduction to Davy's Chemistry Les Incas de Marmontel Bryan Perdue Sir C. Grandison x Castle Rackrent x Gulliver's Travels x Paradise Lost x Pamela x 3 vol of Gibbon 1 book of Locke's Essay Some of Horace's odes x Edinburgh Review L.III Rights of Women De senectute by Cicero 2 vols of Lord Chesterfield's leters to his son x Story of Rimini' 'Pastor Fido Orlando Furioso Livy's History Seneca's Works Tasso's Girusalame Liberata Tassos Aminta 2 vols of Plutarch in Italian Some of the plays of Euripedes Seneca's Tragedies Reveries of Rousseau Hesiod Novum Organum Alfieri's Tragedies Theocritus Ossian Herodotus Thucydides Homer Locke on the Human Understanding Conspiration de Rienzi History of arianism Ochley's History of the Saracens Mad. de Stael sur la literature'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Jean Jacques Rousseau : Julie; ou, La Nouvelle Heloise
[italics to indicate PB Shelley's hand] 'In the evening I walk alone a long way by the lake. Read Julie all day [end italics]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Lucretius : de Rerum Natura
'I read Voltaires Romans. S. reads Lucretius ... talks with Clare'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Lucretius : de Rerum Natura
'Write - read Voltaire and Quintus Curtius - a rainy day with thunder and lightning - Shelley finishes Lucretius and reads Pliny's letters'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pliny : [letters]
'Write - read Voltaire and Quintus Curtius - a rainy day with thunder and lightning - Shelley finishes Lucretius and reads Pliny's letters'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pliny : [letters]
'Read Quintius Curtius - Shelley reads Pliny's letters'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pliny : [Letters]
'Read twelve page[s] of Curt. write - & read the reveries of Rousseau - S. reads Pliny's Letters'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pliny : [Letters]
'I read Reveries and Adele & Teodore de Mad.me de Genlis & Shelley reads Pliny's letters'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pliny : [Letters]
'Shelley's 24th birthday. Write read [underlined] tableau de famille [end underlining] - go out with Shelley in the boat & read aloud to him the fourth book of Virgil - after dinner we go up to Diodati but return soon - I read Curt. with Shelley and finish the 1st vol. after which we go out in the boat to set up the baloon but there is too much wind. We set it up from the land but it takes fire as soon as it is up - I finish the Reveries of Rousseau. Shelley reads and finishes Pliny's letters. & begins the panegyric of Trajan'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Gaius Plinius Secundus : Panegyricus
'Shelley's 24th birthday. Write read [underlined] tableau de famille [end underlining] - go out with Shelley in the boat & read aloud to him the fourth book of Virgil - after dinner we go up to Diodati but return soon - I read Curt. with Shelley and finish the 1st vol. after which we go out in the boat to set up the baloon but there is too much wind. We set it up from the land but it takes fire as soon as it is up - I finish the Reveries of Rousseau. Shelley reads and finishes Pliny's letters. & begins the panegyric of Trajan'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Gaius Plinius Secundus : Panegyricus
'Finish the 2nd vol. of Adele - write - read Curt. In the evening we go up to Diodati - Shelley finishes the Panegyric of Trajan and begins Tacitus'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Tacitus : Annales
'Finish the 2nd vol. of Adele - write - read Curt. In the evening we go up to Diodati - Shelley finishes the Panegyric of Trajan and begins Tacitus'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Tacitus : Annales
'Read Curt. out in the boat with Shelley who reads Tacitus - translate and in the evening read Adele & Theodore'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Tacitus : Annales
'Shelley reads Tacitus and I read Curt.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Tacitus : Annales
'Write and finish Walther - In the evening I go out in the boat with Shelley - and he afterwards goes up to Diodati - begin one of Madame de Genlis novels - Shelley finishes Tacitus'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
: Bible
Marginal notes in a seventeenth-century Bible by three males, presumably brothers and probably children. The notes are scattered throughout the book and consist mainly of handwriting practice. However, the three boys also identify themselves and demonstrate some interaction with the text of the book: 1. Frontispiece and page facing frontispiece: Richard Solly signs his name and writes 'Richard Solly his Book' 2. Frontispiece: Brother Michael Solly writes 'Michael Solly, not his Book' and proceeds to puncture the pages to form the shape of his initials 3. Page facing preface: Stephen (spelt also Stiven) Solly signs his name and writes 'Stephen Solly was born the 15 day of June and was Baptised the 19 day in the year 1706'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Stephen Solly Print: Book
Sinclair Lewis : Dodsworth
'The book which I had ordered had arrived and gives me the same exciting feeling when I glance into it - I have told you before how I want you to read ?Dodsworth?, and now you will be able to as I am sending it to you ? I daren?t get too enthusiastic about it in case you don?t like it. ???. I have been reading ?Mutiny on the Bounty?, but it seems tame after the film. ?? . I now have two books to read out of the library, ?Daughter to Philip? by Beatrice Kean Seymour, and ?Jake?, by Naomi Royde-Smith, which I have heard about somewhere, and is I think the story of a musician.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Lesley Edna Moore Print: Book
Plutarch : [unknown]
'Shelley reads Plutarch in Greek - Lord B - comes down & stays here an hour - I read a novel in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[John] Milton : [unknown]
'finish Hermann d'Unna and write - Shelley reads Milton - After dinner Lord Byron comes down and Clare and Shelley go up to Diodati - Read Rienzi'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[John] Milton : [unknown]
'After dinner read some of Madme Genlis novels - Shelley reads Milton'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Tacitus : Germania
'read "Contes moreaux de Marmotel - Shelley reads the Germania of Tacitus'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Tacitus : Germania
'Shelley reads Germania and "memoire d'un Detenu".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Honore Jean, Baron de Riouffe : Memoires d'un detenu pour servir a l'histoire de la tyrannie de Robespierre
'Shelley reads Germania and "memoire d'un Detenu".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Tacitus : Germania
'Read Curt. and Caroline of Litchfield. Hobhouse and Scroop Davis come to Diodati - Shelley spends the evening there & reads Germania - Several books arrive among others Coleridges Christabel which Shelley reads aloud to me before we go to bed'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : 'Christabel'
'Read Curt. and Caroline of Litchfield. Hobhouse and Scroop Davis come to Diodati - Shelley spends the evening there & reads Germania - Several books arrive among others Coleridges Christabel which Shelley reads aloud to me before we go to bed'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Charles Baudelaire : unknown
'I am better now; but it leaves me in a state of intellectual prostration, fit for nothing but smoking, and reading Charles Baudelaire.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
P.J. Rabaut Saint-Etienne : Precis histoire de la Revolution francaise redige par P.J. Rabaut
'Shelley reads "histoire de la Revolution par Rabault".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Jean Jacques Rousseau : Emile, ou l'Education
'read Vol VII of Clarissa - Shelley reads the letters of Emile'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Michel de Montaigne : Essais
'read the Rambler - S reads Montaigne's essays'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Peter Pindar [pseud.] : Works
'Shelley reads P.[eter] Pindars works aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Charles Jean Dominque de Lacretelle : Precis historique de la Revolution Francaise
'Read Clarendon all day - Shelley writes to Albe [Byron] and other things - he finishes Lacratelle's history of the French Revolution - we walk out for a short time after dinner S. reads Lucian'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Lucian : [satirical / philosophical dialogues]
'Read Clarendon all day - Shelley writes to Albe [Byron] and other things - he finishes Lacratelle's history of the French Revolution - we walk out for a short time after dinner S. reads Lucian'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Elizabeth Gaskell : Cranford
Mrs Hugh Fraser, describing life at the select girls' boarding school she attended, run by Elizabeth Missing Sewell and her sisters at Bonchurch, Isle of Wight: 'the only unpleasant incident of my whole stay in Bonchurch was connected with the evening readings. The book in question was "Cranford," and we were all electrified when Aunt Elizabeth [the pupils' name for Sewell] came to a full stop in the beginning of the part where the nephew plays a practical joke -- something connected with a baby -- on the old ladies. "I will leave this out," said Miss Sewell, looking quite stern. The she turned the page and took up the story further on. [goes on to relate how a new girl who was caught looking for the offending passage in the book was subsequently expelled]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Elizabeth Gaskell : Cranford
Mrs Hugh Fraser, describing an incident at the select girls' boarding school she attended, run by Elizabeth Missing Sewell and her sisters at Bonchurch, Isle of Wight, after Elizabeth Sewell had omitted a passage of Gaskell's Cranford as unsuitable to be read aloud to her pupils: '"Cranford" was left on the table in the drawing room [...] Alas, poor Rosie [a new girl from what Fraser describes as a 'a family in business'] could not resist the temptation. When I came into the room the next morning I found her devouring the forbidden page [goes on to report how the girl had to leave the school, and how Sewell and her sisters acknowledged themselves as having been to blame for admitting a child who, 'with her bar sinister of trade, had had no opportunity of knowing what honour meant.']'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: 'Rosie' Print: Book
unknown : [Light French novels]
Mrs Hugh Fraser, wife of the British diplomat Hugh Fraser, recalls acquaintances made whilst en poste with him in China (1874-78): 'Outside of his work Sir Robert Hart, on principle, provided for his mind the very lightest literature, amusing French novels being his favourite reading. He told me that he found in these trifles the only complete relaxation from business worries; he could read them through without a single effort of thought and forget all about them directly afterwards.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Robert Hart Print: Book
Henry Fielding : unknown
'Therefore, good-bye, I am going to take my beer and sardines; after which to bed and a chapter or two of Fielding.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Thomas Holcroft : Memoirs of the late Thomas Holcroft
'Shelley reads the life of Holcroft aloud all day'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Torquato Tasso : [unknwon]
'Read Clarendon and Curtius - walk with Shelley - S. read Tasso'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Miguel de Cervantes : Don Quixote
'Shelley reads Don Quixote aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Miguel de Cervantes : Don Quixote
'S. reads Don Quixote - afterwards read mem. of the Prin/sse of Ba/th aloud.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[unknown] : Memoirs of Oliver Cromwell and his children, supposed to be written by himself
'Read Patronage & the Milesian chief - finish 5th vol of Clarendon - Shelley reads life of Cromwell'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[unknown] : Memoirs of Oliver Cromwell and his children, supposed to be written by himself
'Finish Milesian & Patronage - read Holcrofts travels - S. reads life of Cromwell.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Miguel de Cervantes : Don Quixote
'Drawing lesson - read Alphonsine - Shelley reads Don Q.[uixote] aloud.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Michel de Montaigne : Essais
'S. reads Montaigne'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Michel de Montaigne : Essais
'[Shelley] reads Montaigne - read Clarendon and O'Donnel'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Michel de Montaigne : Essais
'S. writes & reads Montaigne & Lucian & walks'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Lucian : [unknown]
'S. writes & reads Montaigne & Lucian & walks'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Miguel de Cervantes : Don Quixote
'Read the Introduction to Sir H. Davy's Chemistry - write. In the evening read Anson's voyage and Curt. Shelley reads Don Q. aloud after tea - Finish Anson's voyage before night.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Michel de Montaigne : Essais
'Read Davy's Chemistry with Shelley - read Curt. and Ides travels. Shelley reads Montaigne and Don Quixote aloud in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Miguel de Cervantes : Don Quixote
'Read Davy's Chemistry with Shelley - read Curt. and Ides travels. Shelley reads Montaigne and Don Quixote aloud in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : Bill of mortality
'and at the Dukes, with great joy, I received the good news of the decrease of the plague this week to 70, and but 253 in all; which is the least Bill hath been known these twenty years in the City - though the want of people in London is it that make it so low, below the ordinary number for Bills.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Broadsheet, Handbill, Poster
[unknown] : [Discourse on the River Thames]
'I went therefore to Mr Boreman's for pastime, and stayed an hour or two, talking with him and reading a discourse about the River of Thames the reason of its being choked up in several places'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Unknown
[unknown] : [unknown]
'He set me down at Mr Gawden's, where nobody yet come home... So I took a book and into the gardens and there walked and read till dark - with great pleasure'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
King Charles II : His Majesties declaration against the French
'Yesterday came out the King's Declaracion of war against the French; but with such mild invitations of both them and [the] Dutch to come over hither, with promise of their protection, that everybody wonders at it.' Editorial note: The passage Pepys remarks on runs 'We do declare, That if any of the French or Low-Country Subjects, out of affection to Us or our Government, or because of the oppression they meet with at home, shall come into Our Kingdomes, they shall be by Us protected in Their Persons and Estates, and especially those of the Reformed Religion...'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Broadsheet
Francis Potter : An interpretation of the number 666
'Thence by coach, and falling by the way at my bookseller's for a book, writ about twenty years ago in prophecy of this year coming on, 1666, explaining it to be the mark of the beast. I home and there fell to reading, and then to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
James Humphrey : [MS Collections]
'Here the Duke, among other things, did bring out a book, of great antiquity, of some of the customs of the Navy about 100 years since, which he did lend us to read and deliver him back again.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
[boys in the upper forms at Eaton] : De pests [Bacchus verses]
'To the hall, and there find the boy's verses "De peste"; it being their custom to make verses at Shrovetide. I read several, and very good they were, and better I think then ever I made when I was a boy - and in rolls as long and longer than the whole hall by much.' Editor's note: 'The "Bacchus verses": compositions by the upper forms, hung up from the hooks which may still be seen on either side of the hall.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
[unknown] : [epitaph on memorial stone]
'And so to the Chapel and there saw, among other things, Sir H. Wottons stone, with this Epitaph - "Hic Jacet primus hujus Sententiae Author. Disputandi pruritus fit ecclesiae scabies." But unfortunately, the word "Author" was wrong writ, and now so basely altered, that it disgraces the stone.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Graffito
[unknown] : Bill of mortality
'But blessed be God, a good Bill this week we have - being but 237 in all and 42 of the plague, and of them, but 6 in the City - though my Lord Brouncker says that these 6 are most of them in new parishes, where they were not the last week.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Broadsheet, Handbill, Poster
: [vowes]
'I was at it till past 2 a-clock on Monday morning, and then read my vows and to bed'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
Francis Bacon : Faber Fortunae
'Thence to walk all alone in the fields behind Grays Inne, making an end of reading over my dear "Faber Fortunae" of my Lord Bacon's'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Geoffrey Chaucer : unknown
'He and I have read the same books, and discuss Chaucer, Shakespeare, Marlowe, Fletcher, Webster, and all the old authors.'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
Susan Glaspell : Road to the Temple
'Yes I know Sudermann ? his play ?Magda? was one of Mrs Pat. Campbell?s great parts ? and I believe he was the author of a book called ?The Song of Songs? that Billie Wood lent me ? and that I was shocked to find you reading. I have just got through Susan Glaspell?s ?Road to the Temple?, and C.E.Montague?s ?Right off the Map?. For lighter reading I?ve had Rose Macauley?s ? Keeping up Appearances?, and I?m reading all sorts of things about Shelley for my possible literature class. The present one is ?Shelley and the Unromantics?. The author lives in Birkenhead.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
C.E. Montague : Right off the Map
'Yes I know Sudermann ? his play ?Magda? was one of Mrs Pat. Campbell?s great parts ? and I believe he was the author of a book called ?The Song of Songs? that Billie Wood lent me ? and that I was shocked to find you reading. I have just got through Susan Glaspell?s ?Road to the Temple?, and C.E.Montague?s ?Right off the Map?. For lighter reading I?ve had Rose Macauley?s ? Keeping up Appearances?, and I?m reading all sorts of things about Shelley for my possible literature class. The present one is ?Shelley and the Unromantics?. The author lives in Birkenhead.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Rose Macauley : Keeping Up Appearances
'Yes I know Sudermann ? his play ?Magda? was one of Mrs Pat. Campbell?s great parts ? and I believe he was the author of a book called ?The Song of Songs? that Billie Wood lent me ? and that I was shocked to find you reading. I have just got through Susan Glaspell?s ?Road to the Temple?, and C.E.Montague?s ?Right off the Map?. For lighter reading I?ve had Rose Macauley?s ? Keeping up Appearances?, and I?m reading all sorts of things about Shelley for my possible literature class. The present one is ?Shelley and the Unromantics?. The author lives in Birkenhead.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Olwen Ward Campbell : Shelley and the Unromantics
'Yes I know Sudermann ? his play ?Magda? was one of Mrs Pat. Campbell?s great parts ? and I believe he was the author of a book called ?The Song of Songs? that Billie Wood lent me ? and that I was shocked to find you reading. I have just got through Susan Glaspell?s ?Road to the Temple?, and C.E.Montague?s ?Right off the Map?. For lighter reading I?ve had Rose Macauley?s ? Keeping up Appearances?, and I?m reading all sorts of things about Shelley for my possible literature class. The present one is ?Shelley and the Unromantics?. The author lives in Birkenhead.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Hermann Sudermann : The Song of Songs
'Yes I know Sudermann ? his play ?Magda? was one of Mrs Pat. Campbell?s great parts ? and I believe he was the author of a book called ?The Song of Songs? that Billie Wood lent me ? and that I was shocked to find you reading. I have just got through Susan Glaspell?s ?Road to the Temple?, and C.E.Montague?s ?Right off the Map?. For lighter reading I?ve had Rose Macauley?s ? Keeping up Appearances?, and I?m reading all sorts of things about Shelley for my possible literature class. The present one is ?Shelley and the Unromantics?. The author lives in Birkenhead.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Carl Van Vechten : Nigger Heaven
'Harold gave me the ?Definitive Edition? of the Week-end Book for Xmas. It has drawings by Rutherston, and will be very precious I understand as a first edition. Will Wood left me a Tauchnitz edition of ?Nigger Heaven? by a coloured writer Carl Van Vechten. ?Nigger Heaven? is Haarlem ? a New York district mostly inhabited by coloured people. One does not like American ?last living? any the better for being black rather than white ? and there is very little else to it, except one or two less mentionable points of biological interest whose significance, if grasped, might shake the complacency of the more stupid whites.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Rebecca West : The Strange Necessity
'I have been reading a very fine essay by Rebecca West, ?The Strange Necessity?. It is on the nature of Art ? and even Robert Lynd considers it difficult. I?ve just finished my second reading ? and will go through it again to copy out definitions. She has really a first class mind.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Oswald Spengler : Decline of the West
'I?m glad you like the Shaw. Stanley bought me one of the early editions ? I haven?t read it through yet ? I?m trying to get through Spengler?s second volume of The Decline of the West. Have just finished ? Du cot? de chez Swann?. By the way let me know a list of good modern French novels ? especially novels of ideas ? the Catholic movement, the socialists, etc?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Marcel Proust : Du Cote de Chez Swann
'I?m glad you like the Shaw. Stanley bought me one of the early editions ? I haven?t read it through yet ? I?m trying to get through Spengler?s second volume of The Decline of the West. Have just finished ? Du cot? de chez Swann?. By the way let me know a list of good modern French novels ? especially novels of ideas ? the Catholic movement, the socialists, etc?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Erich Maria Remarque : All Quiet on the Western Front
'I also have been reading ?All Quiet?. Stanley and I stood for an hour outside my hotel at midnight in Southampton Row ? and rowed about it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Julian Benda : Belphegor
'I am at present reading Julian Benda?s ?Belphegor?, a plea for a return to intellectual standards as against the Bergson, R?guy, Claudel, crowd ? and I?m with him all the time. You should try to get his ?La trahison des clercs? ? it has a great vogue here. It?s a book I should like to have myself, in French.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
: [French newspapers]
'I am really set up with these books, and ?Les Nouvelles?. I do no other reading ? for it keeps up my language and keeps me more than abreast of current thought ? for England is always behind chronologically in Philosophy though she is alright when she starts.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Newspaper
unknown : Mahatma Gandhi
'I am really appreciating all the books and seem at the moment to be reading only French. I have not by any means exhausted them yet. ?Mahatma Gandhi? I am reading at the moment, but someone yesterday lent me Katherine Mayo?s ?Mother India?, and all my thoughts are boulevers?es [upset] by the horrors she pictures.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Katherine Mayo : Mother India
'I am really appreciating all the books and seem at the moment to be reading only French. I have not by any means exhausted them yet. ?Mahatma Gandhi? I am reading at the moment, but someone yesterday lent me Katherine Mayo?s ?Mother India?, and all my thoughts are boulevers?es [upset] by the horrors she pictures.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
unknown : Oakroyd
'I?m so glad you got your books. But I knew as far as a ?yarn? was concerned it was your book. Oakroyd is a masterpiece.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
: [French newspapers]
'I enjoy thoroughly ?Les Nouvelles? ? it is most useful to me also ? and ?Gringoire? is good for me ? it tempers my Francophile complex. I have not yet had time to complete ?Le Blois Vert?, in this rush. But I must tell you that my little collection of French books is my most cherished possession.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Newspaper
Theodore de Banville : Gringoire
'I enjoy thoroughly ?Les Nouvelles? ? it is most useful to me also ? and ?Gringoire? is good for me ? it tempers my Francophile complex. I have not yet had time to complete ?Le Blois Vert?, in this rush. But I must tell you that my little collection of French books is my most cherished possession.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
unknown : Le Blois Vert
'I enjoy thoroughly ?Les Nouvelles? ? it is most useful to me also ? and ?Gringoire? is good for me ? it tempers my Francophile complex. I have not yet had time to complete ?Le Blois Vert?, in this rush. But I must tell you that my little collection of French books is my most cherished possession.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Margaret Steen : Matador
'The book will give me the greatest delight. I am getting a bit past ?yarns? ? but I enjoyed ?Matador? because it is quite a document on Spain to day and apparently written on the spot. I believe Margaret Steen is a Liverpool woman and she is credited as a careful writer. I must try for ?Stallion? which made a big noise last year. But ?Tu viens? [Are you coming] seems to be the kind of thing I turn to best ? observation of life without the painted veil of fiction.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Oliver Onions : The Open Secret
'One must know Hemingway if one is to understand post war writing. I read too ?The Open Secret?. Oliver Onions was a great favourite of mine once. He was a past master of the topical novel.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
John Maynard Keynes : The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money
'I am busy also getting through the Keynes book, and chuckling over the fact that he wrote this book to make clear that Cambridge and London were a bit archaic as to the fundamentals of their economics. I stood for an hour arguing the main thesis (of course not worked out) with Harold one night at Euston. He had to walk home to Battersea Park in consequence. A year or so before I had covered reams with letters of vituperation against Prof: Pigou, till Stanley became furious ? also on the point. I don?t think it should need so large a book to get it over, I am also going to read Dodsworth when Gerry isn?t looking.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Arthur Cecil Pigou : unknown
'I am busy also getting through the Keynes book, and chuckling over the fact that he wrote this book to make clear that Cambridge and London were a bit archaic as to the fundamentals of their economics. I stood for an hour arguing the main thesis (of course not worked out) with Harold one night at Euston. He had to walk home to Battersea Park in consequence. A year or so before I had covered reams with letters of vituperation against Prof: Pigou, till Stanley became furious ? also on the point. I don?t think it should need so large a book to get it over, I am also going to read Dodsworth when Gerry isn?t looking.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Montague : D?senchantement
'I?m so glad that ?D?senchantement? pleases you. Apart from the subject Montague writes so beautifully ? and to me it was wonderful to see in print for the first time ? all the wretched facts that were ordinary knowledge to you and me when we returned from the war.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Gabouis : Perfide Albion ? Entente Cordial
'I have just read Gabouis ?Perfide Albion ? Entente Cordial?, quite good and informative ? this in English from the local library, and in French ?Les Anges Noirs? de Mauriac. Also Alexander Werth?s ?Before Munich? and a collection of the speeches of Daladier 1934 ? 1940, (these in English). At the moment I have ?Rond Point des Champs Elys?es? de Paul Maraud, and ?The French at Home? of Philip Carr.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Francois Mauriac : Les Anges Noirs
'I have just read Gabouis ?Perfide Albion ? Entente Cordial?, quite good and informative ? this in English from the local library, and in French ?Les Anges Noirs? de Mauriac. Also Alexander Werth?s ?Before Munich? and a collection of the speeches of Daladier 1934 ? 1940, (these in English). At the moment I have ?Rond Point des Champs Elys?es? de Paul Maraud, and ?The French at Home? of Philip Carr.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Alexander Werth : Before Munich
'I have just read Gabouis ?Perfide Albion ? Entente Cordial?, quite good and informative ? this in English from the local library, and in French ?Les Anges Noirs? de Mauriac. Also Alexander Werth?s ?Before Munich? and a collection of the speeches of Daladier 1934 ? 1940, (these in English). At the moment I have ?Rond Point des Champs Elys?es? de Paul Maraud, and ?The French at Home? of Philip Carr.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Deladier : [collection of speeches]
'I have just read Gabouis ?Perfide Albion ? Entente Cordial?, quite good and informative ? this in English from the local library, and in French ?Les Anges Noirs? de Mauriac. Also Alexander Werth?s ?Before Munich? and a collection of the speeches of Daladier 1934 ? 1940, (these in English). At the moment I have ?Rond Point des Champs Elys?es? de Paul Maraud, and ?The French at Home? of Philip Carr.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Paul Maraud : Rond Point des Champs Elys?es
'I have just read Gabouis ?Perfide Albion ? Entente Cordial?, quite good and informative ? this in English from the local library, and in French ?Les Anges Noirs? de Mauriac. Also Alexander Werth?s ?Before Munich? and a collection of the speeches of Daladier 1934 ? 1940, (these in English). At the moment I have ?Rond Point des Champs Elys?es? de Paul Maraud, and ?The French at Home? of Philip Carr.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Philip Carr : The French at Home
'I have just read Gabouis ?Perfide Albion ? Entente Cordial?, quite good and informative ? this in English from the local library, and in French ?Les Anges Noirs? de Mauriac. Also Alexander Werth?s ?Before Munich? and a collection of the speeches of Daladier 1934 ? 1940, (these in English). At the moment I have ?Rond Point des Champs Elys?es? de Paul Maraud, and ?The French at Home? of Philip Carr.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
unknown : Life of Turgot
'I am very busy with small things ? but am hoping to keep more to my books in future. I am making a really exhaustive study of France ? something fundamental I mean. At present I am going through a life of Turgot ? the latest, and a book on ?French Civilisation; Foundations to end of Middle Ages? by Albert Guerard.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Albert Guerard : French Civilisation; Foundations to end of Middle Ages
'I am very busy with small things ? but am hoping to keep more to my books in future. I am making a really exhaustive study of France ? something fundamental I mean. At present I am going through a life of Turgot ? the latest, and a book on ?French Civilisation; Foundations to end of Middle Ages? by Albert Guerard.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
unknown : Life of Orage
'For relief I have had a life of Orage ? by someone who evidently had a great admiration for him, but only knew him personally during the last phase ? the ?New English Weekly? time. But it was competent and pleased me well, because it left out all the chit-chat about women etc, which was always superfluous when Orage was in question. He seemed to me a man, one of the few, (your father was really another) who could quite well have dispensed with women altogether, except in the most obvious way, and of course women like me, like men of that type, as we also can stand alone (yes, really, I can ? but I am not the better for it ? it arouses in me my old sense of arrogant detachment which I am inclined to think is sinful).'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford : Provence
'To return to my reading at the moment ? I have another book of Ford Madox Ford?s ? oh ! a lovely one, called ?Provence?. He died this year ? how sad he must have been in poor old London. But all you loved best in Provence comes out in that book ? and in the end the author says we must come back to it, learn to plant our cabbages ? and to cook them ? or we are doomed. How I regret that I could not send you that book ? but alas !! By the way I sent a ?Pied Piper? for Shirley. I hope it arrives.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
A.L. Bacharach : The Musical Companion
'Stanley sent me a wonderful book of Gollanzc ?The Musical Companion? edited by Bacharach. Did you meet Bacharach ever? Perhaps not. He was one of the ?New Age? crowd I met in the wonderful Easter Week of 1917 ? just before we went to France. He is at the London Schl of Econ: now, but then he seemed to be just doing journalism and a bit of W.E.A. work. This book is jolly for me. Its just a straightforward manual of music ? and fills in all the gaps of one?s knowledge that get in the way when trying to listen intelligently.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Leon Daudet : Clemenceau
'Now about my reading, -- I have L?on Daudet?s ?Clemenceau?. The book is more interesting to me for the light it throws on L?on Daudet than on its subject ? a person (Clemenceau) that I find thoroughly repugnant. I suppose I ought to read Ren? Benjamin?s ?life?, as I heard him lecture on it at Bordeaux, but certainly I do not find the ?Tiger? a pleasant person in any way at all. But I find Daudet rather attractive, and indeed surprisingly reasonable in his criticism of people whose politics must have been the opposite of his own. The exception is Briand, but I cannot imagine any human being so disgusting as the person described by Daudet under that name ? it is impossible. Malvy and Caillaux also get it hot. But there are descriptions of the Goncourt group which I liked very much, and altogether I enjoyed the ?Frenchness? of the writer.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Havelock Ellis : From Rousseau to Proust
'I have just completed Havelock Ellis? ?From Rousseau to Proust?, a kind of psychological survey of the ?subjective? writers of the period between the two named. It was excellent ? you know I am a classic ? so I naturally admire a critic who makes all the ?back to nature? people abnormals, and their genius merely Peter Parishness to the nth: I think you have heard me say that many times in one form or another. The best thing in the book however, was an appreciation of ?The Grand Meaulnes?. The essay appeared originally as an introduction to the English translation of the book, and really is a fine bit of work. I am going to try and find the book if possible. It is called ?The Wanderer?.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
D.W. Brogan : The Development of Modern France
'Of course I read a great deal. I still continue my studies of French historical development. I have the best new book there is; ?The Development of Modern France? (1870 ? 1939) by D W Brogan, Fellow of Peterhouse and professor of Political Science in the University of Cambridge. It is a great book, and I am learning about many people who were formerly just streets to me. Remember rue Albert de Mun, I now find Albert to have been quite a sizeable person. You remember I expressed in my last letter my dislike of Clemenceau as biographed by L?on Daudet. Such mention as I find of him in this book up to the moment, (?L?Affaire?) still seem to make him pretty dingy, as Harold would say I shall have to read it several times, (the book I mean). For light relief I have Edna Ferber?s autobiography ?A Peculiar Treasure?. It is specially worth while, a plain straight record of a real hard worker, thrilled with her job, and wanting nothing else. She has written the book stressing always that she is a Jew and this gives of course, an added interest to the work. If it comes your way, its worth reading.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Edna Ferber : A Peculiar Treasure
'Of course I read a great deal. I still continue my studies of French historical development. I have the best new book there is; ?The Development of Modern France? (1870 ? 1939) by D W Brogan, Fellow of Peterhouse and professor of Political Science in the University of Cambridge. It is a great book, and I am learning about many people who were formerly just streets to me. Remember rue Albert de Mun, I now find Albert to have been quite a sizeable person. You remember I expressed in my last letter my dislike of Clemenceau as biographed by L?on Daudet. Such mention as I find of him in this book up to the moment, (?L?Affaire?) still seem to make him pretty dingy, as Harold would say I shall have to read it several times, (the book I mean). For light relief I have Edna Ferber?s autobiography ?A Peculiar Treasure?. It is specially worth while, a plain straight record of a real hard worker, thrilled with her job, and wanting nothing else. She has written the book stressing always that she is a Jew and this gives of course, an added interest to the work. If it comes your way, its worth reading.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Winifred Agnes Moore Print: Book
Revisky : Hafiz
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East - [including] .. Revisky on Hafiz...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
William Shakespeare : unknown
'He and I have read the same books, and discuss Chaucer, Shakespeare, Marlowe, Fletcher, Webster, and all the old authors.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Christopher Marlowe : unknown
'He and I have read the same books, and discuss Chaucer, Shakespeare, Marlowe, Fletcher, Webster, and all the old authors.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Fletcher : unknown
'He and I have read the same books, and discuss Chaucer, Shakespeare, Marlowe, Fletcher, Webster, and all the old authors.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Webster : unknown
'He and I have read the same books, and discuss Chaucer, Shakespeare, Marlowe, Fletcher, Webster, and all the old authors.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Timur : Institutes
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East - [including] .. Timur's Institutes...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mounstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
unknown : The Proceedings of the Secret Committee
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East - [including] .. The Proceedings of the Secret Committee..'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Lindley Murray : English grammar
'When I first ventured to write a sentence for publication, having a deep sense of my profound ignorance of the rules of punctuation, I applied myself to the study of Lindley Murray's grammar -- then the one accepted authority for English people. He gave seventeen rules for the right placing of the comma, and I thought it my duty to endeavour to master them. But my patience did not hold out [...] I threw aside the seventeen rules of punctuation, and in their stead placed on one mental page the simple definitions of the respective values of periods, colons, semi-colons, and commas which I had learnt as a child, and then took which ever common sense and observation pointed out as suitable to my purpose; and in the end I found that I had escaped any special criticism.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Orme : Hindustan
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East - [including] .. Orme's Hindustan (a second time) ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Henry Strachey : A narrative of the mutiny of the officers of the army in Bengal in ... 1766
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East - [including] .. Strachey's "Narrative History of Persia" ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
William Pinnock : Catechism
Elizabeth Missing Sewell recalls her studies to the age of thirteen: 'As regards history, I had learnt absolutely perfectly the chief events in the reigns of the English kings given in Pinnock's Catechism, and could go through the dates without a mistake.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
: New Testament Gospels
Elizabeth Missing Sewell recalls her studies to the age of thirteen: 'The Gospels were as familiar to me as the Lord's Prayer and the Catechism; almost too familiar, indeed, for I read them day after day as a lesson, and thus in a certain degree lost the sense of their meaning.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
George Sale : Preliminary discourse to the Koran
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East - [including] .. Sale's "Preliminary Discourse to the Koran" ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
St Matthew : Matthew 2:1
'It had [...] been a favourite idea of my mother's that her girls should learn Latin, and she engaged an old schoolmaster living in a back street in our native town to give my eldest sister and myself lessons when we were about ten and eight years of age [...] But the lessons did not last long. The tears I shed over the difficulties of the first verse of the second chapter of the Gospel of St. Matthew, which was the material for our first Latin lesson, were so bitter that they were too much for my mother's tender heart, and I was allowed to give up the study [...] The failure of this attempt, which was never renewed, has been a regret to me all my life.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Mangall : Questions
Elizabeth Missing Sewell recalls studies at the second school she attended (to the age of 15): 'Our subjects of study included -- besides English history and exercises in grammar -- lessons in mythology and upon the English Constitution learnt by heart from Mangall's Questions, the outlines of the rise of nations, with Roman, Grecian, and French history (the latter read in French), Mrs. Marcet's Conversations on Chemistry and Political Economy, and Joyce's Scientific Dialogues.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
unknown : [texts on French history]
Elizabeth Missing Sewell recalls studies at the second school she attended (to the age of 15): 'Our subjects of study included -- besides English history and exercises in grammar -- lessons in mythology and upon the English Constitution learnt by heart from Mangall's Questions, the outlines of the rise of nations, with Roman, Grecian, and French history (the latter read in French), Mrs. Marcet's Conversations on Chemistry and Political Economy, and Joyce's Scientific Dialogues.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Mrs Marcet : Conversations on Chemistry
Elizabeth Missing Sewell recalls studies at the second school she attended (to the age of 15): 'Our subjects of study included -- besides English history and exercises in grammar -- lessons in mythology and upon the English Constitution learnt by heart from Mangall's Questions, the outlines of the rise of nations, with Roman, Grecian, and French history (the latter read in French), Mrs. Marcet's Conversations on Chemistry and Political Economy, and Joyce's Scientific Dialogues.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Mrs Marcet : Conversations on Political Economy
Elizabeth Missing Sewell recalls studies at the second school she attended (to the age of 15): 'Our subjects of study included -- besides English history and exercises in grammar -- lessons in mythology and upon the English Constitution learnt by heart from Mangall's Questions, the outlines of the rise of nations, with Roman, Grecian, and French history (the latter read in French), Mrs. Marcet's Conversations on Chemistry and Political Economy, and Joyce's Scientific Dialogues.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Joyce : Scientific Dialogues
Elizabeth Missing Sewell recalls studies at the second school she attended (to the age of 15): 'Our subjects of study included -- besides English history and exercises in grammar -- lessons in mythology and upon the English Constitution learnt by heart from Mangall's Questions, the outlines of the rise of nations, with Roman, Grecian, and French history (the latter read in French), Mrs. Marcet's Conversations on Chemistry and Political Economy, and Joyce's Scientific Dialogues.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
[William?] Jones : Commentarii
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East - [including] .. "Jones's "Commentarii" ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Gilchrist : Grammar
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East - [including] .. Gilchrist's "Grammar" ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Sa'adi : Bostan
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East - [including] .. Sa'adi's "Gulistan" to p.38 in Harrington's edition, and a great deal more of his "Bostan" ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Miguel de Cervantes : Don Quixote
'Read Ides travels. S. reads Don Quixote aloud in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Michel de Montaigne : Essais
'read Les Incas - Shelley reads Montaigne'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth (anon.) : Castle Rackrent, an Hibernian tale
'read Curt and Castle Rackrent aloud. S. finishes Castle Rackrent in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : Travels into several Remote Nations of the World. By Lemuel Gulliver
'S. reads Gullivers Travels aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Michel de Montaigne : Essais
'read Grandison and Curt. Shelley reads and finishes Montainge [sic] to his great sorrow - he reads Lucian'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Lucian : unknown
'read Grandison and Curt. Shelley reads and finishes Montainge [sic] to his great sorrow - he reads Lucian'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : Travels into several Remote Nations of the World. By Lemuel Gulliver
'S reads Lucian and Gulliver in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Lucian : [unknown]
'S reads Lucian and Gulliver in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Locke : An Essay concerning Humane Understanding
'Shelley reads Locke.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : Travels into several Remote Nations of the World. By Lemuel Gulliver
'S. finishes Gulliver and begins P.[aradise] L.[ost]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'S. finishes Gulliver and begins P.[aradise] L.[ost]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'in the evening Shelley read[s] 2nd book of Paradise Lost. S. reads Locke'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Locke : An Essay concerning Humane Understanding
'in the evening Shelley read[s] 2nd book of Paradise Lost. S. reads Locke'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Locke : An Essay concerning Humane Understanding
'write - read Locke and Curt. S. reads Plutarch and Locke. He reads Paradise Lost - aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plutarch : [unknown]
'write - read Locke and Curt. S. reads Plutarch and Locke. He reads Paradise Lost - aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'write - read Locke and Curt. S. reads Plutarch and Locke. He reads Paradise Lost - aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Thence to the Exchange, that is, the New Exchange, and looked over some play-books, and entended to get all the late new plays.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'begin Pamela. Shelley reads Locke and in the evening Paradise Lost aloud to me'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Pamela; or Virtue Rewarded
'Read Pamela - Little Babe not well - S. reads Locke & Pamela'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Locke : An Essay concerning Humane Understanding
'Read Locke - Shelley reads Locke and Curt - & Pamela aloud in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Quintus Curtius Rufus : [unknown]
'Read Locke - Shelley reads Locke and Curt - & Pamela aloud in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Pamela; or Virtue Rewarded
'Read Locke - Shelley reads Locke and Curt - & Pamela aloud in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plutarch : [unknown]
'Shelley reads Curt - & Plutarch - read Pamela and Shelley read[s] Gibbon after tea'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Quintus Curtius Rufus : [unknown]
'Shelley reads Curt - & Plutarch - read Pamela and Shelley read[s] Gibbon after tea'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Sir Thomas Ridley : A view of the civile and ecclesiasticall law
'after dinner I and my boy down by water to Redriffe; and thence walked to Mr Evelin's, where I walked in his garden till he came from church, with great pleasure reading Ridlys discourse all my way going and coming, upon the Civill and Ecclesiastical Law.... Thence walked back again, reading; and so took water and home'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'Shelley reads Curt - & Plutarch - read Pamela and Shelley read[s] Gibbon after tea'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Roger de Rabutin, Comte de Bussy : L'histoire amoureuse des Gaules
'Thence by water to Redriffe, reading a new French book my Lord Brouncker did give me today, "L'histoire amoureuse des Gaules", being a pretty Libell against the amours of the French court.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Plutarch : [Life of Alexander]
'In the evening I finish Curtius. S. reads & finishes Plutarchs life of Alexander. After tea S. reads the XXth chapter of Gibbon to me'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'In the evening I finish Curtius. S. reads & finishes Plutarchs life of Alexander. After tea S. reads the XXth chapter of Gibbon to me'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Sir Thomas Ridley : A view of the civile and ecclesiasticall law
'Walked back again, reading of my civil law book.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
William Godwin : Enquiry concerning . . . Political Justice
'after dinner read some of Livy but am stopt by the badness of the edition. Shelley reads Political justice'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Sir Thomas Ridley : A view of the civile and ecclesiasticall law
'I walked both going and coming, spending my time in reading of my Civill and Ecclesiastical law-book.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Hafiz : Odes
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... Of Hafiz, I read 143 Odes in succession, and about as many more here and there; many of them I read many times.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [unknown]
'read Locke and the Edinburgh review and two odes of Horace - S. reads Political Justice & Shakespeare and the 23rd Chap. of Gibbon'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francis Bacon : Faber Fortunae
'and so to Deptford to enquire after a little business there; and thence by water back again, all the way coming and going reading my Lord Bacon's "Faber Fortunae", which I can never read too often.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Sir Francis Walsingham : Arcana aulica, or, Walsingham's manual of prudential maxims for the states-man and courtier : to which is added Fragmenta regalia, or, Observations on Queen Elizabeth, her times and favorites
'I left them there and walked to Deptford, reading in Wallsinghams "manuall", a very good book.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Middleton : The Mayor of Quinborough
'and then down to Woolwich Deptford to look after things...All the way down and up, reading of "The Mayor of Quinborough", a simple play.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Corneille : Pompee: Pompey the Great, a tragedy. As it was acted by the servants of His Royal Highness the Duke of York. Translated out of French by certain Persons of Honour
'So to the Custome-house; and there with great threats got a couple [watermen] to carry me down to Deptford, all the way reading "Pompey the Great" (a play translated from French by several notable persons; among other my Lord Buckehurst); but to me is a mean play, and the words and sense not very extraordinary.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
E.C. Davila : Storia delle guerre civile di Francia
'This evening I had Davila brought home to me, and I find it a most excellent history as I ever read.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Dryden : The Rival Ladies
'and thence walked to Woolwich, reading "The Rivall Ladys" all the way and find it a most pleasant and fine-writ play.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Samuel Pepys : Declaration of the proceedings of the victualling action
'By and by the Duke of York comes and we had a meeting; and among other things, I did read my declaration of the proceedings of the Victualling action this year, and desired his Royal Highness to give me the satisfaction of knowing whether his Royal Highness was pleased therewith. He told me he was...'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Sheet
John Creed : The victory over the fleet of the States General ... in the late engagement begun the 25 of July inst., as it came from His Highness Prince Rupert and His Grace the Duke of Albemarle
'Then with Creed, and read over with him the Narrative of the late [fight], which he makes a very poor thing of, as endeed it is, and speaks most slightingly of that whole matter.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
John Dryden : The Rival Ladys
'So home, and then down to Woolwich, reading and making an end of "The Rivall Ladys", and find it a very pretty play.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Creed : The victory over the fleet of the States General ... in the late engagement begun the 25 of July inst., as it came from His Highness Prince Rupert and His Grace the Duke of Albemarle
'But this morning, getting Sir W. Penn to read over the Narrative with me - he did sparingly, yet plainly, say that we might have intercepted their Zealand squadron coming home, if we had done our parts.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
John Creed : The victory over the fleet of the States General ... in the late engagement begun the 25 of July inst., as it came from His Highness Prince Rupert and His Grace the Duke of Albemarle
'But this morning, getting Sir W. Penn to read over the Narrative with me - he did sparingly, yet plainly, say that we might have intercepted their Zealand squadron coming home, if we had done our parts.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Penn
Sir William Davenant : The Seige of Rhodes
'and after dinner, with my wife and Mercer and Jane by water all the afternoon as high up as Moreclacke, with great pleasure, and a fine day - reading over the second part of "The Seige of Rhodes" with great delight.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Francis Bacon : Faber Fortunae
'and so away home by water, with more and more pleasure every time, I reading over my Lord Bacon's "Faber Fortunae".'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Sir Samuel Tuke : The Adventures of the five houres
'So down the River, reading "The Adventures of five houres", which the more I read the more I admire.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Sir Samuel Tuke : The Adventures of the five houres
'Up, and betimes with Captain Erwin down by water to Woolwich, I walking alone from Greenwich tither - making an end of "The Adventures of five houres", - which when all is done, is the best play that ever I read in my life.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Othello
'Up and to Deptford by water, reading "Othello, Moore of Venice", which I ever heretofore esteemed a mighty good play; but having so lately read "The Adventures of five houres", it seems a mean thing.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Jalaluddin : Masnavi
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... I read some of the "Masnavi" of Jalaluddin ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
unknown : Port Royal Greek Grammar
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... : not much of books not connected with India. I read a good deal of the "Port Royal Greek Grammar" ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Homer : Odyssey
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... : not much of books not connected with India. ... an "Odyssey" or two ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Herodotus : unknown
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... : not much of books not connected with India. ... a few chapters of Herodotus ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
unknown : Eton Selecta
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... : not much of books not connected with India. ... ; as much of Hesiod as in the "Eton Selecta"; the first, seventh, and eighth "Idylls" of Theocritus, and his Epithalamium of Helen"; all of Sappho, Theognis, Callistratus, Bion, Moschus, and Musaeus as are in that collectiuon - (they are most of them scraps); ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Phaedrus : [Works]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... : not much of books not connected with India. ... ; all Phaedrus; ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Virgil : Georgics
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... : not much of books not connected with India. ... ; the Georgics; ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Horace : [Works]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... : not much of books not connected with India. ... ; all Horace once over and many parts repeatedly; ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Petronius : [Works]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... : not much of books not connected with India. ... ; and a good deal of Petronius; ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[Torquato] Tasso : unknown
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... : not much of books not connected with India. ... ; read the preface and seventy or eighty pages of Tasso; ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
unknown : [Italian Grammar]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... : not much of books not connected with India. ... . I looked into the Italian Grammar; ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[Niccolo] Machiavelli : [Works]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... : not much of books not connected with India. ... ;one book of Machiavelli's "History"; a novel and play of his ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[Francis] Bacon : Essays
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... : not much of books not connected with India. ... ; I also read all Bacon's "Essays" ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[David] Hume : Dialogue on natural religion
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India. ...;[but includes] Hume's "Dialogue on Natural Religion"; ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[George] Berkeley : The principles of human knowledge
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India. ...;[but includes] Berkeley's essay on "The Principles of Human Knowledge" ; ..'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Samuel Pepys : [manuscript on naval expenses]
'to Sir W. Coventry, and there read over my yesterday's work; being a collection of the perticulars of the excess in charge created by a war - with good content.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
Thomas Fuller : The church-history of Britain
'and then home, and my wife and I to read in Fullers "Church History", and so to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Paul Rycault : The present state of the Ottoman Empire By Paul Rycault, Esq. secretary to his Excellency the Earl of Winchilsea, Embassadour Extraordinary for His Majesty Charles the Second etc. to Sultan Mahomet Han the Fourth, Emperour of the Turks
'After dinner away home, Mr Brisband along with me as far as the Temple; and there looked upon a new book, set out by one Rycault, secretary to my Lord Winchelsea, of the policy and customs of the Turkes, which is it seems much cried up - but I could not stay'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Edward Stillingfleet : A rational account of the grounds of Protestant religion
'And by coach home, where I spent the evening in reading Stillingfleetes defence of the Archbishop, that part about Purgatory, a point I had never considered before what was said for it or against it. And though I do believe we are in the right, yet I do not see any great matter in this book.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Philip Massinger : The Bondman
'and so home, I reading all the way to make an end of "The Bondman" (which the oftener I read, the more I like), and begin "The Duchesse of Malfy", which seems a good play.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Webster : The Duchesse of Malfy
'and so home, I reading all the way to make an end of "The Bondman" (which the oftener I read, the more I like), and begin "The Duchesse of Malfy", which seems a good play.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Francis Potter : An interpretation of the number 666
'and so home, and there begun to read Potters discourse upon 666, which peases me mightily; and then broke off, and to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Webster : The Duchess of Malfy
'and after Dinner down alone by water to Depford, reading "Duchess of Malfy", the play, which is pretty good - and there did some business'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'I to dinner, and thence to my chamber to read, and so to the office'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Francis Potter : An interpretation of the Number 666
'and then home and read an hour, to make an end of Potters discourse of the Number 666, which I like all along, but his close is most excellent; and whether it be right or wrong, is mighty ingenious.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Joseph Glanvill : Some philosophical considerations touching the being of witches
'and then home to supper and then to read the late printed discourse of Witches by a member of Gresham College, and then to bed - the discourse being well writ in good style, but methinks not very convincing.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[n/a] : London Gazette
'And the news-book makes that business nothing, but that they are all dispersed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Newspaper
[Conyers] Middleton : A free enquiry
'I have read since last October a good deal ot the history relating to the East ...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] Middleton's "Free Enquiry" ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[n/a] : London Gazette
'This day in the gazette was the whole story of defeating the Scotch Rebells, and of the creation of the Duke of Cambridge Knight of the Guarter.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Newspaper
[Conyers] Middleton : A letter from Rome
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] Middleton's "Free Enquiry" . his Letter from Rome ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[n/a] : London Gazette
'Thence home to dinner; and there W. Hewer dined with me, and showed me a Gazett in Aprill last (which I wonder should never be remembered by anybody) which tells how several persons were then tried for their lives, and were found guilty of a design of killing the King and destroying the government; and as a means to it, to burn the City; and that the day entended for the plot was the 3rd of last September. And that fire did endeed break out on the 2nd of September - which is very strange me-thinks - and I shall remember it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Newspaper
[Conyers] Middleton : [Dissertations in Latin and English]
'I have read since last October a good deal ot the history relating to the East ...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] Middleton's "Free Enquiry" . his Letter from Rome, several dissertations of his Latin and English ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so to supper and to read, and so to bed'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[Conyers] Middleton : [Cicero]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] Middleton's "Free Enquiry" . his Letter from Rome, several dissertations of his Latin and English , one volume and a half of his "Cicero"...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[Jean-Antoine-Nicolas de Caritat, marquis de] Condorcet : The Human Understanding
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] a good deal of Condorcet on "The Human Understanding" ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[William] Warburton : Tracts by Warburton and 'A Warburtonian'
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] Tracts by Warburton and "A Warburtonian" ...;'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Virgil : [Works]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] Warburton on the Sixth Book, from Warton's Virgil ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Virgil : [Works]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] Warburton on the Sixth Book, from Warton's Virgil; some essays of Heyne, at the end of the sixth volume; ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[Carlo] Denina : Revolutions of Literature
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] Denina's "Revolutions of Literature; ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[Samuel] Johnson : Lives [of the most eminent English poets]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] Johnson's "Lives" (I had read them before)...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[James] Boswell : Life of [Samuel] Johnson
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] Boswell's "Life of Johnson; ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Voltaire : Louis XIV
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] Voltaire's "Louis XIV", in English; ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
William Roscoe : Life of Lorenzo de' Medici, called the Magnificent
'Drawing Lesson - write - read Locke - & walk - Shelley reads Roscoe's life of Lorenzo de Medicis - Read Lucian and work in the evening. Read severy [for several)] odes of Horace'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Roscoe : Life of Lorenzo de' Medici, called the Magnificent
'read Locke & the life of Lorenzo - Shelley reads it and finishes it - In the evenng he reads 25th chap. of Gibbon - read several odes of Horace'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'read Locke & the life of Lorenzo - Shelley reads it and finishes it - In the evenng he reads 25th chap. of Gibbon - read several odes of Horace'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Roscoe : Life of Lorenzo de' Medici, called the Magnificent
'read the life of Lorenzo - shelley [sic] reads the appendix'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
James Leigh Hunt : Story of Rimini
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1816. The diary from May 1815-July 1816 is lost, so this list is our only record for Mary's reading in early 1816. Later in the year texts are referred to in diary entries so as far as possible these works are not given separate database references based on this list. An x marks the fact that Percy Shelley read the book too.] x Moritz' tour in England Tales of the Minstrels x Park's Journal of a Journey in Africa Peregrine Proteus x Siege of Corinth & Parasina. 4 vols. of Clarendon's History x Modern Philosophers opinions of Various writers on the punishment of death by B. Montagu Erskines speeches x Caleb Williams x 3rd Canto of Childe Harold Schiller's arminian Lady Craven's Leters Caliste Nouvelle nouvelles Romans de Voltaire Reveries d'un Solitaire de Rousseau Adele et Theodore x Lettres Persannes de Montesquieu Tableau de Famille Le vieux de la Montagne x Conjuration de Rienzi Walther par La Fontaine Les voeux temeraires Herman d'Una Nouveaux nouvelles de Mad. de Genlis x Christabel Caroline de Litchfield x Bertram x Le Criminel se[c]ret Vancenza by Mrs Robinson Antiquary x Edinburgh Review num. LII Chrononhotonthologus x Fazio Love and Madness Memoirs of Princess of Bareith x Letters of Emile The latter part of Clarissa Harlowe Clarendons History of the Civil War x Life of Holcroft x Glenarvon Patronage The Milesian Chief. O'Donnel x Don Quixote x Vita Alexandri - Quintii Curtii Conspiration de Rienzi Introduction to Davy's Chemistry Les Incas de Marmontel Bryan Perdue Sir C. Grandison x Castle Rackrent x Gulliver's Travels x Paradise Lost x Pamela x 3 vol of Gibbon 1 book of Locke's Essay Some of Horace's odes x Edinburgh Review L.III Rights of Women De senectute by Cicero 2 vols of Lord Chesterfield's leters to his son x Story of Rimini'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Henry Hart Milman : Fazio
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1816. The diary from May 1815-July 1816 is lost, so this list is our only record for Mary's reading in early 1816. Later in the year texts are referred to in diary entries so as far as possible these works are not given separate database references based on this list. An x marks the fact that Percy Shelley read the book too.] x Moritz' tour in England Tales of the Minstrels x Park's Journal of a Journey in Africa Peregrine Proteus x Siege of Corinth & Parasina. 4 vols. of Clarendon's History x Modern Philosophers opinions of Various writers on the punishment of death by B. Montagu Erskines speeches x Caleb Williams x 3rd Canto of Childe Harold Schiller's arminian Lady Craven's Leters Caliste Nouvelle nouvelles Romans de Voltaire Reveries d'un Solitaire de Rousseau Adele et Theodore x Lettres Persannes de Montesquieu Tableau de Famille Le vieux de la Montagne x Conjuration de Rienzi Walther par La Fontaine Les voeux temeraires Herman d'Una Nouveaux nouvelles de Mad. de Genlis x Christabel Caroline de Litchfield x Bertram x Le Criminel se[c]ret Vancenza by Mrs Robinson Antiquary x Edinburgh Review num. LII Chrononhotonthologus x Fazio Love and Madness Memoirs of Princess of Bareith x Letters of Emile The latter part of Clarissa Harlowe Clarendons History of the Civil War x Life of Holcroft x Glenarvon Patronage The Milesian Chief. O'Donnel x Don Quixote x Vita Alexandri - Quintii Curtii Conspiration de Rienzi Introduction to Davy's Chemistry Les Incas de Marmontel Bryan Perdue Sir C. Grandison x Castle Rackrent x Gulliver's Travels x Paradise Lost x Pamela x 3 vol of Gibbon 1 book of Locke's Essay Some of Horace's odes x Edinburgh Review L.III Rights of Women De senectute by Cicero 2 vols of Lord Chesterfield's leters to his son x Story of Rimini'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Charles de Secondat, Baron de la Brede et de Montesquieu : Lettres persanes
[Mary Shelley's Reading List for 1816. The diary from May 1815-July 1816 is lost, so this list is our only record for Mary's reading in early 1816. Later in the year texts are referred to in diary entries so as far as possible these works are not given separate database references based on this list. An x marks the fact that Percy Shelley read the book too.] x Moritz' tour in England Tales of the Minstrels x Park's Journal of a Journey in Africa Peregrine Proteus x Siege of Corinth & Parasina. 4 vols. of Clarendon's History x Modern Philosophers opinions of Various writers on the punishment of death by B. Montagu Erskines speeches x Caleb Williams x 3rd Canto of Childe Harold Schiller's arminian Lady Craven's Leters Caliste Nouvelle nouvelles Romans de Voltaire Reveries d'un Solitaire de Rousseau Adele et Theodore x Lettres Persannes de Montesquieu Tableau de Famille Le vieux de la Montagne x Conjuration de Rienzi Walther par La Fontaine Les voeux temeraires Herman d'Una Nouveaux nouvelles de Mad. de Genlis x Christabel Caroline de Litchfield x Bertram x Le Criminel se[c]ret Vancenza by Mrs Robinson Antiquary x Edinburgh Review num. LII Chrononhotonthologus x Fazio Love and Madness Memoirs of Princess of Bareith x Letters of Emile The latter part of Clarissa Harlowe Clarendons History of the Civil War x Life of Holcroft x Glenarvon Patronage The Milesian Chief. O'Donnel x Don Quixote x Vita Alexandri - Quintii Curtii Conspiration de Rienzi Introduction to Davy's Chemistry Les Incas de Marmontel Bryan Perdue Sir C. Grandison x Castle Rackrent x Gulliver's Travels x Paradise Lost x Pamela x 3 vol of Gibbon 1 book of Locke's Essay Some of Horace's odes x Edinburgh Review L.III Rights of Women De senectute by Cicero 2 vols of Lord Chesterfield's leters to his son x Story of Rimini'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Theocritus :
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1816. The diary from May 1815-July 1816 is lost, so this list is our only record of Shelley's reading in early 1816. Later in the year texts are referred to in diary entries so as far as possible these works are not given separate database references based on this list.] 'Works of Theocritus Moschus &c - Greek Prometheus of Eschylus - Greek Works of Lucian - Greek x Telemacho La Nouvelle Heloise x Blackwell's His. of the Court of August De Natura Lucretius Epistolae Plinii Annals by Tacitus Several of Plutarchs Lives - Greek Germania of Tacitus Memoires d'un Detenu Histoire de la Revolution par Rabault and Lacretelle Montaignes Essays Tasso Life of Cromwell Lockes Essay Political Justice Lorenzo de Medicis Coleridges Lay Sermon'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Moschus :
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1816. The diary from May 1815-July 1816 is lost, so this list is our only record of Shelley's reading in early 1816. Later in the year texts are referred to in diary entries so as far as possible these works are not given separate database references based on this list.] 'Works of Theocritus Moschus &c - Greek Prometheus of Eschylus - Greek Works of Lucian - Greek x Telemacho La Nouvelle Heloise x Blackwell's His. of the Court of August De Natura Lucretius Epistolae Plinii Annals by Tacitus Several of Plutarchs Lives - Greek Germania of Tacitus Memoires d'un Detenu Histoire de la Revolution par Rabault and Lacretelle Montaignes Essays Tasso Life of Cromwell Lockes Essay Political Justice Lorenzo de Medicis Coleridges Lay Sermon'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francois de Salignac de la Mothe Fenelon : Les Adventures de Telemaque
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1816. The diary from May 1815-July 1816 is lost, so this list is our only record of Shelley's reading in early 1816. Later in the year texts are referred to in diary entries so as far as possible these works are not given separate database references based on this list.] 'Works of Theocritus Moschus &c - Greek Prometheus of Eschylus - Greek Works of Lucian - Greek x Telemacho La Nouvelle Heloise x Blackwell's His. of the Court of August De Natura Lucretius Epistolae Plinii Annals by Tacitus Several of Plutarchs Lives - Greek Germania of Tacitus Memoires d'un Detenu Histoire de la Revolution par Rabault and Lacretelle Montaignes Essays Tasso Life of Cromwell Lockes Essay Political Justice Lorenzo de Medicis Coleridges Lay Sermon'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Thomas Blackwell : Memoirs of the Court of Augustus
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1816. The diary from May 1815-July 1816 is lost, so this list is our only record of Shelley's reading in early 1816. Later in the year texts are referred to in diary entries so as far as possible these works are not given separate database references based on this list.] 'Works of Theocritus Moschus &c - Greek Prometheus of Eschylus - Greek Works of Lucian - Greek x Telemacho La Nouvelle Heloise x Blackwell's His. of the Court of August De Natura Lucretius Epistolae Plinii Annals by Tacitus Several of Plutarchs Lives - Greek Germania of Tacitus Memoires d'un Detenu Histoire de la Revolution par Rabault and Lacretelle Montaignes Essays Tasso Life of Cromwell Lockes Essay Political Justice Lorenzo de Medicis Coleridges Lay Sermon'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : Symposium
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1817. As far as possible texts referred to in the journals are not given separate entries based on this list] 'Symposium of Plato Plays of Aeschlyus Plays of Sophocles Illiad of Homer Arrian's Historia Indicae Homer's Hymns [the above texts are bracketed to show they were all read in Greek] Histoire de la Revolution Francaise Apuleius Metamorphoses - Latin Coleridges Biographica Literaria Political Justice Rights of Man Elphinstone's Embassy to Caubul Severals [sic] vols of Gibbon'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Lady Barker : Letters from New Zealand
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's recommendations of non-fictional works 'which I can guarantee myself' in 'Hints on Reading': 'Lady Barker's Letters from New Zealand almost everyone knows. They are lively and graphic. I suspect, from what I have heard from my New Zealand friends, that they are rather highly coloured, but they give a very vivid impression of the pleasures and toils of life in the Antipodes, and are good for reading aloud.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
George Kennan : Tent Life in Siberia
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's recommendations of non-fictional works 'which I can guarantee myself' in 'Hints on Reading': 'Tent Life in Siberia. -- Not a very new book, but interesting from its account of northern scenery and civilization.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
J. A. Froude : Short Essays on Great Subjects
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's recommendations of non-fictional works 'which I can guarantee myself' in 'Hints on Reading': 'Froude's Short Essays on Great Subjects. -- I mention this book with a certain reservation, because, with all my admiration of Mr. Froude's talents, I certainly do not agree with him in principle [...] "Calvinism" appears to me to be about anything but Calvinism. It is rather an exposition of Mr. Froude's Protestant view of Christianity; but it is interesting and suggestive. Several of the other essays are on the colonial policy of England, and will be chiefly attractive to those who have colonial sympathies; but they are very clever.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Count Beugnot : Memoirs
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's recommendations of non-fictional works 'which I can guarantee myself' in 'Hints on Reading': 'Count Beugnot's Memoirs I have been reading in the original, and I have come to the conclusion that the book is likely to be more agreeable to an English reader in the English dress which Miss Yonge has given it. So much of it refers to individuals and politics exclusively French; but in any form it must be interesting at this time, when France is, as it was then, undergoing a process of re-construction.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Frederick William Robinson : Christie's Faith
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's recommendations of works 'which I can guarantee myself' in 'Hints on Reading': 'Christie's Faith, by the author of "Owen, a Waif," is a novel which I can guarantee myself. The scenes are not laid in a very elevated class of life, and some are extremely painful, but there is a noble religious tone throughout the book which carries one through all. If I were inclined to criticise, I should say that the author does not understand women as well as he does men, and one scene, in which a so-called lady offers to be the wife of a man much her inferior in position, would in other hands have been very unpleasant. As it is, it is merely unnatural. The author's sympathies are evidently not with the English Church, but he is no way antagonistic to it.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
J. G. Sharp : Culture and Religion
From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's recommendations of non-fictional works 'which I can guarantee myself' in 'Hints on Reading': 'Culture and Religion, by J. G. Sharp, is a delightful little book, which should be read and thought over till it is fully mastered.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
[John?] Aikin : Essay on the use of natural history
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] Aitkin's "Essay on the Use of Natural History" ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... In poetry, "Paradise Lost" and "Paradise Regained" ...
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Regained
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... In poetry, "Paradise Lost" and "Paradise Regained" ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Waller : [Poems]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... In poetry, ... all Waller again and again ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Cowley : [Poems]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... In poetry, ... most of Cowley, Butler, and Denham, Pope and Dryden often;...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Butler : [Poems]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... In poetry, ... most of Cowley, Butler, and Denham, Pope and Dryden often;...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Denham : [Poems]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... In poetry, ... most of Cowley, Butler, and Denham, Pope and Dryden often;...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Pope : [Poems]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... In poetry, ... most of Cowley, Butler, and Denham, Pope and Dryden often;...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Dryden : [Poems]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... In poetry, ... most of Cowley, Butler, and Denham, Pope and Dryden often;...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[William] [Gifford] : The Baviad and the Maeviad
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... In poetry, ... the Baviad and the Maeviad ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[Erasmus] Darwin : Botanic Garden
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... In poetry, ... Darwin's "Botanic Garden"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[William] [Mason] : Caractacus
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... In poetry, ... "Caractacus" ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
John Milton : [Latin poems]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... In poetry, ... ; many of Milton's Latin poems ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Jean de La Fontaine : [Poems]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... In poetry, ... a great deal of Fontaine ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[Friedrich] Schiller : The robbers [and two other plays]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... ; "The Robbers" and two other plays of Schiller; ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Gesner : Idylls
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... some "Idylls" of Gesner ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[Nicolas] Boileau[-Despreaux] : Satires [and other works]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ...; all Boileau's "Satires", and a good number of his "Epistles", and "Mithridate". ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Horace Walpole : [Works]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ...; I forgot to mention a good deal of Horace Walpole ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[Thomas] Jefferson : Virginia [Notes on state of]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ... Jefferson on Virginia ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
[David] Ramsay : Revolution of South Carolina [The history of the]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East...: not much of books not connected with India [but included] ...; Ramsay's "Revolution of South Carolina " ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
John Milton : Prose works
'I am in Milton's prose works, Cromwell's life, George Fox's Wanderings &c day & night, when I have any leisure'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
George Fox : Historical Account of the Life, Travels,...of George Fox
'I am in Milton's prose works, Cromwell's life, George Fox's Wanderings &c day & night, when I have any leisure'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
: [vowes]
'And I to my closet, there to read and agree upon my vowes for next year; and so to bed - and slept mighty well.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
[Samuel and John] Pepys : [Catalogue of his books]
'And so home and to supper, and then saw the Catalogue of my books which my brother hath wrote out, now perfectly Alphabetical; and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
Henry More : An antidote against atheism, or, An appeal to the naturall faculties of the minde of man, whether there be not a God
'So home to supper, and then to read a little in Moore's "Antidote against Atheisme", a pretty book; and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Andrew Marvell : Third Advice to a paynter
'And a little to my Lord Chancellors, where the King and Cabinet met, and there met Mr Brisband, with whom good discourse; to White-hall towards night, and there he did lend me the "Third Advice to a paynter", a bitter Satyr upon the service of the Duke of Albemarle the last year. I took it home with me and will copy it, having the former - being also mightily pleased with it. So after reading it, I to Sir W. Penn to discourse a little'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
Desiderius Erasmus : De conscribendis epistolis
'so did not enlarge, but took leave and went down and sat in a low room reading Erasmus "de scribendis Epistolis", a very good book; especially, one letter of advice to a Courtier most true and good - which made me once resolve to tear out the two leaves that it was writ in - but I forebore it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and then I home to supper, and to read a little and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so after supper and reading a little, and my wife's cutting off my hair short, which is grown too long upon the crown of my head, I to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Dryden : Annus Mirabilis: the year of wonders, 1666; an historical poem
'I am very well pleased this night with reading a poem I brought home with me last night from Westminster hall, of Driden's upon the present war - a very good poem.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Unknown
Dr George Hakewill : An apologie or declaration of the power and providence of God in the government of the world
'how[ever], I fell to read a little in Hakewill's "apology", and did satisfy myself mighty fair in the truth of the saying that the world doth not grow old at all, but is in as good condition in all respects as ever it was as to Nature. I continued reading this book with great pleasure till supper'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [petty-warrants]
'and I read the petty-warrants all the day till late at night, that I was very weary, and troubled to have my private business of my office stopped to attend this - but mightily pleased at this falling out.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
Ben Jonson : Every Man in his Humour
'and then went home and read a piece of a play (Every Man in his Humour, wherein is the greatest propriety of speech that ever I read in my life); and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
William Lloyd : The late apology in behalf of the papists, reprinted and answered in behalf of the royallists
'I did this day, going by water, read the Answer to the "Apology for Papists", which did like me mightily, it being a thing as well writ as I think most things that ever I read in my life, and glad I am that I read it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Speed : The history of Great Britaine
'and then home to read the lives of Henry the 5th and 6th, very fine, in Speede; and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : The church-history of Britain
'I home and there to read very good things in Fullers "Church History" and "Worthies", and so to supper'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Fuller : History of the worthies of England
'I home and there to read very good things in Fullers "Church History" and "Worthies", and so to supper'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Birchensha : Templum Musicum
'This day in the barge I took Berchensha's translation of Alsted his "Templum"; but the most ridiculous book, as he hath translated it, that I ever saw in my life; I declaring that I understood not three lines together, from one end of the book to the other.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Thomas Morely : A plaine and easie introduction to practicall musicke
'and then up and to my chamber with a good fire and there spent an hour on Morly's "Introduction to Music", a very good but inmethodical book.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Playford : A brief introduction to the skill of musick
'and then by water down to Greenwich and thence walked to Woolwich, all the way reading Playfords "Introduction to Musique", wherein are some things very pretty.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Paul Rycault : The present state of the Ottoman empire
'So home to supper, and to read the book I bought yesterday of the Turkish Policy, which is a good book, well writ; and so owned by Dr Clerke yesterday to me, commending it mightily to me for my reading as the only book of that subject that ever was writ, yet so designedly.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
George Mackenzie : Religio Stoici, with a friendly addresse to the phanaticks of all sects and sorts
'and so back home again, all the way reading a little piece I lately bought, call[ed] "The Virtuoso or The Stoicke", proposing many things paradoxicall to our common opinions; wherein in some places he speaks well, but generally is but a sorry man.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so to my chamber, having little left to do at my office, my eyes being a little sore by reason of my reading a small printed book the other day after it was dark'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Paul Rycault : The present state of the Ottoman empire
'Up, and to read a little in my new History of Turky'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Paul Rycault : The present state of the Ottoman empire
''and so home; and they home, and I to read with satisfaction in my book of Turky and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Richard Hooker : Works... in eight books of ecclesiastical polity
'So home to look on my new books that I have lately bought; and then to supper and to bed.' Pepys records the following in his diary the previous day (15 April): 'Thence I to my new bookseller's and there bought Hookers "Policy", the new edition, and Dugdale's history of the Inn's of Court, of which there was but a few saved out of the Fire - and Playford's new sketch-book, that hath a great many new fooleries in it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
William Dugdale : The Origines Juridiciales
'So home to look on my new books that I have lately bought; and then to supper and to bed.' Pepys records the following in his diary the previous day (15 April): 'Thence I to my new bookseller's and there bought Hookers "Policy", the new edition, and Dugdale's history of the Inn's of Court, of which there was but a few saved out of the Fire - and Playford's new sketch-book, that hath a great many new fooleries in it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Playford : Catch that catch can, or The musical companion
'So home to look on my new books that I have lately bought; and then to supper and to bed.' Pepys records the following in his diary the previous day (15 April): 'Thence I to my new bookseller's and there bought Hookers "Policy", the new edition, and Dugdale's history of the Inn's of Court, of which there was but a few saved out of the Fire - and Playford's new sketch-book, that hath a great many new fooleries in it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
William Dugdale : Origines Juridiciales
'and I to my chamber and there spent the night in reading my new book, "Origines Juridiciales", which pleases me. So to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
William Dugdale : Origines Juridiciales
'Up, and to read more in the Origines'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Paul Rycault : The present state of the Ottoman empire
'and I to my chamber and there read a great deal in Rycault's Turks book with great pleasure, and so eat and to bed'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Robert Boyle : Experiments and considerations touching colours
'After dinner by water, the day being mighty pleasant and the tide serving finely - I up (reading in Boyles book of Colours) as high as Barne Elmes'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Robert Boyle : Experiments and considerations touching colours
'and so home, and there to write down my Journall, and so to supper and to read and so to bed - mightily pleased with my reading Boyles book of Colours today; only, troubled that some part of it, endeed the greatest part, I am not able to understand for want of study.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[n/a] : London Gazette
'and then to the Change, where for certain I hear, and the newsbook declares, a peace between France and Portugal.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Newspaper
[Samuel] [Parr] : Bellendenus [preface to]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... not much of books not connected with India. ... [but included] ; the preface to "Bellendenus" ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Japher : Farriery
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... not much of books not connected with India. ... [but included] ; Japher's "Farriery" ..'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
unknown : Life of Major Geshpill
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... not much of books not connected with India. ... [but included] ; a Life of Major Geshpill; ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Bernardin de Saint-Pierre : Etudes de la Nature [abstract of]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... not much of books not connected with India. ... [but included] ; an abstract of St. Pierre's "Etudes de la Nature"; ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
: The Nation
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... not much of books not connected with India. ... [but included] ; the "Nation" ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
unknown : [Novels innumerable]
'I have read since last October a good deal of the history relating to the East ... not much of books not connected with India. ... [but included] ; and novels innumerable ...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mountstuart Elphinstone Print: Book
Philip Sidney : Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia, The
'Read the Arcadia & Cupids Revenge - S. reads the arcadia'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so after supper to read and then to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Paul Rycault : The present state of the Ottoman empire
'Then down to my chamber and made an end of Rycaults "History of the Turkes", which is a very good book.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so a little at the office and home, to read a little and to supper and bed'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [table-book]
'and at noon all of us to Kent's at the Three Tun tavern and there dined well at Mr Gawden's charge. There the constable of the parish did show us the picklocks and dice that were found in the dead man's pockets, and but 18d in money - and a table-book, wherein were entered the names of several places where he was to go'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: table-book
Samuel Pepys : [report on the case of Mr Carcasse]
'and then did get Sir W. Batten, J. Mennes and W. Penn together, and read it [Pepys's report on the case of Mr Carcasse] over with all the many papers relating to the business; which they do wonder at, and the trouble that I have taken about it, and like the report, so as that they do unanimously resolve to sign it and stand by it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Pepys : [report on the case of Mr Carcasse]
'And by and by to Sir W. Batten, and there he and I and J. Mennes and W. Penn did read and sign with great liking'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Pepys : [report on the case of Mr Carcasse]
'And by and by to Sir W. Batten, and there he and I and J. Mennes and W. Penn did read and sign with great liking'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Batten Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Pepys : [report on the case of Mr Carcasse]
'And by and by to Sir W. Batten, and there he and I and J. Mennes and W. Penn did read and sign with great liking'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Penn Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Pepys : [report on the case of Mr Carcasse]
'And by and by to Sir W. Batten, and there he and I and J. Mennes and W. Penn did read and sign with great liking'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir John Minnes Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Pepys : [report on the case of Mr Carcasse]
'I presented our report about Carcasse to the Duke of York, and did afterwards read it, with that success that the Duke of York was for punishing him, not only with turning him out of the office but what other punishment he could'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
Isaak Walton : Life of Richard Hooker in an edition of Hooker's Works
'I took leave of him, and directly by water home; and there to read the Life of Mr Hooker, which pleases me as much as anything I have read in a great while'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Isaak Walton : Life of Richard Hooker in an edition of Hooker's Works
'They being gone, I to my book again and made an end of Mr Hooker's life, and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so to supper, and after a little reading, to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Madeleine de Scuderi : Artamene, ou Le grand Cyrus
'and then home to my wife, who is not well with her cold, and sat and read [a] piece of "Grand Cyrus" in English by her'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Walter Scott : Waverley; or, 'Tis Sixty Years Since
'Read Waverly - Pliny's letters - Political Justice & Miltons Tenure of Kings and Magistrates. Shelley reads Waverly - Tales of my Landlord & several of the works of Plato'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Walter Scott : Tales of my Landlord [First Series - The Black Dwarf; Old Mortality]
'Read Waverly - Pliny's letters - Political Justice & Miltons Tenure of Kings and Magistrates. Shelley reads Waverly - Tales of my Landlord & several of the works of Plato'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : [several works]
'Read Waverly - Pliny's letters - Political Justice & Miltons Tenure of Kings and Magistrates. Shelley reads Waverly - Tales of my Landlord & several of the works of Plato'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Euripides : Alcestes
'S. reads Alcestes'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Wordsworth : [Poems]
'S. reads Wordsworths Poems aloud in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : [unknown]
'After tea S. reads Spencer aloud.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'S. reads the bible'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[unknown] : [History of the French Revolution]
'Read Pliny - work - Shelley read[s] Hist. French Revolution.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : MacBeth
'In the evening S. finishes reading MacBeth'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : Faerie Queene, The
'read Pliny and walk. S. reads a canto of Spencer'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : Faerie Queene, The
'S. reads Spencer aloud & finishes the first & begins the second book.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Apuleius : Metamorphoses; or, The Golden Ass
'Read Pliny - transcribe - read Clarke's travels - Shelley writes and reads Apuleius and Spencer in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Mary Shelley : Frankenstein
'S. reads Hist. of [French]. Rev. and corrects F. write Preface'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Manuscript: Unknown, Mary Shelley's MS
Edmund Spenser : Faerie Queene, The
'Read Apuleius. S. reads Spencer aloud'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Homer : [unknown]
'S. reads Homer and writes'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
J. Frederic Lullin de Chateauvieux : Manuscrit venu de St Helene d'une maniere inconnue
'S. reads St Helena Manuscript'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : Faerie Queene, The
'S. reads Hist. de la philosophie Moderne. and Spencer aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Johann Gottlieb Buhle : Geschichte der neuern Philosophie
'S. reads Hist. de la philosophie Moderne. and Spencer aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Arrian : Anabasis
'finish 2nd book of Tacitus and read Buffon's Hist. Nat. - S. reads Arrian - Watson acquitted - read his trial'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Arrian : Historia Indica
'finish 2nd book of Tacitus and read Buffon's Hist. Nat. - S. reads Arrian - Watson acquitted - read his trial'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Fletcher : Faithfull Shepheardesse, The
'Shelley reads the first act of the faithful Shepherdess aloud.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Arrian : Historia Indica
'Shelley reads Arrian's Historia Indicae [sic]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Homer : Iliad
'Read Julie - S reads Homer'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Fletcher : Faithfull Shepheardesse, The
'Read Tacitus - The Persian letters - S. reads Homer & writes - reads a canto of Spencer and part of the gentle shepherdess aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Homer : Illiad
'Read Tacitus and Buffon. S. reads Homer and Plutarch'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plutarch : [unknown]
'Read Tacitus and Buffon. S. reads Homer and Plutarch'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plutarch : Hymns
'S. reads Homer's Hymns'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Aeschlyus : Prometheus Bound
'S. translates Promethes Desmotes and I write it'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Aeschlyus : [several plays]
'Read Tacitus - Clarkes travels - transcribe for S. - S writes - reads several of the plays of Aeschylus and Spencer aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Aeschylus : Agamemnon
'Read Miss E[dgesworth]'s Harrington and ormond - Arthur Mervyn - S. reads the Agamemnon of Aeschylus'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Aeschylus : [unknown]
'S goes to Egham - he reads Aeschylus and tavels in the kingdom of Caubul - read Rasselas - make jellies and work'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Mountstuart Elphinstone : Account of the Kingdom of Caubul and its dependencies in Persia, Tartary and India
'S goes to Egham - he reads Aeschylus and tavels in the kingdom of Caubul - read Rasselas - make jellies and work'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Mountstuart Elphinstone : Account of the Kingdom of Caubul and its dependencies in Persia, Tartary and India
'S. finishes the plays of Aeschylus - finishes the Hist. of Caubul - writes - reads three chap. of Gibbon aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Aeschylus : [Plays]
'S. finishes the plays of Aeschylus - finishes the Hist. of Caubul - writes - reads three chap. of Gibbon aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'S. finishes the plays of Aeschylus - finishes the Hist. of Caubul - writes - reads three chap. of Gibbon aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'Shelley writes - reads Plato's Convivium - Gibbon aloud - Read several of Beaumont and Fletcher's plays'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : Convivium
'Shelley writes - reads Plato's Convivium - Gibbon aloud - Read several of Beaumont and Fletcher's plays'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Ben Jonson : The Fountaine of Selfe-Love. Or, Cynthia's Revels
'[Shelley] begins reading aloud Cynthia's revels - writes - and read the Oedipus of Sophocles'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Sophocles : Oedipus Rex
'[Shelley] begins reading aloud Cynthia's revels - writes - and read the Oedipus of Sophocles'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Volpone, or the Foxe
'Read a little of Tacitus - Several of Beaumont and Fletchers Plays - S. reads Volpone and the Alchymist aloud and begins Lalla Rookh'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Alchymist, The
'Read a little of Tacitus - Several of Beaumont and Fletchers Plays - S. reads Volpone and the Alchymist aloud and begins Lalla Rookh'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Thomas Moore : Lalla Rookh: an oriental romance
'Read a little of Tacitus - Several of Beaumont and Fletchers Plays - S. reads Volpone and the Alchymist aloud and begins Lalla Rookh'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Hyde (1st Earl of Clarendon) : The True Historical Narrative of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England
'I am reading Clarendon's Hist. Rebell. at present with which I am more pleased than I expected, which is saying a good deal'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Lucy Hutchinson : Memoirs of the Life of Colonel Hutchinson
'I have possessed myself of Mrs Hutchinson, which, of course, I admire, etc'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Henry George Bohn : unknown
'It is necessary to explain, O Argive youth, that I have been reading the translations of Bohn, cunningly written with a reed upon the well-prepared tablets'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Honore de Balzac : Contes Drolatiques
'... et lisais les Contes Drolatiqe de nostre feu Maistre de Balzac ...' [and I was reading the amusing stories of our master Balzac]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
L G Silbergleit : Robert Burns' Lieder und Balladen [etc]
'Today, I got rather a curiosity - Lieder und Balladen von Robert Burns, translated by one Silbergleit, and not so ill done either.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Alfred, Lord Tennyson : Maud; A Monodrama
?I have just been reading "Maud". Do not fear, dear; it has not been unpleasant to me; I see and know and accept all the limitations without a grudge.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
unknown : [Roman law]
'I have been reading Roman Law...'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
John Calvin : unknown
'I have been reading...Calvin.'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
Sophocles : [Plays]
'Finish the 11th book of Tacitus - Read some of Beaumont & X Fletchers plays - work - S. write - reads some of the plays of Sophocles - & Antony & Cleopatra of Shakespeare and Othello aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Othello
'Finish the 11th book of Tacitus - Read some of Beaumont & X Fletchers plays - work - S. write - reads some of the plays of Sophocles - & Antony & Cleopatra of Shakespeare and Othello aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Antony and Cleopatra
'Finish the 11th book of Tacitus - Read some of Beaumont & X Fletchers plays - work - S. write - reads some of the plays of Sophocles - & Antony & Cleopatra of Shakespeare and Othello aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Baruch de Spinoza : Tractatus Theologico-politicus
'write the trans. of Spinoza from S's dictation; translate Cupid & Psyche - read Tacitus and Rousseau's confessions'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Godwin : Enquiry concerning . . . Political Justice
'I read Tacitus - 3 of Hume's essays VIII IX X - some of the German theatre - write - walk - Shelleys [sic] reads Political Justice & 8 Cantos of his poem.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Percy Bysshe Shelley : Laon and Cythna
'I read Tacitus - 3 of Hume's essays VIII IX X - some of the German theatre - write - walk - Shelleys [sic] reads Political Justice & 8 Cantos of his poem.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Manuscript: Unknown
Percy Bysshe Shelley : Laon and Cythna
'S. finishes reading his poem aloud. - read from the German theatre'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Manuscript: Unknown
William Godwin : Enquiry Concerning... Political Justice
'S. finishes Political Justice Read Tacitus & Hume - work in the evening read Mandeville.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Godwin : Mandeville. A tale of the seventeenth century in England
'Read Mandeville all day & finish it. S. reads Mandeville.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
unknown : [Roman law]
'...I have been continuing to work at Roman Law...'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
John Knox : unknown
'...I have been continuing to work at ... John Knox...'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
Edward Robert Bulwer-Lytton : Fables in Song
'Struggling away at "Fables in Song" .'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
Thomas Paine : Rights of Man, The
'S. reads Rights of man.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : Biographia Literaria; or Biographical sketches of my literary life and opinions
'Shelley reads & finishes Coleridge's Liteerary [sic] life'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
David Hume : Essays and treatises on several subjects
'S. reads Hume'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
George Berkeley : Works
'Shelley reads Berkeley'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
George Berkeley : Works
'S reads Berkeley and part of "Much ado about nothing["] aloud; read XI XII XIII Essays of Hume.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Much Ado about Nothing
'S reads Berkeley and part of "Much ado about nothing["] aloud; read XI XII XIII Essays of Hume.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Lady Morgan : France
'S reads Lady Morgans "France".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Lady Morgan : France
'Read the little thief - walk. S reads "France".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'S walks - & reads I book of Paradise Lost in the evening.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'Read Tacitus and Hume. S reads Gibbon - read G[e]orgics - 194'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'S reads Gibbon a[nd] 2 book of Paradise Lost.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Apuleius : Metamorphoses
[Percy Shelley's Reading List for 1817. As far as possible texts referred to in the journals are not given separate entries based on this list] 'Symposium of Plato Plays of Aeschlyus Plays of Sophocles Illiad of Homer Arrian's Historia Indicae Homer's Hymns [the above texts are bracketed to show they were all read in Greek] Histoire de la Revolution Francaise Apuleius Metamorphoses - Latin Coleridges Biographica Literaria Political Justice Rights of Man Elphinstone's Embassy to Caubul Severals [sic] vols of Gibbon'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Homer : Hymns
'S finishes Homer's Hymns'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'S reads Gibbon'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
August W. von Schlegel : Uber dramatische Kunst und Literatur
'Shelley reads Schlegel aloud [to] us - We sleep at Rheims.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
August W. von Schlegel : Uber dramatische Kunst und Literatur
'Shelley reads Schlegel aloud and we travel on in a pleasant country among nice people - We sleep at Dijon'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pietro Antonio Serassi : La vita di Torquato Tasso
'Read Aminta with Shelley - he reads Vita del Tasso'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pietro Antonio Serassi : La vita di Torquato Tasso
'Shelley has finished the life of Tasso & reads Dante - read Pamela'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Dante Alighieri : [unknown]
'Shelley has finished the life of Tasso & reads Dante - read Pamela'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Dante Alighieri : Purgatorio
'begin Clarissa Harlowe in Italian - S. reads and finishes Dante's Purgatorio'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
'S reads Hamlet'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Dante Alighieri : Paradiso
'S. unwell - he reads the Paradiso'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Evelyn : Publick enjoyment and an active life ... prefer's to solitude
'And after having been there so long, I away to my boat, and up with it as far as Barne Elmes, reading of Mr Eveling's late new book against Solitude, in which I do not find much excess of good matter, though it be pretty for a by-discourse.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Evelyn : Publick enjoyment and an active life ... prefer's to solitude
'I to boat again and to my book; and having done that, I took another book, Mr Boyles of Colours, and there read where I left [28 April?], finding many fine things worthy [of] observation.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Robert Boyle : Experiments and considerations touching colours
'I to boat again and to my book; and having done that, I took another book, Mr Boyles of Colours, and there read where I left [28 April?], finding many fine things worthy [of] observation.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'After supper, I to read and then to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Robert Boyle : Experiments and considerations touching colours
'Being weary and almost blind with writing and reading so much today, I took boat at the Old Swan, and there up the River all alone, as high as Puttny almost; and then back again, all the way reading and finishing Mr Boyle's book of Colours, which is so Chymicall that I can understand but little of it, but understand enough to see that he is a most excellent man.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
George Cavendish : The life and death of Thomas Woolsey, Cardinal ... written by one of his own servants, being his gentleman usher
'And there finding them all at church, and thinking they dined as usual at Stepny, I turned back, having a good book in my hand (the Life of Cardinal Wolsey, wrote by his own servant), and to Ratcliffe'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[n/a] : [gravestones]
'and so walked to Stepny and spent my time in the churchyard looking over the gravestones, expecting when the company would come'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Graffito
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and thence home, where to supper and then to read a little; and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Robert Boyle : Hydrostatical Paradoxes
'But I fell to read a book (Boyle's "Hydrostatickes") aloud in my chamber and let her talk till she was tired, and vexed that I would not hear her'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'And so home and there to the office a little; and thence to my chamber to read and supper, and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : A dialogue concerning the rights of His Most Christian Majesty
'This day I read (shown me by Mr Gibson) a discourse newly come forth, of the King of France his pretence to Flanders; which is a very fine discourse, and the turth is, hath so much of the Civil Law in it that I am not a fit judge of it; but as it appears to me, he hath a good pretence to it by right of his Queene. So to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Roger L'Estrange [translator] : The visions of Don Francisco de Quevedo
'and then to my boat again and home, reading and making an end of the book I lately bought, a merry Satyre called "The Visions", translated from Spanish by Le Strange; wherein there are many pretty things, but the translation is, as to the rendering it in English expression, the best that I ever saw, it being impossible almost to conceive that it should be a translation.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Robert Boyle : Hydrostatical Paradoxes
'So I homeward, as long as it was light reading Mr Boyles book of "Hydrostatickes", which is a most excellent book as ever I read; and I will take much pains to understand him through if I can, the doctrine being very useful.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
William Lilly : Merlini Anglici Ephemeris
'Thence we read and laughed at Lillys prophecies this month - in his almanac this year.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book, almanac
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and then home to my chamber to read and write; and then to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Sir Edward Coke : The third part of the Institutes of the Laws of England: concerning High Treason, and other pleas of the Crown
'Up, and I to my chamber, and there all morning reading in my Lord Cooke's "Pleas of the Crowne", very fine noble reading.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Andrew Marvell : The second and third advice to a painter, for drawing the history of our navall actions, the last two years
'and so away presently very merry, and fell to reading of the several "Advices to a Painter", which made us good sport; and endeed are very witty'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so we home to supper, and I read myself asleep and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so home to supper and to read myself asleep, and then to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Robert Boyle : Hydrostatical Paradoxes
'and so with very much pleasure down to Gravesend, all the way with extraordinary content reading of Boyl's "Hydrostatickes", which the more I read and understand, the more I admire as a most excellent piece of philosophy.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and then to my chamber to read, and so to bed'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Speed : The history of Great Britaine
'and so to my chamber and read the history of 88 in Speede, in order to my seeing the play thereof acted tomorrow at the King's House.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so home and to my chamber to read; and then to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and I home to supper and to read a little and then to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so home, and after some little reading in my chamber, to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and then home and to my chamber to read'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Robert Boyle : Hydrostatical Paradoxes
'and so walked to Barne Elmes, whither I sent Russell, reading of Mr Boyles "Hydrostatickes", which are of infinite delight.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Christoph Martin Wieland : Aristipp und einige seiner Zeitgenossen
'Read Les Abderites. S. finishes Aristippe'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Euripides : [unknown]
'Read trans. of Lucian - S reads Euripides'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Giovanni Battista Manso : La vita di Torquato Tasso
'Shelley reads Manso's life of Tasso'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Euripides : Hippolitus
'S. reads the Hippolitus of Euripides'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Sophocles : Philoctetes
'S. reads the Philoctetes of Sophocles - Read 2nd and 3rd act of Phormio & Mile et une nuits'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Sophocles : Electra
'S. reads Electra and Ajax. Read the 8th Canto of Ariosto and the 4th Act of Phormio - Finish the Mille et une nuits. Read the Zaire and the Alzire of Voltaire'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Sophocles : Ajax
'S. reads Electra and Ajax. Read the 8th Canto of Ariosto and the 4th Act of Phormio - Finish the Mille et une nuits. Read the Zaire and the Alzire of Voltaire'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Sophocles : Ajax
'Read 9th Canto of Ariosto - Finish Phormio - S reads Ajax'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Euripides : Alceste
'S reads the alcestis [sic] of Euripides.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Xenophon : Memorabilia Socratis
'Read 16th Canto of Ariosto - Read Gibbon - S. reads the Memorabilia of Zenophon'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Xenophon : Memorabilia socratis
'S. reads the Memorabilia - walk out & Read 250 lines of the 8th book of the Aenied[sic]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : Shepheardes Calendar, The
'S. reads aloud 6 eclogues from the Shepherds Calender[sic]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : Shepheardes Calendar, The
'S. reads a part of the Shepherds Calender [sic] aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Aristophanes : Clouds, The
'S. reads Gibbon and the Clouds of Aristophanes'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Aristophanes : Clouds, The
'Read 23 Canto of Ariosto & Gibbon - & the 3rd Ode of Horace - S. finishes the clouds - Reads Humes England aloud in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
David Hume : History of England from the Invasion of Julius Caesar to the Revolution in 1688
'Read 23 Canto of Ariosto & Gibbon - & the 3rd Ode of Horace - S. finishes the clouds - Reads Humes England aloud in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Aristophanes : Plutus
'S. reads the Plutus of Aristophanes & Gibbon'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Aristophanes : Lysistratae
'Read 25 Canto of Ariosto - Gibbon & 6 & 7 odes of Horace - S. reads the Lysistratae of Aristophanes - finishes Gibbon - and reads Hume's England in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Gibbon : History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
'Read 25 Canto of Ariosto - Gibbon & 6 & 7 odes of Horace - S. reads the Lysistratae of Aristophanes - finishes Gibbon - and reads Hume's England in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
David Hume : History of England from the Invasion of Julius Caesar to the Revolution in 1688
'Read 25 Canto of Ariosto - Gibbon & 6 & 7 odes of Horace - S. reads the Lysistratae of Aristophanes - finishes Gibbon - and reads Hume's England in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
J-J Barthelemy : Voyage du jeune Anacharsis en Grece vers le milieu du quatrieme siecle avant l'ere vulgaire
'S. reads Aristophanes - & Anarcharsis [sic]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
J-J Barthelemy : Voyage du jeune Anacharsis en Grece vers le milieu du quatrieme siecle avant l'ere vulgaire
'Read 30th Canto of Ariosto - Livy - Horace - & Every Man in his humour. S. reads Aristophanes and Anacharsis'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Katherine Phillips : Poems
'and so parted at the New Exchange, where I stayed reading Mrs Phillips's poems till my wife and Mercer called me to Mrs Pierce's by invitation to dinner'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Andrew Marvell : Directions to a painter for describing our naval business ... by an unknown author
'Only, here I met with a fourth "Advice to the painter", upon the coming in of the Dutch to the River and end of the war, that made my heart ake to read, it being too sharp and so true.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : London's Flames, or The discovery of such evidence as were deposed before the Committee of Parliament etc, with the insolences of the Popish party
'Here I also saw a printed account of the examinations taking touching the burning of the City of London, showing the plots of the papists therein; which it seems hath been ordered and hath been burnt by the hands of the hangman in Westminster Palace - I will try to get one of them.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Richard Rhodes : Flora's Vagaries
'and here I read the Qu's to Knepp while she answered me, through all her part of "Flora's Figarys", which was acted today' [She = Nell Gwyn]
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
John Speed : The history of Great Britaine
'and then to my chamber to read the true story in Speed of the Black Prince; and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Richard Garnet : The book of oaths ... very useful for all persons whatsoever, especially those that undertake any office of magistracy or publique employment
'and so away back home again, reading all the way the book of the Collection of Oaths in the several offices in this nation, which is worth a man's reading'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Samuel Pepys : [letter to Sir Robert Brookes]
'all morning at the office finishing my letter to Sir Rob Brookes, which I did with great content; and yet at noon, when I came home to dinner, I read it over again after it was sealed and delivered to the messenger, and read it to my clerks who dined with me, and there I did resolve upon some alteration and caused it to be new writ'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Letter
David Lloyd : Memories of the lives ... of those noble ... personages
'After dinner by coach as far as the Temple and there saw a new book in Folio of all that suffered for the King in the late times - which I will buy; it seems well writ.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Then home to read, sup and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Miguel de Cervantes : Don Quixote
'It is one of the most extraordinary accidents in my life, and gives ground to think of Don Quixot's adventures how people may be surprized'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[n/a] : [office letters]
'he and I all the afternoon to read over our office letters, to see what matter can be got for our advantage or disadvantage therein'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Letter
John Davies [transl] : The history of Algiers and its slavery
'I read to her out of the "History of Algiers", which is mighty pretty reading'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'After dinner, up to my wife again, who is in great pain still with her tooth and cheek; and there, they gone, I spent most of the afternoon and night reading and talking to bear her company, and so to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Michel Millot : L'escolle des filles, ou La philosophie des dames, divis?e en deux dialogues
'Thence homeward by coach, and stopped at Martins my bookseller, where I saw the French book which I did think to have had for my wife to translate, called "L'escholle de Filles", but when I came to look into it, it is the most bawdy, lewd book that I ever saw, rather worse than "putana errante" - so that I was ashamed of reading in it'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so I walked away homeward, and there reading all the evening; and so to bed'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'So he gone, I to read a little in my chamber, and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Michel Millot : L'escolle des filles, ou La philosophie des dames, divis?e en deux dialogues
'Up, and at my chamber all the morning and the office, doing business and also reading a little of "L'escolle des Filles", which is a mighty lewd book, but yet not amiss for a sober man to read over to inform himself in the villainy of the world.' The previous day Pepys bought the book, writing in his diary: 'which I have bought in plain binding (avoiding the buying of it better bound) because I resolve, as soon as I have read it, to burn it, that it may not stand in the list of books, nor among them, to disgrace them if it should be found.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Michel Millot : L'escolle des filles, ou La philosophie des dames, divis?e en deux dialogues
'and then they parted and I to my chamber, where I did read through "L'escholle des Filles"; a lewd book, but what doth me no wrong to read for information sake (but it did hazer my prick para stand all the while, and una vez to decharger); and after I had done it, I burned it, that it might not be among my books to my shame; and so at night to supper and then to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and then to my chamber and read most of the evening till pretty late, when, my wife not being well, I did lie below stairs in our great chamber'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'He gone, we home and there I to read, and my belly being full of my dinner today, I anon to bed'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so home to supper and to read, and then to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Samuel Pepys : Memorandums and Conclusions of the Navy Board
'And with great joy I do find, looking over my Memorandum-books, which are now of great use to me and do fully reward me for all my care in keeping them, that I am not likely to be troubled for anything of that kind but what I shall either be able beforehand to prevent, or if discovered, be able to justify myself in.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and there took a hackney and home and there to read and talk with my wife'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Duchess of Newcastle : The life of the thrice noble, high and puissant prince, William Cavendishe, Duke ... of Newcastle .. written by the thrice noble, illustrious and excellent princess, Duchess of Newcastle, his wife
'Thence home; and there, in favour to my eyes, stayed at home reading the ridiculous history of my Lord Newcastle, wrote by his wife, which shows her to be a mad, conceited, ridiculous woman, and he an asse to suffer [her] to write what she writes to him and of him. Betty Turner sent my wife the book to read; and it being a fair print, to ease my eyes, which would be reading, I read that.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Duchess of Newcastle : The life of the thrice noble, high and puissant prince, William Cavendishe, Duke ... of Newcastle .. written by the thrice noble, illustrious and excellent princess, Duchess of Newcastle, his wife
'and so home to read a little more in last night's book with much sport, it being a foolish book.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and she being gone, I to my chamber to read a little again, and then after supper to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so home, and there spent the evening making Balty read to me; and so to supper and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Balthasar St Michael Print: Book
[unknown] : [street ballads]
'But Lord, to see among the young commanders and Tho Killigrew and others that came, how unlike a burial this was, Obrian taking out some ballets from his pocket, which I read and the rest came about me to hear; and there very merry we were all, they being new ballets.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Broadsheet, Handbill
Samuel de Sorbiere : voyage into England
'and there got Balty to read to me out of Sorbiere's observations in his voyage into England; and then to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Balthasar St Michael Print: Book
Samuel Pepys : [Report]
'and then up about 7 and to White-hall, where read over my report to Lord Arlington and Berkely and then afterward at the Council Board, with great good liking'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Pepys : [Report]
'and then up about 7 and to White-hall, where read over my report to Lord Arlington and Berkely and then afterward at the Council Board, with great good liking'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
[unknown] : Principal Officer's instructions
'Thence home and there with Mr Hater and W Hewer late, reading over all the Principal Officers' instructions in order to my great work upon my hand.'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys
Peter Heylyn : Cyprianus Anglicus, or The history of the life and death of William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury
'I walked to the Temple and stayed at Starky's my bookseller's (looking over Dr Heylins new book of the life of Bishop Laud, a strange book of church history of his time) till Mr Wren comes by'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [paper on the faults of the Navy]
'and the Duke of York and Wren and I, it being now candle-light, into the Duke of York's closet in White-hall and there read over this paper of my Lord Keeper's; wherein is laid down the faults of the Navy, so silly and the remedies so ridiculous, or else the same that are now already provided, that we thought it not to need any answer, the Duke of York being able himself to do it'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
[unknown] : [paper on the faults of the Navy]
'and the Duke of York and Wren and I, it being now candle-light, into the Duke of York's closet in White-hall and there read over this paper of my Lord Keeper's; wherein is laid down the faults of the Navy, so silly and the remedies so ridiculous, or else the same that are now already provided, that we thought it not to need any answer, the Duke of York being able himself to do it'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: James, Duke of York Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Pepys : [letter]
'Walked to St James and Pell Mell, and read over with Sir W. Coventry my long letter to the Duke of York and what the Duke of York hath from mine wrote to the board; wherein he is mightily pleased, and I perceive to put great value upon me.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Letter
Samuel Pepys : [letter]
'Walked to St James and Pell Mell, and read over with Sir W. Coventry my long letter to the Duke of York and what the Duke of York hath from mine wrote to the board; wherein he is mightily pleased, and I perceive to put great value upon me.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Coventry Manuscript: Letter
[unknown] : [draft of the victualler's contract]
'and so W. Penn and Lord Brouncker and I at the lodging of the latter to read over our new draft of the victualler's contract'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
[unknown] : [draft of the victualler's contract]
'and so W. Penn and Lord Brouncker and I at the lodging of the latter to read over our new draft of the victualler's contract'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Penn Manuscript: Unknown
Abraham Wright : Five sermons in five several styles
'Going down I spent reading of the "Five Sermons of Five Several Styles"; worth comparing one with another, but I do think when all is done, that contrary to the design of the book, the Presbyterian style and the Independent are the best of the five for sermons to be preached in; this I do by the best of my present judgement think.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [book of warrants in Cromwell's war, 1652-4]
'And coming back I spent reading of the book of warrants of our office in the first Dutch war, and do find that my letters and warrants and method will be found another-gate's business than this that the world so much adores - and I am glad for my own sake to find it so.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
a fellow student of Robert Louis Stevenson : letter
'Yesterday I received a letter that gave me much pleasure from a poor fellow student of mine who has been all winter very ill, and seems to be but little better even now. He seems very pleased with "Ordered South". "A month ago," he says, "I could scarcely have ventured to read it -- today I felt on reading it as I did on the first day that I was able to sun myself in the open air" And much more to the like effect. It is very gratifying.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter
Edward Robert Bulwer-Lytton : Fables in Song
'All right, I'll see what I can do. Before I could answer, I had to see the book; and my good father, after trying at all our libraries, bought it for me. I like the book; that is, some of it; and I'll try to lick up four or five pages for the "Fortnightly."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: BookManuscript: Letter
Sidney Colvin : unknown
'All right, I'll see what I can do....Does the "sans extract" mean that I [italics] simply God-damn-mustn't [end italics] put in an extract. Please explain...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: BookManuscript: Letter
Henry Charles Fleeming Jenkin : letter
'Jenkin wrote to say he would second me in such a nice little notelet. I shall go in for it (the Savile I mean) whether "V.H." is accepted or not, being now a man of means.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter
[unknown] : [unknown]
'And so home and to my business, and to read again and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and away home myself, and there to read again and sup with Gibson; and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'So home to read and sup; and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
William Penn : Truth exalted; in a short, but sure, testimony against those religions, faiths and worships that have been formed and followed in the darkness of apostacy
'and after supper to read a ridiculous nonsensical book set out by Will Pen for the Quakers; but so full of nothing but nonsense that I was ashamed to read in it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Samuel Pepys : [paper on naval business]
'and there to Mr Wren at his chamber at White-hall ... And there he and I did read over my paper that I have with so much labour drawn up about the several answers of the Officers of this office to the Duke of York's reflections, and did debate a little what advice to give the Duke of York when he comes to town upon it.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Unknown
[unknown] : [unknown]
'So to read and talk with my wife, till by and by called to the office'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Samuel Pepys : [letter with corrections by Matthew Wren]
'This evening comes Mr Billup to me to read over Mr Wren's alterations of my draft of a letter for the Duke of York to sign, to the board; which I like mighty well, they being not considerable, only in mollifying some hard terms which I had thought fit to put in.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Manuscript: Letter
unknown : [unknown]
'and then home to supper and read a little, and to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'So home and to supper and read'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so home, and there with pleasure to read and talk'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so my wife and I spent the rest of the evening in talk and reading, and so with great pleasure to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and to dinner and then to read and talk, my wife and I alone'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so home and to supper and read'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'and so to read and to supper, and so to bed.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys Print: Book
Sir William Coventry : [record of discourse upon business of Lord Clarendon]
'But by this discourse he was pleased to show me and read to me his account, which he hath kept by him under his own hand, of all his discourse and the King's answers to him upon the great business of my Lord Clarendon'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Coventry Manuscript: Unknown
[n/a] : Bible
The Weekly Return of Lessons repeated by Prisoners at Reading Gaol from 25 May to 1 June 1850. (Report of the schoolmaster to the gaol chaplain). S.D.: 'Repeat the Collect and the 139th Psalm, also 1st and 2nd chapter of St John.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: S.D. Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
The Weekly Return of Lessons repeated by Prisoners at Reading Gaol from 25 May to 1 June 1850. (Report of the schoolmaster to the gaol chaplain). T.S.: 'Repeat the Collect and 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th Psalms'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: T.S. Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
The Weekly Return of Lessons repeated by Prisoners at Reading Gaol from 25 May to 1 June 1850. (Report of the schoolmaster to the gaol chaplain). W.S.: 'Repeat the Collect and 6th verse of 3rd, also 32nd verse of 4th chapter of St John.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: W.S. Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
The Weekly Return of Lessons repeated by Prisoners at Reading Gaol from 25 May to 1 June 1850. (Report of the schoolmaster to the gaol chaplain). S.K.: 'Repeat the Collect and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th chapters of !st, and 1st chapter of 2nd Thessalonians.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: S.K. Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
The Weekly Return of Lessons repeated by Prisoners at Reading Gaol from 25 May to 1 June 1850. (Report of the schoolmaster to the gaol chaplain). H.S. al D.: 'Repeat the Collect and 1st, 2nd and 3rd chapters of St John.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: H.S. al D. Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
The Weekly Return of Lessons repeated by Prisoners at Reading Gaol from 25 May to 1 June 1850. (Report of the schoolmaster to the gaol chaplain). J.S. al E.: 'Repeat the Collect and 6th chapter of Galatians, also the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chapters of Ephesians.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: J.S. al E. Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
The Weekly Return of Lessons repeated by Prisoners at Reading Gaol from 25 May to 1 June 1850. (Report of the schoolmaster to the gaol chaplain). J.S.: 'Repeat the Collect and 18th chapter, also 12th verse of 19th chapter of St John.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: J.S. Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
S.G., transport convict writing from Portsmouth: 'During my stay at Pentonville I was, comparatively speaking, comfortable ... Mr Kingsmill was particularly kind in lending me some excellent books, in which I took great delight.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: S.G. Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
Case study, E.E.S., a Jew, young man of respectable German family, at first confined in a common prison where associated with other prisoners, before moved to Pentonville: 'For months after he came to Pentonville the poor man could speak of nothing but the injustice and cruelty of the English. At last he became quiet, and even cheerful, under different treatment; studied most assidiously the New and Old Testaments, in reference to the claims of Christianity upon his belief; withdrew himself from the teaching of his Rabbi, who could not satisfy his inquiring mind; and before he left, professed an entire acquiescence in the truths of our Divine religion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: E.E.S. Print: Book
David Hume : History of England from the Invasion of Julius Caesar to the Revolution in 1688
'Read 33rd Canto of Ariosto - Livy - Horace & The Magnetick lady - S reads Aristophanes & Anarcharsis - & Hume's England aloud in the evening after our walk.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
J.-J. Barthelemy : Voyage du jeune Anacharsis en Gr?ce vers le milieu du quatri?me si?cle avant l'?re vulgaire
'S reads the Symposium and translates a part of it - he finishes Anacharsis & reads Hume's England aloud in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : Symposium
'S reads the Symposium and translates a part of it - he finishes Anacharsis & reads Hume's England aloud in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : Symposium
'finish the first book of Horace's odes - S reads and translates Plato's Symposium - he reads Peregrinus Proteus and Hume's England aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Christoph Martin Wieland : Geheime Geschichte des Philosophen Peregrinus Proteus
'finish the first book of Horace's odes - S reads and translates Plato's Symposium - he reads Peregrinus Proteus and Hume's England aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francis Beaumont : The Maides Tragedy
'S. translates the Symposium and reads the Maid's Tragedy of Beaumont'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francis Beaumont : Philaster; or Love lyes a-bleeding
'Read 42nd Canto - Livy - Anacharsis. Horace - and Shakespears Coriolanus - S. translates the Symposium & reads Philaster'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francis Beaumont : A King and No King
'S. translates the Symposium - & reads a king and no king'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : Symposium
'S. translates the Symposium - and reads a part of it to me - he reads the Laws of Candy'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francis Beaumont : Laws of Candy, The
'S. translates the Symposium - and reads a part of it to me - he reads the Laws of Candy'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Fletcher : Wife for a Month, A
'S - translates the Symposium and Reads the wife for a Month - We ride out in the morning & after tea S. reads Hume's England'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
David Hume : History of England from the Invasion of Julius Caesar to the Revolution in 1688
'S - translates the Symposium and Reads the wife for a Month - We ride out in the morning & after tea S. reads Hume's England'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Herodotus : Histories
'Finish the Second book of Livy - Read Horace and Anacharsis - S. translates the Symposium and reads Herodotus'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Herodotus : Histories
'Finish Orlando Furioso - read Anacharsis - S. corrects the Symposium and reads Herodotus'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Sophie Garschine : letter
'Mme Garschine's was rather sad and gave me the blues a bit'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter
unknown : unknown
&'Wednesday Aug. 17th. [...] We [Claire Clairmont, P. B. Shelley, and Mary Godwin] fled away [from dirty hotel at village of Mort] climbed some wild rocks -- & sat there reading till the sun laid down to rest -- I read As you like it [&] found the wild & romantic touches of this Play very accordant with the scene befor[e] me & my feeling'.
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley
unknown : unknown
&'Wednesday Aug. 17th. [...] We [Claire Clairmont, P. B. Shelley, and Mary Godwin] fled away [from dirty hotel at village of Mort] climbed some wild rocks -- & sat there reading till the sun laid down to rest -- I read As you like it [&] found the wild & romantic touches of this Play very accordant with the scene befor[e] me & my feeling'.
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin
Mary Wollstonecraft : Letters Written during a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark
From Claire Clairmont's account of voyage back from Switzerland to England with P. B. Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin: 'Tuesday August 30th. [...] About four o'clock we [la]nded at Brissac a town in Baden -- [The] Watermen said they could not proceed with so strong a wind against us [...] but in about an hour they came with the news that the wind was changed & we hastened on Board -- Shelley reads aloud the Letters from Norway -- This is one of my very favorite Books -- The language is so [...] very flowing & Eloquent & it is altogether a beautiful Poem'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Mary Wollstonecraft : Letters Written during a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark
From Claire Clairmont's account of voyage back from Switzerland to England with P. B. Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin: 'Wednesday August 31st. [...] Shelley reads aloud Letters from Norway -- Read King Lear a second time -- Reach Strasburg about eleven [pm]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Mary Wollstonecraft : Letters Written during a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark
From Claire Clairmont's account of voyage back from Switzerland to England with P. B. Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin during 1814: 'Thursday September 1st. Rise at 3 -- Proceed to a little town and change boats again [...] Shelley finishes the Letter[s] from Norway aloud'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
'Thursday Sept. 15th. Read Emile -- Write i[n] my Common Place Book [...] Shelley reads us the Ancient Mariner [...] Read in the Excursion -- the Story of Margaret very beautiful.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley
Robert Southey : The Curse of Kehama
'Saturday Sept. 17th. [...] Shelley reads aloud the Curse of Kehama.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Robert Southey : Thalaba the Destroyer
'Tuesday Sept. 20th. Rise late [...] Read Emile [...] Dine at Seven -- Shelley reads aloud Thalaba till Bed time.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Robert Southey : Thalaba the Destroyer
'Friday Sept. 23rd. Finish the Monk [...] Buy a Greek Anacreon [...] Read Greek [...] Shelley reads Thalaba aloud in the evening. Write a little Gre[ek] & learn four tenses of the Verb to strike'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Robert Southey : Thalaba the Destroyer
'Saturday Sept. 24th. [...] Read Lewis Tales of Wonder and Delight. Shelley reads aloud Thalaba in the Evening finishes it. Write Greek -- Read Smellie.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Robert Southey : Thalaba the Destroyer
'Saturday Sept. 24th. [...] Read Lewis Tales of Wonder and Delight. Shelley reads aloud Thalaba in the Evening finishes it. Write Greek -- Read Smellie.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
''Wednesday Oct. 5th. [...] Read Political Justice Shelley reads aloud the Ancient Mariner. & Mad [...] Mother.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Wordsworth : 'The Mad Mother'
''Wednesday Oct. 5th. [...] Read Political Justice Shelley reads aloud the Ancient Mariner. & Mad [...] Mother.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward du Bois : St Godwin: A Tale of the Sixteenth, Seventeenth, and Eighteenth Century
''Thursday Oct. 6th. [...] Read a little of Political Justice [...] Dine at six [...] After dinner [Shelley] reads part of St Godwin aloud -- terrible nonsense [...] Read some of Mary Wollstonecraft's letters in the Evening.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
L'Abbe Augustin Barruel : Memoires pour servir a l'histoire du jacobinisme
'Sunday Oct. 9th. [...] Read Political Justice [...] Shelley reads aloud part of Abbe Barruel about the Illuminati'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
L'Abbe Augustin Barruel : Memoires pour servir a l'histoire du jacobinisme
'Tuesday Oct. 11th. [...] Shelley reads [a]loud Abbe Barruel -- the Illuminati [...] read Political Justice & talk with Shelley over the fire till -- 12 o'clock.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : She Stoops to Conquer
'Monday Oct. 24th. Rise at eight [...] M. reads aloud She stoops to [C]onquer -- She sets out to see Shelley at eleven -- I stay at home & read Political Justice'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
Accounts of prisoners: T.S., aged 17, Reg no. 312. 'conduct most satisfactory. Committed to memory several chapters of the Old Testament, and the whole of the New Testament as far as the Epistle to the Ephesians.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: T.S. Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
'Saturday April 18. [...] Shelley reads aloud Hamlet. Read Lear.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Robert Bulwer-Lytton : Fables in Song
?Friday. I have got on rather better with the ?Fables?; perhaps it won?t be a failure, though I still fear...Saturday...I just finished some of the deedest rubbish about Lord Lytton?s ?Fables?, that an intelligent editor ever shot into his waste paper basket.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Leslie Stephen : letter
'I have received such a nice long letter (four sides) from Leslie Stephen today; about my ?V. Hugo?. It is accepted.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter
St Matthew : Gospel
'Saturday -- Jan. 8th. Read the Auto of La Vida es Sueno. Begin the Life of Romulus [...] Work in the Evening while Shelley reads the Gospel of Mathew [sic] aloud.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Henry IV
'Thursday Jany. 20th. [...] Work all day. S. reads Henry 4th to us.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Herodotus : Histories
'Read Livy - and the Tale of the Tub of B. Jon[s]on - Transcribe the Symposium - S. reads Herodotus - and Hume in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
David Hume : Histoiry of England from the Invasion of Julius Caesar to the Revolution in 1688
'Read Livy - and the Tale of the Tub of B. Jon[s]on - Transcribe the Symposium - S. reads Herodotus - and Hume in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Aeschylus : Persae
'S. reads the Persae of Aeschylus & Eustace's travels'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Chetwode Eustace : Tour through Italy, exhibiting a View of its Scenery, its Antiquities, and its Monuments... with an account of the present state of its cities and towns and occasional Observations on the recent Spoliations of the French
'S. reads the Persae of Aeschylus & Eustace's travels'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : Phaedrus
'S. reads ye Phaedrus of Plato'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Richard III
'S. reads Richard III in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Richard III
'Read a part of the 7 canto of Tasso - Livy - Montaigne and Eustace -S. reads Theocritus and Richard III aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Theocritus : Idylls
'Read a part of the 7 canto of Tasso - Livy - Montaigne and Eustace -S. reads Theocritus and Richard III aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Theocritus : Idylls
'S. reads Theocritus - & Henry VIII aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Henry VIII
'S. reads Theocritus - & Henry VIII aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Henry VIII
'S. reads Theocritus and Virgil's Georgics - after tea he reads aloud and finishes the play of Henry VIII'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Virgil : Georgics
'S. reads Theocritus and Virgil's Georgics - after tea he reads aloud and finishes the play of Henry VIII'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Lucan : Bellum Civile / Pharsalia
'Shelley is not well - he reads Lucan'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Torquato Tasso : La Gerusalemme liberata
'Sunday Dec. [...] 17th. [...] Rainy day Read Cox's [sic] Guide to Italy -- Mary reads aloud 1st Canto of Tasso'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : 'L'Allegro'
'Read Livy - & the Virginia of Alfieri - walk out in the evening - after tea S. reads L'Allegro and il penseroso to me'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : 'Il Penseroso'
'Read Livy - & the Virginia of Alfieri - walk out in the evening - after tea S. reads L'Allegro and il penseroso to me'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Sophocles : Oedipus Tyrannos
'This is the Journal book of misfortunes - Read Livy - A great many of the plays of Alfieri - S writes - he reads Oedipus Tyrannos to me'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, Volume IV
'S. calls on Lord B - He [presumably Shelley] reads the 4th Canto of Childe Harold'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Thomas Malthus : Essay on the Principle of Population
'read Saul - S. reads Malthus.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Thomas Malthus : Essay on the Principle of Population
'Read Livy - Alfieri's Agide - S. reads Malthus'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Cymbeline
'finish the trajedies of Alfieri - Walk out with S. He reads Malthus & Cymbeline aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Thomas Malthus : Essay on the Principle of Population, An
'Read Livy - The Tempest & two gentlemen of Verona - S finishes Ma[l]thus - & reads Cymbeline aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Cymbeline
'Read Livy - The Tempest & two gentlemen of Verona - S finishes Ma[l]thus - & reads Cymbeline aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Winter's Tale
'Read Vita di Alfieri & Livy - S. reads Winter's tale aloud to me'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Winter's Tale
'Read Vita di Alfieri - half the 9th book of Virgil - S reads Winters tale aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : Republic
'Read "Women" of Mathuerin [for Maturin] - the Fudge Family - Beppo &c. S. begins the Republic of Plato'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Henry Fielding : History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews
'Finish Emmeline - S. reads Joseph Andrews'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : Republic
'Read Montaigne - S. reads Plato's republic'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, Canto IV
'Sleep at Bologna - S. reads 4th Canto aloud to me - read Montaigne'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Livy : Ab Urbe Condita
'S reads Livy'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Madame de Stael : Corinne
'Read Corinne & Livy - S reads Corinne'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Johann Joachim Winckelmann : Geschichte der Kunst des Alterhums
'Finish 1st Book of the Georgics - S. begins reading Winkhelmann's Histoire de l'art to me in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Johann Joachim Winckelmann : Geschichte der Kunst des Alterthums
'Read Dante - S. reads Winkhelmann aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Livy : Ab urbe condita
'Read Sismondi and Dante - S. finishes Livy'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plutarch : Lives
'S read Plutarch's lives.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Euripides : [unknown]
'Read Georgics and Dante - S. read Euripides'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Johann Joachim Winckelmann : Geschichte der Kunst des Alterthums
'Read Montaigne - the Bible & Livy - Walk to the Coliseum - S. reads Winkhelmann'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Lucretius : [unknown]
'S. reads Lucretius'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Euripides : Medea
'S. reads Medea Euripedes [sic]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plutarch : 'Life of Marius'
'S. reads Plutarchs life of Marius'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Euripides : Hippolitus
'Read Romeo & Juliet - S. reads the Hipolitus [sic] of Euripides'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'After dinner S. reads the first Book of Paradise Lost to me'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'Read Metastasio - S. reads Paradise Lost aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [History Plays]
'Read Metastasio - S. reads the Hist. P.[lay]s of Shakespeare'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Malthus : Essay on Population
[Mary's reading list for Percy Shelley for 1818. Most volumes mentioned here are also mentioned in the journal so database entries are based on those references.] 'S Humes England Malthus's Essay on Population Histoire de l'art de Winkhelmann Latin Georgics Livy's History Greek The Hymns of HOmer The Greek Tragedians Memorabilia of Zenophon Comedies of Aristophanes The Symposium - Phaedrus - Apology f Socrates &c. of Plato Herodotus Theocritus Italian Vita di Tasso Divina Comedia di Dante'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : Apology of Socrates
[Mary's reading list for Percy Shelley for 1818. Most volumes mentioned here are also mentioned in the journal so database entries are based on those references.] 'S Humes England Malthus's Essay on Population Histoire de l'art de Winkhelmann Latin Georgics Livy's History Greek The Hymns of HOmer The Greek Tragedians Memorabilia of Zenophon Comedies of Aristophanes The Symposium - Phaedrus - Apology f Socrates &c. of Plato Herodotus Theocritus Italian Vita di Tasso Divina Comedia di Dante'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Euripides :
[Mary's list of Percy Shelley's reading in 1819 - database entries are based on references in the journal]. s Euripides Lucretius Homer's Illiad and Odyssey' [various torn out pages follow]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Leslie Stephen : letter
?I send you L. Stephen?s letter, which is certainly very kind and jolly to get. Please show it, if you get a chance, to Mrs Sitwell.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter
Andrew Lang : letter
?You can tell Lang this. I heard from him, and will answer soon.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter
Frances Sitwell : letter
?Your letter came this morning. I own I am troubled about its contents: I fear for your health, dear friend, in such an ordeal as that to which you propose to subject yourself. Be wise, for all people?s sakes; and if there be real fear, as I imagine, for your precious life, rather front the ugliest alternative.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter
Elizabeth Barrett : Leila
Thomas Campbell to Elizabeth Barrett, 28 August 1822, in response to her having asked his opinion of her narrative poem Leila: 'the poem is open to many objections -- It bespeaks an amiable heart and an elegant mind -- but it is the work of an inexperienced imagination & though the versification & expression are such as should make me very loth to exhort you to give up poetical composition Yet I should decieve you if I anticipated the story and main effect of the poem being likely to be popularly admired -- I have marked one or two passages to which I particularly object -- I object in general to its lyric intermixtures -- The are the most difficult of all gems to set in a Narrative poem & should always be of the first water.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Campbell Manuscript: Unknown
unknown : Roman Law
?I am doing principally my Roman Law just now. It is really to me a great pleasure; and it keeps me out of the way of writing, for which I am not in the vein.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Uvedale Price : dissertation on modern pronunciation of classical Greek
Uvedale Price to Elizabeth Barrett, 20 December 1826: 'When Luxmoore was with us, a little before he called at Hopend [sic; for Hope End, Barrett's family home], I shewed him what I had just been writing on the Charter-house mode of pronouncing [classical Greek], chiefly that of their passing over the vowel to the consonant in iambi & pyrrhics but continuing to accent them, as we do, on the first syllable: He read it with more interest than he is apt to do on such subjects, & wished me to go on with it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [probably] Charles Scott Luxmoore Manuscript: Unknown
Robert Louis Stevenson : "On Lord Lytton's Fables in Song"
?Morley has accepted the "Fables" and I have seen it in proof and think less of it than ever.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Sheet, Proof of the article
Plutarch : Lives
'Write - read Lucan & the Bible S. writes the Cenci & reads Plutarch's lives - the Gisbornes call in the evening - S. reads Paradise Lost to me - Read 2 Cantos of the Purgatorio'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'Write - read Lucan & the Bible S. writes the Cenci & reads Plutarch's lives - the Gisbornes call in the evening - S. reads Paradise Lost to me - Read 2 Cantos of the Purgatorio'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Alchemist, The
'Read the Quarterly review & Remorse - an unhappy day - S. reads one act of the alchemist to the G[isborne]'s in the evening - read 2 Canto of the Purgatorio'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francis Beaumont : Philaster, or Love Lies Bleeding
'Write. Read Lucan & the wife for a Month - & 2 Cantos of Purgatorio with S. - he reads Philaster - & copies his tragedy'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francis Beaumont : [Plays]
'S. reads Beaumonts & Fletchers plays - and the Revolt of Islam aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Percy Bysshe Shelley : Revolt of Islam, The
'S. reads Beaumonts & Fletchers plays - and the Revolt of Islam aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Giovanni Boccaccio : [unknown]
'Read Beaumont & Fletcher - Dante and Lucan - S. reads the Greek tragedians and Boccacio [sic] [...] He reads Paradise Lost aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'Read Beaumont & Fletcher - Dante and Lucan - S. reads the Greek tragedians and Boccacio [sic] [...] He reads Paradise Lost aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pedro Calderon de la Barca : [unknown]
'S. reads Bocaccio [sic] - The Greek Tragedians & Calderon'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Giovanni Boccaccio : [unknown]
'S. reads Bocaccio [sic] aloud - & Calderon with C.[harles] C.[lairmont]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Sad Shepherd, The
'Read Lucan - S. reads Calderon - & Ben Jonson's Sad Shepherd aloud in the evening - read 24th Canto of Dante with him'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Sad Shepherd, The
'read Lucan - S. reads Calderon - Dante with me - & finishes the Sad Shepherd aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[Francesco] Petrarch [Petrarco] : Il trionfo della Morte
'[Shelley] reads the Trionfe della Morte aloud in the evening & Calderon with C.[harles] C.[lairmont] & Mrs G.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Herbert Spencer : unknown
'I am reading Herbert Spencer just now very hard.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Macbeth
'Do you remember the knocking in Macbeth? ...The porter is a man I have a great respect for. He had a great command of language. All that he says, curiously enough, my mother left out when she read Macbeth to me ... I remember the day my mother read Macbeth to me.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Stevenson Print: Book
Elizabeth Barrett : An Essay on Mind, with Other Poems
Mary Moulton-Barrett to Henrietta Moulton-Barrett, 11 April 1826: 'Mrs. Campbell & her lovely children quite well. They all have the poem. Mrs. D[effell] says it has been her amusement & study & however incapable she may be of judging of a literary work, nature & the feelings of the heart she can appreciate as well as the learned, therefore she is delighted with the Essay [on Mind], tho' the subject be dry and deep -- "it exhibits in its pages the purity, the piety of the Author's mind. Extensive reading & the power of carefully separating, as she proceeds in the study of dangerous writers, the tares from the wheat, it seems to me a wonderful production." [quotation apparently from letter by Mrs Deffell]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Deffell Print: Book
Philip Massinger : [unknown]
'Arrive at Florence - Read Massinger - S. begins Clarendon - reads Massinger - & Plato's Republic'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : Republic
'Arrive at Florence - Read Massinger - S. begins Clarendon - reads Massinger - & Plato's Republic'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon : [probably] History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England
'Arrive at Florence - Read Massinger - S. begins Clarendon - reads Massinger - & Plato's Republic'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francis Beaumont : [unknown]
'Read Horace - work - S. reads B[eaumont] & F.[letcher] & Plato'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon : History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England
'S. finishes the 1st vol of Clarendon - Read the little Theif [sic]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon : History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England
'S reads Clarendon aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Baruch Spinoza : [unknown]
'S. visits the galleries - writes - reads Spinosa - Clarendon aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Wordsworth : Peter Bell: a tale in verse
'Read 2 book of Horace - Read Undine & c - S. finishes the 3 vol of Carendon aloud & reads Peter Bell - he reads Plato's republic'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Madame de Stael : Considerations sur les principaux evenemens de la Revolution francaise
'Read Horace - Memoires du Comte Grammont - S. writes his letter concerning Carlile - & reads Mme de Staels account of the Revolution - & Clarendon aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : Gospel of St Luke
'I read little else than Madame de Sevignes letters - Shelley reads St Luke aloud to us - & to himself the New Testament'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : New Testament
'I read little else than Madame de Sevignes letters - Shelley reads St Luke aloud to us - & to himself the New Testament'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : Republic
[Mary Shelley's Reading List of Percy Shelley's reading, 1819. Most texts are mentioned in journal entries so are not given separate entries here] 'Greek The Greek Tragedians Homers Iliad and Odyssey Plato's Republic Several of Plutarch's lives The Memorabilia of Xenophon Madame de Stael sur la Revolution Francaise Calderon - Several of the tragedies and Auto's'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pedro Calderon de la Barca : La devocion de la Cruz
[Mary Shelley's Reading List of Percy Shelley's reading, 1819. Most texts are mentioned in journal entries so are not given separate entries here] 'Greek The Greek Tragedians Homers Iliad and Odyssey Plato's Republic Several of Plutarch's lives The Memorabilia of Xenophon Madame de Stael sur la Revolution Francaise Calderon - Several of the tragedies and Auto's'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pedro Calderon de la Barca : El Purgatorio de San Patricio
[Mary Shelley's Reading List of Percy Shelley's reading, 1819. Most texts are mentioned in journal entries so are not given separate entries here] 'Greek The Greek Tragedians Homers Iliad and Odyssey Plato's Republic Several of Plutarch's lives The Memorabilia of Xenophon Madame de Stael sur la Revolution Francaise Calderon - Several of the tragedies and Auto's'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pedro Calderon de la Barca : Los cabellos de Absalon
[Mary Shelley's Reading List of Percy Shelley's reading, 1819. Most texts are mentioned in journal entries so are not given separate entries here] 'Greek The Greek Tragedians Homers Iliad and Odyssey Plato's Republic Several of Plutarch's lives The Memorabilia of Xenophon Madame de Stael sur la Revolution Francaise Calderon - Several of the tragedies and Auto's'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pedro Calderon de la Barca : La cisma de Ingilterra
[Mary Shelley's Reading List of Percy Shelley's reading, 1819. Most texts are mentioned in journal entries so are not given separate entries here] 'Greek The Greek Tragedians Homers Iliad and Odyssey Plato's Republic Several of Plutarch's lives The Memorabilia of Xenophon Madame de Stael sur la Revolution Francaise Calderon - Several of the tragedies and Auto's'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pedro Calderon de la Barca : El principe constante
[Mary Shelley's Reading List of Percy Shelley's reading, 1819. Most texts are mentioned in journal entries so are not given separate entries here] 'Greek The Greek Tragedians Homers Iliad and Odyssey Plato's Republic Several of Plutarch's lives The Memorabilia of Xenophon Madame de Stael sur la Revolution Francaise Calderon - Several of the tragedies and Auto's'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pedro Calderon de la Barca : Cypriano
[Mary Shelley's Reading List of Percy Shelley's reading, 1819. Most texts are mentioned in journal entries so are not given separate entries here] 'Greek The Greek Tragedians Homers Iliad and Odyssey Plato's Republic Several of Plutarch's lives The Memorabilia of Xenophon Madame de Stael sur la Revolution Francaise Calderon - Several of the tragedies and Auto's'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pedro Calderon de la Barca : El magico prodigioso
[Mary Shelley's Reading List of Percy Shelley's reading, 1819. Most texts are mentioned in journal entries so are not given separate entries here] 'Greek The Greek Tragedians Homers Iliad and Odyssey Plato's Republic Several of Plutarch's lives The Memorabilia of Xenophon Madame de Stael sur la Revolution Francaise Calderon - Several of the tragedies and Auto's'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Pedro Calderon de la Barca : Los dos amantes del cielo
[Mary Shelley's Reading List of Percy Shelley's reading, 1819. Most texts are mentioned in journal entries so are not given separate entries here] 'Greek The Greek Tragedians Homers Iliad and Odyssey Plato's Republic Several of Plutarch's lives The Memorabilia of Xenophon Madame de Stael sur la Revolution Francaise Calderon - Several of the tragedies and Auto's'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
George Eliot : Middlemarch
'Have you yet seen Middlemarch? You would not be quite so unsophisticated a visitor to Rome as Miss Brooke.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
William Makepeace Thackeray : The Adventures of Philip
'I have had all things considered and thanks principally to Philip, a very passable Christmas day [...] then went upstairs and read Phillip till lunchtime (you see I adhere to my own views as to how Philip should be spelt).'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Uvedale Price : An Essay on the Modern Pronunciation of the Greek and Latin Languages
James Commeline to Elizabeth Barrett, 1 December 1827: 'Together with Mr Price's book, allow me to return you my best thanks for the perusal of it. Though written [...] with great elegance & felicity of composition, it really strikes me as a remarkable specimen of that order of architecture [...] of which all the parts are perfect in their kind, except the foundation [goes on to criticise work in detail].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: The Rev. James Commeline Jr Print: Book
Sophocles : [unknown]
'Read Livy - Work - S. reads the Bible - Sophocles - & the Gospel of St Matthew to me'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'Read Livy - Work - S. reads the Bible - Sophocles - & the Gospel of St Matthew to me'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : Gospel of St Matthew
'Read Livy - Work - S. reads the Bible - Sophocles - & the Gospel of St Matthew to me'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Don Juan
'S. reads D.[on] Juan aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Tempest, The
'Shelley reads the Tempest alout [sic] - & the Bible & Sophocles to himself'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Tempest, The
'Finish the book of Proverbs. S. reads the Bible & Sophocles - Finishes the Tempest aloud to me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Sophocles : Hercules
'S. reads the Bible & Sophocles - he reads the Hercules of Sophocles aloud to me'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Henry IV Part I
'Translate S...a [Spinoza] with Shelley - He read [sic] Sophocles and the Bible - & King John & First Part Henry IV aloud. - Finish 31st book of Livy - Finish Proverbs, Ecclesiastes & Solomon's Song'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : King John
'Translate S...a [Spinoza] with Shelley - He read [sic] Sophocles and the Bible - & King John & First Part Henry IV aloud. - Finish 31st book of Livy - Finish Proverbs, Ecclesiastes & Solomon's Song'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Johannes von Muller : Allgemeine Geschichte
'S. reads the bible - and Muller's universal History'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : Isaiah
'read Julie - S returns [from Leghorn] - he reads Isaiah aloud to me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : Isaiah
'[Shelley] finishes reading Isaiah to me & begins Jeremiah - He reads Las Casas on the Indies - Eschylus & Athenaeus'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : Jeremiah
'[Shelley] finishes reading Isaiah to me & begins Jeremiah - He reads Las Casas on the Indies - Eschylus & Athenaeus'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Bartolome de las Casas : Brevissima relacion de la destruycion de las Indias
'[Shelley] finishes reading Isaiah to me & begins Jeremiah - He reads Las Casas on the Indies - Eschylus & Athenaeus'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Aeschylus : [unknown]
'[Shelley] finishes reading Isaiah to me & begins Jeremiah - He reads Las Casas on the Indies - Eschylus & Athenaeus'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Athenaeus : Deipnosophistai
'[Shelley] finishes reading Isaiah to me & begins Jeremiah - He reads Las Casas on the Indies - Eschylus & Athenaeus'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Bartolome Las Casas : Brevissima relacion de la destruycion de las Indias
'S reads Las Casas & Jeremiah aloud. read the F. of the bees'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[unknown] : Jeremiah
'S reads Las Casas & Jeremiah aloud. read the F. of the bees'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : [unknown]
'Read Livy & the F. of the Bees. Read Las Casas - S. reads Plato'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Henry IV
'S. reads Henry IV aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Antonio de Solis y Ribadeneyra : Historia de la conquista de Mejico
'Read Livy & F of the Bees. S. reads Solis' History of Mexico'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Antonio de Solis y Ribadeneyra : Historia de la conquista de Mejico
'Read Livy. F. of the Bees - Copy S's poems. S reads the Hist. of Mexico - & Henry IV aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Henry V
'S. reads Henry V'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Henry VI
'S. reads Henry VI aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Henry VI
'Read the Utopia - Write - S reads Henry VI aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Thomas Hobbes : [unknown]
'S. reads Hobbes. Ezechiel aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : Ezekiel
'S. reads Hobbes. Ezechiel aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Thomas Hobbes : Humane Nature
'S. reads Hobbes'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : Tobit
'S. reads Tobit aloud.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Sejanus, his Fall
'S. reads the Fall of Sejanus aloud. reads Hobbes. On Man.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Cataline, his Conspiracy
'S reads Hobbes - Catalines plot aloud.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Thomas Hobbes : Leviathan
'Translate Sxxxxxa [Spinoza] with Shelley - Read Lettres Cabalistiques - S. finishes the Leviathan of Hobbes. reads the Bible aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Godwin : Enquiry Concerning Political Justice
'Translate Sxxxxxa [Spinoza]. Read Lettres Cabalistiques - S. reads Ezechiel aloud. Reads Political Justice -'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Virgil : Aeneid [?]
'Translate Sxxxxxa [Spinoza] - S. reads 1 1/2 Virgil aloud - he reads Political Justice - Read Tasso'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Voltaire [pseud.] : M?moires pour servir ? la vie de M. de Voltaire
'[Shelley] Reads & I also Voltaires memoires by himself'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
St Chrysostom : 'In Epistolarum primam ad Corinthos'
Elizabeth Barrett to Hugh Stuart Boyd, 16 January 1830: 'Chrysostom has been staggering me lately by his commentary on those passages of the Epistles to the Corinthians, which relate to the Lord's Supper. I have felt every now & then, that he [italics]must[end italics] hold transubstantiation, -- & then I look at your pencil marks upon those very passages, & recollect your opinion of his holding no such doctrine -- & then I am in perplexity'.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Hugh Stuart Boyd Print: Book
Virgil : Aeneid
'Translate s[pinoza] - S reads the Aenied [sic] aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Virgil : Aeneid
'S finishes aloud the 3rd book of the Aenied [sic] aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Locke : [unknown]
'Read Macchiavelli Hist. of Castruccio Castracani - Translate Sxxxxxa [Spinoza]. S. reads a part of 4th B. of the Aenied aloud - read Condorcet's life of Voltaire - S. reads Locke.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Virgil : Aeneid
'Translate Sxxxxxa - Read life of Voltaire. finish life of Castruccio. - S. reads Political Justice - finishes the 4th Book & all we mean to read of 5th book of Virgil - Visit at Casa Silva. S. reads Locke'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : Book of Wisdom of Solomon
'S. reads Wisdom of Solomon in the evening aloud. Reads Locke and Political Justice.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Virgil : Aeneid
'S finishes 8th book of Virgil - read Ovid'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : Phaedrus
'S finishes Phaedrus'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francis Beaumont : Tragedy of Bonduca
'S reads Fletcher's Tragedy of Bonduca aloud to me in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francis Beaumont : Tragedy of Bonduca
'Read Robinson Crusoe. S. finishes the tragedy of Bonduca to me'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Phaedon : [unknown]
'Read Livy and R Crusoe - S. reads Phaedon having read Phaedrus - reads the tragedy of Thierry and Theodoret to me'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francis Beaumont : Tragedy of Thierry King of France and his Brother Theodoret
'Read Livy and R Crusoe - S. reads Phaedon having read Phaedrus - reads the tragedy of Thierry and Theodoret to me'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Francis Beaumont : Tragedy of Thierry King of France and his Brother Theodoret
'S finishes the Trajedy to me'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : 'Virgil's Gnat'
'S. reads to me Spencer's Virgil's Gnat'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Theocritus : [unknown]
'S. reads Theocritus'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Regained
'S. reads Paradise Regain[e]d aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Regained
'S. reads Paradise regained aloud.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Euripides : [unknown]
'finish Caleb Williams. S. reads Euripides'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Niccolo Fortiguerra : Ricciardetto
'Finish 40th Book of Livy - Finish Virgil - S. reads Riciadetto to me'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : Greek Romances
'S. reads the Greek Romances'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : Greek Romances
'Begin Lucretius with Shelley - he reads Greek Romances'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Niccolo Fortiguerra : Ricciardetto
'Read Livy - Mrs Macauly's hist. of England - Lucretius with S. - he reads Greek Romances & Ricciardetto aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
[n/a] : Greek Romances
'S. finish Greek Romances'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Homer : 'Hymn to Mercury'
'S. finishes his translation of Homer's hymn to Mercury'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Catherine Macaulay : History of England from the accession of James I to that of the Brunswick line
'S. begins Hist of Engd'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Henry Erskine : The Garb of Old Gaul
'Then there is Mr Brand's lantern and his Highland cloak; and the tale of how he, John Brand, right royally attired in the garb of old Gaul, presented a nosegay of roses to the Queen of the Netherlands.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Unknown
Charles Dickens : Pickwick Papers Chapter 34
'You may be interested to hear that the Miss Jaffrays are reading: having only eyes and not a 'pair of patent double magnifying microscopes' (or whatever it was that dear Sam Weller said) ...
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Elizabeth (Susan) Wetherell (Warner) : Queechy
'I cannot tell you what they [the Miss Jaffrays] are reading. Perhaps Queechy ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Misses Jaffray Print: Book
Thomas Percy : Reliques of Ancient English Poetry
Mary Russell Mitford to Elzabeth Barrett, 13 October 1836: 'I have just read your delightful ballad. My earliest book was "Percy's Reliques," the delight of my childhood; and after them came Scott's "Minstrelsy of the Borders," the favourite of my youth; so that I am prepared to love ballads [...] Are you a great reader of the old English drama? I am -- preferring it to every other sort of reading; of course admitting, and regretting, the grossness of the age; but that, from habit, one skips, without a thought just as I should over so much Greek or Hebrew which I knew I could not comprehend. have you read Victor Hugo's Plays? (he also is one of my naughty pets), and his "Notre Dame?" I admit the bad taste of these, the excess; but the power and the pathos are to me indescribably great. And then he has [...] made the French a new language. He has accomplished this partly by going back to the old fountains, Froissart, &c. Again, these old Chronicles are great books of mine.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Walter Scott : Minstrelsy of the Scottish Borders
Mary Russell Mitford to Elzabeth Barrett, 13 October 1836: 'I have just read your delightful ballad. My earliest book was "Percy's Reliques," the delight of my childhood; and after them came Scott's "Minstrelsy of the Borders," the favourite of my youth; so that I am prepared to love ballads [...] Are you a great reader of the old English drama? I am -- preferring it to every other sort of reading; of course admitting, and regretting, the grossness of the age; but that, from habit, one skips, without a thought just as I should over so much Greek or Hebrew which I knew I could not comprehend. have you read Victor Hugo's Plays? (he also is one of my naughty pets), and his "Notre Dame?" I admit the bad taste of these, the excess; but the power and the pathos are to me indescribably great. And then he has [...] made the French a new language. He has accomplished this partly by going back to the old fountains, Froissart, &c. Again, these old Chronicles are great books of mine.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
: 'old English [i.e. Renaissance] drama'
Mary Russell Mitford to Elzabeth Barrett, 13 October 1836: 'I have just read your delightful ballad. My earliest book was "Percy's Reliques," the delight of my childhood; and after them came Scott's "Minstrelsy of the Borders," the favourite of my youth; so that I am prepared to love ballads [...] Are you a great reader of the old English drama? I am -- preferring it to every other sort of reading; of course admitting, and regretting, the grossness of the age; but that, from habit, one skips, without a thought just as I should over so much Greek or Hebrew which I knew I could not comprehend. have you read Victor Hugo's Plays? (he also is one of my naughty pets), and his "Notre Dame?" I admit the bad taste of these, the excess; but the power and the pathos are to me indescribably great. And then he has [...] made the French a new language. He has accomplished this partly by going back to the old fountains, Froissart, &c. Again, these old Chronicles are great books of mine.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Victor Hugo : plays
Mary Russell Mitford to Elzabeth Barrett, 13 October 1836: 'I have just read your delightful ballad. My earliest book was "Percy's Reliques," the delight of my childhood; and after them came Scott's "Minstrelsy of the Borders," the favourite of my youth; so that I am prepared to love ballads [...] Are you a great reader of the old English drama? I am -- preferring it to every other sort of reading; of course admitting, and regretting, the grossness of the age; but that, from habit, one skips, without a thought just as I should over so much Greek or Hebrew which I knew I could not comprehend. have you read Victor Hugo's Plays? (he also is one of my naughty pets), and his "Notre Dame?" I admit the bad taste of these, the excess; but the power and the pathos are to me indescribably great. And then he has [...] made the French a new language. He has accomplished this partly by going back to the old fountains, Froissart, &c. Again, these old Chronicles are great books of mine.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Victor Hugo : Notre-Dame de Paris
Mary Russell Mitford to Elzabeth Barrett, 13 October 1836: 'I have just read your delightful ballad. My earliest book was "Percy's Reliques," the delight of my childhood; and after them came Scott's "Minstrelsy of the Borders," the favourite of my youth; so that I am prepared to love ballads [...] Are you a great reader of the old English drama? I am -- preferring it to every other sort of reading; of course admitting, and regretting, the grossness of the age; but that, from habit, one skips, without a thought just as I should over so much Greek or Hebrew which I knew I could not comprehend. have you read Victor Hugo's Plays? (he also is one of my naughty pets), and his "Notre Dame?" I admit the bad taste of these, the excess; but the power and the pathos are to me indescribably great. And then he has [...] made the French a new language. He has accomplished this partly by going back to the old fountains, Froissart, &c. Again, these old Chronicles are great books of mine.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Jean Froissart : Chronicles
Mary Russell Mitford to Elzabeth Barrett, 13 October 1836: 'I have just read your delightful ballad. My earliest book was "Percy's Reliques," the delight of my childhood; and after them came Scott's "Minstrelsy of the Borders," the favourite of my youth; so that I am prepared to love ballads [...] Are you a great reader of the old English drama? I am -- preferring it to every other sort of reading; of course admitting, and regretting, the grossness of the age; but that, from habit, one skips, without a thought just as I should over so much Greek or Hebrew which I knew I could not comprehend. have you read Victor Hugo's Plays? (he also is one of my naughty pets), and his "Notre Dame?" I admit the bad taste of these, the excess; but the power and the pathos are to me indescribably great. And then he has [...] made the French a new language. He has accomplished this partly by going back to the old fountains, Froissart, &c. Again, these old Chronicles are great books of mine.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Elizabeth Barrett : 'The Poet's Vow'
Mary Russell Mitford to Elzabeth Barrett, 13 October 1836: 'I have just read your delightful ballad. My earliest book was "Percy's Reliques," the delight of my childhood; and after them came Scott's "Minstrelsy of the Borders," the favourite of my youth; so that I am prepared to love ballads [...] Are you a great reader of the old English drama? I am -- preferring it to every other sort of reading; of course admitting, and regretting, the grossness of the age; but that, from habit, one skips, without a thought just as I should over so much Greek or Hebrew which I knew I could not comprehend. have you read Victor Hugo's Plays? (he also is one of my naughty pets), and his "Notre Dame?" I admit the bad taste of these, the excess; but the power and the pathos are to me indescribably great. And then he has [...] made the French a new language. He has accomplished this partly by going back to the old fountains, Froissart, &c. Again, these old Chronicles are great books of mine.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Serial / periodical
Apollonius Rhodius : Argonautica
'[Shelley] reads Appolonius [sic] Rhodius'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Apollonius Rhodius : Argonautica
'Shelley writes an ode to Naples - Reads Mrs Macauly [sic]. finishes Appolonius [sic] Rhodius - Begins Swellfoot the Tyrant - suggested by the pigs at the fair of St Giuliano - Reads the double marriage aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Catherine Macaulay : History of England from the Accession of James I to that of the Brunswick Line
'Shelley writes an ode to Naples - Reads Mrs Macauly [sic]. finishes Appolonius [sic] Rhodius - Begins Swellfoot the Tyrant - suggested by the pigs at the fair of St Giuliano - Reads the double marriage aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Fletcher : Double Marriage, The
'Shelley writes an ode to Naples - Reads Mrs Macauly [sic]. finishes Appolonius [sic] Rhodius - Begins Swellfoot the Tyrant - suggested by the pigs at the fair of St Giuliano - Reads the double marriage aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Catherine Macaulay : History of England from the Accession of James I to that of the Brunswick line
'S. finishes Mrs Macauly [sic] - Reads the Republic of Plato'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : Republic
'S. finishes Mrs Macauly [sic] - Reads the Republic of Plato'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Plato : Republic
'Muratori - Greek - With S. the first Epist. of Horace - Walk - He reads the Republic of Plato'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Robert Browning : Pauline
John Stuart Mill to W. J. Fox, c.25 June 1833: 'I send "Pauline," having done all I could, which was to annotate copiously in the margin and sum up on the fly-leaf. On the whole the observations are not flattering to the author -- perhaps too strong in the expression to be shown him'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Thomas Henry Lister : Granby
'I have been most shockingly idle, actually reading two novels at once. a good scolding would do me a vast deal of good, & I hope you will send one of your most severe one's.? What an entertaining book Granby is; do you remember Lady Harriet talking about inhaling [Ni]tric Oxide? Johnson has actually done it, & describes the effects as the most intense pleasure he ever felt. We both mean to get tipsey in the Vacation.?. The old Mr. Wedgwood, I see in Ure's Chem. Dic., did nothing else but hold his nose & kick.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Book
Humphry Davy : Researches, Chemical and Philosophical
'I have been most shockingly idle, actually reading two novels at once. a good scolding would do me a vast deal of good, & I hope you will send one of your most severe one's.? What an entertaining book Granby is; do you remember Lady Harriet talking about inhaling [Ni]tric Oxide? Johnson has actually done it, & describes the effects as the most intense pleasure he ever felt. We both mean to get tipsey in the Vacation.?. The old Mr. Wedgwood, I see in Ure's Chem. Dic., did nothing else but hold his nose & kick.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Book
: Bible
'I have tried to follow your advice about the Bible, what part of the Bible do you like best? I like the Gospels. Do you know which of them is generally reckoned the best?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Book
Philip Massinger : Lovers' Progress, The
'Walk up the Mountain with S. - he reads aloud Lovers Progress'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Wiliam Robertson : History of America
'Finish Muratori - Greek - Travels of Rolando - S. reads Robertson's America - begins Bocaccio [sic] aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Giovanni Boccaccio : [unknown]
'Finish Muratori - Greek - Travels of Rolando - S. reads Robertson's America - begins Bocaccio [sic] aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
William Robertson : History of the Reign of Emperor Charles V, with a view of the progress of society in Europe from the subversion of the Roman Empire to the beginning of the sixteenth century
'S. reads the history of Charles 5th by Robertson'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
James Burnett, Lord Monboddo : Antient Metaphysics; or, the Science of Universals
'S. reads Antient Metaphysics'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Gillies : History of Ancient Greece, its colonies and conquests; from the earliest accounts, till the division of the Macedonian Empire in the East, including the history of literature, philosophy, and the fine arts
'Sismondi - Greek - Petrarch - S. reads Gillies Greece & A.[ntient] M.[etaphysics]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Herodotus : Histories
'S. reads Herodotus - Gillies & A.[ntient] M.[etaphysics]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Giovanni Boccaccio : [unknown]
'Read Sismondi - Ride to Pisa - Georgics - B.[occaccio]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Keats : Hyperion
'S. reads Hyperion aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Barry Cornwall [pseud.] : Dramatic Scenes, and other poems
'Medwin reads Dramatic scenes to us & a part of his journal in India'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Medwin Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Clarissa Harlowe; or, The History of a Young Lady
'I performed one Herculean task, having nearly finished Clarissa Harlowe, the most glorious novel ever written, & I advise you begin it as soon as you can.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Book
Thomas Medwin : [journal of time in India]
'Medwin reads Dramatic scenes to us & a part of his journal in India''
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Medwin Manuscript: diary
Pedro Calderon de la Barca : [unknown]
'Write - Read Homer - Targione - Spanish - A rainy day. S. reads Calderon'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
: New Testament
[Reading list by Mary Shelley of Percy Shelley's reading in 1820. All texts are mentioned in journal entries so do not receive separate entries based on this list] 'Shelley - 1820 The new Testament Mullur's Universal History. Hobbes. Political Justice Locke Robertson's America and Hist. of Charles V Antient Metaphysics Gillies Greece Spanish Solis' History of Mexico. Several of the plays of Calderon Greek. Sophocles Plato's Republic - Pahedon - Phaedrus Euripides Greek Romances Appollonius Rhodius'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Don Juan
[Mary Shelley's reading list for 1820, with texts also read by Percy Shelley marked with an x. Only texts not mentioned in the journal are given separate entries based on this list] 'M. (& (S with an x) - 1820 The remainder of Livy. x The Bible until the end of Ezekhiel x Don Juan x Travels Before the Flood La Nouvelle Heloise The Fable of the Bees Paine's Works Utopia x Voltaire's Memoires x The Aenied [sic] And Georgics Bridone's Travels Robinson Crusoe Sandford & Merton x Astronomy in the Encyclopaedia Vindication of the Rights of women x Boswell's life of Johnson Paradise regained & lost Mary - Letters from Norway & Posthumus [sic] Works Ivanhoe - Tales of my Landlord Fleetwood - Caleb Williams x Ricciardetto. x Mrs Macauly's [sic] Hist. of Engd x Lucretius The 3 first orations of Cicero Muratori Anti chita [sic] d'Italia Travels & Rebellion in Ireland Tegrino's life of Castruccio x Boccacio [sic] - Decamerone x Keats' poems x armata Corinne The first book of Homer. Oedippus [sic] Tyrannus A Little Spanish & much Italian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Thomas Erskine : Armata: a fragment
[Mary Shelley's reading list for 1820, with texts also read by Percy Shelley marked with an x. Only texts not mentioned in the journal are given separate entries based on this list] 'M. (& (S with an x) - 1820 The remainder of Livy. x The Bible until the end of Ezekhiel x Don Juan x Travels Before the Flood La Nouvelle Heloise The Fable of the Bees Paine's Works Utopia x Voltaire's Memoires x The Aenied [sic] And Georgics Bridone's Travels Robinson Crusoe Sandford & Merton x Astronomy in the Encyclopaedia Vindication of the Rights of women x Boswell's life of Johnson Paradise regained & lost Mary - Letters from Norway & Posthumus [sic] Works Ivanhoe - Tales of my Landlord Fleetwood - Caleb Williams x Ricciardetto. x Mrs Macauly's [sic] Hist. of Engd x Lucretius The 3 first orations of Cicero Muratori Anti chita [sic] d'Italia Travels & Rebellion in Ireland Tegrino's life of Castruccio x Boccacio [sic] - Decamerone x Keats' poems x armata Corinne The first book of Homer. Oedippus [sic] Tyrannus A Little Spanish & much Italian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
James Boswell : Life of Samuel Johnson LL.D.
[Mary Shelley's reading list for 1820, with texts also read by Percy Shelley marked with an x. Only texts not mentioned in the journal are given separate entries based on this list] 'M. (& (S with an x) - 1820 The remainder of Livy. x The Bible until the end of Ezekhiel x Don Juan x Travels Before the Flood La Nouvelle Heloise The Fable of the Bees Paine's Works Utopia x Voltaire's Memoires x The Aenied [sic] And Georgics Bridone's Travels Robinson Crusoe Sandford & Merton x Astronomy in the Encyclopaedia Vindication of the Rights of women x Boswell's life of Johnson Paradise regained & lost Mary - Letters from Norway & Posthumus [sic] Works Ivanhoe - Tales of my Landlord Fleetwood - Caleb Williams x Ricciardetto. x Mrs Macauly's [sic] Hist. of Engd x Lucretius The 3 first orations of Cicero Muratori Anti chita [sic] d'Italia Travels & Rebellion in Ireland Tegrino's life of Castruccio x Boccacio [sic] - Decamerone x Keats' poems x armata Corinne The first book of Homer. Oedippus [sic] Tyrannus A Little Spanish & much Italian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
: Encyclopaedia Britannica
[Mary Shelley's reading list for 1820, with texts also read by Percy Shelley marked with an x. Only texts not mentioned in the journal are given separate entries based on this list] 'M. (& (S with an x) - 1820 The remainder of Livy. x The Bible until the end of Ezekhiel x Don Juan x Travels Before the Flood La Nouvelle Heloise The Fable of the Bees Paine's Works Utopia x Voltaire's Memoires x The Aenied [sic] And Georgics Bridone's Travels Robinson Crusoe Sandford & Merton x Astronomy in the Encyclopaedia Vindication of the Rights of women x Boswell's life of Johnson Paradise regained & lost Mary - Letters from Norway & Posthumus [sic] Works Ivanhoe - Tales of my Landlord Fleetwood - Caleb Williams x Ricciardetto. x Mrs Macauly's [sic] Hist. of Engd x Lucretius The 3 first orations of Cicero Muratori Anti chita [sic] d'Italia Travels & Rebellion in Ireland Tegrino's life of Castruccio x Boccacio [sic] - Decamerone x Keats' poems x armata Corinne The first book of Homer. Oedippus [sic] Tyrannus A Little Spanish & much Italian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Aeschylus : [fragments]
'S. reads fragments of Aeschylus'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
John Frederick William Herschel : Preliminary discourse on the study of natural philosophy
'If you have not read Herschel in Lardners Cyclo ? read it directly.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Book
Dante Alighieri : La Vita Nuova
'S. reads the vita nuova aloud to me in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Humboldt : unknown
'All the while I am writing now my head is running about the Tropics: in the morning I go and gaze at Palm trees in the hot-house and come home and read Humboldt: my enthusiasm is so great that I cannot hardly sit still on my chair.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Unknown
Humboldt : unknown
'I hope you continue to fan your Canary ardor: I read & reread Humboldt, do you do the same, & I am sure nothing will prevent us seeing the Great Dragon tree.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Unknown
Herbert Spencer : A System of Synthetic Philosophy
'Part III is 'the reconciliation', in Spencer's phrase, - a mean term between I and II, a minimistic retrospect on both.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Jean Racine : Letters
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 1 February 1838: 'I have just been reading Racine's "Letters," and Boileau's. How much one should like both, if it were not for their slavish servile devotion to the king (and I think it was real), and to that odious woman Madame de Maintenon.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Nicolas Boileau Despreaux : Letters
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 1 February 1838: 'I have just been reading Racine's "Letters," and Boileau's. How much one should like both, if it were not for their slavish servile devotion to the king (and I think it was real), and to that odious woman Madame de Maintenon.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Elizabeth Barrett : The Seraphim
Thomas Noon Talfourd to Elizabeth Barrett, 2 June 1838: 'Mr Serjt Talfourd presents his compliments to Miss Barrett and begs to express to her how much he is gratified and honored by the gift of her charming volume of poems; -- at which he has already glanced with singular pleasure -- and which he hopes to enjoy thoroughly in the first leisure he can obtain.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Noon Talfourd Print: Book
Frederick W Beechey : Narrative of a Voyage to the Pacific and Beering's Strait to co-operate with the Polar Expeditions: performed in His Majesty's Ship Blossom. London
'Have you Cap. Beecheys voyage to the Pacific? if you have not, I will buy it, as it contains some most excellent Meteorological Journals?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Book
Euclid : unknown
'After looking at my 11 books of Euclid, & first part of Algebra (including binomial theorem?) I may then begin Trigonometry after which must I begin Spherical? are there any important parts in the 2d & 3d parts of Woods Algebra.? '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Book
Humboldt : unknown
'I now first felt even moderately well, & I was picturing to myself all the delights of fresh fruit growing in beautiful valleys, & reading Humboldts descriptions of the Islands glorious views.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Unknown
Alexander von Humboldt : unknown
'If you really want to have a [notion] of tropical countries, study Humboldt.? Skip th[e] scientific parts & commence after leaving Teneriffe.? My feelings amount to admiration the more I read him.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Unknown
: La Dictionnaire Classique
'Nobody could possibly be better fitted out in every respect for collecting than I am: many cooks have not spoiled the broth this time; Mr Brownes little hints about microscopes &c have been invaluable.? I am well off in books, the Dic: Class: is most useful.? If you should think of any thing or book that would be useful to me; if you would write one line E Darwin Whyndham Club St James Sqr.?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Book
Francis Bond Head : Gallop: Rapid journeys across the Pampas
'I suppose you all well know Heads book.? for accuracy & animation it is beyond praise.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Book
Caesar : unknown
Elizabeth Barrett to Mary Russell Mitford, late March 1839: 'Beloved Papa & Sette were obliged to go away two days ago [...] Sette's gossipings & secret- tellings were such delightful [italics]old newnesses[end italics]. I used to think in quite the old times when he read Caesar to me -- his eyes [...] holding communion with Punch [apparently a pet] out of the window, -- that I was unfortunate to have no more power in the way of enforcing discipline. It is better as it is -- It is better to be loved than feared'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Septimus Moulton-Barrett Print: Book
Honore de Balzac : "Scenes"
Robert Browning to Euprhasia Fanny Haworth, ?25 April 1839: 'You read Balzac's "Scenes" etc -- he is publishing one, "Beatrix", in the feuilleton of the "Siecle", day by day -- I receive it from Paris two days old and usually post it off to a friend of mine, as soon as skimmed. But the four or five first chapters were so delightful that I hate myself for not having sent them to Barham [i.e. Barham Lodge, Haworth's home at Elstree]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Euphrasia Fanny Haworth Print: Unknown
Jean Theodore Lacordaire : M?moire sur les habitudes des Col?opt?res de l'Am?rique m?ridionale.
'Judging from the Pamphlet, you gave me & which I have found very useful, the insects of the Rio Plata are tolerably well-known.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin
Henry Hart Milman : Samor, the Lord of the Bright City
'I have read the 'bright city' and rejoiced to find your criticism of it so agreeable to my own. Milman is certainly a poet, but he takes a flight higher than he can sustain. He paints too gorgeously and indistinctly, he also whines too much, he is sometimes even liable to cant. I am astonished at your diffidence in judging him: it were well if he always found even critics by profession so well qualified.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
: The Report of the second meeting of the British Association at Oxford in 1832.
'I am now reading the Oxford Report.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Unknown
Charles Hughes Terot : Poems
'Did [Benjamin Bell] write these verses? If so, he seems young at the art like us, but not without powers of doing better; dactyls are always difficult to manage, and his accordingly are but a kind of flash in the pan - no damage is done; but the other piece has a sort of pococurante [little-caring] air about it which looks more like genius and truth, and answers greatly better. Except the last stanza, they are good. If he is only about twenty years of age or so, he may cultivate poetry with considerable hope: if nearer thirty I advise him never to write another line.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Sheet, Poems included in letter from Jane Baillie Welsh to TC
Frances Sitwell : letter
?I got a quiet seat behind a yew hedge and went away into a meditation. It [i.e. the windswept scene in the garden at Swanston Cottage] somehow reminded me of your letter from Bishopsbourne, now alas! in cinders. O I grudge those letters I burned.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter, Passage refers to various letters from Frances Sitwell to RLS, dates and subjects unspecified here. Letters received by RLS before 4 June 1874 [date ascribed by the editors to the cited passage].
Robert Louis Stevenson : Victor Hugo's Romances
?Yesterday, by the bye, I received the proof of "Victor Hugo"; it is not nicely written, but the stuff is capital, I think. Modesty is my most remarkable quality, I may say in passing.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Proof copy of RLS?s essay on ?Victor Hugo?s Romances?
George Sand : Comtesse de Rudolstadt
?I was out, behind the yew hedge, reading the "Comtesse de Rudolstadt" when I found my eyes grow weary and looked up from the book.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
George Sand : Consuelo
?By the way, dear, I must send you "Consuelo"; you said you had quite forgotten it, if I remember aright. And surely a book that that could divert me, when I thought myself on the very edge of the grave, from the work that I so much desired, and was yet unable to do, and from other thoughts both sweet and sorrowful, should somewhat support and amuse you under all the hard things that may be coming upon you. If it is to be had in Edinburgh you shall have it, dear, even before this letter.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
John Home : Douglas
'I remember that I had to learn, with another schoolfellow (Nesbet), an act from Home's tragedy of Douglas, and a long passage from Campbell's Poems, entitled "The Wizard's Warning", and recite, or rather act the passages with as much eloquence and action as we could muster.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Smiles Print: Book
Campbell : The Wizard's Warning
'I remember that I had to learn, with another schoolfellow (Nesbet), an act from Home's tragedy of Douglas, and a long passage from Campbell's Poems, entitled "The Wizard's Warning", and recite, or rather act the passages with as much eloquence and action as we could muster.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Smiles Print: Book
Walter Scott : Guy Mannering
'I remember, when a little boy, getting my first introduction to the novels of Walter Scott - then the "Great Unknown". One of my sisters, when an infant, was sent to the country to be nursed; and I used to accompany Peg Nielson, our servant, to see the child on Saturday afternoons... Peg was a capital story-teller and many a time did she entertain us with "auld warld" tales of brownies, fairies, ghosts and witches, often making our flesh creep. But she could also be amusing and cheerful in the adventures she narrated. While on the way to Clerkington Mains, I asked her to tell me a story. "Yes she would: it was a story of a gypsy woman and a little boy who was carried away in a ship by the smugglers." And then she began, and told me, in a manner that seemed most graphic, the wonderful adventures of Harry Bertram and Meg Merrilies, as related in the well-known novel of "Guy Mannering". Many years after I read the book and found that she had omitted nothing of the story: her memory was so good and her power of narration so excellent.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Smiles Print: Book
William Harrison Ainsworth : Jack Sheppard: A Romance
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 30 January 1840: 'I have been reading "Jack Sheppard," and have been struck by the great danger, in these times, of representing authority so constantly and fearfully in the wrong, so tyrannous, so devilish, as the author has been pleased to portray it in "Jack Sheppard" [...] Of course Mr Ainsworth had no such design, but such is the effect; and as the millions who see it represented at the minor theatres will not distinguish between now and a hundred years back, all the Chartists in the land are less dangerous than this nightmare of a book, and I, Radical as I am, lament any additional temptations to outbreak, with all its train of horrors.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Captain Frederick Marryat, R.N. : novels
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 3 March 1840: 'I had a kind message from Captain Marryat once [...] but I have never seen him. Without being one of his indiscriminate admirers, I like parts of his books (some of which I have read to my father), and have been told that they have done good in the profession -- suggestions thrown out in them having been taken up and acted upon by the Lords of the Admiralty'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Robert Browning : Paracelsus
Walter Savage Landor to Robert Browning, c.18 March 1840: 'Three days have nearly slipped by me since I received your poem [Sordello] [...] You much overrate my judgement, but whatever it is, you shall have it, before I have redd it so often as I redd Paracelsus.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Walter Savage Landor Print: Book
Leigh Hunt (EDITOR) : The Liberal
'Byron's Magazine or rather Hunt's 'The Liberal' is arrived in town; but they will not sell it - it is so full of Atheism and Radicalism and other noxious isms. I had a glance of it one evening; I read it thro and found two papers apparently by Byron, and full of talent as well as mischief. Hunt is the only serious man in it, since Shell[e]y died: he has a wish to preach about politics and bishops and pleasure and paintings and nature, honest man; Byron wants only to write squibs against Southey and the like. The work will hardly do. If possible you shall see this number.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Andrew Ure : Review of 'Description of Instruments, Designed for Extending and Improving Meteorological Observations' (1820)
'Have you seen Dr Ures notice of Leslie's Meteorology, in Brande's Journal? Some one shewed it to me and it seemed a very unpalatable morsel: I know not whether you will care for i[t].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodicalManuscript: Letter
Leigh Hunt (EDITOR) : The Liberal
'At present the honest people of "the letters" are much shocked at the appearance of Byron's and Hunt's Magazine "The Liberal", which hardly one of the Bibliopolists will venture to sell a copy of. The first two articles, seemingly Byron's, are exceedingly potent - very clever and very wicked; the rest is in Hunt's vein, and no better or worse than a common examiner.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book, Serial / periodical, The LiberalManuscript: Letter
Robert Browning : The Return of the Druses
William Charles Macready, in diary entry for 3 August 1840: 'Read Browning's play [The Return of the Druses], and with the deepest concern I yield to the belief that he will [italics]never write again[end italics] -- to any purpose. I fear his intellect is not quite clear.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: William Charles Macready Manuscript: Unknown
Jacques Fracois Paul Alphonse, Abbe de Sade : Memoires pour la vie de Francois Petrarch
'I have spent a stupid day reading the Abbe de Sade's Memoirs of Petrarch. What a feeble whipster was this Petrarch with all his talents! To go dangling about, for the space of twenty years, puffing and sighing after a little coquette, whose charms lay briefly in the fervour of his imagination, and the art she had to keep him wavering between hope and despondency - at once ridiculous and deplorable - that he might write sonnets in her praise!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Margaret A. Carlyle : Letter
'It is already past twelve o'clock, and I am tired and sleepy; but I cannot go to rest without answering the kind little note which you sent me, and acknowledging these new instances of your unwearied attention to my interests and comfort.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter
Mary Russell Mitford : Miscellaneous Poems
'My dear sir [...] Your daughter's very amiable and interesting book is quite a refreshment to my spirit, wearied on the one hand by labour and on the other by pain; for it would be in vain to tell you how I have occupied my mind on the before-mentioned theme, and this was the very volume to lead me sweetly and softly from myself to many charming scenes, conducted by the hand of virtue and genius. Where all are amiable, it is hard to select, but the poem addressed to yourself (page 70), and that part of the "Epistle to a Friend" which contains the subject beginning with the line, "How true the wish, how pure the glow," to the end of the passage, went nearest to my affections.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: S.J. Pratt Print: Book
Gilbert White : Selborne
'A fortnight ago, having employed myself in reading White's "Selborne", and being extremely fond of natural history, and, of course, highly delighted with that book, I was seized with an insuperable desire to see that village which Mr. White has, in the eye of a naturalist, made classic ground...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Elford Print: Book
Mary Russell Mitford : The Sisters
'I have just finished your poem of "The Sisters", and tell you truly and fairly that I read it with an interest and delight which I cannot express. I like it better than anything you have done (am I right or wrong?) and you have contrived to mix up poetical imagery and expression with such a great degree of interest as I have never before found in any poem.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Elford Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth : Tales of Fashionable Life
'I have been, and am now, in the midst of reading Miss Edgeworth's 4th, 5th, and 6th vols of "Tales of Fashionable Life". I don't enter into disquisitions about whether they come up to or fall short of her other works, but I am most highly entertained with them. Such admirable delineation of character and such excellent tendencies one seldom sees, and her stories are interesting, not from intricacy of plot, but from exact representations of Nature...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Elford Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Clarissa; or, the History of a Young Lady
'By the way, I am in the train of reading the "History of Clarissa", who affords a notable example that fear is not the effectual mode. Pray did you ever go through that work? There is, indeed, tautology of sense - the same thing said ten thousand times over. I should be glad to hear your thoughts of that work.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Elford Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Clarissa; or, the History of a Young Lady
'I am doubtful whether the opinion of the world is so much in favour of Richardson's talents as formerly. It appears to me that there is not one character in the whole work that has any natural train in it, or any marks of distinction, which it required any considerable talents to depict....' [extensive criticism of "Clarissa" follows]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Elford Print: Book
Sir H. Englefield : Verses on Waltzing
'I am happy that you think with me about waltzing. Have you seen Sir H. Englefield's verses? They appear to me perfect as far as touching forcibly the proper points. They are supposed to be indignantly addressed to the man who is found waltzing with the poet's mistress: What! The girl I adore by another embraced! What! The bakm of her breath shall another man taste? [etc] Is it not excellent? Before I had seen this I had written something to render the waltz odious, which I sent to a friend in town to get inserted in some newspaper.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Elford Print: Book
William Shakespeare : King Lear
'S. begins King Lear in the evening.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : Rime of the Ancient Mariner, The
'S. reads the Antient Mariner aloud'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Case is Altered, The
'S. reads the Case is Altered of B.[en] Jonson aloud in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Tale of a Tub
'copy for S. - he reads to me the tale of a Tub'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Franco Sacchetti : Delle novelle
'Walk with S. - he reads some of the tales of Sacchetti aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Every Man in his Humour
'walk with S. - he reads Every Man in his humour aloud in the evening'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Every Man in his Humour
'W. dines with us - walk with him - his play - S finishes Every Man in his Humour'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Rape of the Lock, The
'S. goes to Pisa. - finishes the Rape of the Lock to me in the Evening.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Essay on Criticism, An
'S. reads Pope's Essay on Criticism aloud.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Geoffrey Chaucer : Troilus and Criseyde
'S. reads the first book of Troilus & Cressida aloud in the evening.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Mary Russell Mitford : Our Village: Sketches of Rural Character and Scenery
'Let me tell you that I never see a paper professing to give literary news from England without anxiously looking for your name.. I have read whole pages of extracts from the Annuals and "Our Village" - so well do the savages know how to make their papers sell - but I have not seen, what I chiefly [sic] sought, any account of the noble tragedy, three acts of which you read to me when I last saw you.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Trollope Print: Newspaper
Mary Russell Mitford : Our Village: Sketches of Rural Character and Scenery
'In your delightful sketch of Grace Nugent I was much amused by the donkey messengers. Such mercuries are common in Suffold, and I greeted your boys as old acquaintances.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Susanna Strickland Print: Book
Mary Russell Mitford : Our Village: Sketches of Rural Character and Scenery
'This new edition of "Our Village" I have been coveting ever since I saw the advertisement of it, and I will tell you why. It is one of those cheerful, spirited works, full of fair pictures of humanity, which, especially where there are children who love reading and being read to, becomes a household book, turned to again and again, and remembered and talked of with affection. So it is by our fireside; it is a work our little daughter has read, and loves to read, and which our little son Alfred, a most indomitable young gentleman, likes especially - not so much for its variety of character, which gives its charm to his sister's mind, but for its descriptions of the country... Such, dear Miss Mitford, being the case, when I saw the new edition advertised, I began to cast in my mind whether or not we could not buy it...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Howitt Print: Book
Samuel Laman Blanchard : Life and Literary Remains of L.E.L.
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 20 June 1841: 'I have been reading Blanchard's life of poor L.E.L. [...] The book is to me deeply affecting. She was a fine creature thrown away'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Robert Browning : Sordello
Thomas Carlyle to Robert Browning, 21 June 1841: 'Many months ago you were kind enough to send me your Sordello; and now this day I have been looking into your Pippa passes, for which also I am your debtor [...] both Pieces have given rise to many reflections in me [...] you seem to possess a rare spiritual gift, poetical, pictorial, intellectual [...] to unfold which into articulate clearness is naturally the problem of all problems for you.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Robert Browning : Pippa Passes
Thomas Carlyle to Robert Browning, 21 June 1841: 'Many months ago you were kind enough to send me your Sordello; and now this day I have been looking into your Pippa passes, for which also I am your debtor [...] both Pieces have given rise to many reflections in me [...] you seem to possess a rare spiritual gift, poetical, pictorial, intellectual [...] to unfold which into articulate clearness is naturally the problem of all problems for you.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Mary Russell Mitford : Our Village
Elizabeth Barrett to Mary Russell Mitford, 9 August 1841: '[Crow] is an excellent young woman -- intelligent bright-tempered & feeling-hearted, -- more to me than a mere servant; since her heart works more than her hand in all she does for me! And her delight in your Village which I gave her to read, was as true a thing as ever was that of readers of higher degree. She says to me that if we go to Reading, she means to visit the Village, and will know every house in it just as if it were an old place to her!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Crow Print: Book
Leigh Hunt : Lord Byron and Some of His Contemporaries
Elizabeth Barrett to Mary Russell Mitford, 25 October 1841: 'I never read Leigh Hunt's book [...] because (now comes a foolish reason) I had understood that he said cruel things & ungrateful of poor Lord Byron [...] Lately, wishing to think Leigh Hunt above that shame, I have been wishing myself to get the book & make it out "not so bad". Strange, that you shd read it only now! -- just now!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
William Whewell : Essay Towards a First Approximation to a Map of Cotidal Lines
'Give Mr Whewell my best thanks for sending me his tide paper: all on board are much interested by it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Darwin Print: Unknown
Thomas Tyrwhitt (ed.) : 'Floure and the Leaf, The', attributed to Chaucer in edition of his Works.
'S. reads Chaucer's flower and the leaf & then Chaucer's dream to me. Read Tacitus.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
Thomas Tyrwhitt (ed.) : 'Chaucer's Dream', attributed to Chaucer in edition of his Works.
'S. reads Chaucer's flower and the leaf & then Chaucer's dream to me. Read Tacitus.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Heaven and Earth
'S. reads L.[ord] B.[yron]'s - Heaven and Earth in the evening'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Percy Bysshe Shelley Manuscript: Unknown
Charles Darwin : The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals
'I bought Darwin's last book in despair, for I knew I could generally read Darwin, but it was a failure.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Johann Heinrich Jung-Stilling : Theory of Pneumatology
Elizabeth Barrett to Mary Russell Mitford, 1 December 1841: 'Mrs Niven may keep the Pneumatology as long, just as long, as she pleases. I am glad she cares to look into it. I am pleased that the first glance into it has interested [italics]you[end italics].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
: daily newspapers
Mary Russell Mitford to William Harness, February 1842: 'My poor father has passed this winter in a miserable state of health and spirits. His eyesight fails him now so completely that he cannot even read ... the newspaper. Accordingly, I have not only every day gone through the daily paper, debates and all ... but after that, I have read to him from dark till bedtime'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Newspaper
Johann Heinrich Jung-Stilling : Autobiography
Elizabeth Barrett to Mary Russell Mitford, 23-25 December 1841: 'I have kept back my letter that I might send you Stilling's Autobiography! But [...] I cant get it anywhere [..] I [italics]am[end italics] so disappointed. Cant Mrs Cox get it for you from the place where she read it herself?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Cox Print: Book
Frances Trollope : The Blue Belles of England
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 9 January 1842: 'My dear love -- I have just looked through the Blue Belles -- and so far as I can guess at Mrs Trollope's people [...] I should say that Lady Dort was Mrs Skinner of Portland Place -- who is really quite as absurd if not more so [goes on to identify possible originals of other characters in text]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Frances Burney : Diary and Letters (Volume 1)
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, March 1842: 'I have only read the first volume of Madame D'Arblay's "Diary." Dr Johnson appears to the greatest possible advantage [...] and Mrs Thrale -- oh that warm heart! that lively sweetness! My old governess knew her as Mrs Piozzi, in Wales [...] As to the little Burney, I don't like her at all [...] A girl of the world -- a woman of the world [...] thought clearly and evidently of nothing on this earth but herself and "Evelina."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
H. F. Chorley : Music and Manners
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 2 March 1842: 'Since writing to you yesterday, my beloved friend, I have read in H. F. C[horley]'s "Music and Manners" the account of a visit which he made to Madame d'Abrantes, I think in '39 [goes on to relate anecdote given]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Unknown
unknown : unknown
'These last two nights have been the most fearful of the war. The Battle of Britain is raging round us. Tonight continuous bombing and gunfire have shaken the house. A huge fire has lit up Aldershot and Farnham to the east; whilst gunfire and flares light up Bordon and the south coast. Mrs Grant is cowering downstairs in the kitchen; I find Sidney reading but glad to have a cup of tea. Neither he nor I are perturbed...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sidney Webb Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : "Victor Hugo's Romances"
'"Victor Hugo" has come; I like all your alterations vastly, except one which I don?t like, tho? I own something was needed there also.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Proof copy of RLS?s essay on ?Victor Hugo?s Romances?
Robert Louis Stevenson : [material on John Knox]
?Goodbye. I am at "Knox and the Women", which seems good stuff when I come to put it down; but the arrangement cost me some trouble.?
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book, Presumably numerous works by, and of general and specific reference to, Knox
Elizabeth Barrett : letter to Mary Russell Mitford
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, ?27 March 1842: 'I made my father happy in reading what you say of Sir Robert [Peel]: his eyes brightened like diamonds at the sound. For my part, I incline to think with one of Miss Edgeworth's heroines, that "he cannot be so very artful as is said, because everybody does say so."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Manuscript: Letter
: speeches of Daniel O'Connell
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, ?27 March 1842: 'I remember a few years ago reading speeches by O'Connell in one of the Irish papers, which, with the faults of Irish oratory, had yet life and power.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Newspaper
Charles F. Darley : Plighted Troth
Wiliam Charles Macready, Journal, 6 August 1841: 'Finished the play of Plighted Troth -- a play written in a quaint style, but possessing the rare qualities of intense passion and happy imagination.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: William Charles Macready
Elizabeth Barrett : 'Some Account of the Greek Christian Poets'
Elizabeth Barrett to Hugh Stuart Boyd, 2 April 1842: 'As to your kind desire to hear whatever in the way of favorable remark I have gathered for fruit of my papers [on the Greek Christian poets], I put on a veil and tell you that Mr Kenyon thought it well done altho' "labor thrown away from the unpopularity of the subject" -- that Miss Mitford was very much pleased [...] that Mrs Jamieson read them "with great pleasure" unconsciously of the author, -- & that Mr Horne the poet & Mr Browning the poet were not behind in approbation! Mr Browning is said to be learned in Greek [...] & of Mr Horne I should suspect something similar. Miss Mitford & Mrs Jamieson altho' very gifted & highly cultivated women are not Graecians & therefore judge the papers simply as English compositions. 'The single unfavorable opinion is Mr Hunter's who thinks that the criticisms are not given with either sufficient seriousness or diffidence, & that there is a painful sense of effort through the whole.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Serial / periodical
Elizabeth Barrett : 'Some Account of the Greek Christian Poets'
Elizabeth Barrett to Hugh Stuart Boyd, 2 April 1842: 'As to your kind desire to hear whatever in the way of favorable remark I have gathered for fruit of my papers [on the Greek Christian poets], I put on a veil and tell you that Mr Kenyon thought it well done altho' "labor thrown away from the unpopularity of the subject" -- that Miss Mitford was very much pleased [...] that Mrs Jamieson read them "with great pleasure" unconsciously of the author, -- & that Mr Horne the poet & Mr Browning the poet were not behind in approbation! Mr Browning is said to be learned in Greek [...] & of Mr Horne I should suspect something similar. Miss Mitford & Mrs Jamieson altho' very gifted & highly cultivated women are not Graecians & therefore judge the papers simply as English compositions. 'The single unfavorable opinion is Mr Hunter's who thinks that the criticisms are not given with either sufficient seriousness or diffidence, & that there is a painful sense of effort through the whole.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Jamieson Print: Serial / periodical
Elizabeth Barrett : 'Some Account of the Greek Christian Poets'
Elizabeth Barrett to Hugh Stuart Boyd, 2 April 1842: 'As to your kind desire to hear whatever in the way of favorable remark I have gathered for fruit of my papers [on the Greek Christian poets], I put on a veil and tell you that Mr Kenyon thought it well done altho' "labor thrown away from the unpopularity of the subject" -- that Miss Mitford was very much pleased [...] that Mrs Jamieson read them "with great pleasure" unconsciously of the author, -- & that Mr Horne the poet & Mr Browning the poet were not behind in approbation! Mr Browning is said to be learned in Greek [...] & of Mr Horne I should suspect something similar. Miss Mitford & Mrs Jamieson altho' very gifted & highly cultivated women are not Graecians & therefore judge the papers simply as English compositions. 'The single unfavorable opinion is Mr Hunter's who thinks that the criticisms are not given with either sufficient seriousness or diffidence, & that there is a painful sense of effort through the whole.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Richard Hengist Horne Print: Serial / periodical
Robert Browning : 'The Cardinal and the Dog'
William Charles Macready, Jr. to Robert Browning, May 1842: 'My dear Mr Browning 'I was very much obliged to you, for your kind letter. I liked exceedingly the Cardinal and the dog. I have tried to illustrate the poem, and I hope that you will like my attempt.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: William Charles Macready Manuscript: Unknown
Scott : 'Tom Cringle's Log'
Mary Russell Mitford to Lucy Olivia Anderson, 12 January 1842: 'In reading "Tom Cringle's Log" to my father, the other day, I find that Mr Scott, the author, speaks of the Speaker of the House of Assembly in Jamaica as the handsomest and most agreeable man in the island. Now, he must have been Miss [Elizabeth] Barrett's uncle, who held that station for very many years before his death, which occurred two or three years ago'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Unknown
: death notice of Lady Sidmouth
Mary Russell Mitford to Lucy Olivia Anderson, 4 May 1842: 'I have had a great shock lately, in the death of poor Lady Sidmouth. I received from her two letters at once, on the Tuesday, accompanying a small portion of honey from Hymettus, which I sent, in right of Museship, to Miss [Elizabeth] Barrett; and on Friday I read her death in the newspaper.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Newspaper
Robert Browning : 'Waring'
Joseph Arnould to Robert Browning, 27 November 1842: 'Finding it utterly impossible to express in prose the tumult of delight which your most noble Dramatic Lyrics have given me I have ventured as you will see to express, however imperfectly a tithe of what I felt in the following most crude and hasty lines [long poem in heroic couplets follows letter] [...] I wish you could have seen the delight with which my wife & myself devoured your "Pomegranate" & the ringing of "Bells" we set up afterwards [...] you must let me grasp your hand as a friend for "Waring": which I read & reread with tears in my eyes, I KNOW you can guess why [poem was based on Arnould and Browning's mutual friend Alfred Domett].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Arnould Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : 'Locksley Hall'
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 13 December 1842: 'I read Tennyson. "Locksley Hall" is very fine; but should it not have finished at '"I myself must mix with action, Lest I wither by despair"? 'It seems to me that all after that weakens the impression of the story, which has its appropriate finish with that line.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Robert Southey : Roderick, the Last of the Goths
Francis Horner to his sister, 26 October 1815: 'I told you I was reading Don Roderick the Goth; and notwithstanding the romance of the original story, it was with fatigue that I got through it. I am not surprised that the book has had a run, because there [italics]is[end italics] a romantic story, and because it is seasoned with methodistical cant to the taste of the times; but that the work should be commended by any person of cultivated taste, as it has been, seems to me strange.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Horner Print: Book
William Pinnock : [?] Catechism of the History of England
'we learned Pinnock's Catechisms of History and Geography, and parsed sentences grammatically. For religious instruction we read portions of the Old Testament, and the Gospels, and Acts of the Apostles in a class every day, using Mrs Trimmer's "Selections"; and on Sundays we repeated the Collect and learned Watts's hymns, besides going through the Church Catechism. We also had Crossman's Catechism given us as an explanation of the Church Catechism'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
William Pinnock : Catechism of Geography; being an easy Introduction to the Knowledge of the World
'we learned Pinnock's Catechisms of History and Geography, and parsed sentences grammatically. For religious instruction we read portions of the Old Testament, and the Gospels, and Acts of the Apostles in a class every day, using Mrs Trimmer's "Selections"; and on Sundays we repeated the Collect and learned Watts's hymns, besides going through the Church Catechism. We also had Crossman's Catechism given us as an explanation of the Church Catechism'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Sarah Trimmer : Abridgement of Scripture History, consisting of Lessons selected from the Old Testament, for the Use of Schools and Families
'we learned Pinnock's Catechisms of History and Geography, and parsed sentences grammatically. For religious instruction we read portions of the Old Testament, and the Gospels, and Acts of the Apostles in a class every day, using Mrs Trimmer's "Selections"; and on Sundays we repeated the Collect and learned Watts's hymns, besides going through the Church Catechism. We also had Crossman's Catechism given us as an explanation of the Church Catechism'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
[n/a] : Church Catechism
'we learned Pinnock's Catechisms of History and Geography, and parsed sentences grammatically. For religious instruction we read portions of the Old Testament, and the Gospels, and Acts of the Apostles in a class every day, using Mrs Trimmer's "Selections"; and on Sundays we repeated the Collect and learned Watts's hymns, besides going through the Church Catechism. We also had Crossman's Catechism given us as an explanation of the Church Catechism'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
[n/a] : Book of Isaiah
'whilst yet in the nursery, I learned the greater portion of the first chapter of Isaiah, and can repeat it to this day. No one told me to do so, or even knew that I had done it. The beauty of the language, the exquisite musical rhythm of the sentences caught my ear, but I had little perception of anything beyond.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Joseph Addison : Spectator
'My chief acquaintance with the writers of the eighteenth century is derived from reading to Aunt Lyddy papers in the "Spectator" and "The Rambler", Mason's plays, Addison's "Cato" etc. This we were often called upon to do when we were invited to dine with Aunt Clarke'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Serial / periodical, possibly bound as a book
Samuel Johnson : Rambler, The
'My chief acquaintance with the writers of the eighteenth century is derived from reading to Aunt Lyddy papers in the "Spectator" and "The Rambler", Mason's plays, Addison's "Cato" etc. This we were often called upon to do when we were invited to dine with Aunt Clarke'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Serial / periodical, possibly bound as a book
Mason : [Plays]
'My chief acquaintance with the writers of the eighteenth century is derived from reading to Aunt Lyddy papers in the "Spectator" and "The Rambler", Mason's plays, Addison's "Cato" etc. This we were often called upon to do when we were invited to dine with Aunt Clarke'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Joseph Addison : Cato
'My chief acquaintance with the writers of the eighteenth century is derived from reading to Aunt Lyddy papers in the "Spectator" and "The Rambler", Mason's plays, Addison's "Cato" etc. This we were often called upon to do when we were invited to dine with Aunt Clarke'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Gottfried August Burger : Lenore
'My first sight of German letters, and my first wish to know the language, was gained from being allowed to look at a beautiful copy of Burger's "Lenore", illustrated by striking line engravings, and having the German on one page and the English translation on the other.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
[n/a] : Book of Judges
'[I] had made myself miserable, after reading about Jephtha's vow, because I imagined that every time the thought of making a vow came into my head I had actually made it and was bound to keep it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Walter Scott : Lady of the Lake, The
'We learned passages from the best authors, and my delight in Walter Scott made me add to the regular lesson large portions of "The Lady of the Lake" which are fresh in my memory at this moment'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'Everything in the Bible that was at all perplexing was turned into a stumbling-block, and came before me, not only during the reading of the Scriptures but at all times. I tried to reason against the difficulties, but that only increased the evil'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Eliazbeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Matthew Henry : Communicant's Companion
'Miss Aldridge gave us Henry's "Communicant's Companion" - a fearful book filled with questions which it would have taken months to answer - and I tried to find time for self-examination out of school hours, and at first thought myself obliged to answer every question, and at last gave up the attempt in despair. my own sense told me it was in vain'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Eliazbeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
William Russell : History of Modern Europe
'I used to study by myself, for I knew that I was wofully ignorant. Such books as Russell's "History of Modern Europe" and Robertson's "Charles the Fifth", I read, and also Watts on the "Improvement of the Mind", and I plodded through an Italian history of the Venetian Doges, lent me by an intimate and valued friend of my father, Mr Turnbull'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
William Robertson : History of the Reign of Charles the Fifth
'I used to study by myself, for I knew that I was wofully ignorant. Such books as Russell's "History of Modern Europe" and Robertson's "Charles the Fifth", I read, and also Watts on the "Improvement of the Mind", and I plodded through an Italian history of the Venetian Doges, lent me by an intimate and valued friend of my father, Mr Turnbull'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Isaac Watts : Improvement of the Mind, The
'I used to study by myself, for I knew that I was wofully ignorant. Such books as Russell's "History of Modern Europe" and Robertson's "Charles the Fifth", I read, and also Watts on the "Improvement of the Mind", and I plodded through an Italian history of the Venetian Doges, lent me by an intimate and valued friend of my father, Mr Turnbull'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
[unknown] : [History of Venetian Doges]
'I used to study by myself, for I knew that I was wofully ignorant. Such books as Russell's "History of Modern Europe" and Robertson's "Charles the Fifth", I read, and also Watts on the "Improvement of the Mind", and I plodded through an Italian history of the Venetian Doges, lent me by an intimate and valued friend of my father, Mr Turnbull'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Miguel de Cervantes : Don Quixote
'I taught myself besides to read Spanish - for having found a Spanish "Don Quixote" lying about, which no-one claimed, I took possession of it, bought a grammar and dictionary, and set to work to master the contents of the book which I knew so well by name'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
[unknown] : [a Spanish grammar]
'I taught myself besides to read Spanish - for having found a Spanish "Don Quixote" lying about, which no-one claimed, I took possession of it, bought a grammar and dictionary, and set to work to master the contents of the book which I knew so well by name'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
[unknown] : [a Spanish dictionary]
'I taught myself besides to read Spanish - for having found a Spanish "Don Quixote" lying about, which no-one claimed, I took possession of it, bought a grammar and dictionary, and set to work to master the contents of the book which I knew so well by name'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
[unknown] : [Linnaean botany book]
'The elements of botany on the Linnaean system was another of my attempted acquirements, but I am afraid my studies were very superficial: I knew nothing perfectly, but I read everything that came in my way. There was an excellent town library in Newport, from which I could get any good modern works; and, besides the graver literature, I had always some lighter book on hand, and especially delighted in Walter Scott's novels and poetry. Byron, too, was a great favourite'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Walter Scott : [unknown]
'The elements of botany on the Linnaean system was another of my attempted acquirements, but I am afraid my studies were very superficial: I knew nothing perfectly, but I read everything that came in my way. There was an excellent town library in Newport, from which I could get any good modern works; and, besides the graver literature, I had always some lighter book on hand, and especially delighted in Walter Scott's novels and poetry. Byron, too, was a great favourite'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : [unknown]
'The elements of botany on the Linnaean system was another of my attempted acquirements, but I am afraid my studies were very superficial: I knew nothing perfectly, but I read everything that came in my way. There was an excellent town library in Newport, from which I could get any good modern works; and, besides the graver literature, I had always some lighter book on hand, and especially delighted in Walter Scott's novels and poetry. Byron, too, was a great favourite'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Walter Scott : Paul's Letters to his Kinsfolk
'We were at the old vicarage, which had then only one sitting room, or at least only one which we could use, for the floor of the other room was covered with Mr Heathcote's books. They were very kindly left for our use, and I made an acquaintance with Sir Walter Scott's "Paul's Letters to his Kinsfolk", and read Shakespeare to Ellen, and led a quiet life, seeing no one'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [unknown]
'We were at the old vicarage, which had then only one sitting room, or at least only one which we could use, for the floor of the other room was covered with Mr Heathcote's books. They were very kindly left for our use, and I made an acquaintance with Sir Walter Scott's "Paul's Letters to his Kinsfolk", and read Shakespeare to Ellen, and led a quiet life, seeing no one'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Laetitia Hawkins : Countess and Gertrude, The; or, Modes of Discipline
'The only gleam of romance I had in connection with the place [a house in John St, Bedford Row, London] was derived from the fact that the large bare house reminded me of a description of one like it in an old novel by Miss Hawkins - "The Countess and Gertrude".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Joseph Butler : Analogy of Religion, Natural and Revealed, to the Constitution and Course of Nature
'My mind also had become much quieted and strengthened by the reading of Butler's "Analogy", which I had always heard mentioned with admiration, and which I stumbled upon, as it seemed accidentally (though doubtless it was a Providential help sent me), while we were spending a few days at the Hermitage. I took it up first for curiosity, and read it through nearly, but not quite to the end; feeling very much afraid all the time that some one would inquire into my studies, and being greatly humiliated by an observation made by William, who one day found me with it in my hand. His surprised tone as he exclaimed, "You can't understand that", made me shrink into my shell of reserve, and for years I never owned to anyone that Butler's "Analogy" had been to me, as it has been to hundreds, the stay of a troubled intellect and a weak faith'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
John Henry Newman : Tracts for the Times
'I had seen some numbers of "Tracts for the Times" lying on the counter in a bookseller's shop in Newport, and they had excited my curiosity, and led to inquiry; and, as my brother William's opinions had by that time become marked, he soon succeeded in indoctrinating us all with them. A very great comfort it certainly was to myself to have my ideas cleared upon subjects which had long been floating about in my brain, and worrying me almost without my knowing it. Especially it was a relief to me to find great earnestness and devotion in a system which allowed of reserve in expression, and did not make the style of conversation, which I had met with in the only definitely religious tales I had read, a necessary part of Christianity. Mrs Sherwood's "Tales" and others of a similar kind, described children as quoting texts, and talking of their feelings in an unnatural way, or what seemed to me unnatural; and I had really suffered so much at school from things said to me which jarred upon my taste that it was perfect rest to be able to talk upon religious subjects without hearing or using cant phrases'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Mary Martha Sherwood : [Tales]
'I had seen some numbers of "Tracts for the Times" lying on the counter in a bookseller's shop in Newport, and they had excited my curiosity, and led to inquiry; and, as my brother William's opinions had by that time become marked, he soon succeeded in indoctrinating us all with them. A very great comfort it certainly was to myself to have my ideas cleared upon subjects which had long been floating about in my brain, and worrying me almost without my knowing it. Especially it was a relief to me to find great earnestness and devotion in a system which allowed of reserve in expression, and did not make the style of conversation, which I had met with in the only definitely religious tales I had read, a necessary part of Christianity. Mrs Sherwood's "Tales" and others of a similar kind, described children as quoting texts, and talking of their feelings in an unnatural way, or what seemed to me unnatural; and I had really suffered so much at school from things said to me which jarred upon my taste that it was perfect rest to be able to talk upon religious subjects without hearing or using cant phrases'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Elizabeth Missing Sewell : Stories on the Lord's Prayer
'I read both the few chapters of the intended tract, and the beginning of "Amy Herbert" to my sisters, and they liked them'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Manuscript: Unknown
Elizabeth Missing Sewell : Amy Herbert
'I read both the few chapters of the intended tract, and the beginning of "Amy Herbert" to my sisters, and they liked them'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Manuscript: Unknown
Charlotte Yonge : Daisy Chain, The
'In 1840 Miss Yonge was a bright attractive girl, at least ten years younger than myself and very like her own Ethel in "The Daisy Chain". Great interest was expressed by her and her mother in Mrs Mozley (Cardinal Newman's sister), the author of a tale called the "Fairy Bower", which had appeared shortly before. It was the precursor of the many tales, illustrative of the Oxford teaching, that were written at this period, and which were hailed with special satisfaction by young people, who turned fom the texts, and prayers, and hymns, which Mrs Sherwood had introduced into her stories, and yet needed something higher in tone than Miss Edgeworth's morality'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Elizabeth Missing Sewell : Stories on the Lord's Prayer
'I was reading the little book aloud to my mother one evening when he was in the room, and not being well was lying on the sofa half asleep, as I thought; but he listened, and I think was interested, for he asked me what I was reading. I forget exactly what answer I made, but it certainly was not that I was reading anything of my own, and so I lost the opportunity of giving him pleasure'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Mary Martha Sherwood : [Tales based on Church Catechism]
'The idea of connecting it ["Laneton Parsonage", by Sewell] with the Church Catechism had been originally suggested to me by Mrs Sherwood's stories on the same subject, which in my childhood had been a great source of Sunday amusement'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Elizabeth Missing Sewell : Earl's Daughter, The
'"The Earl's Daughter" was also begun before my mother's death, and I read part of it to her, but she saw from the beginning that it was likely to be sad, and I think it rather oppressed her. "Margaret Percival" I read to her entirely, and also a portion of "Laneton Parsonage", and I remember being obliged to reassure her that Alice Lennox (in the latter tale) when taken ill would not die, she took such a vivid interest in the story - which was only completed after her death'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Manuscript: Unknown
Elizabeth Missing Sewell : Margaret Percival
'"The Earl's Daughter" was also begun before my mother's death, and I read part of it to her, but she saw from the beginning that it was likely to be sad, and I think it rather oppressed her. "Margaret Percival" I read to her entirely, and also a portion of "Laneton Parsonage", and I remember being obliged to reassure her that Alice Lennox (in the latter tale) when taken ill would not die, she took such a vivid interest in the story - which was only completed after her death'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Manuscript: Unknown
Elizabeth Missing Sewell : Laneton parsonage
'"The Earl's Daughter" was also begun before my mother's death, and I read part of it to her, but she saw from the beginning that it was likely to be sad, and I think it rather oppressed her. "Margaret Percival" I read to her entirely, and also a portion of "Laneton Parsonage", and I remember being obliged to reassure her that Alice Lennox (in the latter tale) when taken ill would not die, she took such a vivid interest in the story - which was only completed after her death'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Manuscript: Unknown
Thomas Gray : 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard'
'Wolfe was a great admirer of Gray's "Elegy"; and as he was going down the river with his officers, previous to the storming of Montreal, he read the poem to them to while away the time, for it was then a new thing, just published. When he had finished he turned to them and said, "Gentlemen, I had rather have been the author of that poem, and have given utterance to the sentiments expressed in it, than I would enjoy all the honour which I believe awaits us in this expedition".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Wolfe Print: Book
John Henry Newman : [a sermon]
'The Church though may mean the Catholic or Universal Church and so Rome may be included. It is a horrid, startling notion, but a sermon of Newman's I was reading to-night would be a great safeguard against being led into mischief by it, "Obedience, the remedy for religious pereplexity".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
[unknown] : Life of Stephen Langton
'We had a wet day yesterday, and amused ourselves with reading aloud "The Life of Stephen Langton" in "The Lives of the English Saints" (These lives were small biographies written by the more extreme members of the Oxford party.) It is well written and interesting, but I cannot go with it Thomas a Becket is no saint to my mind, and I dislike the uncalled-for hits at the Reformation'. [text in parenthesis added by the author or editor, it is unclear which, when turning journal text into publishable material]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Cecilia Frances Tilley : Chollerton: A tale of our own times
'I took up "Chollerton" (a Church tale) and skimmed parts through the uncut leaves and was not fascinated. It seemed strained and the fasting was brought forward prominently, and there seemed too much womanish humility. In one place the authoress cannot follow a young clergman, by description, in his feelings, or intrude "into that sacred edifice which formerly a woman's foot was forbidden to profane". This is, if I remember rightly, the drift of the observation, and really my humility cannot reach that depth. I think I [italics] can [end italics] imagine something of what a clergyman might feel, and I should never consider it an intrusion to go wherever men go, taking them as men. Of course the altar is different; but there the distinction is not between men and women, but between God and man'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Harriet Martineau : Forest and Game-Law Tales
'I read nothing scarcely, all my spare time being given to German exercises. Miss Martineau's "Tales on the Game Laws" I began, but they are so dull to me that I have scarcely patience to finish. The thing I like about them is their fairness. The rich people are not all wretches,though Miss Martineau's sympathies are evidently with the poor'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Archibald Alison : History of Europe from the Fall of Napoleon in MDCCCXV to the Accession of Louis Napoleon in MDCCCLII
'I read a little now, and am almost afraid I am learning to do without reading. Napoleon's battles in Alison's history are so dreadfully dry, after one has been writing and working all day.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Robert Southey : Life and Correspondence of Robert Southey
'I have been reading "Southey's Life"; it does me a great deal of good. His life in a book and Mrs Charles Worsley's in actuality, have helped me more than any sermon. Southey's hard work and pecuniary anxieties come home to me'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
John Ruskin : Lectures on Architecture and Painting
'Ruskin's "Lectures on Architecture and Painting" which I have been reading, interest and please me immensely. They certainly are dogmatical. They are disfigured by exaggerated tirades against Romanism, but they are full of wonderful thought, and an intense feeling for truth, which must have an effect, one would think, upon those who read, or who have heard them'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
J.W. Kaye : Life and correspondence of Charles, Lord Metcalfe
'I have written a little, and read a good deal, - the second volume of "Sir Charles Metcalfe's Life", which makes me look upon him as more of a hero than many whom Carlyle would worship; and "Hypatia" and two sermons of Dr Pusey's against Germanism, and part of "Hero Worship", to say nothing of pamphlets and magazines, and a diligent study of "The Times" every evening. "Hypatia" is a marvel; very painful because it gives such a miserable view of Christianity in those days. In striving to be true, the description seems as if it must be untrue, even by its own acknowledgment. There must have been self-denial and faith, and charity working beneath those turbulent outward scenes. Yet it gives one no sympathy with philosophy. Mrs Meyrick and I both agree that "Pelagia" wins our affection much more than "Hypatia".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Charles Kingsley : Hypatia - or New Foes with an Old Face
'I have written a little, and read a good deal, - the second volume of "Sir Charles Metcalfe's Life", which makes me look upon him as more of a hero than many whom Carlyle would worship; and "Hypatia" and two sermons of Dr Pusey's against Germanism, and part of "Hero Worship", to say nothing of pamphlets and magazines, and a diligent study of "The Times" every evening. "Hypatia" is a marvel; very painful because it gives such a miserable view of Christianity in those days. In striving to be true, the description seems as if it must be untrue, even by its own acknowledgment. There must have been self-denial and faith, and charity working beneath those turbulent outward scenes. Yet it gives one no sympathy with philosophy. Mrs Meyrick and I both agree that "Pelagia" wins our affection much more than "Hypatia".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Edward Bouverie Pusey : [Sermons]
'I have written a little, and read a good deal, - the second volume of "Sir Charles Metcalfe's Life", which makes me look upon him as more of a hero than many whom Carlyle would worship; and "Hypatia" and two sermons of Dr Pusey's against Germanism, and part of "Hero Worship", to say nothing of pamphlets and magazines, and a diligent study of "The Times" every evening. "Hypatia" is a marvel; very painful because it gives such a miserable view of Christianity in those days. In striving to be true, the description seems as if it must be untrue, even by its own acknowledgment. There must have been self-denial and faith, and charity working beneath those turbulent outward scenes. Yet it gives one no sympathy with philosophy. Mrs Meyrick and I both agree that "Pelagia" wins our affection much more than "Hypatia".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
Thomas Carlyle : Heroes and Hero Worship and the Heroic in History
'I have written a little, and read a good deal, - the second volume of "Sir Charles Metcalfe's Life", which makes me look upon him as more of a hero than many whom Carlyle would worship; and "Hypatia" and two sermons of Dr Pusey's against Germanism, and part of "Hero Worship", to say nothing of pamphlets and magazines, and a diligent study of "The Times" every evening. "Hypatia" is a marvel; very painful because it gives such a miserable view of Christianity in those days. In striving to be true, the description seems as if it must be untrue, even by its own acknowledgment. There must have been self-denial and faith, and charity working beneath those turbulent outward scenes. Yet it gives one no sympathy with philosophy. Mrs Meyrick and I both agree that "Pelagia" wins our affection much more than "Hypatia".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Book
[n/a] : Times, The
'I have written a little, and read a good deal, - the second volume of "Sir Charles Metcalfe's Life", which makes me look upon him as more of a hero than many whom Carlyle would worship; and "Hypatia" and two sermons of Dr Pusey's against Germanism, and part of "Hero Worship", to say nothing of pamphlets and magazines, and a diligent study of "The Times" every evening. "Hypatia" is a marvel; very painful because it gives such a miserable view of Christianity in those days. In striving to be true, the description seems as if it must be untrue, even by its own acknowledgment. There must have been self-denial and faith, and charity working beneath those turbulent outward scenes. Yet it gives one no sympathy with philosophy. Mrs Meyrick and I both agree that "Pelagia" wins our affection much more than "Hypatia".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : [pamphlets and magazines]
'I have written a little, and read a good deal, - the second volume of "Sir Charles Metcalfe's Life", which makes me look upon him as more of a hero than many whom Carlyle would worship; and "Hypatia" and two sermons of Dr Pusey's against Germanism, and part of "Hero Worship", to say nothing of pamphlets and magazines, and a diligent study of "The Times" every evening. "Hypatia" is a marvel; very painful because it gives such a miserable view of Christianity in those days. In striving to be true, the description seems as if it must be untrue, even by its own acknowledgment. There must have been self-denial and faith, and charity working beneath those turbulent outward scenes. Yet it gives one no sympathy with philosophy. Mrs Meyrick and I both agree that "Pelagia" wins our affection much more than "Hypatia".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Missing Sewell Print: Serial / periodical
Charles Kingsley : Hypatia or New Foes with an Old Face
'I have written a little, and read a good deal, - the second volume of "Sir Charles Metcalfe's Life", which makes me look upon him as more of a hero than many whom Carlyle would worship; and "Hypatia" and two sermons of Dr Pusey's against Germanism, and part of "Hero Worship", to say nothing of pamphlets and magazines, and a diligent study of "The Times" every evening. "Hypatia" is a marvel; very painful because it gives such a miserable view of Christianity in those days. In striving to be true, the description seems as if it must be untrue, even by its own acknowledgment. There must have been self-denial and faith, and charity working beneath those turbulent outward scenes. Yet it gives one no sympathy with philosophy. Mrs Meyrick and I both agree that "Pelagia" wins our affection much more than "Hypatia".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Meyrick Print: Book
Elizabeth Barrett : 'The Legend of the Browne Rosarie'
Thomas Westwood to Elizabeth Barrett, 24 August 1843: 'I intended to return the book much earlier, but [...] the "Legend" was most peremptory in its demand to be read & re-read & then it positively refused to go back, till a copy had been made. So we were obliged to set a nimble little hand to work, & can now part with the volume, with the satisfactory feeling that all we most value in it, we have made our own. I cannot tell you how much I admire the poem, for every time I read it -- my liking increases.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Westwood Print: Book
Elizabeth Barrett : 'The House of Clouds'
Richard Hengist Horne to Elizabeth Barrett, 27 August 1843: 'Miss Mitford read to me -- and with what a melodious feeling she reads poetry -- your "House of Clouds." I did not know of it before. I thought it very beautiful [...] Miss Mitford thought it your [italics]best[end italics] production -- I, one of them.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford
Robert Browning : Pippa Passes
Thomas Westwood to Elizabeth Barrett, 26 September 1843: 'Browning, I have read but little of -- indeed "Pippa passes" -- is almost the only poem of his that I have seen -- the commencement I thought very beautiful, & the [italics]design[end italics] of the poem altogether, -- but the interior is often so labyrinthine, that it is not the easiest matter in the world to thread one's way [...] Turning over some numbers of the Athenaeum, last night, I came upon a review of [R. H. Horne's Orion], which the first half- dozen lines proclaimed to be yours. How pleasant it is, all of a sudden, to turn round a corner, & be met by some familiar face [...] 'I read the "Brown Rosarie["] the other day to a young friend, an artist & he was so much delighted with it, that he determined forthwith to execute a set of designs from it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Westwood Print: Book
Elizabeth Barrett : review of Richard Hengist Horne, Orion
Thomas Westwood to Elizabeth Barrett, 26 September 1843: 'Browning, I have read but little of -- indeed "Pippa passes" -- is almost the only poem of his that I have seen -- the commencement I thought very beautiful, & the [italics]design[end italics] of the poem altogether, -- but the interior is often so labyrinthine, that it is not the easiest matter in the world to thread one's way [...] Turning over some numbers of the Athenaeum, last night, I came upon a review of [R. H. Horne's Orion], which the first half- dozen lines proclaimed to be yours. How pleasant it is, all of a sudden, to turn round a corner, & be met by some familiar face [...] 'I read the "Brown Rosarie["] the other day to a young friend, an artist & he was so much delighted with it, that he determined forthwith to execute a set of designs from it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Westwood Print: Serial / periodical
Elizabeth Barrett : 'The Legend of the Browne Rosarie'
Thomas Westwood to Elizabeth Barrett, 26 September 1843: 'Browning, I have read but little of -- indeed "Pippa passes" -- is almost the only poem of his that I have seen -- the commencement I thought very beautiful, & the [italics]design[end italics] of the poem altogether, -- but the interior is often so labyrinthine, that it is not the easiest matter in the world to thread one's way [...] Turning over some numbers of the Athenaeum, last night, I came upon a review of [R. H. Horne's Orion], which the first half- dozen lines proclaimed to be yours. How pleasant it is, all of a sudden, to turn round a corner, & be met by some familiar face [...] 'I read the "Brown Rosarie["] the other day to a young friend, an artist & he was so much delighted with it, that he determined forthwith to execute a set of designs from it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Westwood Print: Book
Sidney Colvin : The Shadow of Death
'There is rather a nice article of Colvin?s in this "Macmillan".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
D.V. Thomas : advertisement
'I can?t be more satisfactory [= about his travel plans]. I think I must be a relative of a man who advertises near here "[italics] D.V. Thomas [end italics], Purveyor of pure new milk?. Imagine anyone trusting to a man with so conditional a name for anything under heaven!'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
Richard Hengist Horne : Orion
Thomas Westwood to Elizabeth Barrett, 27 December 1843: 'I must not forget to thank you for your recommendation of "Orion" -- I have read it again & again, & like it exceedingly -- I thought it a little [italics]cold[end italics] at first, but lost sight of that in the second reading'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Westwood Print: Book
Percy Bysshe Shelley : Ode to a Skylark
Thomas Westwood to Elizabeth Barrett, 1 January 1844: 'Shelley, I have read, through & through, & love & admire him as much, as I can do a man who holds himself so far aloof from common feelings, & common sympathies -- There are poems of his, which I never tire of reading -- the "ode to a Skylark", & "Alastor", & part of the "Prometheus", & that magnificent first canto of the "Revolt of Islam", with the fight of the eagle & serpent'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Westwood Print: Book
Percy Bysshe Shelley : Alastor
Thomas Westwood to Elizabeth Barrett, 1 January 1844: 'Shelley, I have read, through & through, & love & admire him as much, as I can do a man who holds himself so far aloof from common feelings, & common sympathies -- There are poems of his, which I never tire of reading -- the "ode to a Skylark", & "Alastor", & part of the "Prometheus", & that magnificent first canto of the "Revolt of Islam", with the fight of the eagle & serpent'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Westwood Print: Book
Percy Bysshe Shelley : Prometheus Unbound
Thomas Westwood to Elizabeth Barrett, 1 January 1844: 'Shelley, I have read, through & through, & love & admire him as much, as I can do a man who holds himself so far aloof from common feelings, & common sympathies -- There are poems of his, which I never tire of reading -- the "ode to a Skylark", & "Alastor", & part of the "Prometheus", & that magnificent first canto of the "Revolt of Islam", with the fight of the eagle & serpent'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Westwood Print: Book
Percy Bysshe Shelley : The Revolt of Islam (Canto I)
Thomas Westwood to Elizabeth Barrett, 1 January 1844: 'Shelley, I have read, through & through, & love & admire him as much, as I can do a man who holds himself so far aloof from common feelings, & common sympathies -- There are poems of his, which I never tire of reading -- the "ode to a Skylark", & "Alastor", & part of the "Prometheus", & that magnificent first canto of the "Revolt of Islam", with the fight of the eagle & serpent'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Westwood Print: Book
John Ruskin : Stones of Venice
'?I am reading Ruskin?s "Stones of Venice"with great pleasure. He can [italics] write [end italics] a few, can?t he?'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Heinrich Heine : Du hast Diamenten und Perlen
'I [...] was singing after my own fashion "Du hast diamentem und Perlen"[...]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: song
Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton : poems
Richard Hengist Horne to Elizabeth Barrett, 27 January 1844: 'Do you know Mrs Norton's poetry? Much I have seen, I thought very good of its kind. More high-minded in its personal aggrievedness, and less reproachful & vindictive than Ld Byron.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Richard Hengist Horne
Richard Hengist Horne : plays
Thomas Westwood to Elizabeth Barrett, 28 January 1844: 'For the Dramas [of Richard Hengist Horne], we owe you many thanks -- we have read them all, & admired them all [...] I confess I have formed an almost higher opinion of Mr Horne's genius from them, than from "Orion" [poem] [...] "Delora["] too, has many fine passages, -- and I should be more particular in adverting to them & others, were it not that your own pencil has forestalled me, so that my encomiums would be, in most cases, but a reiteration of your own [goes on to reflect upon pleasures of reading annotations by others in books]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Westwood Print: Book
Richard Hengist Horne : The Ballad of Delora
Thomas Westwood to Elizabeth Barrett, 28 January 1844: 'For the Dramas [of Richard Hengist Horne], we owe you many thanks -- we have read them all, & admired them all [...] I confess I have formed an almost higher opinion of Mr Horne's genius from them, than from "Orion" [poem] [...] "Delora["] too, has many fine passages, -- and I should be more particular in adverting to them & others, were it not that your own pencil has forestalled me, so that my encomiums would be, in most cases, but a reiteration of your own [goes on to reflect upon pleasures of reading annotations by others in books]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Westwood Print: Book
Elizabeth Barrett : Annotations in Richard Hengist Horne, The Ballad of Delora
Thomas Westwood to Elizabeth Barrett, 28 January 1844: 'For the Dramas [of Richard Hengist Horne], we owe you many thanks -- we have read them all, & admired them all [...] I confess I have formed an almost higher opinion of Mr Horne's genius from them, than from "Orion" [poem] [...] "Delora["] too, has many fine passages, -- and I should be more particular in adverting to them & others, were it not that your own pencil has forestalled me, so that my encomiums would be, in most cases, but a reiteration of your own [goes on to reflect upon pleasures of reading annotations by others in books]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Westwood Print: BookManuscript: Unknown
Wiliam Carleton : 'tales' (extracts)
Richard Hengist Horne to Elizabeth Barrett, letter postmarked 15 February 1844: 'Do you happen to know anything of the Irish tales of Carlton [sic]? Some [italics]extracts[end italics] I have seen I think excellent.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Richard Hengist Horne Print: Unknown
Eugene Sue : The Mysteries of Paris
Elizabeth Barrett to Mary Russell Mitford, 20-21 February 1844: 'We will talk of Eugene Sue. I know the "Mysteries of Paris" very well, & much admire the genius which radiates, from end to end, through that extraordinary work [...] the writer, if of less general power than Balzac, is still more copious in imagination & creation. He glories in all extremities & intensities of evil & of passion [...] he has written other romances [...] "Mathilde" interested me beyond them all, & consists of some seven or eight volumes [...] but except for the insight it gives into French society, I am not sure that you wd be pleased with it [...] I have been thinking that the American translation in which you read the "Mysteries," may probably be a [italics]purified[end italics] edition, of which I have seen some notices.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Sir Aurel Stein : unknown
'I have before me as I write a photo by Sir Aurel Stein showing the body of a man of Turfan buried fifteen centuries ago, and it is hard to belive that he is even dead. And the reason Sir Aurel suggests for this desiccation of Central Asia is, that not so much has the climate changed, as that in the past those areas subsisted in the main on the excess water given by the slow melting of the original ice-cap, since the actual snowfall must have been insufficient to produce glaciers of a size to give their requisite summer volume of water. And so it seems to me that that is to some extent the condition of Ladakh...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Martin Louis Alan Gompertz ('Ganpat') Print: Unknown
Richard Hengist Horne : A New Spirit of the Age
Thomas Westwood to Elizabeth Barrett, ?12 April 1844: 'I have just finished the second volume [of A New Spirit of the Age], dear Miss Barrett, & my fingers itch to tell you that I am quite positively sure that [italics]you are in more pages of the book than those headed by your name[end italics]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Westwood Print: Book
Robert Browning : Paracelsus
Joseph Arnould to Alfred Domett, c.8 November 1843: 'What a pity [Tennyson] has not the intense vigour of Robert Browning -- I still believe as devoutly as ever in Paracelsus & find more wealth of thought & poetry in it than [in] any book except Shakespeare. The more one reads the more miraculous does that book seem as the work of a man of five and twenty'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Arnould Print: Book
John Webster : The Duchess of Malfi
Joseph Arnould to Alfred Domett, c.8 November 1843: 'Browning always reminds me of Webster, whose Duchess of Malfi & Vittoria Corombona I have been re-reading lately with the highest pleasure'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Arnould Print: Book
John Webster : The White Devil
Joseph Arnould to Alfred Domett, c.8 November 1843: 'Browning always reminds me of Webster, whose Duchess of Malfi & Vittoria Corombona I have been re-reading lately with the highest pleasure'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Arnould Print: Book
Elizabeth Barrett : Poems
Sara Coleridge to John Kenyon, 1844: 'I return with thanks the Poems of Miss Barrett, which I now always mention in high terms to any of my acquaintances, whenever the conversations [sic] affords an opportunity. I think my favourites are the "Poet's Vow," "A Romance of the Ganges," "Isobel's Child" (so like "Christabel" in manner, as mamma and I both thought), "The Island," "The Deserted Garden," and "Cowper's Grave" [goes on to criticise work in further detail]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sara Coleridge Print: Book
Elizabeth Barrett : Poems
Thomas Westwood to Elizabeth Barrett, 21 August 1844: 'I regret to say, dear Miss Barrett, that we have achieved our first reading of the book, & like silly children, who have plucked grape, by grape, till not one is left upon the stalk, we are wishing, with a sigh, that the pleasure were yet to come [...] let me thank you, first of all, for that little touch of kindness, which made itself warmly felt, when in cutting open the leaves I came to the "Romance of the Swan's Nest" [goes on to discuss other pieces in detail]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Westwood Print: Book
Heinrich Heine : [poems]
'Try two of Schubert?s songs ?Ich ungl?cksel?ger Atlas? and ?Du sch?nes Fischerm?dchen?. They are very jolly.
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
Walt Whitman : probably Leaves of Grass
'I have read aloud my death-cycles from Walt Whitman this evening. I was very much affected myself, never so much before, and it fetched the auditory considerable. Reading these things that I like aloud when I am painfully excited is the keenest artistic pleasure I know: it does seem strange that these dependant arts ? singing, acting and in its small way, reading aloud ? seem the best rewarded of all arts. I am sure it is more exciting for me to read, than it was for W.W. to write: and how much more must this be so with singing!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Bob Stevenson : letter
I don?t know whether I imagined it, but I thought there seemed something wrong between us this afternoon.[?] Perhaps, however, you may think I have behaved nastily to you; and it just occurs to me that I have never explained how I did not answer your proposal about B. of A. I did not get your letter, until the Sunday; I then wrote immediately but, as it was so much too late, didn?t say anything about it. This was rude; and I am sorry, I did so; it shall not occur again.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter
Casimir Delavigne : Louis XI
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 28 November 1844: 'What works of Casimir Delavigne have you read? [...] I have read "Louis the Eleventh [sic]," "Marino Faliero," "Les Enfans d'Edouard [sic]," "Don Juan d'Autriche," "La Popularite," "La Fille du Cid," "Une Famille du temps de Luther [sic]," forming the second and third series of his "Theatre." To me they seem full of talent; striking the just medium between the slowness and dullness of what they call the classical drama [...] and the unnatural and exaggerated contrasts and surprises of Victor Hugo'.
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Casimir Delavigne : Marino Faliero
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 28 November 1844: 'What works of Casimir Delavigne have you read? [...] I have read "Louis the Eleventh [sic]," "Marino Faliero," "Les Enfans d'Edouard [sic]," "Don Juan d'Autriche," "La Popularite," "La Fille du Cid," "Une Famille du temps de Luther [sic]," forming the second and third series of his "Theatre." To me they seem full of talent; striking the just medium between the slowness and dullness of what they call the classical drama [...] and the unnatural and exaggerated contrasts and surprises of Victor Hugo'.
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Casimir Delavigne : Les Enfants d'Edouard
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 28 November 1844: 'What works of Casimir Delavigne have you read? [...] I have read "Louis the Eleventh [sic]," "Marino Faliero," "Les Enfans d'Edouard [sic]," "Don Juan d'Autriche," "La Popularite," "La Fille du Cid," "Une Famille du temps de Luther [sic]," forming the second and third series of his "Theatre." To me they seem full of talent; striking the just medium between the slowness and dullness of what they call the classical drama [...] and the unnatural and exaggerated contrasts and surprises of Victor Hugo'.
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Casimir Delavigne : Don Juan d'Autriche, ou la Vocation
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 28 November 1844: 'What works of Casimir Delavigne have you read? [...] I have read "Louis the Eleventh [sic]," "Marino Faliero," "Les Enfans d'Edouard [sic]," "Don Juan d'Autriche," "La Popularite," "La Fille du Cid," "Une Famille du temps de Luther [sic]," forming the second and third series of his "Theatre." To me they seem full of talent; striking the just medium between the slowness and dullness of what they call the classical drama [...] and the unnatural and exaggerated contrasts and surprises of Victor Hugo'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Casimir Delavigne : La Popularite
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 28 November 1844: 'What works of Casimir Delavigne have you read? [...] I have read "Louis the Eleventh [sic]," "Marino Faliero," "Les Enfans d'Edouard [sic]," "Don Juan d'Autriche," "La Popularite," "La Fille du Cid," "Une Famille du temps de Luther [sic]," forming the second and third series of his "Theatre." To me they seem full of talent; striking the just medium between the slowness and dullness of what they call the classical drama [...] and the unnatural and exaggerated contrasts and surprises of Victor Hugo'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Casimir Delavigne : La Fille du Cid
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 28 November 1844: 'What works of Casimir Delavigne have you read? [...] I have read "Louis the Eleventh [sic]," "Marino Faliero," "Les Enfans d'Edouard [sic]," "Don Juan d'Autriche," "La Popularite," "La Fille du Cid," "Une Famille du temps de Luther [sic]," forming the second and third series of his "Theatre." To me they seem full of talent; striking the just medium between the slowness and dullness of what they call the classical drama [...] and the unnatural and exaggerated contrasts and surprises of Victor Hugo'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Casimir Delavigne : Une Famille au temps de Luther
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 28 November 1844: 'What works of Casimir Delavigne have you read? [...] I have read "Louis the Eleventh [sic]," "Marino Faliero," "Les Enfans d'Edouard [sic]," "Don Juan d'Autriche," "La Popularite," "La Fille du Cid," "Une Famille du temps de Luther [sic]," forming the second and third series of his "Theatre." To me they seem full of talent; striking the just medium between the slowness and dullness of what they call the classical drama [...] and the unnatural and exaggerated contrasts and surprises of Victor Hugo'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Eugene Sue : Le Salamandre (including Preface)
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 4 December 1844: 'The only work of Eugene Sue which I have read among those you ask about, is "Le Salamandre" [...] As strange a work it is as ever was written -- with few indications of the power to come. The only remarkable thing is the preface, in which, by way of reason for making all his people unhappy in this world, or rather for taking them out of it by being shot and shooting themselves, he says that to represent good people as successful in this world and rogues as unsuccessful would take away the chief argument for a future life.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Honore de Balzac : Une tenebreuse affaire
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 4 December 1844: 'The only work of Eugene Sue which I have read among those you ask about, is "Le Salamandre" [...] The only remarkable thing is the preface, in which [...] he says that to represent good people as successful in this world and rogues as unsuccessful would take away the chief argument for a future life. Now I really do hold that virtue, although not always prosperous, is yet upon the whole far happier than vice [...] I am quite sure that to represent systematically vice as fortunate, and goodness as wretched, tends to make selfish people vicious; and it is really wicked in Balzac to give one the pain he does in this way. In "Une Tenebreuse Affaire," for instance, I was so provoked with him for making Napoleon kill Michu and forgive those dolts of gentlemen, that I could have flung the book at his (Balzac's) head, if luckily that wonderful head had been within reach.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Frederika Bremer : The Neighbours: A Story of Every-Day Life
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 4 December 1844: 'Ah! dearest love, Frederika Bremer! I did read half "The Neighbours," and really you are the only person of a high class of mind whom I have found liking her works.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Friedrich von Matthison : Adelaide
'... I find I have nothing to say that has not been already perfectly said and perfectly sung in Adelaide.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Unknown
Paul : Epistle to the Philippians, I.3
'In a shop in Buchanan Street, there was exposed a little gold wristlet with 'Phil. 1.3' upon it; look it up in the New Testament and take the text, meine schone Freundin, as a message from me.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: wristlet
Walter Scott : The Heart of Midlothian
'One gravestone was erected by Scott .. to the poor woman who served him as a heroine in the Heart of Mid-Lothian, and the inscription in its stiff Jedediah Cleishbotham fashion is not without something touching.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: gravestone
George Gordon Lord Byron : Mazeppa
'Try, by way of change, Byron?s "Mazeppa", you will be astonished. It is grand and no mistake, and one sees through it a fire, and a passion, and a rapid intuition of genius, that makes one rather sorry for one?s own generation of better writers and ? I don?t know what to say; I was going to say ?smaller men?; but that?s not right; read it and you will feel what I cannot express. Don't be put out by the beginning; persevere; and you will find yourself thrilled before you are at an end with it.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : Notes on the Movements of Young Children.
'Many thanks. I have received the 15 quid, and the "Portfolio" proof.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Proof copy of RLS?s essay
Thomas Dick Lauder : Scottish Rivers
'I have written a review of Lauder?s "Scottish Rivers" for the "Academy" which I think you will like; I should not have done it just now, but I was in the humour ? and I did eat...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Johann Gottfried Gruber : Christop Martin Wieland
'Meantime I am reading Grubers Wieland: he is about equal to Doctor Joralic our worthy friend: a more learned man, but at bottom another of the same.-'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
George Gordon Byron : The Age Of Bronze
'Byron has sent us a new poem the Age of Bronze: it is short, and pithy - but not at all poetical. Byron may still easily fail to be a great man. You shall see his Bronze (a poetical squib) when you arrive; and another Liberal which is on the way.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter
Edmund Spenser : The Faerie Queene
'I read Spenser these some mornings, while eating my breakfast. He is a dainty little fellow, as ever you saw: I propose that you and he shall be closely acquainted by and by.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Johann Karl August Musaeus : Volksmahrchen der Deutschen
'I finished your Musaeus ten days ago: it is a nice little book and will do very well. You shall have it at Had[dingto]n whenever you get there, with multifarious advices and palavers.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter
: [newspaper]
'If you have heard no news lately from the south, it will be fresh intelligence for you that Lawson had a call to Selkirk, which as I learn from this day's newspaper (after his opinion faintly declared to the contrary) the Synod compelled him to decline.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: NewspaperManuscript: Letter
Edward Irving : For The Oracles Of God, Four Orations
'I spent the day in reading part of Irving's sermons, which I have not finished. On the whole he should not have published it - till after a considerable time. There is strong talent in it, true eloquence, and vigorous thought: but the foundation is rotten, and the building itself is a kind of monster in architecture - beautiful in parts - vast in dimensions - but on the whole decidedly a monster.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter
Emery Tylney : (in) Foxe's Book of Martyrs
'You may remember that I used to desire to outlive you: I have changed my cue: I should be left to speak in the words of surely the most affecting historical document in the world ? Emery Tylney?s character of George Wishart: ? ?O that the Lord had left her to me, her poor boy, that she might have finished what she had begun!? I can?t tell you how beautiful that whole paper is from which those words are imitated: I was reading it again the other day, and my heart came into my mouth when I got to that passage: one is so little prepared for such a cry of the soul amid the succinct details of life and manners that surround it. And the saying in my mind attaches itself to you: I have had to explain all round that you might understand the full meaning of the words, and how they are not simply my words, but have been sanctified by the fire of martyrdom and the name of one of the good, pure, quiet, delicate spirits of the Earth; and you needed to know that, to know why I like to apply them to you.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Katharine de Mattos : unknown
'?Miss Griffin? is capital stuff; not the least dull, a little ragged and loquacious, of course. Go on. Give me more types in the same style; and when I have the lot , I?ll tell you about the?[end of extract]'.
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Unknown
Robert Louis Stevenson : John Knox
'I have another letter from Groves [sic] about my ?John Knox?, which is flattering in its way: he is a very gushing and spontaneous person.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Grove Manuscript: Unknown
Laurent Angliviel de la Beaumelle : Memoires pour servir a l'histoire de Madame de Maintenon
'I have seen nothing new, & have been reading the Memoirs of Mde de Maintenon in French, which are exceedingly entertaining'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Frances Burney : Camilla; or, a Picture of Youth
'My [underlined] vast [end underlining] dear Sister!
O why, instead of 5, not give us [underlined ten, twenty [end underlining], of such dear delicious people? - I have devoured the whole, - and now feel so forlorn, so grieved to have none for tomorrow, that I tremble lest some grievous melancholly malady should seize upon me! - One after another, and then almost all at once, I have loved every soul among them so much, that to part with them is quite dreadful. Dear Sir Hugh! - But to me, if not most dear, at least most amusing Sir Sedley - where did you pick up that delightful, ridiculous [underlined] vast [end underlining] enchanting creature? - and how could you be so cruell as to dismiss him to the Hebrides with such a stink and never let us hear of him again? - I missed him [underlined] ineffably [end underlining] - I love him [underlined] superlatively [ end underlining], and, at the last moment, must own, I hated him [underlined] inexpressibly [end underlining]! sweet good little Eugenia! - Shall I ever dare to grumble again at a [underlined] red nose [end underlining] and a [underlined] dwarfs height [end underlining! - I wish, however, I had, like her, a little Latin and greek to make it go down rather more palateably. Of Camilla herself what can I say sufficiently expressive of my rapturous fondeness for her! [Burney then continues for several paragraphs to analyse and admire characters and plot of her half-sister's novel...] [underlined] Enfin [end underlining], with blessings and thanks that (tho' not for [underlined] me [end underlining] singly in the world you have
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'[underlined] My [end underlining] favorite passage in [underlined] Il Paradiso Perduto [end underlining] is this - When our good old grand pa', Adam, and the Angel Gabriel are discoursing over the repast Eve had set before them, Milton, to put our minds at ease as to the ill consequences of such dawdling, kindly tells us - the meal consisting wholly of fruits "No fear lest dinner cool!" - In "Paradise Regained", however, there is an address from the Devil to our Saviour worth its weight in gold - meeting him in the Wilderness, & affecting not to know him, he begins a conversation thus - "Sir, by what ill chance &c - Now that [twice underlined] Sir [end underlining] appears to me the very acme of burlesque - and sets me a shouting every time it comes into my head. - My two dear grown-ups, Miss Wilbraham, & Miss Eliza, who as well as me read [underlined] both [end underlining] Paradises last winter doat upon [twice underlined] Sir [end underlining] as much as I do: - and whenever we prate over fruit luncheons, apologise for it by saying - "No fear lest luncheon cool".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Regained
'[underlined] My [end underlining] favorite passage in [underlined] Il Paradiso Perduto [end underlining] is this - When our good old grand pa', Adam, and the Angel Gabriel are discoursing over the repast Eve had set before them, Milton, to put our minds at ease as to the ill consequences of such dawdling, kindly tells us - the meal consisting wholly of fruits "No fear lest dinner cool!" - In "Paradise Regained", however, there is an address from the Devil to our Saviour worth its weight in gold - meeting him in the Wilderness, & affecting not to know him, he begins a conversation thus - "Sir, by what ill chance &c - Now that [twice underlined] Sir [end underlining] appears to me the very acme of burlesque - and sets me a shouting every time it comes into my head. - My two dear grown-ups, Miss Wilbraham, & Miss Eliza, who as well as me read [underlined] both [end underlining] Paradises last winter doat upon [twice underlined] Sir [end underlining] as much as I do: - and whenever we prate over fruit luncheons, apologise for it by saying - "No fear lest luncheon cool".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Regained
'[underlined] My [end underlining] favorite passage in [underlined] Il Paradiso Perduto [end underlining] is this - When our good old grand pa', Adam, and the Angel Gabriel are discoursing over the repast Eve had set before them, Milton, to put our minds at ease as to the ill consequences of such dawdling, kindly tells us - the meal consisting wholly of fruits "No fear lest dinner cool!" - In "Paradise Regained", however, there is an address from the Devil to our Saviour worth its weight in gold - meeting him in the Wilderness, & affecting not to know him, he begins a conversation thus - "Sir, by what ill chance &c - Now that [twice underlined] Sir [end underlining] appears to me the very acme of burlesque - and sets me a shouting every time it comes into my head. - My two dear grown-ups, Miss Wilbraham, & Miss Eliza, who as well as me read [underlined] both [end underlining] Paradises last winter doat upon [twice underlined] Sir [end underlining] as much as I do: - and whenever we prate over fruit luncheons, apologise for it by saying - "No fear lest luncheon cool".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Miss] Wilbraham Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'[underlined] My [end underlining] favorite passage in [underlined] Il Paradiso Perduto [end underlining] is this - When our good old grand pa', Adam, and the Angel Gabriel are discoursing over the repast Eve had set before them, Milton, to put our minds at ease as to the ill consequences of such dawdling, kindly tells us - the meal consisting wholly of fruits "No fear lest dinner cool!" - In "Paradise Regained", however, there is an address from the Devil to our Saviour worth its weight in gold - meeting him in the Wilderness, & affecting not to know him, he begins a conversation thus - "Sir, by what ill chance &c - Now that [twice underlined] Sir [end underlining] appears to me the very acme of burlesque - and sets me a shouting every time it comes into my head. - My two dear grown-ups, Miss Wilbraham, & Miss Eliza, who as well as me read [underlined] both [end underlining] Paradises last winter doat upon [twice underlined] Sir [end underlining] as much as I do: - and whenever we prate over fruit luncheons, apologise for it by saying - "No fear lest luncheon cool".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: [Miss] Wilbraham Print: Book
Walter Scott : Lay of the Last Minstrel, The
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Robert Southey : Thalaba the Destroyer
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Joseph Cooper Walker : Historical and critical essay on the revival of the drama in Italy, An
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book, Unknown
Robert Southey : Letters written during a short residence in Spain and Portugal
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Henry Fielding : History of Tom Jones, a foundling, The
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Pietro Metastasio : L'Olimpiade
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Pietro Metastasio : Demofoonte
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Pietro Metastasio : Giuseppe riconosciuto
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Pietro Metastasio : Gioas re de Giuda
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Pietro Metastasio : La Clemenza di Tito
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Pietro Metastasio : Catone in Utica
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Pietro Metastasio : Attilio Regolo
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Pietro Metastasio : Ciro riconosciuto
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Pietro Metastasio : Zenobia
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Torquato Tasso : Aminta
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Ludovico Ariosto : Orlando Furioso
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
: Il balliano; ovvero Il vero amore ne'cimenti e piu forte
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Pietro Chiari : La bella Pellegrina
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Rinaldo di Capua : La zingara
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Scipione Maffei : La Merope
'You ask me (pertly enough - pardon the expression) Whether I have read The Lay of the Last Minstrel - alas, only twice - And have, in addition, only the following Catalogue to subjoin of pleasing works which have come under my examination - English - Thalaba. Cowper Walker on The Revival of Italian Tragedy Southey's Tour in Spain Tommy Jones Italian - Metastasio's Olympiade Demofoonte, Giusepe riconosciuto, Gioas, La Clemenza di Tito, Catone, Regolo, Ciro, Zenobia - Tassos's Aminta - Seven Canto's of Ariosto, Il Vero Amore, an Italian novel - La bella pelegrina, La Zingana Merope, del Maffei, &c, &c, &c, &c French - None If you wish to know how I came to poke my green eyes into so many Italian books, I have this reply at your service. there has been an Italian Master here for above a month - and he brushed up for me the rusty odds an [sic] ends of his dulcet language which I had formerly picked up, & whilst he was here, & since his departure, I have done nothing but peep & pry into the works of his countrymen' [The format of SHB's list was in two columns, English and french to the left and Italian to the right]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford : [unknown]
'I hate to be tantalized in such a way [referring to erratic correspondence]. - It is like being condemned to eat green pease, one by one, with a
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Hester Lynch Piozzi : Observations and Reflections made in the course of a journey through FRance, Italy and Germany
'So you are in correspondence with Mrs piozzi? Enviable Mortal! - Do you know I am, at this present writing, stark staring mad for love [of] her. I have been reading her Journey through France and Italy, and nothing that I ever luxuriously licked my lips over, ever delighted me half so much. The book is one huge mass of entertainment from beginning to end - And written in such an unaffected spirit of Christian charity for the errors of mankind - breathing such candour, chearfulness and good nature, that I quite adore her. She uses various quaint phrazes, very comical and expressive; but somewhat odd "somehow" (as she says) till one gets accustomed to her style. The original poetry thinly scattered through the work, I do not admire. But a woman cannot have every excellence of heart and genius. She has enough to satisfy a more fastidious spirit than mine'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Walter Scott : unknown
'Today we saw the cathedral at Chester; and, far more delightful, saw and heard a certain inimitable verger who took us round. He was full of a certain recondite, far away humour that did not quite make you laugh at the time, but was somehow laughable to recollect. Moreover, he had so far a just imagination, and could put one in the right humour for seeing an old place, very much as, according to my favourite text, Scott's novels and poems do for one.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
unknown : unknown
'[?] I am seen about the garden with large and aged quartos [?]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Christmas Stories (2, unnamed)
I' wonder if you ever read Dickens?s [italics] Christmas Books [end italics] ? I don?t know that I would recommend you to read them, because they are too much perhaps. I have only read two of them yet, and I have cried my eyes out, and had a terrible fight not to sob. But O, dear God, they are [italics] good [end italics] − and, I feel so good after them, and would do anything, yet and shall do anything, to make it a little better for people. I want to go out and comfort someone; I shall never listen to the nonsense they tell one, about not giving money −I [italics] shall [end italics] give money; not that I haven?t done so always, but I shall do it with a high hand now. O what a jolly thing it is for a man to have written books like these books, and just [italics] filled [end italics] people?s hearts with pity.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
[Madame] de Genlis : Alphonsine, ou la tendresse maternelle
'Miss James has lent me, and I have been reading Alphonsine - that is the two first volumes - and it has completely bewitched me - I was such an old Ass as to sit up last night till three o'clock, reading - and then snuffed out my candle, and went to bed by daylight., The perfect originality of the plan upon which the story is founded, enchants me - and difficult as such an idea was to developpe, Mde de Genlis I think has done justice to her own design - a felicity many authors fail in attaining. - Oh - (But now another day has passed, and I have finished the three volumes of Alphonsine - and the [underlined] last [end underlining] disgraces the two first - Such a pack of higgledy piggledy stuff, without interest, finish, or any attempt at probability, I never read - Whip the woman!-'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Charles Burney : The exposition of the Creed, by J. Pearson... abridged for the use of young persons
'[Rev Charles Burney's] Abridgement of Pearson's Exposition of the Creed, is printed, though not yet published. He gave to my father & me each a Copy. His Motto, I think a most happy one, taken from some work of the great Bentley's - "The most excellent Bishop Pearson - the very dust of whose writings is gold". - I have read above half the volume; it is all fudge to call it a book for the use of [underlined] young persons [end underlining] - Unless they are such Young Persons as Moll, who reads Lock on Human Understanding in two days, & says it is easy, & fancies she understands it - And the same farce she played regarding Butler's Analogy, the toughest book (allowed by learned men) in the English language, which she spoke of with the familiar partiality I would speak of Tom Hickerthrift, & bamboozled me into trying to read - and, Good Lord! when I had pored over a dozen pages & shook my ears, and asked myself - "Well, Sal, how dost like it? Dost understand one word?" "O, yes; all the [underlined] words [end underlining], but not one of their meanings when put together." "Why, then, Sal; put the book away; and say nothing about it; but say thy prayers in peace, & leave the reasons [underlined] why [end underlining] thou art impelled to say them, and all the [underlined] fatras [end underlining] of analyzation, to those who have more logical brains, or more leisure to read what they do not comprehend". But, however, a great part of Dr Charles's abridgement, I flatter myself I [underlined] do [end underlining] understand; and what is too deep for me, Moll may explain. He has retained a heap of hard words, which send me to Dr Johnson's dictionary continually - Some of them, are expressive, & worth reviving, others, we have happier substitutes for, and it was ungraceful to admit them, and shewed a false and pedantic taste'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book, printed book not yet published
Samuel Johnson : Dictionary of the English Language, A
'[Rev Charles Burney's] Abridgement of Pearson's Exposition of the Creed, is printed, though not yet published. He gave to my father & me each a Copy. His Motto, I think a most happy one, taken from some work of the great Bentley's - "The most excellent Bishop Pearson - the very dust of whose writings is gold". - I have read above half the volume; it is all fudge to call it a book for the use of [underlined] young persons [end underlining] - Unless they are such Young Persons as Moll, who reads Lock on Human Understanding in two days, & says it is easy, & fancies she understands it - And the same farce she played regarding Butler's Analogy, the toughest book (allowed by learned men) in the English language, which she spoke of with the familiar partiality I would speak of Tom Hickerthrift, & bamboozled me into trying to read - and, Good Lord! when I had pored over a dozen pages & shook my ears, and asked myself - "Well, Sal, how dost like it? Dost understand one word?" "O, yes; all the [underlined] words [end underlining], but not one of their meanings when put together." "Why, then, Sal; put the book away; and say nothing about it; but say thy prayers in peace, & leave the reasons [underlined] why [end underlining] thou art impelled to say them, and all the [underlined] fatras [end underlining] of analyzation, to those who have more logical brains, or more leisure to read what they do not comprehend". But, however, a great part of Dr Charles's abridgement, I flatter myself I [underlined] do [end underlining] understand; and what is too deep for me, Moll may explain. He has retained a heap of hard words, which send me to Dr Johnson's dictionary continually - Some of them, are expressive, & worth reviving, others, we have happier substitutes for, and it was ungraceful to admit them, and shewed a false and pedantic taste'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Joseph Butler : Analogy of Religion, Natural and Revealed, to the constitution and course of Nature
'[Rev Charles Burney's] Abridgement of Pearson's Exposition of the Creed, is printed, though not yet published. He gave to my father & me each a Copy. His Motto, I think a most happy one, taken from some work of the great Bentley's - "The most excellent Bishop Pearson - the very dust of whose writings is gold". - I have read above half the volume; it is all fudge to call it a book for the use of [underlined] young persons [end underlining] - Unless they are such Young Persons as Moll, who reads Lock on Human Understanding in two days, & says it is easy, & fancies she understands it - And the same farce she played regarding Butler's Analogy, the toughest book (allowed by learned men) in the English language, which she spoke of with the familiar partiality I would speak of Tom Hickerthrift, & bamboozled me into trying to read - and, Good Lord! when I had pored over a dozen pages & shook my ears, and asked myself - "Well, Sal, how dost like it? Dost understand one word?" "O, yes; all the [underlined] words [end underlining], but not one of their meanings when put together." "Why, then, Sal; put the book away; and say nothing about it; but say thy prayers in peace, & leave the reasons [underlined] why [end underlining] thou art impelled to say them, and all the [underlined] fatras [end underlining] of analyzation, to those who have more logical brains, or more leisure to read what they do not comprehend". But, however, a great part of Dr Charles's abridgement, I flatter myself I [underlined] do [end underlining] understand; and what is too deep for me, Moll may explain. He has retained a heap of hard words, which send me to Dr Johnson's dictionary continually - Some of them, are expressive, & worth reviving, others, we have happier substitutes for, and it was ungraceful to admit them, and shewed a false and pedantic taste'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Walter Scott : Lady of the Lake, The
'I have been reading, and am enchanted by The Lady of the Lake! It has all the spirit of either of its predecessors, (have you read it?) and ten times the interest. When I had finished it, I remained with such a relish for
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Walter Scott : Marmion
'I have been reading, and am enchanted by The Lady of the Lake! It has all the spirit of either of its predecessors, (have you read it?) and ten times the interest. When I had finished it, I remained with such a relish for
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Unknown
Richard Westall : Day in Spring, A
'I have been reading, and am enchanted by The Lady of the Lake! It has all the spirit of either of its predecessors, (have you read it?) and ten times the interest. When I had finished it, I remained with such a relish for
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [unknown]
'I have been with a nice little party of College friends, to see King John, and for a week after, I could do nothing but read Shakespear. Mrs Siddons was Magnificent-'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Charlotte Barrett : [a letter]
'The story of Julia and the daisies is beautiful - I read it to MF, (my father) and he liked it much'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Manuscript: Letter
Walter Scott : Lady of the Lake, The
'As I chose that my recent course of extravagance should die a melodious death [...] the last indulgence I gave it was the purchase of "The Lady of the Lake". How sweet, and to my fancy, bewitching a poem it is!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
[unknown] : Monthly Review [review of Southey's "The Curse of Kehama"]
'Have you (I forget whether you ever told me) read the Curse of Kahama [sic]? I have seen two Reviews of it, & now so well understand what it all seems to be about, I should like mightily to read the whole'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : Quarterly Review [review of Southey's "The Curse of Kehama"]
'Have you (I forget whether you ever told me) read the Curse of Kahama [sic]? I have seen two Reviews of it, & now so well understand what it all seems to be about, I should like mightily to read the whole'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Serial / periodical
Mary Brunton : Self-control
'I have not read "Self control", and am determined not to read it, till my own eternal rubbish is concluded. I was a week in the house, at John Street with the two first volumes, but never looked at them. Miss Jardine lent them there. She spent a sociable evening with us, and made me laugh by observing that the book began with a sort of ravishment that almost enclined her to shut it up after the first forty pages, and never to open it again. Sister Burney likes it; not the ravishment but the tout ensemble; but thinks the last volume flags.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Burney Print: Book
Marie, marquise de Sevigne : [letters to her daughter - exact title uncertain]
'I have read some very delightful old books lately (for I now have just attained the wisdom to wish to make use of this ample library, and reject all borrowed or hired books) - Amongst others, two collections of letters, Sevigne's to her daughter, and Bussy Rabutin's to her and various others. The celebrity of these letters makes one ashamed to praise them; it is like saying Shakespear was a clever fellow: but I [underlined] will [end underlining] say, that their wit, their facility, their original humour; their arch simplicity, their every possible epistolary merit, surpass even their reputation. Having read a good many French Memoirs of that time, I enjoy the court details, and the scandal and gossip as much as Mde de Grignan could - and the witty stories occasionally inserted are [underlined] impayable [end underlining]. [SHB then describes at length the matter of some of the letters she has been reading, concluding...] It was a bright period for french intellects - Oh, how superior to the bright period of the Encyclopedists. at the time I am reading of, lived & wrote, Moliere, Corneille, Racine, La Rochfaucault [sic], Boilleau, celebrated Divines a million, and who were really good Christians; and Sevigne, and all her witty cluster of friends - and no jargon, & no frippery, & false philosophy among them - but sterling stuff, too good almost to be french'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Roger de Rabutin, comte de Bussy : [letters]
'I have read some very delightful old books lately (for I now have just attained the wisdom to wish to make use of this ample library, and reject all borrowed or hired books) - Amongst others, two collections of letters, Sevigne's to her daughter, and Bussy Rabutin's to her and various others. The celebrity of these letters makes one ashamed to praise them; it is like saying Shakespear was a clever fellow: but I [underlined] will [end underlining] say, that their wit, their facility, their original humour; their arch simplicity, their every possible epistolary merit, surpass even their reputation. Having read a good many French Memoirs of that time, I enjoy the court details, and the scandal and gossip as much as Mde de Grignan could - and the witty stories occasionally inserted are [underlined] impayable [end underlining]. [SHB then describes at length the matter of some of the letters she has been reading, concluding...] It was a bright period for french intellects - Oh, how superior to the bright period of the Encyclopedists. at the time I am reading of, lived & wrote, Moliere, Corneille, Racine, La Rochfaucault [sic], Boilleau, celebrated Divines a million, and who were really good Christians; and Sevigne, and all her witty cluster of friends - and no jargon, & no frippery, & false philosophy among them - but sterling stuff, too good almost to be french'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Charles Dickens : The Chimes
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 29 December 1844: 'I have read the "Chimes." I don't like it [...] Mr Dickens wants the earnest good-faith in narration which makes Balzac so enchanting.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Robert Browning : Sordello
John Westland Marston to Thomas Powell, c. October 1844: 'Mrs Marston has just read "Sordello" through. She accomplished it in 3 days, & pronounced it not only intelligible but deeply interesting'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Marston Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : "On the Enjoyment of Unpleasant Places"
'I have the "PTFL" proof; and it is very fourth rate, I am afraid; not quite [italics] dead [end italics] you know, but ailing − very ailing.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Proof copy of RLS?s essay.
Robert Louis Stevenson : ?John Knox and his Relations with Women??
'I found the proof of ?John Knox? waiting me here, and have despatched it.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Proof copy.
Katharine de Mattos : Included "Miss Griffin"?
'My dear Katharine, I have gone over your paper at last (I would have done it sooner, had I found the time) [?].'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Sheet, RLS calls it "your paper".
Thomas Carlyle : Proofs of 'Schiller's Life and Writings'
'Even as it is, I contrive to in general to get along very reasonably. Jack comes down to me every night: we have a talk and a walk: we correct the Printer's sheets together, and are very happy. He is a kind faithful slut of a fellow.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: ProofsManuscript: Letter
Francis Quarles : Emblems
'Then your simile about the spider and the King?s palace is very grim and good; like a sort of Quarles emblem; and that sentence begins admirably, although its feet are of clay.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Katharine de Mattos : unknown
'Then your simile about the spider and the King?s palace is very grim and good; like a sort of Quarles emblem; and that sentence begins admirably, although its feet are of clay.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Unknown
Alphonse Lamartine : Histoire des Girondins
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, letter postmarked 2 October 1847: 'The most interesting [book] that I have read for many years is Lamartine's Histoire des Girondins [...] Even at the Palace where they read so little they are all devouring those eloquent Volumes -- the Queen & all. I would not have believed that Lamartine's prose could be so fine -- but the prose of poets is often finer than their verse [...] The Author does injustice to Napoleon I think, & is over candid to Robespierre & many of the other Revolutionary Heroes -- so that one wonders sometimes [italics]who[end italics] was guilty -- but still the book is charming.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Benjamin Nicolas Marie Appert : Dix Ans a la cour du roi Louis-Philippe et souvenirs du temps de l'Empire et de la Restauration
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, letter postmarked 2 October 1847: 'The most interesting [book] that I have read for many years is Lamartine's Histoire des Girondins [...] Also I am reading Appert's Dix Ans a la Cour de Louis Philippe, very pleasant esprit -- & have just finished Le Chien d'Alcibiade -- a Tale of some cleverness although too close an imitation of Gerfaut [...] I see by the papers that poor Frederic Soulie is dead -- I was just reading a novel of his on the wars of La Vendee (Saturnine Fichet [sic]) which was interesting -- only he had imitated a likeness between two persons from the old French Story of Martin Guerre, which story aforesaid [...] Dumas had been using in Les Deux Diane -- by the way I am reading 3 series by Dumas, Les Deux Diane -- Les Memoires d'un Medecin & Le Batard de Mouleon [...] Of English books I have been much pleased by Mr Jesse[']s Antiquities of London -- very pleasant gossip -- & St John[']s Wild sports of the Highlands a mixed Vol of Deerstalking & Natural History which is charming'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Leon Gozlan : La Queue du chien d'Alcibiade
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, letter postmarked 2 October 1847: 'The most interesting [book] that I have read for many years is Lamartine's Histoire des Girondins [...] Also I am reading Appert's Dix Ans a la Cour de Louis Philippe, very pleasant esprit -- & have just finished Le Chien d'Alcibiade -- a Tale of some cleverness although too close an imitation of Gerfaut [...] I see by the papers that poor Frederic Soulie is dead -- I was just reading a novel of his on the wars of La Vendee (Saturnine Fichet [sic]) which was interesting -- only he had imitated a likeness between two persons from the old French Story of Martin Guerre, which story aforesaid [...] Dumas had been using in Les Deux Diane -- by the way I am reading 3 series by Dumas, Les Deux Diane -- Les Memoires d'un Medecin & Le Batard de Mouleon [...] Of English books I have been much pleased by Mr Jesse[']s Antiquities of London -- very pleasant gossip -- & St John[']s Wild sports of the Highlands a mixed Vol of Deerstalking & Natural History which is charming'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Frederic Soulie : Les Aventures de Saturnin Fichet ou la Conspiration de la Rouarie
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, letter postmarked 2 October 1847: 'The most interesting [book] that I have read for many years is Lamartine's Histoire des Girondins [...] Also I am reading Appert's Dix Ans a la Cour de Louis Philippe, very pleasant esprit -- & have just finished Le Chien d'Alcibiade -- a Tale of some cleverness although too close an imitation of Gerfaut [...] I see by the papers that poor Frederic Soulie is dead -- I was just reading a novel of his on the wars of La Vendee (Saturnine Fichet [sic]) which was interesting -- only he had imitated a likeness between two persons from the old French Story of Martin Guerre, which story aforesaid [...] Dumas had been using in Les Deux Diane -- by the way I am reading 3 series by Dumas, Les Deux Diane -- Les Memoires d'un Medecin & Le Batard de Mouleon [...] Of English books I have been much pleased by Mr Jesse[']s Antiquities of London -- very pleasant gossip -- & St John[']s Wild sports of the Highlands a mixed Vol of Deerstalking & Natural History which is charming'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Unknown
John Bunyan : The Pilgrim?s Progress from this world to that which is to come, delivered under the similitude of a dream
'I can say this much that your paper has impressed me very much, and I shall never get the village out of my head; I know the place; it is called (to imitate Bunyan) the village of Hope-deferred, and near it goes the river of the Shadow of Suicide.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Alexandre Dumas : Les Deux Diane
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, letter postmarked 2 October 1847: 'The most interesting [book] that I have read for many years is Lamartine's Histoire des Girondins [...] Also I am reading Appert's Dix Ans a la Cour de Louis Philippe, very pleasant esprit -- & have just finished Le Chien d'Alcibiade -- a Tale of some cleverness although too close an imitation of Gerfaut [...] I see by the papers that poor Frederic Soulie is dead -- I was just reading a novel of his on the wars of La Vendee (Saturnine Fichet [sic]) which was interesting -- only he had imitated a likeness between two persons from the old French Story of Martin Guerre, which story aforesaid [...] Dumas had been using in Les Deux Diane -- by the way I am reading 3 series by Dumas, Les Deux Diane -- Les Memoires d'un Medecin & Le Batard de Mouleon [...] Of English books I have been much pleased by Mr Jesse[']s Antiquities of London -- very pleasant gossip -- & St John[']s Wild sports of the Highlands a mixed Vol of Deerstalking & Natural History which is charming'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Unknown
Alexandre Dumas : Memoires d'un Medecin: Joseph Balsamo
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, letter postmarked 2 October 1847: 'The most interesting [book] that I have read for many years is Lamartine's Histoire des Girondins [...] Also I am reading Appert's Dix Ans a la Cour de Louis Philippe, very pleasant esprit -- & have just finished Le Chien d'Alcibiade -- a Tale of some cleverness although too close an imitation of Gerfaut [...] I see by the papers that poor Frederic Soulie is dead -- I was just reading a novel of his on the wars of La Vendee (Saturnine Fichet [sic]) which was interesting -- only he had imitated a likeness between two persons from the old French Story of Martin Guerre, which story aforesaid [...] Dumas had been using in Les Deux Diane -- by the way I am reading 3 series by Dumas, Les Deux Diane -- Les Memoires d'un Medecin & Le Batard de Mouleon [sic] [...] Of English books I have been much pleased by Mr Jesse[']s Antiquities of London -- very pleasant gossip -- & St John[']s Wild sports of the Highlands a mixed Vol of Deerstalking & Natural History which is charming'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Unknown
Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet : Le Batard de Mauleon
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, letter postmarked 2 October 1847: 'The most interesting [book] that I have read for many years is Lamartine's Histoire des Girondins [...] Also I am reading Appert's Dix Ans a la Cour de Louis Philippe, very pleasant esprit -- & have just finished Le Chien d'Alcibiade -- a Tale of some cleverness although too close an imitation of Gerfaut [...] I see by the papers that poor Frederic Soulie is dead -- I was just reading a novel of his on the wars of La Vendee (Saturnine Fichet [sic]) which was interesting -- only he had imitated a likeness between two persons from the old French Story of Martin Guerre, which story aforesaid [...] Dumas had been using in Les Deux Diane -- by the way I am reading 3 series by Dumas, Les Deux Diane -- Les Memoires d'un Medecin & Le Batard de Mouleon [sic] [...] Of English books I have been much pleased by Mr Jesse[']s Antiquities of London -- very pleasant gossip -- & St John[']s Wild sports of the Highlands a mixed Vol of Deerstalking & Natural History which is charming'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Unknown
J. Heneage Jesse : Literary and Historical Memorials of London
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, letter postmarked 2 October 1847: 'The most interesting [book] that I have read for many years is Lamartine's Histoire des Girondins [...] Also I am reading Appert's Dix Ans a la Cour de Louis Philippe, very pleasant esprit -- & have just finished Le Chien d'Alcibiade -- a Tale of some cleverness although too close an imitation of Gerfaut [...] I see by the papers that poor Frederic Soulie is dead -- I was just reading a novel of his on the wars of La Vendee (Saturnine Fichet [sic]) which was interesting -- only he had imitated a likeness between two persons from the old French Story of Martin Guerre, which story aforesaid [...] Dumas had been using in Les Deux Diane -- by the way I am reading 3 series by Dumas, Les Deux Diane -- Les Memoires d'un Medecin & Le Batard de Mouleon [sic] [...] Of English books I have been much pleased by Mr Jesse[']s Antiquities of London [sic] -- very pleasant gossip -- & St John[']s Wild sports of the Highlands a mixed Vol of Deerstalking & Natural History which is charming'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Charles Saint John : Short Sketches of the Wild Sports and Natural History of the Highlands
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, letter postmarked 2 October 1847: 'The most interesting [book] that I have read for many years is Lamartine's Histoire des Girondins [...] Also I am reading Appert's Dix Ans a la Cour de Louis Philippe, very pleasant esprit -- & have just finished Le Chien d'Alcibiade -- a Tale of some cleverness although too close an imitation of Gerfaut [...] I see by the papers that poor Frederic Soulie is dead -- I was just reading a novel of his on the wars of La Vendee (Saturnine Fichet [sic]) which was interesting -- only he had imitated a likeness between two persons from the old French Story of Martin Guerre, which story aforesaid [...] Dumas had been using in Les Deux Diane -- by the way I am reading 3 series by Dumas, Les Deux Diane -- Les Memoires d'un Medecin & Le Batard de Mouleon [sic] [...] Of English books I have been much pleased by Mr Jesse[']s Antiquities of London [sic] -- very pleasant gossip -- & St John[']s Wild sports of the Highlands a mixed Vol of Deerstalking & Natural History which is charming'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Charles Baudelaire : Petits poemes en prose
'And yet I am going to send you a book that was written altogether in the spirit of that place. I send it however, because it is just one of those specimens of consummate polished perfection in that style, that I think you would do best to read at present: I mean Baudelaire?s "Petits Poemes". On second thoughts, I will not send it until I hear from you, in case you have it already. If you have it not, I shall send you mine, it has unfortunately been subjected to the outrages of an amateur expurgator, but the most of it is there, and I think you would do well to study it.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Johann Gottlieb Fichte : Characteristics of the Present Age
Joseph Arnould to Robert Browning, 19 December 1847: 'My dear Browning do you know the German transcendental writers at all -- especially [italics]Fichte[end italics]? an enterprising American bookseller here has been translating all his exoteric works i.e. all except his Formal System of Metaphysics -- the titles will show you the nature of the Books[:] "The destination of Man" "The nature & vocation of the scholar" "Characteristics of the present age" [...] I have been reading them with that engrossing, rapt, concentrated attention which no book can command except one which speaks to the very soul of the reader: formalized in Fichte's books I find what has long been hovering vaguely before my own mind as truth: especially on Religion & Christianity. Do READ THEM -- they are not costly[,] the price of the hitherto published is as follows Characteristics of the Present Age 7s Vocation of the Scholar 2s The Destination of Man 3s 6d'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Arnould Print: Book
Johann Gottlieb Fichte : The Nature and Vocation of the Scholar
Joseph Arnould to Robert Browning, 19 December 1847: 'My dear Browning do you know the German transcendental writers at all -- especially [italics]Fichte[end italics]? an enterprising American bookseller here has been translating all his exoteric works i.e. all except his Formal System of Metaphysics -- the titles will show you the nature of the Books[:] "The destination of Man" "The nature & vocation of the scholar" "Characteristics of the present age" [...] I have been reading them with that engrossing, rapt, concentrated attention which no book can command except one which speaks to the very soul of the reader: formalized in Fichte's books I find what has long been hovering vaguely before my own mind as truth: especially on Religion & Christianity. Do READ THEM -- they are not costly[,] the price of the hitherto published is as follows Characteristics of the Present Age 7s Vocation of the Scholar 2s The Destination of Man 3s 6d'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Arnould Print: Book
Johann Gottlieb Fichte : The Destination of Man
Joseph Arnould to Robert Browning, 19 December 1847: 'My dear Browning do you know the German transcendental writers at all -- especially [italics]Fichte[end italics]? an enterprising American bookseller here has been translating all his exoteric works i.e. all except his Formal System of Metaphysics -- the titles will show you the nature of the Books[:] "The destination of Man" "The nature & vocation of the scholar" "Characteristics of the present age" [...] I have been reading them with that engrossing, rapt, concentrated attention which no book can command except one which speaks to the very soul of the reader: formalized in Fichte's books I find what has long been hovering vaguely before my own mind as truth: especially on Religion & Christianity. Do READ THEM -- they are not costly[,] the price of the hitherto published is as follows Characteristics of the Present Age 7s Vocation of the Scholar 2s The Destination of Man 3s 6d'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Arnould Print: Book
Robert Browning : Paracelsus
Joseph Arnould to Alfred Domett, 16 July 1847: 'I find myself reading Paracelsus and the Dramatic Lyrics more often than any thing else in verse'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Arnould Print: Book
Robert Browning : Dramatic Lyrics
Joseph Arnould to Alfred Domett, 16 July 1847: 'I find myself reading Paracelsus and the Dramatic Lyrics more often than any thing else in verse'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Arnould Print: Book
Virgil : The Aeneid, Books III and probably V
'Is it the third or the fifth book of Virgil you so much liked; I have taken to reading the third.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Alfred, Lord Tennyson : Ode on the Death of the Duke of Wellington.
'I tried to read Tennyson?s Ode on the Dook of Wellington (which is the finest lyrical poem in the language in case you don?t know) aloud this morning, and I had a hand at my throat tightening steadily as I read, until I could articulate no more and had to throw the book away. That is one of the experiences in life worth having; so were the Elgin Marbles.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Unknown
William Mitford : History of Greece, The
'I have been steadily & delightedly reading Mitford's History. First of all, he is an Historian after my own heart, & I really believe a perfectly upright & honest man. He suffers not himself to be dazzled by the splendid qualities of the people he writes about - but, by turns, causes either an enthousiastic admiration of their magnanimity or a just horror of their atrocity. Individually they were the most glorious creatures, God ever permitted to shine upon earth - Collectively, they were infernal: and I take it, as good and honourable Mitford says, it was owing to their faulty religious & political institutions. But certainly the merit of this history is great, in proving, that bad as the world is now, even under Christian regulations., it is not nationally anywhere so bad as it was in Pagan Greece - except during the height and fury of the French Revolution - and still, and ever perhaps in Turkey'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Mary Leadbetter : Cottage Dialogues Among the Irish Peasantry
'Have you seen the little book, "Cottage Dialogues", by Mrs Leadbetter? Edgeworths notes are lively and [nationally] characteristic as ever: but I own, I tired a little of the receipts to make cheap dishes. Without half so much ceremony & fuss and trouble, I had rather dine upon that cheap dish, an egg boiled in the shell - or a good mess of gruel and onions'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Hannah More : Practical Piety
'I have been frightened from taking up Hannah More's last book which fanny lent me, by the dread that it would more than ever convince me what a worthless wretch I am without giving me the courage and virtue to become better. But last night, wanting to compose my wayward spirit, I ventured to open it, and read the first Chapter on Internal Christianity - And was agreeably surprised to find myself much peased with it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Louis-Pierre Anquetil : Louis XIV, sa cour et le Regent
'I have finished all dear old Sevigne's letters, and since then read Anquetils' "Louis XIV, Sa Cour, et le Regent". - a most admirably entertaining work, in four moderate little volumes. He stells a story of Le Regent truly characteristic - He was obliged to pass a few days in the country which he hated, & the people round him perceiving his ennui, proposed une partie de chasse - "Non, je n'aime pas la chasse" - A game at billiards - "Non, je n'aime pas le billiard" - Une lecture amusante - "Non, je n'aime pas la lecture". Then what [underlined] should [end underlining] they do? - Why nothing - for to own the truth, he had no pleasure in innocent amusements. [His] words were 'Je n'aime point les plaisirs innocents!" - [The] laughable though desperate profligacy of this answer, makes me shout.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
[unknown] : [review of Pierre Jouhaud, "Paris dans le dix-neuvieme siecle"]
'A book that I am sure would amuse Barrett, and perhaps you also, very much, is [underlined] Jouhaud's Paris dans le dixneuvieme Siecle [end underlining]. The account of it made me extremely desirous to see it. There are in it descriptions of the present Parisien world - the state of Religion, of society, of amusements, of schools, fashions &c, &c - And all appears fairly done, and in a manly unaffected manner. pate le 3eme [a little hand points to an ink blot] I should like also excessively to see [underlined] Catteau's Voyage en Allemagne et Suede. [end underlining] The little I read about it, has made me so fond of the Swedes! Not the Swedish nobles, but the tiers etat; the farmers, landholders and peasantry: they resemble the Swiss at their best; but appear still more carefully educated at their provincial schools, and are quite dear things.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : [review of Jean-Pierre-Guillaume Catteau-Calleville, Voyage en Allemagne et en Suede]
'A book that I am sure would amuse Barrett, and perhaps you also, very much, is [underlined] Jouhaud's Paris dans le dixneuvieme Siecle [end underlining]. The account of it made me extremely desirous to see it. There are in it descriptions of the present Parisien world - the state of Religion, of society, of amusements, of schools, fashions &c, &c - And all appears fairly done, and in a manly unaffected manner. pate le 3eme [a little hand points to an ink blot] I should like also excessively to see [underlined] Catteau's Voyage en Allemagne et Suede. [end underlining] The little I read about it, has made me so fond of the Swedes! Not the Swedish nobles, but the tiers etat; the farmers, landholders and peasantry: they resemble the Swiss at their best; but appear still more carefully educated at their provincial schools, and are quite dear things.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Serial / periodical
Hannah More : Practical Piety
'I am also reading with great veneration, but some degree of despondency, Practical Piety. The Chapter on "Comparatively small Faults and Virtues" merits to be written in letters of gold, and comes home to the feelings with an aptness and force not to be resisted or described. All she says on Prayer, though but a new modification of her former sentiments delivered on this subject, is touching and beautiful: - in short, the first volume, which I have just finished, edifies and charms me'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Francois de la Rochefoucauld : Reflexions ou sentences et maximes morales
'Anch'io have been reading La Rochefaucould [sic] - and he has furnished me with an excellet Motto for my third Volume - And what is more to the purpose, with some entertainment of the highest & most rational kind for my breakfast hours. I can only afford time now to read at my meals. Ah pauvre humanite - I am afraid he is a [underlied] very [end underlining] little too severe against it! [...] He seldom writes as if he was hardened enough to exult in human depravity, but often as if he sadly, yet irresistibly felt its existence to be true - and such a book, it strikes me, properly considered, is calculated to produce infinite benefit'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Robert South : [unknown]
'I have, for Sunday reading, great delight in
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Jean-Jacques Barthelemy : Voyage du jeune Anacharsis en Grece
'I am reading Bartelemi's Anacharsis. which forms a sort of Appendix or rather comentary to the Grecian History I was so much taken up with last summer. Without such a previous brushing up of the memory, about those Grecian chaps, I should not have enjoyed Anacharsis at all'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Anne Louise Germaine, Baronne de Stael-Holstein : De l'Allemagne
"I too am reading Mme de Staal [sic], and am such a Goth, that I catch myself yawning over it! Probably I am not formed to love "les plaisirs [underlined] dissertant [end underlining]." The book is like a long Review, and all about the same set of objects; and I tire for want of connection, and something either to interest my feelings or amuse my imagination. Yet, I have extracted some delightful, and some most wise little passages; and I read, though with fatigue, still with admiration, such a copious series of well-expressed reflections [...] I told my sister d'Arblay to-night, how glad I was that our best English writers, meaning Adison [sic], Swift, Johnson &c, had not written like Mde de Staal; for if they had, as sure as a gun, I should never have loved reading - I should never have opened a book. I have finished vol. I & shall probably read II and III, out of vanity, & just to say I have read them'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'Yes I [underlined] have [end underlining] read the book you speak of, "Pride & Prejudice", and I could quite rave about it! How well you define one of its characterestics [sic] when you say of it, that it breaths [sic] a spirit of "careless originiality". - It is charming. - Nothing was ever better conducted than the fable; nothing can be more [underlined] piquant [end underlining] than its dialogues; more distinct than its characters. Do, I entreat, tell me by whom it is written; and tell me, if your health will allow you, [underlined] soon [end underlining]. I die to know. Some say it is by Mrs Dorset, who wrote that clever little [underlined] bijou [end underlining], "the Peacock at Home". is it so? Pray, pray tell me. I have the three vols now in the house, and know not how to part with them. I have only just finished, and could begin them all over again with pleasure'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Anne-Louise-Germaine, Baronne de Stael-Holstein : De L'Allemagne
'I am not sufficiently fond of dissertations, of eternal analysis, of eloquent bubbles, to be a warm partizan of Mde de Staal [sic]. Between friends - but don't mention it - I yawned over her Allemagne - and yet, here and there, was electrified by a flash of sublimity. Do you agree with me in thinking, that with all her brilliant varnish, she is corrupt at heart? Had Satan himself written "Pauline", one of the stories published with "Zuma", he could have produced nothing more offensive to decency, more detestably disgusting'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Anne-Louise-Germaine, Baronne de Stael-Holstein : Zulma, et trois nouvelles
'I am not sufficiently fond of dissertations, of eternal analysis, of eloquent bubbles, to be a warm partizan of Mde de Staal [sic]. Between friends - but don't mention it - I yawned over her Allemagne - and yet, here and there, was electrified by a flash of sublimity. Do you agree with me in thinking, that with all her brilliant varnish, she is corrupt at heart? Had Satan himself written "Pauline", one of the stories published with "Zuma", he could have produced nothing more offensive to decency, more detestably disgusting'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Catherine Anne Dorset : Peacock "at home", The
'Yes I [underlined] have [end underlining] read the book you speak of, "Pride & Prejudice", and I could quite rave about it! How well you define one of its characterestics [sic] when you say of it, that it breaths [sic] a spirit of "careless originiality". - It is charming. - Nothing was ever better conducted than the fable; nothing can be more [underlined] piquant [end underlining] than its dialogues; more distinct than its characters. Do, I entreat, tell me by whom it is written; and tell me, if your health will allow you, [underlined] soon [end underlining]. I die to know. Some say it is by Mrs Dorset, who wrote that clever little [underlined] bijou [end underlining], "the Peacock at Home". is it so? Pray, pray tell me. I have the three vols now in the house, and know not how to part with them. I have only just finished, and could begin them all over again with pleasure'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth : Patronage
'I hope, that considering the thickness of the Volumes, and the impossibility of reading any work of Miss Edgeworth's with the carelessness and haste a common Novel may be skimmed over with, I shall not be thought to have detained "Patronage" a [underlined] very[end underlining] unreasonabe time. I thank you most cordially for the loan. Nobody more thoroughly venerates the admirable Author than I do - And in this last work, she really has excelled herself! Every young man ought particularly to study it - but it contains many hints useful and good for all ages, conditions, and characters. She is the pride of Englsh female writers - and I do positively believe, the most useful author, whether male or female, now existing'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Walter Scott : Guy Mannering
'Have you seen Guy Mannering? I perfectly doat upon it. There is such skill in the management of the fable, & it is so eminently original in its characters and descriptions, that I think it bears the stamp of real genius'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Mary Brunton : Self Control
'"Discipline" people tell me to read, but I have no stomach to it, I believe because of the [underlined] name [end underlining], fool that I am! - But one thing is, I did not like the other book by the author, Self Control, and so I have no appetite to try the second'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Many thanks for the loan of "Emma", which, even
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'I am [underlined] so [end underlining] glad you like what you have read of "Emma", and the dear old man's "Gentle selfishness". - Was there ever a happier expression? - I have read no story book with such glee, since the days of "Waverley" and "Mannering", and, by the same author as "Emma", my prime favourite of all modern Novels "Pride and Prejudice"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Walter Scott : Waverley; or, 'Tis Sixty years Since
'I am [underlined] so [end underlining] glad you like what you have read of "Emma", and the dear old man's "Gentle selfishness". - Was there ever a happier expression? - I have read no story book with such glee, since the days of "Waverley" and "Mannering", and, by the same author as "Emma", my prime favourite of all modern Novels "Pride and Prejudice"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
John Scott : Visit to Paris in 1814, A
'I have read both Scott's visits, and Mrs Hulse has just lent me the life of John Sobieski, K. of poland. I have only just begun it, but it promises facility of style, & I think I shall like it. I tried Pallas's Travels in Russia lately: but there was too much about progressive improvements in agriculture, & manufactuaries amongst the grown-up Muscovite babes, & I got tired, as I easily do of all that relates to half civilised nations. Give me a whole Savage or no Savage at all.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
John Scott : Paris revisited in 1815 by way of Brussels
'I have read both Scott's visits, and Mrs Hulse has just lent me the life of John Sobieski, K. of poland. I have only just begun it, but it promises facility of style, & I think I shall like it. I tried Pallas's Travels in Russia lately: but there was too much about progressive improvements in agriculture, & manufactuaries amongst the grown-up Muscovite babes, & I got tired, as I easily do of all that relates to half civilised nations. Give me a whole Savage or no Savage at all.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Alicia Tindal Palmer : Authentic Memoirs of the Life of John Sobieski
'I have read both Scott's visits, and Mrs Hulse has just lent me the life of John Sobieski, K. of poland. I have only just begun it, but it promises facility of style, & I think I shall like it. I tried Pallas's Travels in Russia lately: but there was too much about progressive improvements in agriculture, & manufactuaries amongst the grown-up Muscovite babes, & I got tired, as I easily do of all that relates to half civilised nations. Give me a whole Savage or no Savage at all.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Pierre-Simon Pallas : Travels through the Southern Provinces of the Russian Empire in 1793 and 1794
'I have read both Scott's visits, and Mrs Hulse has just lent me the life of John Sobieski, K. of poland. I have only just begun it, but it promises facility of style, & I think I shall like it. I tried Pallas's Travels in Russia lately: but there was too much about progressive improvements in agriculture, & manufactuaries amongst the grown-up Muscovite babes, & I got tired, as I easily do of all that relates to half civilised nations. Give me a whole Savage or no Savage at all.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
George Campbell, 8th Duke of Argyll : The Reign of Law
'I somehow could not think the gulph so impassable and read him some notes on the Duke of Argyll.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Heinrich Heine : Die Heimkehr. XXXIX Buch der Lieder
[Transcription] 'Das Herz ist mir bedruckt und sehnlich Gedenke ich der alten Zeit; Die Welt war damals noch so wohnlich Und ruhig lebten hin die Leut. Doch jetzt ist alles wie verschoben Das ist ein Drongen eine Noth; Gestroben ist der herr Gott oben Und unten ist der Teufel todt. Und Alles schaut so gramlich trube, So krausvervirrt und morsch und kalt.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Henry Hallam : Constitutional History of England [?]
'I have been out reading Hallam in the garden ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
John Morley : The Struggle for National Education
'I have read Morley's second article on Education today'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Walt Whitman : Leaves of Grass
'Last night, after reading Walt Whitman a long while for my attempt to write about him, I got the tete-montee, rushed out up to Magnus Simpson, came in, took out Leaves of Grass, and without giving the poor unbeliever time to object, proceeded to wade into him with favourite passages.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Richard Baxter : Baxteriana
'Pray say for me many grateful & kind things to Mr Young, with thanks for his dear Baxter, which I brought here with me, & read with pleasure very frequently. My friends in the opposite parlour have lent me another abridged work of Baxter's, edited by Benjamin Fawcett, & entitled "Converse with God in Solitude". The chapter on friends taken from us by Death is worthy to be written in letters of gold; the rest, I have not yet read: but hope to like'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Richard Baxter : Of Coversing [sic] with God in Solitude
'Pray say for me many grateful & kind things to Mr Young, with thanks for his dear Baxter, which I brought here with me, & read with pleasure very frequently. My friends in the opposite parlour have lent me another abridged work of Baxter's, edited by Benjamin Fawcett, & entitled "Converse with God in Solitude". The chapter on friends taken from us by Death is worthy to be written in letters of gold; the rest, I have not yet read: but hope to like'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Catherine Hutton : Miser Married, The
'There is here a Mrs Hutton of Birmingham with whom I have struck up an acquaintance because she wrote a clever amusing little book called "The Miser Married"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
John McLeod : Narrative of a Voyage in His Majesty's late ship the Alceste to the Yellow Sea
'Read, read, read M.Leod's Narrative of the Voyage of the Alceste to China, & her wreck in coming home. Ellis's Account of the Embassy is comparatively dull, but I had it lent me, & was glad to swap.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Henry Ellis : Journal of the proceedings of the late embassy to China
'Read, read, read M.Leod's Narrative of the Voyage of the Alceste to China, & her wreck in coming home. Ellis's Account of the Embassy is comparatively dull, but I had it lent me, & was glad to swap.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Walter Scott : Kenilworth
'Of course you have read Kenilworth Castle, and i trust, liked it. I greatly prefer it to the Monastery, & am almost as much pleased with it as with the Abbot: but not quite; the catastrophe is painful, & Elizabeth figures not so appropriately in a Romance, as her beautiful Rival;
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Walter Scott : Monastery, The
'Of course you have read Kenilworth Castle, and i trust, liked it. I greatly prefer it to the Monastery, & am almost as much pleased with it as with the Abbot: but not quite; the catastrophe is painful, & Elizabeth figures not so appropriately in a Romance, as her beautiful Rival;
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Walter Scott : Abbot, The
'Of course you have read Kenilworth Castle, and i trust, liked it. I greatly prefer it to the Monastery, & am almost as much pleased with it as with the Abbot: but not quite; the catastrophe is painful, & Elizabeth figures not so appropriately in a Romance, as her beautiful Rival;
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Giovanni Baptista Belzoni : Narrative of the Operations and Recent Discoveries within the pyramids, temples, tombs, and excavations, in Egypt and Nubia
'I have just begun Belzoni, & like his simple style very much. Miss Porter (Anna Maria) has published a new Novel, The Village of Mariendorpt, full of the most touching passages, but, as a whole, it drags. Her knowledge of military details appears to me marvellous; the period at which she makes her people act and talk, is during the Protestant War in Germany; she carries you to the dreadful siege of Magdebourg, & takes you into the camp and tent of Forstenson, Konigsmark, and I cannot tell you how many others, & seems to know more of warriors and warfare than, as a woman myself, I can at all account for'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Anna Maria Porter : Village of Mariendorpt, The
'I have just begun Belzoni, & like his simple style very much. Miss Porter (Anna Maria) has published a new Novel, The Village of Mariendorpt, full of the most touching passages, but, as a whole, it drags. Her knowledge of military details appears to me marvellous; the period at which she makes her people act and talk, is during the Protestant War in Germany; she carries you to the dreadful siege of Magdebourg, & takes you into the camp and tent of Forstenson, Konigsmark, and I cannot tell you how many others, & seems to know more of warriors and warfare than, as a woman myself, I can at all account for'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Walter Scott : Fortunes of Nigel, The
'I have read the first volume of The Fortunes of Nigel, which I like much better than the Pirate. I never could feel perfectly reconciled to having a Freebooter for a Hero, and a romantic, half crazy girl falling in love with him from mistaking him for an honest bold man'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Walter Scott : Pirate, The
'I have read the first volume of The Fortunes of Nigel, which I like much better than the Pirate. I never could feel perfectly reconciled to having a Freebooter for a Hero, and a romantic, half crazy girl falling in love with him from mistaking him for an honest bold man'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Philippe-Paul, comte de Segur : Histoire de Napoleon et de la grande armee, pendant l'annee 1812
'Of course you have read Segur, & Pepys, and with the latter are perhaps "mightily" weary now & then, but on the whole amused - There is a interesting History of the Tower of London lately published, which read when you can, for its historical anecdotes - and also (if you like Tours) read John Russel's Tour in Germany in 1820, 21, 22.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Samuel Pepys : Memoirs of Samuel Pepys
'Of course you have read Segur, & Pepys, and with the latter are perhaps "mightily" weary now & then, but on the whole amused - There is a interesting History of the Tower of London lately published, which read when you can, for its historical anecdotes - and also (if you like Tours) read John Russel's Tour in Germany in 1820, 21, 22.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
John Bayley : History and Antiquities of the Tower of London, the
'Of course you have read Segur, & Pepys, and with the latter are perhaps "mightily" weary now & then, but on the whole amused - There is a interesting History of the Tower of London lately published, which read when you can, for its historical anecdotes - and also (if you like Tours) read John Russel's Tour in Germany in 1820, 21, 22.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
John Russell : Tour in Germany, and some of the southern provinces of the Austrian Empire, in... 1820, 1821, 1822
'Of course you have read Segur, & Pepys, and with the latter are perhaps "mightily" weary now & then, but on the whole amused - There is a interesting History of the Tower of London lately published, which read when you can, for its historical anecdotes - and also (if you like Tours) read John Russell's Tour in Germany in 1820, 21, 22.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Stephanie Felicite Brulart, comtesse de Genlis : Memoires
'What paltry stuff the Memoirs of poor vain Genlis are!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Horatio Smith : Tor Hill
'Tor Hill, I have read - and was amused to find myself [underlined] en pays de connaissance [end underlining]. Many years ago, I walked with my poor brothers James & Martin, from a little village in Somersetshire called Uphill, to Glastonbury, and thence three miles further, to visit Glastonbury Tor, on the Summit of a high hill. The local descriptions are very accurate, at least as far as I remember - and there are some interesting sketches of character - of personages who attach - but the concluding part of the story is wretchedly huddled together -the attempts at facetiousness beneath contempt - and throughout, there is a hardness of manner which gives to the book what the earliest Masters gave to their paintings, dryness, meagerness, & want of gradual light and shade. [underlined] He [end underlining] cope with the Author of Waverley! - he be hanged!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
James Fenimore Cooper : Spy, The
'The most spirit-stirring author, next to the Great Unknown [walter Scott], that I have met with, is the American who has written the spy, and the Last of the Mohicans, & various pothers. He copies nobody, & he has an energy, a power of developing what he has previously enveloped, and of keeping the interest upon the stretch, that is admirable.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
James Fenimore Cooper : Last of the Mohicans, The
'The most spirit-stirring author, next to the Great Unknown [walter Scott], that I have met with, is the American who has written the spy, and the Last of the Mohicans, & various pothers. He copies nobody, & he has an energy, a power of developing what he has previously enveloped, and of keeping the interest upon the stretch, that is admirable.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
John Mason Good : Book of Nature, The
'I have bought a book lately full of general information, & written in a good spirit - that is containing a happy mixture of religious feeling with Science. Its title is "Good's Book of Nature". Have you heard of it? It is by a Dr Good, an M.D.F.R.S. who delivered Lectures at the London Institution'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Walter Scott : Life of Napoleon Buonaparte
'I have had the perseverance to read Sir W. Scotts Boney - and hackneyed as is the subject, I was lured on from page to page, with unwearied interest and entertainment. I am longing for Bishop Heber's Journal. Did you read, in one of the Quarterly's , an Article relating to him, remarkably well written, and worthy in all respects of its subject. - It must be now nearly a year ago that it appeared. I wish you could get it - and there is also a more recent article, published in the very last Review - quite excellent'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
: [Reviews in the Quarterly Review of Bishop Heber's Journal]
'I have had the perseverance to read Sir W. Scotts Boney - and hackneyed as is the subject, I was lured on from page to page, with unwearied interest and entertainment. I am longing for Bishop Heber's Journal. Did you read, in one of the Quarterly's , an Article relating to him, remarkably well written, and worthy in all respects of its subject. - It must be now nearly a year ago that it appeared. I wish you could get it - and there is also a more recent article, published in the very last Review - quite excellent'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Serial / periodical
John Franklin : Narrative of a Second expedition to the Shores of the Polar Sea, in the years 1825, 1826 and 1827
'I like your Capt. Franklin mainly - and his manly & respectful commendation of my poor dear James, is charming. - I am (though a little ashamed to own it) not fond, in general, of Voyages. Many women are, and I wish I were one - for the more innocent amusements we have the better. But when scientific purposes are to be answered by such voyages, I have great respect for them, and only wish I could get at their marrow, without being obliged to read about the gluttonous, dirty, lying, thieving, and brutal Savages! - To think that such creatures are really our fellow-beings, and that we might have been such as they are, but for the favour of God, is to me the most melancholy consideration in the world'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Giovanni Giraud : Commedie
'If you want light easy Italian reading, get Giraud's Commedie - They are excessively amusing - Some are farcical & some are grave, but all full of action, & with a great deal of character well delineated and well supported - Books are so cheap here, that I bought Nota's Comedies, which are in great repute & often acted, and are printed in eight duodecimo volumes for six Pauls!'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Alberto Nota : Commedie
'If you want light easy Italian reading, get Giraud's Commedie - They are excessively amusing - Some are farcical & some are grave, but all full of action, & with a great deal of character well delineated and well supported - Books are so cheap here, that I bought Nota's Comedies, which are in great repute & often acted, and are printed in eight duodecimo volumes for six Pauls!'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Giovanni Battista Niccolini : Antonio Foscarini
'I read only Italian books - and have just finished Niccolini's Foscarini, which is a fine masculine, energetic performance, & gave me much pleasure, and makes me admire and respect the Author'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Lorenzo Pignotti : Storia della Toscana sino al principato
'I really wonder at, and am sorry that our tastes differ so much that you do not like Pignotti, though I like him so very much. I have read as far as the beginning of the seventh vol: and every day my interest in the work encreases. His reflexions indeed are not very brilliant, deep, or new, but they are sagacious and just; and independently of the style, the subject is, to my thinking, highly curious, and chiefly from its extraordinary resemblance to the turbulent spirit of the little Grecian Republics, who, like the Florentines, the inhabitants of Pisa, Gennoa, and Venice, were always at daggers drawn, and yet flourishing, wealthy, and devotedy fond of the fine arts' [Burney then goes on to summarise further the content of the book]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
John Lord Campbell : Lives of the Lord Chancellors etc
'I have meditated also a large work, on the Plan of ... Campbell's Chancellors ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Gustave Flaubert : La Tentation de Saint Antoine.
'I find I have no time for reading except times of fatigue when I wish merely to refresh myself. O − and I read over again for this purpose − Flaubert?s "Tentation de Saint Antoine":it struck me a good deal at first, but this second time it has fetched me immensely; I am but just done with it, so you will know the large proportion of salt to take with my present statement that it?s the finest thing I ever read! Of course, it isn?t that, it?s full of [italics] longueurs [end italics], and it is not quite ?red up?, as we say in Scotland, not quite articulate, but there are splendid things in it.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Robert Wodrow : Analecta
'... but I suppressed it at once and kept on at Wodrow's Analecta (a Covenanting book) and made my notes as best I could.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Michael Bruce : Ode to the Cuckoo
'The authorship of these beautiful verses has been most truculently fought about; but whoever wrote them (and it seems as if this Logan had) they are lovely. What time the pea puts on the bloom Though fliest the vocal vale, An annual guest, in other lands Another spring to hail. Sweet bird! thy bower is ever green, The sky is ever clear; Thou hast no sorrow in thy song, No winter in thy year. O could I fly, I'd fly with thee! We'd make on joyful wing Our annual visit o'er the globe, Companions of the spring.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Michel Eyquem de Montaigne : Les Essais
'I am alone in the house, and so I allowed myself, at dinner, the first light reading I have indulged in since my return in the shape of some Montaigne.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Michel Eyquem de Montaigne : Les Essais, Livre III, Ch XII, De la physionomie
'As Montaigne says, talking of something quite different:"Pour se laisser tomber a plomb, et de si haut, il faut que se soit entre les bras d'une affection solide, vigoureuse et fortunee."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Theophile Gautier : Le Capitaine Fracasse
'I have had a day of open air; only a little modified by Le Capitaine Fracasse before the dining room fire.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Theophile Gautier : Emaux et Camees
'It has the same talent as Emaux et Camees and no other.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Philip Gilbert Hamerton (editor) : The Portfolio: An Artistic Periodical
'I had almost as soon have it in the Portfolio, as the Saturday; the P. is so nicely printed and I am gourmet in type.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
: Bible, O.T., Judges, Chapter 5.
'Today I have been to church which has not improved my temper I must own. The clergyman did his best to make me hate him and I took refuge in that admirable poem, The Song of Deborah and Barak; I should like to make a long scroll of painting (say, to go all round a cornice) illustrative of this jolly poem; with the people seen in the distance going stealthily on footpaths, while the great highways lie vacant; with the archers besetting the draw wells; with the Princes in hiding on the hills among the bleating sheep-flocks; with the overthrow of Sisera, the stars fighting against him in their courses and that ancient river, the river Kishon, sweeping him away in anger; with his mother looking and looking down the long road in the red sunset, and never a banner and never a spear-clump coming into sight, and her women with their white faces round her, ready with lying comfort. To say nothing of the people on white asses.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book, Bible or possibly prayerbook
Virginia Woolf : To the Lighthouse
Virginia Woolf to Stephen Spender, 10 July 1934: 'I'm so happy that you read the Lighthouse with pleasure, when there are so many other books you might be reading.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Stephen Spender Print: Book
Patrice de MacMahon : unknown
'MacMahon's address is pasted up everywhere and political pictures fill the windows.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Poster
Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve : Chateaubriand et son groupe litteraire sous l'Empire
'I have bought Sainte-Beuve's Chateaubriand and am immensely delighted with the critic.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Arthur Hugh Clough : unknown
'Dowson has lent me Clough, which I like a good deal ..'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth : Moral Tales for Young People
'I am reading Miss Edgeworth's Popular Tales for the Young with thorough gusto.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Alexander Buchan : Handy Book of Meteorology [?]
'Andrews seems very pleasant and we had a fierce forenoon of it over meteorology. He has Bookan (as he calls him)...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Lorenzo Pignotti : Storia della Toscana sino al principato
'I am much interested by Pignotti's history, which [underlined] though I bought [end underlining], I am reading, and have got into the seventh volume. The squabbles and turbulence of the little Italian Republics, puts one in mind of the Greeks, where so much of the same spirit reigned. The gradual progress to celebrity of the Medici family keeps up ones attention, and the little that is interspersed concerning the other Italian rulers, the Visconti, the Gonzagni, the Sforza family, & the great Condottieri of the day, is all very entertaining'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
: [newspapers]
'The papers are sent to me very regularly by the kind Shuldhams, and I read them with indescribable eagerness; but they take away my spirits for the rest of the day. The affairs of Ireland - the horrors that appear to be hanging over the heads of the poor dear Poles - the Conflagrations in England, &c, &c - all these, are tremendous circumstances'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Newspaper
Joseph-Francois Michaud : Histoire des Croisades
'I am reading Michaud's Histoire des Croisades, well written and entertaining; and I have just finished Monti's fine Tragedy of Caius Gracchus. I like it much better than his Aristodemus - and I suspect I shall also prefer it to his Galeotto Manfredi, tho' the opening scene of this last is admirable. The story however is an odious one, and all the worse for being true'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Vincenzo Monti : Aristodemo
'I am reading Michaud's Histoire des Croisades, well written and entertaining; and I have just finished Monti's fine Tragedy of Caius Gracchus. I like it much better than his Aristodemus - and I suspect I shall also prefer it to his Galeotto Manfredi, tho' the opening scene of this last is admirable. The story however is an odious one, and all the worse for being true'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Vincenzo Monti : Galeotto Manfredi
'I am reading Michaud's Histoire des Croisades, well written and entertaining; and I have just finished Monti's fine Tragedy of Caius Gracchus. I like it much better than his Aristodemus - and I suspect I shall also prefer it to his Galeotto Manfredi, tho' the opening scene of this last is admirable. The story however is an odious one, and all the worse for being true'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Vincenzo Monti : Caio Gracco
'I am reading Michaud's Histoire des Croisades, well written and entertaining; and I have just finished Monti's fine Tragedy of Caius Gracchus. I like it much better than his Aristodemus - and I suspect I shall also prefer it to his Galeotto Manfredi, tho' the opening scene of this last is admirable. The story however is an odious one, and all the worse for being true'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
: [Gospels and Psalms]
'I like - I admire the Italian translation of the Gospels & Psalms, which are what I have hitherto read. If the Prophetical books are not so well rendered, I will abide by my dear English version'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Humphry Davy : Consolations in Travel, or the Last days of a Philosopher
'Mr Layard has lent me Sir Humphry Davy's "Consolations in Travel, or the Last Days of a Philosopher". It is a posthumous publication, & the editor says that "Had his life been prolonged, it is probable that some additions and some changes would have been made". - There are many fanciful and unwarranted ideas on the subject of the creation of this world, & the state of existence in the next: but, on the whole, it is a most interesting work, and shews a mind anxious to discern the right, and well prepared to love and glorify its Creator.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
J.H., Count de Santo Domingo : Tablettes romaines; contenant des faits, des anecdotes et des observations sure les moeurs, les usages, les ceremonies, le gouvernement de Rome
'Another book of a very different character has amused me mightily; it is entitled "Tablettes Romaines", and is full of wit and vivacity, and gives a very just and true picture of modern Rome, at least, as far as I am competent to judge. I wish you could get it. The pretended name of the Author is Santo Domingo, but, somehow, I suspect that to be a fudge. It was printed at Bruselles, for neither in Italy nor at Paris would such free opinions have been allowed to see the light - at least during the Carlists day'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Edward John Trelawney : Adventures of a Younger Son
'I have just finished Trelawney's Adventures of a Younger Brother. It is a book that excites whilst reading, and leaves behind it, many painful feelings. A true radical spirit runs thoughout it; - a contempt of all establishments, social, political, or religious; - a mad ferocity of disposition that causes the narrative to be filled with details of atrocious murders, so minutely described that ones flesh creeps upon ones bones whilst reading. Yet - to give even the devil his due, he has succeeded in drawing a female character of surpassing loveliness, purity, and tender faithfulness. He makes her an Arab however, that European women may take no pride to themselves from the favourable description he gives of her.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
unknown : works on the Reformation
'I must tell you about my way of life, which is regular to a degree. Breakfast 8.30; during breakfast and my smoke afterwards until ten, when I begin work, I read Reformation: from ten, I work until about a quarter to one; from one until two, I lunch and read a book on Schopenhauer or one on Positivism; two to three work, three to six anything; if I am in before six, I read about Japan; six dinner and a pipe with my father and coffee until 7.30; 7.30 to 9.30, work; after that either supper and a pipe at home, or out to Simpson?s or Baxter?s: bed between eleven and twelve.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book, Unknown
: The Scotsman/Edinburgh Courant
'Thanks for the newspapers and for having marked them. Baildon has rather got it; I cannot but feel sympathy with the reviewer.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Newspaper
: Edinburgh Courant
'I was much surprised at [what] Charteris said of John Stuart Mill. "Seemed to have been kind and benevolent" is used where, for any one else, he would have said '"was" kind and benevolent"; such locutions show a certain bias. But the strange part was his attempt to stultify Mill's position, and almost to pull mouths at him, because he had been singularly faithful in love. All this sounds so unlike what I should have expected from Charteris that I suspect bad reporting.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Newspaper
unknown : [Japanese picture books]
[After a break in the letter:] 'There I had the wisdom to stop and look over Japanese picture books until lunch time.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: BookManuscript: Letter
George Sand : unknown
'I have gone in for a course of George Sand with immense delight and good results to health, sprits and poor bemuddled brains.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
George Sand : Francois le Champi
'Read, please read, Francois le Champi by George Sand; it is like a dream of goodness and virtue and gentle heroism.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
James Justinian Morier : Zohrab the Hostage
'By the way, have you read Mr Morier's Hohrab, or the Hostage? And if you have, do you (as I hope) like it? And if you have not, can you tell whether others like it? I was charmed with it here in manuscript, when he kindly lent it to me. Besides, I delight in Mr Morier as a man, as well as an author'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Manuscript: Unknown
Marie de Rabutin - Chantal, marquise de Sevigne : Letters of Madame de Sevigne to her daughter and her friends
'would you like, Ma'am, to know what I have been doing all alone and at home this winter? - I have, 'an please you, for the 2d time in my life read Mde de Sevigne, 9 vols. - Histoire de la Revolution, par Thiers, 10. vols. - Botta's Storia d'Italia, continued from Guicciardini; there are ten vols: I have read only 6 yet. Memoires de l'Abbe Morellet, very entertaining. Memoires de Mde Dubarry, very naughty, but very amusing, & she the best natured of the vicious, envious, spightful Court - and sundry other vols, dotted about, & lent me by one body or other. - I hope you are edified, Sister Emma.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Louis-Adolphe Thiers : Histoire de la Revolution Francaise
'would you like, Ma'am, to know what I have been doing all alone and at home this winter? - I have, 'an please you, for the 2d time in my life read Mde de Sevigne, 9 vols. - Histoire de la Revolution, par Thiers, 10. vols. - Botta's Storia d'Italia, continued from Guicciardini; there are ten vols: I have read only 6 yet. Memoires de l'Abbe Morellet, very entertaining. Memoires de Mde Dubarry, very naughty, but very amusing, & she the best natured of the vicious, envious, spightful Court - and sundry other vols, dotted about, & lent me by one body or other. - I hope you are edified, Sister Emma.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Carlo Botta : Storia d'Italia, continuata da quella del Guicciardini
'would you like, Ma'am, to know what I have been doing all alone and at home this winter? - I have, 'an please you, for the 2d time in my life read Mde de Sevigne, 9 vols. - Histoire de la Revolution, par Thiers, 10. vols. - Botta's Storia d'Italia, continued from Guicciardini; there are ten vols: I have read only 6 yet. Memoires de l'Abbe Morellet, very entertaining. Memoires de Mde Dubarry, very naughty, but very amusing, & she the best natured of the vicious, envious, spightful Court - and sundry other vols, dotted about, & lent me by one body or other. - I hope you are edified, Sister Emma.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Andre Morellet : Memoires
'would you like, Ma'am, to know what I have been doing all alone and at home this winter? - I have, 'an please you, for the 2d time in my life read Mde de Sevigne, 9 vols. - Histoire de la Revolution, par Thiers, 10. vols. - Botta's Storia d'Italia, continued from Guicciardini; there are ten vols: I have read only 6 yet. Memoires de l'Abbe Morellet, very entertaining. Memoires de Mde Dubarry, very naughty, but very amusing, & she the best natured of the vicious, envious, spightful Court - and sundry other vols, dotted about, & lent me by one body or other. - I hope you are edified, Sister Emma.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Baron E.L. de la Mothe - Houdancourt : Memoires de Madame la comtesse de Barri
'would you like, Ma'am, to know what I have been doing all alone and at home this winter? - I have, 'an please you, for the 2d time in my life read Mde de Sevigne, 9 vols. - Histoire de la Revolution, par Thiers, 10. vols. - Botta's Storia d'Italia, continued from Guicciardini; there are ten vols: I have read only 6 yet. Memoires de l'Abbe Morellet, very entertaining. Memoires de Mde Dubarry, very naughty, but very amusing, & she the best natured of the vicious, envious, spightful Court - and sundry other vols, dotted about, & lent me by one body or other. - I hope you are edified, Sister Emma.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
William Robertson : History of the Reign of the Emperor Charles V
'You talk of reading "a very old book": Boswell's Tour to the Hebrides. Why that's a [underlined] chickn [sic, underlined] compared to my present reading. I am reduced to a perusal of my own little library, and am solacing myself with Plutarch's Lives, and Robertson's History of Charles V. and vary my sport occasionally with an Historical Play of Shakespear, or a good Sunday Book.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [History plays]
'You talk of reading "a very old book": Boswell's Tour to the Hebrides. Why that's a [underlined] chickn [sic, underlined] compared to my present reading. I am reduced to a perusal of my own little library, and am solacing myself with Plutarch's Lives, and Robertson's History of Charles V. and vary my sport occasionally with an Historical Play of Shakespear, or a good Sunday Book.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Plutarch : Lives
'You talk of reading "a very old book": Boswell's Tour to the Hebrides. Why that's a [underlined] chickn [sic, underlined] compared to my present reading. I am reduced to a perusal of my own little library, and am solacing myself with Plutarch's Lives, and Robertson's History of Charles V. and vary my sport occasionally with an Historical Play of Shakespear, or a good Sunday Book.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Algernon Charles Swinburne : unknown
'I came up from Lincolnshire to town on Monday and went down that night to Magdalen to read my Catullus, but while lying in bed on Tuesday morning with Swinburne (a copy of) was woke up by the Clerk of the Schools to know why I did not come up.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
William Hurrell Mallock : The New Republic, or Culture, Faith and Philosophy in an English Country House
'That reminds me of Mallock?s New Republic in Belgravia; it is decidedly clever ? Jowett especially. If you have the key to all the actors please send it to me.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas ? Kempis : The Imitation of Christ
'I am now off to bed after reading a chapter of S. Thomas ? Kempis. I think half-an-hour's warping of the inner man daily is greatly conducive to holiness.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Carlo Botta : Storia d'Italia
'I return your Italian volumes, my dear friend, with many thanks, owning honestly, that I have never looked into them; for the thread of my interest in Botta's History having been interrupted by my leaving Florence, I could not for the life of me connect it again; and I got hold of other books - read no Italian for ages - and, at last, pounced one fine day upon a good, clear edition of Ariosto, and have been and am reading him with even more delight than when he first fell into my hands. Here and there, he is a bad boy, and as the book is my own, & I do not like indecency, I cut out whole pages that annoy me, & burn them before the Author's face, which stands at the beginning of the first volume, and I hope feels properly ashamed. Next to Ariosto, by way of something new, I treat myself now and then with a play of one Wm Shakespear, and I am reading Robertson's Charles Vth which comes in well after that part of Botta's History at which I left off - viz: just about the time of the council of Trent. And, as I love modern reading, I was glad to find myself possessed of a very tidy edition of a Biographical work you may perhaps have heard tell of - Plutarch's Lives. If you should ever meet with it, I think I might venture to say you would not dislike it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Ludovico Ariosto : [Works]
'I return your Italian volumes, my dear friend, with many thanks, owning honestly, that I have never looked into them; for the thread of my interest in Botta's History having been interrupted by my leaving Florence, I could not for the life of me connect it again; and I got hold of other books - read no Italian for ages - and, at last, pounced one fine day upon a good, clear edition of Ariosto, and have been and am reading him with even more delight than when he first fell into my hands. Here and there, he is a bad boy, and as the book is my own, & I do not like indecency, I cut out whole pages that annoy me, & burn them before the Author's face, which stands at the beginning of the first volume, and I hope feels properly ashamed. Next to Ariosto, by way of something new, I treat myself now and then with a play of one Wm Shakespear, and I am reading Robertson's Charles Vth which comes in well after that part of Botta's History at which I left off - viz: just about the time of the council of Trent. And, as I love modern reading, I was glad to find myself possessed of a very tidy edition of a Biographical work you may perhaps have heard tell of - Plutarch's Lives. If you should ever meet with it, I think I might venture to say you would not dislike it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [plays]
'I return your Italian volumes, my dear friend, with many thanks, owning honestly, that I have never looked into them; for the thread of my interest in Botta's History having been interrupted by my leaving Florence, I could not for the life of me connect it again; and I got hold of other books - read no Italian for ages - and, at last, pounced one fine day upon a good, clear edition of Ariosto, and have been and am reading him with even more delight than when he first fell into my hands. Here and there, he is a bad boy, and as the book is my own, & I do not like indecency, I cut out whole pages that annoy me, & burn them before the Author's face, which stands at the beginning of the first volume, and I hope feels properly ashamed. Next to Ariosto, by way of something new, I treat myself now and then with a play of one Wm Shakespear, and I am reading Robertson's Charles Vth which comes in well after that part of Botta's History at which I left off - viz: just about the time of the council of Trent. And, as I love modern reading, I was glad to find myself possessed of a very tidy edition of a Biographical work you may perhaps have heard tell of - Plutarch's Lives. If you should ever meet with it, I think I might venture to say you would not dislike it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
William Robertson : History of the Reign of the Emperor Charles V
'I return your Italian volumes, my dear friend, with many thanks, owning honestly, that I have never looked into them; for the thread of my interest in Botta's History having been interrupted by my leaving Florence, I could not for the life of me connect it again; and I got hold of other books - read no Italian for ages - and, at last, pounced one fine day upon a good, clear edition of Ariosto, and have been and am reading him with even more delight than when he first fell into my hands. Here and there, he is a bad boy, and as the book is my own, & I do not like indecency, I cut out whole pages that annoy me, & burn them before the Author's face, which stands at the beginning of the first volume, and I hope feels properly ashamed. Next to Ariosto, by way of something new, I treat myself now and then with a play of one Wm Shakespear, and I am reading Robertson's Charles Vth which comes in well after that part of Botta's History at which I left off - viz: just about the time of the council of Trent. And, as I love modern reading, I was glad to find myself possessed of a very tidy edition of a Biographical work you may perhaps have heard tell of - Plutarch's Lives. If you should ever meet with it, I think I might venture to say you would not dislike it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Plutarch : Lives
'I return your Italian volumes, my dear friend, with many thanks, owning honestly, that I have never looked into them; for the thread of my interest in Botta's History having been interrupted by my leaving Florence, I could not for the life of me connect it again; and I got hold of other books - read no Italian for ages - and, at last, pounced one fine day upon a good, clear edition of Ariosto, and have been and am reading him with even more delight than when he first fell into my hands. Here and there, he is a bad boy, and as the book is my own, & I do not like indecency, I cut out whole pages that annoy me, & burn them before the Author's face, which stands at the beginning of the first volume, and I hope feels properly ashamed. Next to Ariosto, by way of something new, I treat myself now and then with a play of one Wm Shakespear, and I am reading Robertson's Charles Vth which comes in well after that part of Botta's History at which I left off - viz: just about the time of the council of Trent. And, as I love modern reading, I was glad to find myself possessed of a very tidy edition of a Biographical work you may perhaps have heard tell of - Plutarch's Lives. If you should ever meet with it, I think I might venture to say you would not dislike it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Alexander Keith : Evidence of the Truth of the Christian Religion, derived from the literal fulfilment of prophecy
'Amongst others, I have had Keith on the Evidences of Prophecy put into my hands, and a most masterly and striking performance it is. Totally dissimilar from Newton on the Prophecies, an excellent book, but not in any degree equal in force or in ability to the work in question, which has already gone through thirteen editions'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Thomas Newton : Dissertations on the Prophecies, which have remarkably been fulfilled, and at this time are fulfilling in the world
'Amongst others, I have had Keith on the Evidences of Prophecy put into my hands, and a most masterly and striking performance it is. Totally dissimilar from Newton on the Prophecies, an excellent book, but not in any degree equal in force or in ability to the work in question, which has already gone through thirteen editions'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Louis-Antoine Fauvelet de Bourrienne : Memoires
'Have you read Bourrienne's Memoirs? Sick as I thought myself of Buonaparte and all that related to his tremendous though short-lived success (I always consider him as a permitted scourge), Bourrienne's book caught fast hold of me, & I was really sorry when I had finished it. Yet, I could only get it in English: but the translation is not very bad'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Charles Lamb : Letters of Charles Lamb, with a sketch of his Life
'All I can say at all likely to give you any pleasure is, that I read poor dear Charles Lamb's Memoirs and Letters with the utmost delight; & not the less so for seeing such continual allusions to one "H.C. Robinson". Do you know such a person? And my dear brother James too, and kind-hearted Martin - these reminiscences were very pleasant to me. But of Lamb himself - what an affectionate disposition - what originality, what true wit, & what a singular, and I must say, melancholy combination of the truest & warmest piety, with the most extraordinary and irreverent profaneness. I cannot understand the union of two such opposites: but I believe there have been many other instances of it. Amongst fools who may take up the work, the oaths and the levity might do harm, & therefore I regret their insertion: but those who knew him, can only regret, & love him [underlined] notwithstanding [ end underlining].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Edward William Lane : Account of the manners and customs of the Modern Egyptians
'Dr Nott has lent me a Work that I find very interesting, & which comes well after reading Wilkinson's Manners & Customs of the Ancient Egyptians; - It is, Lane's Manners & Customs of the Modern Egyptians: both works are full of Wood cuts in illustration of the subjects they describe, and in Wilkinson's work I found an ancient Egyptian Car, & a wooden pillow hollowed out for the head, which I immediately remembered having seen at Professor Roselini's Egyptian Museum at Florence'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
John Gardner Wilkinson : Manners and Customs of the Ancient Egyptians
'Dr Nott has lent me a Work that I find very interesting, & which comes well after reading Wilkinson's Manners & Customs of the Ancient Egyptians; - It is, Lane's Manners & Customs of the Modern Egyptians: both works are full of Wood cuts in illustration of the subjects they describe, and in Wilkinson's work I found an ancient Egyptian Car, & a wooden pillow hollowed out for the head, which I immediately remembered having seen at Professor Roselini's Egyptian Museum at Florence'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
George Sand : La Petite Fadette
'I have the whole of her novels before me. Even La Petite Fadette, for as long as it was in the house, I had not read.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Sketches by 'Boz'
'When you have time & spirits for it, pray read "Sketches by Boz" with Cruikshank's designs. Except ones daily Scripture reading, I like no books that do not make me laugh, provided the laugh is not provoked by anything bordering upon indecency. - A little innocent vulgarity or even coarseness, I do not mind, if accompanied by wit & humour. Dickens has edited a delightful Life of poor dear Grimaldi. Have you seen Benson Earl Hill's "Recollections of an Artillery Officer"? I was much amused by it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Memoirs of Joseph Grimaldi
'When you have time & spirits for it, pray read "Sketches by Boz" with Cruikshank's designs. Except ones daily Scripture reading, I like no books that do not make me laugh, provided the laugh is not provoked by anything bordering upon indecency. - A little innocent vulgarity or even coarseness, I do not mind, if accompanied by wit & humour. Dickens has edited a delightful Life of poor dear Grimaldi. Have you seen Benson Earl Hill's "Recollections of an Artillery Officer"? I was much amused by it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Benson Earle Hill : Recollections of an Artillery Officer including scenes and adventures in Ireland, America, Flanders and France
'When you have time & spirits for it, pray read "Sketches by Boz" with Cruikshank's designs. Except ones daily Scripture reading, I like no books that do not make me laugh, provided the laugh is not provoked by anything bordering upon indecency. - A little innocent vulgarity or even coarseness, I do not mind, if accompanied by wit & humour. Dickens has edited a delightful Life of poor dear Grimaldi. Have you seen Benson Earl Hill's "Recollections of an Artillery Officer"? I was much amused by it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Memoirs of Joseph Grimaldi
'Pray do you now and then read modern Biography? I have been highly entertained, & even interested by the Memoirs of Mathews, edited & mostly written by his wife. Well, and another lively amusing book of the same class is the Life of Grimaldi, by Dickens. Both Mathews & Grimaldi, though considered as Buffoons, were full of good feeling, & excellent private characters. I arose from the perusal of each work, with respect & love for both men; and since the publication of Crabb's Memoirs, and Campbell's Life of Mrs Siddons, I have read no Biography I like half so well'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Anne Mathews : Memoirs of Charles Mathews, comedian
'Pray do you now and then read modern Biography? I have been highly entertained, & even interested by the Memoirs of Mathews, edited & mostly written by his wife. Well, and another lively amusing book of the same class is the Life of Grimaldi, by Dickens. Both Mathews & Grimaldi, though considered as Buffoons, were full of good feeling, & excellent private characters. I arose from the perusal of each work, with respect & love for both men; and since the publication of Crabb's Memoirs, and Campbell's Life of Mrs Siddons, I have read no Biography I like half so well'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
George Crabbe : Poetical Works of the Rev. George Crabbe
'Pray do you now and then read modern Biography? I have been highly entertained, & even interested by the Memoirs of Mathews, edited & mostly written by his wife. Well, and another lively amusing book of the same class is the Life of Grimaldi, by Dickens. Both Mathews & Grimaldi, though considered as Buffoons, were full of good feeling, & excellent private characters. I arose from the perusal of each work, with respect & love for both men; and since the publication of Crabb's Memoirs, and Campbell's Life of Mrs Siddons, I have read no Biography I like half so well'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Thomas Campbell : Life of Mrs Siddons
'Pray do you now and then read modern Biography? I have been highly entertained, & even interested by the Memoirs of Mathews, edited & mostly written by his wife. Well, and another lively amusing book of the same class is the Life of Grimaldi, by Dickens. Both Mathews & Grimaldi, though considered as Buffoons, were full of good feeling, & excellent private characters. I arose from the perusal of each work, with respect & love for both men; and since the publication of Crabb's Memoirs, and Campbell's Life of Mrs Siddons, I have read no Biography I like half so well'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Frances (Burney) d'Arblay : Diary and letters of Madame d'Arblay
'Have you seen the Journal & letters of my dear Sister? & Charlotte Barrett's pretty Introduction. I earnestly hope the work will be liked; and I think it stands a very fair chance, so many celebrated people will be brought forward. - This is a very tolerable place for getting books (English [underlined] s'entend [end underlining]) but my copy is a present, & will have a fine gauntlet to run, I promise it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Frances (Burney) d'Arblay : Diary and letters of Madame d'Arblay
'Am charmed to find "The Diary" is approved by the General. The third vol: I think must be universally interesting - the [underlined] first [end underlining], to own the truth, contained too much about the
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Frances (Burney) d'Arblay : Diary and letters of Madame d'Arblay
'You want to know what I think of the "Diary". I wil tell you fairly & impartially. after wading with pain and sorrow through the tautology and vanity of the first volume, I began to be amused by the second, and every suceeding volume has, to my thinking, encreased in power to interest & entertain. That there is still considerable vanity I cannot deny. In her life, she bottled it all up, & looked and generally spoke with the most refined modesty, & seemed ready to drop if ever her works were alluded to. But what was kept back, and scarcely suspected in society, wanting a safety valve, found its way to her private journal. Thence, had Mrs Barrett been judicious, she would have trundled it out, by half quires, and even whole quires at a time'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Susan Ferrier : Inheritance, The
'The "Inheritance" is excellent, & perhaps, Miss Ferrier's best - at least, it has left the best taste in my mouth: but I quite, & always did, prefer Miss Austen'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Thomas Babington Macaulay : [Review of Madame d'Arblay's "Diary and Letters" in the "Edinburgh Review"]
'I think I said in one of myy recent scrawls all I had to say concerning Mr Macauley's Review: every part of which I like mainly, except his severe mention of the Royal Family, and his unnecessary critique of my Sister's Life of Dr Burney. Surely Croker had cut that up quite bitterly enough; - I cannot see why it need have been brought forward again'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Serial / periodical
Anne, Lady Vavasour : My Last Tour and First Work; or, a Visit to the Baths of Wildbad and Rippoldsau
'read Lady Vavasour's "Last Tour, and First Work, or a visit to the Baths of Wildbad, & Rippoldsau". - It is only one Volume, & is very entertaining and often clever, & lively, with considerable general information. Campbell's Editorship of the "Life of Frederick the Great" has also amused me much'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Frederick Shoberl : Frederick the Great, His Court and Times
'Read Lady Vavasour's "Last Tour, and First Work, or a visit to the Baths of Wildbad, & Rippoldsau". - It is only one Volume, & is very entertaining and often clever, & lively, with considerable general information. Campbell's Editorship of the "Life of Frederick the Great" has also amused me much'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
Frederick Shoberl : Frederick the Great, His Court and Times
'Now I will quit these dreary subjects, and tell you of a few nice books for you to read & like - The 1st Vol. of Campbell's life of Frederic the Great. The others [underlined] I [end underlining] did not enjoy so much. They are chiefly about the seven year's [sic] war: but there are parts even of that, which interested me very much. - Then "Stevenson's Central South America". That is not the full title, but I forget exactly how the book is called. - I suppose you know the Life of Lord Howe. I was delighted with it; and it is only in one volume. There, if you chuse to try any of the above, I think I have cut you out work enough to last a good while'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
W.B. Stevenson : Historical and Descriptive Narrative of Twety Years' Residence in South America
'Now I will quit these dreary subjects, and tell you of a few nice books for you to read & like - The 1st Vol. of Campbell's life of Frederic the Great. The others [underlined] I [end underlining] did not enjoy so much. They are chiefly about the seven year's [sic] war: but there are parts even of that, which interested me very much. - Then "Stevenson's Central South America". That is not the full title, but I forget exactly how the book is called. - I suppose you know the Life of Lord Howe. I was delighted with it; and it is only in one volume. There, if you chuse to try any of the above, I think I have cut you out work enough to last a good while'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
John Barrow : Life of Richard Earl Howe, K.G., Admiral of the Fleet, and General of Marines
'Now I will quit these dreary subjects, and tell you of a few nice books for you to read & like - The 1st Vol. of Campbell's life of Frederic the Great. The others [underlined] I [end underlining] did not enjoy so much. They are chiefly about the seven year's [sic] war: but there are parts even of that, which interested me very much. - Then "Stevenson's Central South America". That is not the full title, but I forget exactly how the book is called. - I suppose you know the Life of Lord Howe. I was delighted with it; and it is only in one volume. There, if you chuse to try any of the above, I think I have cut you out work enough to last a good while'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Harriet Burney Print: Book
: newspapers
'Disraeli's, Tulloch's and Greyfriars' addresses were all three excellent; Disraeli's brilliant.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Newspaper
Robert Louis Stevenson : unknown "Tale"
'Piano again disentangled; and some hope, not for it only, but for the tale. I have read it to my mother, who thought it was the only one of mine she had ever heard, that promised any possible success: I have read some of it also to Baxter who was pleased and counselled me to go on with it. I suppose with these two opinions I should feel strengthened.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Unknown, Seems to refer to one of a set of stories that RLS had at various stages of planning and completion, see Letter 329.
John Pentland Mahaffy : Rambles and Studies in Greece
'Mahaffy's book of Travels in Greece will soon be out. I have been correcting his proofs and like it immensely.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Manuscript: Codex, publisher's proofs
John Addington Symonds : Studies of the Greek Poets
'I am deep in a review of Symonds's last book whenever I can get time.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
: Nineteenth Century
'I see the Nineteenth Century has a full list each month of its articles and contributors, which is put in the windows and on the counters of the booksellers.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Serial / periodical
Euripides : Hercules Furens
'I do not know how many Greek plays you intend publishing, but I have been working at Euripides a good deal lately and should of all things wish to edit either the Mad Hercules or the Phoenissae: plays with which I am well acquainted.'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Euripides : Phoenissae
'I do not know how many Greek plays you intend publishing, but I have been working at Euripides a good deal lately and should of all things wish to edit either the Mad Hercules or the Phoenissae: plays with which I am well acquainted.'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Matthew Arnold : Selected Poems of Matthew Arnold
'He discussed books with me and gave me my first volume of poetry, Selected Poems of Matthew Arnold, marking his favourites.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Charles Baudelaire : Petits Poemes en Prose
'[?] I could not [?] pay the postage for the book. [?] The book, you will receive shortly. Do not run away with the idea that I think it specially commendable. Only I think he might be suitable at this moment for you. Note the following. III, VI, XIII, XIV (O admirable), XVII, XVIII, XXIV, XXV, XXVII, XXXVII. Some of these are really very excellent; and (it was that paper of yours that made me think of the book) will show you I think how you must approach such slight and essentially exotic ideas in prose, and yet retain for them some of the immunities that go with verse.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Katharine de Mattos : unknown
'[?] it was that paper of yours that made me think of the book[Baudelaire's "Petits Poemes en Prose"]' (see RED ID18015)
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Sheet, Referred to here by RLS as "that paper of yours".
Robert Louis Stevenson : Desiderata
'I have found what should interest you dear. A paper in which I had sketched out my life, before I knew you. Here is the exact copy even to spelling.[?]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Sheet
William Makepeace Thackeray : Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family
27 January 1918: 'Desmond has read some of the Newcomes lately: finds no depth, but a charming rippling conventional picturesqueness.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Desmond MacCarthy Print: Unknown
James Joyce : Ulysses
1 May 1918: 'On Sunday [28 April] Desmond came to dinner [...] Late at night he took to reading Joyce's ms. aloud, & in particular to imitating his modern imitation of a cat's miau. L[eonard]. went to bed, & though capable of spending a night in this manner, I had compunction, & decoyed Desmond upstairs, collecting books as we went.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Desmond MacCarthy Manuscript: Codex
Edgar Allan Poe : To One in Paradise (1834)
'Is not this verse pretty? Thou wast that all [sic] to me, love, For which my soul did pine -- A green isle in the sea, love, A fountain and a shrine.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
: Examiner (Newspaper Chat section)
'Did you get Meister; did they get them at Annan? It is slowly and sparingly coming forth here: I see it in the windows of the principal booksellers - there was a kind of notice of it in the Examiner (wherein my performance was called admirable!) and lately in the Scotsman (where it was able).'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
: The Scotman
'I was very much obliged by the Scotsman you sent me to Foley Place, and the criticism of Meister contained in it - shallow and narrow enough it is true, but favourable and on the whole the best it has yet received.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Edgar Allan Poe : King Pest: A Tale Containing An Allegory.
'I have made myself so ill with a story of Poe?s − ?King Pest?, by name. I did not sleep last night and I have scarcely been able to eat today.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
William Shakespeare : A Midsummer Night's Dream.
'As soon as I have done, I shall begin my ?Pastoral Drama? business; I have so many nice things to say about "Midsummer Night?s Dream"[?]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Sidney Colvin : Review of Basil Champneys' book A Quiet Corner of England.
'Colvin?s article on B.C. was so much better than I had expected; he had the courage (which I lacked) to find fault; if I had dared to do so, I might have praised much more.'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
Sydney Waterlow : autobiographical essay
6 March 1920: 'On Thursday, dine with the MacCarthys, & the first Memoir Club meeting [hosted by MacCarthys]. A highly interesting occasion. Seven people read -- & Lord knows what I didn't read into their reading. Sydney [Waterlow] [...] signified as much by reading us a dream [...] altogether a queer, self-conscious, self analytic performance [...] Clive purely objective; Nessa starting matter of fact: then overcome by the emotional depths to be traversed; & unable to read aloud what she had written. Duncan fantastic & tongue -- not tied -- tongue enchanted. Molly literary about tendencies & William Morris, carefully composed at first, & even formal: suddenly saying "Oh this is absurd -- I can't go on" shuffling all her sheets; beginning on the wrong page; firmly but waveringly, & carrying through to the end [...] Roger well composed; story of a coachman who stole geraniums & went to prison.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Waterlow Manuscript: Unknown
Vanessa Bell : autobiographical essay
6 March 1920: 'On Thursday, dine with the MacCarthys, & the first Memoir Club meeting [hosted by MacCarthys]. A highly interesting occasion. Seven people read -- & Lord knows what I didnt read into their reading. Sydney [Waterlow] [...] signified as much by reading us a dream [...] altogether a queer, self-conscious, self analytic performance [...] Clive purely objective; Nessa starting matter of fact: then overcome by the emotional depths to be traversed; & unable to read aloud what she had written. Duncan fantastic & tongue -- not tied -- tongue enchanted. Molly literary about tendencies & William Morris, carefully composed at first, & even formal: suddenly saying "Oh this is absurd -- I can't go on" shuffling all her sheets; beginning on the wrong page; firmly but waveringly, & carrying through to the end [...] Roger well composed; story of a coachman who stole geraniums & went to prison.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Vanessa Bell Manuscript: Unknown
: Review of Carlyle's translation of Goethe's Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship
'Did you get the two Examiners I sent you? The last of them was forced into my hand by a news-vender, just as I was mounting the Coach at 7am, and what should I see in it but a review of Meister! I bought it, read it, and sent it to you.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book, Serial / periodical
Friedrich Schiller : Works
'I am daily expecting a letter from you on the subject of the Life of Schiller. I have got a copy of his Works beside me, which I have been glancing over; and I feel anxious to commence the business fo remoulding and enlarging, in due form.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : Wilhelm Meister's Wanderjahre
'This morning I received a copy of Wilhelm Meisters Wanderjahre (Travels), a sort of sequel to Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship, which is at present stealing into what notice it can attain among you. The Travels was written two years ago by Goethe, and promises so far as I can yet judge to be a very special work. I am not without some serious thoughts of putting it into an English dress to follow its elder brother.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
unknown : Various unspecified books concerning John Knox.
'[?] though I can do no original work, I get forward making notes for my ?Knox? at a good trot.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre and/or Wanderjahre
'No skating scene in "Wilhelm Meister" whatsandever that [italics]I[end italics] can find, or hear of.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Edgar Allan Poe : To my Mother.
'This is E. A. Poe: Because I feel that, in the Heavens above, The angels, whispering to one another, Can find, among their burning terms of love, None so devotional as that of "Mother," Therefore by that dear name I long have called you- You who are [italics]more than mother unto me, And fill my heart of hearts.[end italics] [?]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Thomas Day : The History of Sandford and Merton
'Mister Cairlil it appears has read Sandford and Merton: he may lend it to the rest if he sees good.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Carlyle Print: Book
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : Meister Wilhelm's Wanderjahre (first volume)
'I would have answered your letter sooner but for a long series of movements and countermovements I have had to execute. I also wished to read Goethe's book, before determining on your proposal with regard to it. This I have at length done: I find it will not answer. The work is incomplete, the first volume only having yet appeared; and it consists of a series of fragments, individually beautiful, but quite disjointed, and in their present state scarcely intelligible.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter
Rene-Francois-Armand Sully-Prudhomme : unknown poetry
'Then again, I have nice books to read. The new French poets. Prudhomme is adorable − I shall have a lot of Sully Prudhomme to read when I come to you. Soulary better perhaps − better certainly, [italics]comme forme[end italics], but so unsympathetic when compared to Prudhomme in character and thought. Prudhomme is a [italics]good[end italics] man. Fancy! And a modern French poet! Wonders after that will never cease.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
: Temple Bar
The circulating record of the Cardigan Book Society suggests that this reader read the work, as the "Remarks" section of the record is filled in (although the remarks are illegible) and there is a marginal comment in the same hand by the title of the last article, "Zero: A Story of Monte Carlo". The annotation reads "Praed" [probably therefore identifying the article as being by Winthrop Macworth Praed].
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Miles Print: Serial / periodical
Jane Harrison : Epilegomena to the Study of Greek Religion
12 September 1921: '[James Strachey] is the easiest & gayest of companions. Here he leapt onto my bed, directly I left it, & lay reading Jane's pamphlet.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Strachey
Thomas Stearns Eliot : The Waste Land
Friday 23 June 1922: 'Eliot dined last Sunday & read his poem. He sang it & chanted it rhythmed it. It has great beauty & force of phrase: symmetry; & tensity. What connects it together, I'm not so sure. But he read till he had to rush -- letters to write about the London Magazine -- & discussion thus was curtailed. One was left, however, with some strong emotion. The Waste Land, it is called'.
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Stearns Eliot
Virginia Woolf : The Common Reader
Monday 1 June 1925: 'Now comes Mrs Hardy to say that Thomas reads, & hears the C[ommon]. R[eader]. read, with "great pleasure".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hardy Print: Book
Princess Caroline Princess of Wales : [verbal sketches of well known people]
'One day, the Princess showed me a large book, in which she had written characters of a great many of the leading persons in England. She read me some of them. They were drawn with spirit, but I could not form any opinion of their justice; first, because a mere outline, however boldly sketched, cannot convey a faithful portraiture of character; and, secondly, because many of the persons mentioned therein wre unknown to me. Upon the whole, these characters impressed me with a high opinion of her discernment and power of expression. Not that it was good English, but that it was strong sense. But how dangerous! If that book exists, it would form a curious episode in the memoirs of those times.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Caroline Princess of Wales Manuscript: MS book
Frederica Sophia Wilhelmina Princess Royal of Prussia : MEMOIRS OF FREDERICA SOPHIA WILHELMINA, Princess Royal of Prussia, Margravine of Bareith, sister of Frederick the Great
'The Princess often read aloud. It was difficult to understand her germanised French, and still more, her composite English. She was particularly amused at the Margravine de Bareith's Memoirs. This lady was the sister of Frederick the Great - devil. In truth, they were amusing, as all memoirs are that merely relate to facts'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Caroline Princess of Wales Print: Book
Voltaire : Candide
'Her Royal Highness once read through the whole of 'Candide' to one of her ladies, who told me her opinion of it, which does her honour. She said, - "its character as a work of extreme cleverness has been so long established that to venture in the least to detract from it, is to encounter the ridicule of a multitude. I must say, however, that the persiflage which reigns throughout, and in which its whole essence consists, is not consonant to my taste or understanding. Vicious subjects ought not to be treated lightly; they merit the coarsest clothing, and ought to be arrayed in language which would create abhorrence and disgust. But the whole works [sic] seems designed to turn vice into virtue. Either it has no aim or end, or it has one which should be loathed. It must be confessed, however, that the tripping levity of its self-assurance, and the sarcastic drollery of its phrase, excite laughter; but it is a poor prerogative after all, to be the mental buffoon of ages". Though I, perhaps, have more indulgence for Voltaire, in consideration of his vast talents, than my friend, yet I admired the [italics] woman [end italics] who thought and spoke thus; and her Royal Highness is fortunate in having such a friend'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Caroline Princess of Wales Print: Book
: [papers and correspondence]
'She finished reading to me the rest of the papers and correspondence, which at present occupy so much of her thoughts'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Caroline Princess of Wales Manuscript: Personal papers relating to her marriage, banishment, her supposed adultery and that of her husband, etc.
Percy Bysshe Shelley : Posthumous Fragments of Margaret Nicholson
'Talking of books, we have lately had a literary Sun shine forth upon us here, before whom our former luminaries must hide their diminished heads - a Mr Shelley, of University College, who lives upon arsenic, aqua-fortis, half-an-hour's sleep in the night, and is desperately in love with the memory of Margaret Nicholson. He hath published, what he terms, the Posthumous Poems, printed for the benefit of Mr Peter Finnerty; which, I am grieved to say, though stuffed full of treason, are extremely dull; but the author is a great genius, and, if he be not clapped up in Bedlam or hanged, will certainly prove one of the sweetest swans on the tuneful margin of the Charwell'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe Print: Book, Unknown
:
'I also transmit Octavian, and a volume of poems written by a friend of mine. He is, poor fellow! in the last stage of a consumption; so the critics should be merciful, for he will never write better, nor worse, (which is of more consequence to brother authors,) and a death-bed repentance of such literary crimes is as bitter as it is useless'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe Print: Book, Unknown
Alexander Peden :
'A propos, our [italics] ladies [end italics] are greatly shocked with the free use of scriptural phrases in the ******, and very angry with the author on that account. For my part, as I have read a great many of the old Presbyterian sermons, I do not see those passages in so atrocious a light; for they are nothing to the wonderful things one meets with in the effusions of Peden and Cargill; whose favourite scriptural book appears to have been the song of Solomon: - which song, by the way, I lately found in MS. in the Advocates' library, translated into rhyme by Mistress Barbara Macky, and humbly dedicated to that most noble lady the Countess of Caithness, daughter to that thrice worthy marquess, my Lord Marquess of Argyll. And a conscientious translator Mistress Barbara was; for she leaves out not one word of her original: but her fidelity is superior to her meter by many degrees'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe Print: Unknown
Donald Cargill :
'A propos, our [italics] ladies [end italics] are greatly shocked with the free use of scriptural phrases in the ******, and very angry with the author on that account. For my part, as I have read a great many of the old Presbyterian sermons, I do not see those passages in so atrocious a light; for they are nothing to the wonderful things one meets with in the effusions of Peden and Cargill; whose favourite scriptural book appears to have been the song of Solomon: - which song, by the way, I lately found in MS. in the Advocates' library, translated into rhyme by Mistress Barbara Macky, and humbly dedicated to that most noble lady the Countess of Caithness, daughter to that thrice worthy marquess, my Lord Marquess of Argyll. And a conscientious translator Mistress Barbara was; for she leaves out not one word of her original: but her fidelity is superior to her meter by many degrees'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe Print: Unknown
: Song of Solomon
'A propos, our [italics] ladies [end italics] are greatly shocked with the free use of scriptural phrases in the ******, and very angry with the author on that account. For my part, as I have read a great many of the old Presbyterian sermons, I do not see those passages in so atrocious a light; for they are nothing to the wonderful things one meets with in the effusions of Peden and Cargill; whose favourite scriptural book appears to have been the song of Solomon: - which song, by the way, I lately found in MS. in the Advocates' library, translated into rhyme by Mistress Barbara Macky, and humbly dedicated to that most noble lady the Countess of Caithness, daughter to that thrice worthy marquess, my Lord Marquess of Argyll. And a conscientious translator Mistress Barbara was; for she leaves out not one word of her original: but her fidelity is superior to her meter by many degrees'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe Manuscript: Unknown, verse translation by Barbara Macky
Anna Seward : Letters of Anna Seward: Written Between the Years 1784 and 1807
'Since I have been in London I have read nothing but Miss Seward's letters and Miss Owenson's Missionary. Of Miss Seward I am bound to speak well, as she doth so of me; and her monodies are beauiful; but the letters are naught; they abound in false sentiment, and a great many other false things. As to the Missionary, Ambrosio is his father, and Matilde his mother; but, wanting the indelicacy of papa, and the delicacy of mamma, he's a dull fellow. I could think of nothing else but poor Margaret Stewart of Blantyre, and her presbyterian minister, while I read this. Miss Luxina brought her hogs to a bad market, for Hilarion was little better than a beast. Walter Scott's last poem I have also seen, but so hastily that I can be no competent judge of its merits. Talking of words, allow me to recommend to you Ford's plays, lately re-published. Some of them are excellent; the first in the series (which hath an awkward name, I must confess) and the Broken Heart, are particularly admirable. I am sure that you will be struck with them; for Ford is almost as moving as Otway or Lee, - who is the mad poet I adore, yet I can persuade nobody to read him. The History of the Somerville Family, which I have seen in MS., is soon to be printed, and that of Sutherland is to be out shortly'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe Print: Book
Sydney Owenson : Missionary, The: An Indian Tale
'Since I have been in London I have read nothing but Miss Seward's letters and Miss Owenson's Missionary. Of Miss Seward I am bound to speak well, as she doth so of me; and her monodies are beauiful; but the letters are naught; they abound in false sentiment, and a great many other false things. As to the Missionary, Ambrosio is his father, and Matilde his mother; but, wanting the indelicacy of papa, and the delicacy of mamma, he's a dull fellow. I could think of nothing else but poor Margaret Stewart of Blantyre, and her presbyterian minister, while I read this. Miss Luxina brought her hogs to a bad market, for Hilarion was little better than a beast. Walter Scott's last poem I have also seen, but so hastily that I can be no competent judge of its merits. Talking of words, allow me to recommend to you Ford's plays, lately re-published. Some of them are excellent; the first in the series (which hath an awkward name, I must confess) and the Broken Heart, are particularly admirable. I am sure that you will be struck with them; for Ford is almost as moving as Otway or Lee, - who is the mad poet I adore, yet I can persuade nobody to read him. The History of the Somerville Family, which I have seen in MS., is soon to be printed, and that of Sutherland is to be out shortly'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe Print: Book
Walter Scott : Vision of Don Roderick , The
'Since I have been in London I have read nothing but Miss Seward's letters and Miss Owenson's Missionary. Of Miss Seward I am bound to speak well, as she doth so of me; and her monodies are beauiful; but the letters are naught; they abound in false sentiment, and a great many other false things. As to the Missionary, Ambrosio is his father, and Matilde his mother; but, wanting the indelicacy of papa, and the delicacy of mamma, he's a dull fellow. I could think of nothing else but poor Margaret Stewart of Blantyre, and her presbyterian minister, while I read this. Miss Luxina brought her hogs to a bad market, for Hilarion was little better than a beast. Walter Scott's last poem I have also seen, but so hastily that I can be no competent judge of its merits. Talking of words, allow me to recommend to you Ford's plays, lately re-published. Some of them are excellent; the first in the series (which hath an awkward name, I must confess) and the Broken Heart, are particularly admirable. I am sure that you will be struck with them; for Ford is almost as moving as Otway or Lee, - who is the mad poet I adore, yet I can persuade nobody to read him. The History of the Somerville Family, which I have seen in MS., is soon to be printed, and that of Sutherland is to be out shortly'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe Print: Book
John Ford : [Plays]
'Since I have been in London I have read nothing but Miss Seward's letters and Miss Owenson's Missionary. Of Miss Seward I am bound to speak well, as she doth so of me; and her monodies are beauiful; but the letters are naught; they abound in false sentiment, and a great many other false things. As to the Missionary, Ambrosio is his father, and Matilde his mother; but, wanting the indelicacy of papa, and the delicacy of mamma, he's a dull fellow. I could think of nothing else but poor Margaret Stewart of Blantyre, and her presbyterian minister, while I read this. Miss Luxina brought her hogs to a bad market, for Hilarion was little better than a beast. Walter Scott's last poem I have also seen, but so hastily that I can be no competent judge of its merits. Talking of words, allow me to recommend to you Ford's plays, lately re-published. Some of them are excellent; the first in the series (which hath an awkward name, I must confess) and the Broken Heart, are particularly admirable. I am sure that you will be struck with them; for Ford is almost as moving as Otway or Lee, - who is the mad poet I adore, yet I can persuade nobody to read him. The History of the Somerville Family, which I have seen in MS., is soon to be printed, and that of Sutherland is to be out shortly'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe Print: Book
John Ford : Broken Heart, The
'Since I have been in London I have read nothing but Miss Seward's letters and Miss Owenson's Missionary. Of Miss Seward I am bound to speak well, as she doth so of me; and her monodies are beauiful; but the letters are naught; they abound in false sentiment, and a great many other false things. As to the Missionary, Ambrosio is his father, and Matilde his mother; but, wanting the indelicacy of papa, and the delicacy of mamma, he's a dull fellow. I could think of nothing else but poor Margaret Stewart of Blantyre, and her presbyterian minister, while I read this. Miss Luxina brought her hogs to a bad market, for Hilarion was little better than a beast. Walter Scott's last poem I have also seen, but so hastily that I can be no competent judge of its merits. Talking of words, allow me to recommend to you Ford's plays, lately re-published. Some of them are excellent; the first in the series (which hath an awkward name, I must confess) and the Broken Heart, are particularly admirable. I am sure that you will be struck with them; for Ford is almost as moving as Otway or Lee, - who is the mad poet I adore, yet I can persuade nobody to read him. The History of the Somerville Family, which I have seen in MS., is soon to be printed, and that of Sutherland is to be out shortly'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe Print: Book
Nathaniel Lee :
'Since I have been in London I have read nothing but Miss Seward's letters and Miss Owenson's Missionary. Of Miss Seward I am bound to speak well, as she doth so of me; and her monodies are beauiful; but the letters are naught; they abound in false sentiment, and a great many other false things. As to the Missionary, Ambrosio is his father, and Matilde his mother; but, wanting the indelicacy of papa, and the delicacy of mamma, he's a dull fellow. I could think of nothing else but poor Margaret Stewart of Blantyre, and her presbyterian minister, while I read this. Miss Luxina brought her hogs to a bad market, for Hilarion was little better than a beast. Walter Scott's last poem I have also seen, but so hastily that I can be no competent judge of its merits. Talking of words, allow me to recommend to you Ford's plays, lately re-published. Some of them are excellent; the first in the series (which hath an awkward name, I must confess) and the Broken Heart, are particularly admirable. I am sure that you will be struck with them; for Ford is almost as moving as Otway or Lee, - who is the mad poet I adore, yet I can persuade nobody to read him. The History of the Somerville Family, which I have seen in MS., is soon to be printed, and that of Sutherland is to be out shortly'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe Print: Book
James Somerville Somerville : Memorie of the Somervilles being a history of the baronial House of Somerville
'Since I have been in London I have read nothing but Miss Seward's letters and Miss Owenson's Missionary. Of Miss Seward I am bound to speak well, as she doth so of me; and her monodies are beauiful; but the letters are naught; they abound in false sentiment, and a great many other false things. As to the Missionary, Ambrosio is his father, and Matilde his mother; but, wanting the indelicacy of papa, and the delicacy of mamma, he's a dull fellow. I could think of nothing else but poor Margaret Stewart of Blantyre, and her presbyterian minister, while I read this. Miss Luxina brought her hogs to a bad market, for Hilarion was little better than a beast. Walter Scott's last poem I have also seen, but so hastily that I can be no competent judge of its merits. Talking of words, allow me to recommend to you Ford's plays, lately re-published. Some of them are excellent; the first in the series (which hath an awkward name, I must confess) and the Broken Heart, are particularly admirable. I am sure that you will be struck with them; for Ford is almost as moving as Otway or Lee, - who is the mad poet I adore, yet I can persuade nobody to read him. The History of the Somerville Family, which I have seen in MS., is soon to be printed, and that of Sutherland is to be out shortly'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe Manuscript: MS book
Philip Stanhope, 3rd Earl of Chesterfield :
'So much for books - saving that Sir John Murray hath found the whole correspondence of the Earl of Chesterfield, who flourished in King Charles the Second's time, in Bath House, containing most curious letters of the Duchess of Cleveland, Lady Southesk, and many other personages whom Count Hamilton has rendered so interesting. I will try to get Sir John to publish them, for such things should not run the risk of fire, not to mention rats and mice. There is a sort of memoir of Lord Chesterfield at the beginning of the volume, in which he says his second wife died of the spotted fever or plague; but in fact he is said to have poisoned her in the wine of the sacrament, to be revenged for her gallantries, which were notorious: that old villain, Sir John Denham, having shown him the way, by getting rid of his wife after a fashion nearly similar'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe Manuscript: Letter
Anna Maria Porter : Don Sebastian Or The House Of Braganza
'When Miss Porter's Don Sebastian came out, I expected to find the Margravine, Keppel Craven, (with whom the fair authoress was in love,) and many of my other friends there; in place of which I found nothing but such heroes and heroines as might have been fashionable and common formerly, but who are wonderfully out of date and rare now; so that circumstances gave me a disgust to the book'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe Print: Book
Edward Felix Norton : despatch
'Before we turned in Raymond, at Hugh's suggestion, read aloud Norton's 1924 despatch, in which he summoned up the possibilities of climbing Everest.'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: (Charles) Raymond Greene
Soulary : unknown
'Do you know Soulary and Sully-Prudhomme? Such birds, both of them: Soulary a really consummate artist, More akin to Rosetti than anyone else in English: Sully-Prudhomme , [italics] a good man[end italics] and a very pretty poet, somewhat after the fashion of Longfellow, with plaintive passages that haunt one?s mind and sentiments that one can share.I clapped my hands, when I found the reign of scarlet corruption at an end, and a new generation arisen that did not remember Gautier. Here are men whom everything interests; men with red blood (not quintessential absinthe and vitriol), and a strong social passion in them. I am so anxious to write about them. I offered Appleton a series of papers on the modern French school − the Parnassiens, I think they call them − de Banville, Coppee Grammont) I think that?s his name), Soulary and Sully-Prudhomme. But he has not deigned to answer my letter − God?s blood if I had my hand on his weasel!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Unknown
Thomas Babington Macaulay : unknown
'I am glad to hear you are giving Macaulay a turn. I believe, though it sounds rude and foolish, nothing will do you more good.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sidney Colvin Print: Book, Articles in the Edinburgh Review?
Virginia Woolf : The Waves
'Vanessa [Bell] wrote [to her sister Virginia Woolf] from Charleston (n.d., Berg [Collection]): "I have been for the last 3 days completely submerged in The Waves -- & am left rather gasping, out of breath, choking, half drowned, as you might expect. I must read it again when I may hope to float more quietly -- but meanwhile I'm so overcome by the beauty ...'"
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Vanessa Bell Print: Book
Virginia Woolf : The Waves
'G. L. Dickinson wrote to V[irginia] W[oolf] in praise of The Waves on 23 October [1931], and again, after re-reading, on 13 November 1931.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson Print: Book
Virginia Woolf : The Waves
'G. L. Dickinson wrote to V[irginia] W[oolf] in praise of The Waves on 23 October [1931], and again, after re-reading, on 13 November 1931.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson Print: Book
Princess Charlotte : Letter
'The Princess received a letter of twenty-eight pages, from the Princess Charlotte, which looked like the writing of a chambermaid, and appeared to me wholly illegible; but she said she could decipher it, and so she did in regard to understanding the general meaning, but I defy her powers or her patience to have made out [italics] literally [end italics], what those twenty-eight pages contained'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Caroline Princess of Wales Manuscript: Letter
Anne Louise Germaine de Stael Holstein : Petits Romans
'She read one of Madame de Stael's [italics] Petits Romans [end italics], which I had lent her, and which she told me had given her great pleasure'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Caroline Princess of Wales Print: Book
:
'She reads a great deal, and buys all new books'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Caroline Princess of Wales Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : 'Ode to Napoleon Buonaparte'
'I am sorry to mention that [Lord Byron's] last poem upon "The Decadence of Bonaparte", is worthy neither his pen nor his muse'.
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Caroline Princess of Wales
Frances Burney, Madame d'Arblay : Wanderer, The
'What do you think of the "Wardour", by Madame d'Arblais [sic]? It has only proved to us that she forgot her English; and the same suspicion has arisen again in my mind, that "Evelina" was written, or at least corrected, by Dr Johnson.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Caroline Princess of Wales Print: Book
Frances Burney : Evelina
'What do you think of the "Wardour", by Madame d'Arblais [sic]? It has only proved to us that she forgot her English; and the same suspicion has arisen again in my mind, that "Evelina" was written, or at least corrected, by Dr Johnson.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Caroline Princess of Wales Print: Book
John Wilson : Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life
'On my return home, I found several letters from England; amongst them, one from Miss [-], in which she speaks of W[-]'s "Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life"; and her opinion is valuable and curious, as being that of a clever writer. she says: I hear you were charmed with the "Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life". Some of them I think beautiful, some of them ridiculous, and all want truth and reality; for though I can still relish a fairytale or a romance, yet I do not like fiction in the garb of truth. As mere creations of fancy, they are fine; as pictures of Scottish life and human nature, they are false. But do not let me forget this Mr [-] is an [italics] awfu' [end italics] man to have for one's enemy. The greatest wonder of the day, I think, is that "Adam Blair" should be the author of "Valerius" - two works so totally different in every respect. What prodigious versatility of power the writer of them must possess! Of course you know it is Mr Lockhart, the son-in-law of Scott'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss [-] Print: Book
John Gibson Lockhart : Adam Blair
'On my return home, I found several letters from England; amongst them, one from Miss [-], in which she speaks of W[-]'s "Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life"; and her opinion is valuable and curious, as being that of a clever writer. she says: I hear you were charmed with the "Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life". Some of them I think beautiful, some of them ridiculous, and all want truth and reality; for though I can still relish a fairytale or a romance, yet I do not like fiction in the garb of truth. As mere creations of fancy, they are fine; as pictures of Scottish life and human nature, they are false. But do not let me forget this Mr [-] is an [italics] awfu' [end italics] man to have for one's enemy. The greatest wonder of the day, I think, is that "Adam Blair" should be the author of "Valerius" - two works so totally different in every respect. What prodigious versatility of power the writer of them must possess! Of course you know it is Mr Lockhart, the son-in-law of Scott'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss [-] Print: Book
John Gibson Lockhart : Valerius
'On my return home, I found several letters from England; amongst them, one from Miss [-], in which she speaks of W[-]'s "Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life"; and her opinion is valuable and curious, as being that of a clever writer. she says: I hear you were charmed with the "Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life". Some of them I think beautiful, some of them ridiculous, and all want truth and reality; for though I can still relish a fairytale or a romance, yet I do not like fiction in the garb of truth. As mere creations of fancy, they are fine; as pictures of Scottish life and human nature, they are false. But do not let me forget this Mr [-] is an [italics] awfu' [end italics] man to have for one's enemy. The greatest wonder of the day, I think, is that "Adam Blair" should be the author of "Valerius" - two works so totally different in every respect. What prodigious versatility of power the writer of them must possess! Of course you know it is Mr Lockhart, the son-in-law of Scott'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss [-] Print: Book
Anna Seward : Letters
'[Sir [-]] observed that he was reperusing Miss Seward's Letters, and said, what an odd fancy it was to bequeath them to Constable, enjoining their publication after her death. "There are parts", said he, "I like very well; but there is too much gall in them, especially for any one to wish to have it spread when they were in the dust'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir [-] Print: Book
Michel Eyquem (de) Montaigne : Essays
'Our library too was a weighty affair. Shipton had the longest novel that had been published in recent years, Warren a 2,000-page work on physiology.[...] On Good Friday [...] the rest of us lay about, played chess or read the less technical portion of our curiously assorted library. This included "Gone with the Wind" (Shipton) "Seventeenth Century Verse" (Oliver), "Montaigne's Essays" (Warren), "Don Quixote" (self), "Adam Bede" (Lloyd), "Martin Chuzzlewit" (Smythe), "Stones of Venice" (Odell) and a few others. Warren,who rejoined us that day, besides his weighty tome on Physiology -in which there were several funny anecdotes if one took the trouble to look - had with him a yet weightier volume on the singularly inappropriate subject of Tropical Diseases.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles B.M. Warren Print: Book
unknown : [Physiology textbook]
'Our library too was a weighty affair. Shipton had the longest novel that had been published in recent years, Warren a 2,000-page work on physiology.[...] On Good Friday [...] the rest of us lay about ,played chess or read the less technical portion of our curiously assorted library. This included "Gone with the Wind" (Shipton) "Seventeenth Century Verse" (Oliver), "Montaigne's Essays" (Warren), "Don Quixote" (self), "Adam Bede" (Lloyd), "Martin Chuzzlewit" (Smythe), "Stones of Venice" (Odell) and a few others. Warren,who rejoined us that day, besides his weighty tome on Physiology -in which there were several funny anecdotes if one took the trouble to look - had with him a yet weightier volume on the singularly inappropriate subject of Tropical Diseases. '
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles B.M. Warren Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : [unknown verses]
'Well, I was at the annual dinner of my old Academy schoolfellows last night. We sat down ten, out of seventy-two.[?] I read them some verses. It is great fun: I always read verses, and in the vinous enthusiasm of the moment they always propose to have them printed; [italics]ce qui n?arrive jamais, du reste[end italics]: in the morning, they are more calm.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Unknown, Probably sheets of paper or pages from a notebook.
George Sand : Mademoiselle Merquem
'Have you read Mademoiselle Merquem? I have just finished it ..'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Corsair, The
'Your descriptions of your travels do indeed set my feet moving, and my heart longing to see all you have seen; and this desire has been increased by reading the "Corsair" lately; it is indeed exquisite, the most perfect, I think, of all Byron's performances. What a divine picture of death is that of the description of Gulnare!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Susan Ferrier Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth : Patronage
'I am now labouring very hard at "Patronage", which, I must honestly confess, is the greatest lump of cold lead I ever attempted to swallow. Truth, nature, life, and sense, there is, I dare say, in abundance, but I cannot discover a particle of imagination, taste, wit, or sensibility; and without these latter qualities, I never could feel much pleasure in any book. In a novel especially, such materials are expected, and, if not found, it is exceedingly disappointing to be made to pick a dry bone, when one thinks one is going to enjoy a piece of honeycomb'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Susan Ferrier Print: Book
Stephanie Felicite Ducrest de St-Aubin, comtesse de Genlis : Mademoiselle de La Fayette : ou le siecle de Louis XIII
'I send you a new novel of Madame de Genlis' 'Mademoiselle de la Fayette'. I think it will interest and amuse you at the same time. The subject is taken from the reign of Louis XIII and Anne d'Autriche. The colouring of the characters has proved a very happy effort of genius, and, after my taste and my humble judgment, I think it one of the best that she ever wrote, except 'Les Voeux Temeraires'.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Caroline, Princess of Wales Print: Book
Stephanie Felicite Ducrest de St-Aubin, comtesse de Genlis : Les voeux temeraires : ou L' enthousiasme
'I send you a new novel of Madame de Genlis' 'Mademoiselle de la Fayette'. I think it will interest and amuse you at the same time. The subject is taken from the reign of Louis XIII and Anne d'Autriche. The colouring of the characters has proved a very happy effort of genius, and, after my taste and my humble judgment, I think it one of the best that she ever wrote, except 'Les Voeux Temeraires'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Caroline, Princess of Wales Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : [possibly lines from 'The Corsair' =- 'Weep, Daughter of a Royal Line']
'As you like sometimes high treason, I send you a copy of the verses written by Lord Byron on the discovery of the bodies of Charles the First and Henry the Eighth: you may communicate it to any of your friends you please'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Princess Caroline, Princess of Wales Manuscript: Unknown
Giovanni Battista Guarini : Il Pastor Fido
'You seem so much interested with the translation of "Pastor Fido" that I shall take the liberty of sending it to you, that you may judge of its merits: not being skilled in the Italian tongue I cannot possibly give an opinion of it as a [italics] translation [end italics]. As anything else, I do not like it, nor ever liked pastorals or pastoral writing, even of the first order, further than as vehicles for fine poetry; and then the poetry would have pleased me better had it spoken for itself, than from the mouth of a creature to me so inconceivable as a shepherd or shepherdess, whose chief, or rather [italics] only [end italics] characteristics are innocence and simplicity. I am sorry to say they are but too apt to be insipid and uninteresting to those who merely read about them [she continues this critique at length, concluding] It may be owing to some defect in my mind that I really never yet knew an interesting pastoral character, or cared a straw about whether they hanged themselves upon the first willow, or drowned themselves in the neighbouring brook. I can enter into the delights of Homer's gods, and follow to their darkest recesses Milton's devils, and delight in the absurdities and extravagancies of Shakespeare's men and women, but I never could sympathise in the sufferings of even Virgil's shepherd swains'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss V[-] Print: Book
Homer : Odyssey and Iliad
'You seem so much interested with the translation of "Pastor Fido" that I shall take the liberty of sending it to you, that you may judge of its merits: not being skilled in the Italian tongue I cannot possibly give an opinion of it as a [italics] translation [end italics]. As anything else, I do not like it, nor ever liked pastorals or pastoral writing, even of the first order, further than as vehicles for fine poetry; and then the poetry would have pleased me better had it spoken for itself, than from the mouth of a creature to me so inconceivable as a shepherd or shepherdess, whose chief, or rather [italics] only [end italics] characteristics are innocence and simplicity. I am sorry to say they are but too apt to be insipid and uninteresting to those who merely read about them [she continues this critique at length, concluding] It may be owing to some defect in my mind that I really never yet knew an interesting pastoral character, or cared a straw about whether they hanged themselves upon the first willow, or drowned themselves in the neighbouring brook. I can enter into the delights of Homer's gods, and follow to their darkest recesses Milton's devils, and delight in the absurdities and extravagancies of Shakespeare's men and women, but I never could sympathise in the sufferings of even Virgil's shepherd swains'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss V[-] Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'You seem so much interested with the translation of "Pastor Fido" that I shall take the liberty of sending it to you, that you may judge of its merits: not being skilled in the Italian tongue I cannot possibly give an opinion of it as a [italics] translation [end italics]. As anything else, I do not like it, nor ever liked pastorals or pastoral writing, even of the first order, further than as vehicles for fine poetry; and then the poetry would have pleased me better had it spoken for itself, than from the mouth of a creature to me so inconceivable as a shepherd or shepherdess, whose chief, or rather [italics] only [end italics] characteristics are innocence and simplicity. I am sorry to say they are but too apt to be insipid and uninteresting to those who merely read about them [she continues this critique at length, concluding] It may be owing to some defect in my mind that I really never yet knew an interesting pastoral character, or cared a straw about whether they hanged themselves upon the first willow, or drowned themselves in the neighbouring brook. I can enter into the delights of Homer's gods, and follow to their darkest recesses Milton's devils, and delight in the absurdities and extravagancies of Shakespeare's men and women, but I never could sympathise in the sufferings of even Virgil's shepherd swains'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss V[-] Print: Book
Virgil : Eclogues
'You seem so much interested with the translation of "Pastor Fido" that I shall take the liberty of sending it to you, that you may judge of its merits: not being skilled in the Italian tongue I cannot possibly give an opinion of it as a [italics] translation [end italics]. As anything else, I do not like it, nor ever liked pastorals or pastoral writing, even of the first order, further than as vehicles for fine poetry; and then the poetry would have pleased me better had it spoken for itself, than from the mouth of a creature to me so inconceivable as a shepherd or shepherdess, whose chief, or rather [italics] only [end italics] characteristics are innocence and simplicity. I am sorry to say they are but too apt to be insipid and uninteresting to those who merely read about them [she continues this critique at length, concluding] It may be owing to some defect in my mind that I really never yet knew an interesting pastoral character, or cared a straw about whether they hanged themselves upon the first willow, or drowned themselves in the neighbouring brook. I can enter into the delights of Homer's gods, and follow to their darkest recesses Milton's devils, and delight in the absurdities and extravagancies of Shakespeare's men and women, but I never could sympathise in the sufferings of even Virgil's shepherd swains'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss V[-] Print: Book
: [books about Roman /ancient history]
'You bid me tell you what I read; and, in obedience to your commands, I confess myself to be at present under a course of [italics] historical physic [end italics], which ought to have been administered to me in my youth, and for want of which I have grown up under many infirmities. [...] I am therefore labouring hard amongst the ruins of antiquity, tho' even amidst their profound recesses I sometimes have a little of the dust of [italics] modern rubbish [end italics] thrown into my eyes. The truth is, in a town, it is very difficult to refrain from following the multitude in their pursuits of literature. One is so [italics] baited [end italics] with new books that one is forced to take the up in self defence; for who would dare to drag forth a huge musty volume of Roman antiquities, in preference to an elegant little epitome of modern biography? '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss V[-] Print: Book
Edward Young : Night Thoughts
'When my day's task is at an end, I keep my nightly vigils with Young, whose Night Thoughts I do think, next to Milton's, the most sublime poem in the English language. I know 'tis accounted gloomy, and for those who love an eternal glare of sunshine it may be so; but for such as seek the shade 'tis only a refreshing repose. have you read it of late years?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss V[-] Print: Book
Robert Morehead : A Series Of Discourses On The Principles of Religious Belief
'I am reading on Sundays "Morehead's Discourses on the Principle of Religious Belief", which are greatly admired, though I canot say I think there is either much strength or novelty in them. It seems to me as if he had taken some of the most striking passages in scripture and [italics] beat them out [end italics], and worked them up, as a [italics] cunning artificer [end italics] does a bit of pure gold'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss V[-] Print: Book
Giovanni Battista Guarino : Il Pastor Fido
'to return to "Pastor Fido", with whom I have not yet finished, - I must tell you, that though I (what a great authority!) do not take pleasure in this said translation of the "Pastor Fido" of Guarino, many of the wise folks here admire it beyond measure. Walter Scott and Wilson are of these and therefore there must be something worthy to excite the commendations of such men as they are, though I cannot discover its beauties. I suppose it is for the reason I already mentioned, that to me there is nothing so insupportable as a pastoral life. The shepherds and shepherdesses are always simpletons and viragoes, and that rule is faithfully adhered to in this instance, with the addition of an [italics] Arcadian [end italics] nymph in a [italics] wig [end italics]!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss V[-] Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'works of imagination are really becoming too reasonable to be very entertaining. Formerly, in [italics] my time [end italics], a heroine was merely a piece of beautiful matter, with long fair hair and soft blue eyes, who was buffeted up and down the world like a shuttlecock, and visited with all sorts of possible and impossible miseries. Now they are black-haired, sensible women, who do plain work, pay morning visits, and make presents of legs of pork; - vide "Emma", which, notwithstanding, I do think a very capital performance: there is no story whatever, nor the slightest pretensions to a moral, but the characters are all so true to life, and the style is so dry and piquant, that it does not require the adventitious aides of mystery and adventure. "Rhoda" is of a higher standard of morals and very good and interesting'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Susan Ferrier Print: Book
Frances Jacson : Rhoda
'works of imagination are really becoming too reasonable to be very entertaining. Formerly, in [italics] my time [end italics], a heroine was merely a piece of beautiful matter, with long fair hair and soft blue eyes, who was buffeted up and down the world like a shuttlecock, and visited with all sorts of possible and impossible miseries. Now they are black-haired, sensible women, who do plain work, pay morning visits, and make presents of legs of pork; - vide "Emma", which, notwithstanding, I do think a very capital performance: there is no story whatever, nor the slightest pretensions to a moral, but the characters are all so true to life, and the style is so dry and piquant, that it does not require the adventitious aides of mystery and adventure. "Rhoda" is of a higher standard of morals and very good and interesting'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Susan Ferrier Print: Book
Walter Scott : Antiquary, The
'I took a great pleasure in the "Antiquary", till I learnt who was the author. It is universally believed that it was written by a man of the name of Greenfield, once a popular clergyman, but whose name it is now a scandal to mention'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs [-] Print: Book
: [Letters]
'Have you read Paul's Letters? Partial as I am to the author, I confess I was disappointed. I believe they are very just and well written, and profound; but they really are not very entertaining. A man of genius must feel sadly trammelled, methinks, when confined to matters of fact, especially of modern date. This book, however, is much admired by persons of taste and judgement; so, I suppose, it is my vicious inclination for high colouring that has destroyed my capacity for relishing plain sense'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs [-] Print: Book
Walter Scott : Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, The
'I have been perusing your minstrelsy very diligently for a while past, and it being the first book I ever perused which was written by a person I had seen and conversed with, the consequence hath been to me a most sensible pleasure: for in fact it is the remarks and modern pieces that I have delighted most in, being as it were personally acquainted with many of the antient pieces formerly'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
James Grahame : Sabbath, The
'I received yours yesternight with the poem of [italics] the Sabbath [end italics], a good part of which I have already perused and have concluded that the Cameronian hath more in his head than hair'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Unknown
Walter Scott : Lay of the Last Minstrel, The
'I had a present of a very elegant copy of the "Lay" lately from a gentleman in Edin. to whom I was ashamed to confess that I had it not. This is g[TEAR] you a hint that the present should have [TEAR] from some other hand. I am delighted beyond measure with many of the descriptions and with none more than that of William of Deloraine but I have picked some faults which I have not now time to explain but in Stanza 3d 1.1st were the knights squires and yeomen all knights? Should it not be rather [italics] The knights were all of mettle true? [end italics] - I have not yet discovered what the terrible parade of fetching Michael Scott's black book from the tomb served or what was done with it of consequence before returned and fear it will be construed as resorted to for sake of furnishing the sublime and awefull description'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book, Unknown
unknown : unknown
'My instinct first led me to Dharmsala [sic], for many years the home of my uncle Robert Shaw who [...] was the first Englishman to push his way way right through the Himalayas to the plains of Turkestan beyond. Here [in his house] I found [...] books [...] and maps and old manuscripts. I was among the relics of an explorer,at the very house in which he had planned his explorations[...]. I pored over the old books and maps, and talked for hours with the old servants, till the spirit of exploration gradually entered my soul, and I rushed off on a preliminary tour on foot in the direction of Tibet, and planned a great journey into that country for the following year.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Younghusband Print: Book, manuscripts also mentioned
: Peking Gazette
'I had an opportunity once of reading, side by side,the despatches of the Chinese commander (published in the "Peking Gazette") and the despatches of the French general (published by the French Government) about the same battles. It was most instructive reading.The Chinese reported to the emperor [...] that the French had from ten to twenty times the number they really had ; and the slaughter these gallant Chinese soldiers effected beats everything previously recorded in history. Accirding to the "Peking Gazette", no les than 1,800,000 Frenchmen were actually killed in the Tonquin [sic] war: and according to the same authority Admiral Courbet was killed on forty-six occasions.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Younghusband Print: Newspaper
unknown : unknown
'Any one can imagine the fearful monotony of those long dreary marches seated on the back of a slow and silently moving camel. While it was light I would read and even write; but soon the sun would set before us, the stars would appear one by one, and through the long dark hours we would go silently on [...].'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Younghusband Print: Unknown
: newspaper (Daily Telegraph)
'I also gratefully acknowledge receipt of the "Daily Telegraph." The Liberal gov was defeated on the budget vote a day or so [9 June 1885] before our departure from Penarth; as soon as we arrived here I looked anxiously t[h]rough the papers expecting great things.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
: newspaper (London Evening Standard)
'The second number of the "Standard" came to hand yesterday via Singapore.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
Marguerite Poradowska : Yaga: esquisse de moeurs ruthenes
''I have finished "Yaga" - twice. I shall write nothing to you about it while I am still under its charm.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Marguerite Poradowska : La Madone de Busowiska, moeurs houtsoules
'Thank you for your letter and the "Revue [des deux Mondes"], which I received two days ago. I have read "La Madone [de Busowska]" and am pleased to have read it in French and in your adaptation, for I think it must be tiring indeed in Polish if [Ladislas] Lozinski - like the others - is in the habit of "marking time" as you put it. Naturally I do not find there the "relief", the distinct style one finds in "Yaga", but I recognise with very great pleasure the language, style, indeed almost all the purely literary pleasure the reading of "Yaga" gave me. The fact is that, restored in appetite (if I may express myself so), I have just reread "Yaga"-which I like more than ever.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Marguerite Poradowska : Yaga: esquisse de moeurs ruthenes
'Thank you for your letter and the "Revue [des deux Mondes"], which I received two days ago. I have read "La Madone [de Busowska]" and am pleased to have read it in French and in your adaptation, for I think it must be tiring indeed in Polish if [Ladislas] Lozinski - like the others - is in the habit of "marking time" as you put it. Naturally I do not find there the "relief", the distinct style one finds in "Yaga", but I recognise with very great pleasure the language, style, indeed almost all the purely literary pleasure the reading of "Yaga" gave me. The fact is that, restored in appetite (if I may express myself so), I have just reread "Yaga"-which I like more than ever.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Gustave Flaubert : Madame Bovary
'[...] you remind me a little of Flaubert, whose "Madame Bovary" I have just reread with respectful admiration.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Marguerite Poradowska : Popes et popadias (published in book form as Les Filles du Pope)
'I threw myself (in a manner of speaking) on "Popes et popadias" with eagerness and high hopes. From the first lines my hopes were realised - and then very quickly surpassed. It is a marvel of observation, which gives the liveliest pleasure as such, not to mention the style,which I do not dare judge- but let me say it charmed me. You are very good at description. Beginning with the ferry crossing under a threatening sky, I read the entire series of scenes which make up your charming tale with avidity. It takes a small scale narrative (short story) to show the master's hand.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Marguerite Poradowska : Joujou
'I am charmed with "Joujou". It is altogether and delightfully shocking. Where the devil did you find it? Pardon the nautical language.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Marguerite Poradowska : Le Mariage du fils Grandsire
'Yesterday evening I escaped from the ship for the pilgrimage to the station. I have my parcel No.4000 and something. Just imagine a work of art called parcel No.4000, etc,etc,etc [...] It was late. I have read only the first chapter. I cannot judge even if I dared. But from the first pages I am in the presence of your chraming originality.It is really you! I do not have time to read the book at one sitting but I will really savour it.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Marguerite Poradowska : Le Mariage du fils Grandsire
'I am reading "Le fils Grandsire" with delight. It is charming and characteristic: it is alive. I shall finish the book tomorrow and speak of it in my next letter.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Marguerite Poradowska : Le Mariage du fils Grandsire
'I finished the book [Le Mariage du fils Grandsire] a while ago; then I went over several passages while waiting the chance to reread it entirely.' [here follows Conrad's appreciative and detailed comments on the novel, which is set in Lille in the years leading up to the Franco-Prussian war and tells of Michel Grandsire who marries against the wishes of his family, his wife deserts him, he joins the army; gravely wounded he is nursed by his childhood sweetheart (from ed.footnote p.146 in source text)
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Marguerite Poradowska : Yaga: esquisse de moeurs ruthenes
''I reread "Yaga" only the other day. It gave me intense pleasure. I read slowly and mingled my dreams with these pages that I love so well.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Serial / periodical, not clear whether this was being read in the book version or that published in the Revue des Deux Monde
George Barker : poems
Tuesday 24 July 1934: 'Dinner last night at the Hutchinsons [...] Tom [Eliot] read Mr Barker's poems, chanting, intoning. Barker has some strange gift he thinks & dimly through a tangle of words ideas emerge.'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Stearns Eliot
Herbert Spenser : Principles of Biology
'It [a child relative?s speculations about the nature of fairies] was a good deal in the vein of Herbert Spencer?s description of the primitive man, all this.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Anne Isabella Thackeray : The Village on the Cliff. A Novel.
'I am reading "The Village on the Cliff", and cannot tell you how beautiful I think it. I am inclined to give up literature. [italics]I[end italics] can?t write like that. Never mind, [italics]je serai fidele [end italics].'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : John Knox and the Controversy about Female Rule
'I have been working all the morning at my second ?John Knox? proof, and got it pretty right, I fancy.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical, Proof copy of RLS's essay.
Robert Louis Stevenson : An Autumn Effect.
'I have also got ?An Autumn Effect? in proof: I shall send it to you to read, I think.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical, Proof copy of RLS's essay.
Guy de Maupassant : unknown
'I am reading Maupassant with delight. I have just finished "Le Lys rouge" by Anatole France. it means nothing to me. I can do no serious reading. I have just begun to write -only the day before yesterday.["The Two Vagabonds" subsequently to become "An Outcast of the Islands"(1896)]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, see additional comments
Anatole France : Le Lys Rouge
'I am reading Maupassant with delight. I have just finished "Le Lys rouge" by Anatole France. it means nothing to me. I can do no serious reading. I have just begun to write -only the day before yesterday.["The Two Vagabonds" subsequently to become "An Outcast of the Islands"(1896)]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Marguerite Poradowska : Le Mariage du fils Grandsire
'I have just reread "Le fils Grandsire", opening the book at random, and continuing at random, I have read every single word. with an odd and entirely sentimental fondness,I truly love this book. On every page I find you at your most lovable.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Guy de Maupassant : Pierre et Jean
'I fear I may be too much under the influence of Maupassant. I have studied "Pierre et Jean" - thought, method and all - with the profoundest despair. it seems nothing but has a technical complexity which makes me tear my hair. one feels like weeping with rage while reading it. Ah well!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edward Garnett : An Imagined World
'Now I only want to say that "An Imagined World " charmed my eyes with a charm of its own-distinc[t]ly.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
: newspapers
'The Scottish dailies have begun to review my "FollY" ["Almayer's Folly"]. brief,journalistic, but full pf praise! Above all, the "Scotsman", the major Edinburgh paper, is almost enthusiastic. The "Glasgow Herald" speaks with a more restrained benevolence.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
H.(Herbert) G. (George) Wells : The Wonderful Visit
'Strangely enough--about five months ago--when turning over the last page of the "Wonderful Visit" in the full impresion of the suggestive charm and full realism of that book, I remember reflecting--with contemptible bitterness--that a mind which could conceive and execute such a work was utterly beyond my reach.[...] I have only read the "Time Machine" the "Wonderful Visit" the "Bacillus" volume of short stories--and I am informed to day that "Dr Moreau " is just now on his way to my island. I expect to have the delight of his acquaintance tomorrow. Your book[s?] [presumably "Wonderful Visit" or all three texts mentioned as read] lay hold of me with a grasp that can be felt. I am held by the charm of their expression and of their meaning.' Thereafter follows several more lines of effusive commentary.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
H.(Herbert) G. (George) Wells : The Time Machine
'Strangely enough--about five months ago--when turning over the last page of the "Wonderful Visit" in the full impresion of the suggestive charm and full realism of that book, I remember reflecting--with contemptible bitterness--that a mind which could conceive and execute such a work was utterly beyond my reach.[...] I have only read the "Time Machine" the "Wonderful Visit" the "Bacillus" volume of short stories--and I am informed to day that "Dr Moreau " is just now on his way to my island. I expect to have the delight of his acquaintance tomorrow. Your book[s?] [presumably "Wonderful Visit" or all three texts mentioned as read] lay hold of me with a grasp that can be felt. I am held by the charm of their expression and of their meaning.' Thereafter follows several more lines of effusive commentary.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
H.(Herbert) G. (George) Wells : The Stolen Bacillus and Other Incidents
'Strangely enough--about five months ago--when turning over the last page of the "Wonderful Visit" in the full impresion of the suggestive charm and full realism of that book, I remember reflecting--with contemptible bitterness--that a mind which could conceive and execute such a work was utterly beyond my reach.[...] I have only read the "Time Machine" the "Wonderful Visit" the "Bacillus" volume of short stories--and I am informed to day that "Dr Moreau " is just now on his way to my island. I expect to have the delight of his acquaintance tomorrow. Your book[s?] [presumably "Wonderful Visit" or all three texts mentioned as read] lay hold of me with a grasp that can be felt. I am held by the charm of their expression and of their meaning.' Thereafter follows several more lines of effusive commentary.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
George Lewis (Louis) Becke : By Reef and Palm
'I am sorry to miss making the acquaintance of Mr Becke. Strangely enough I have been, only the other day, reading again his "Reef and Palm". Apart from the great interest of the stories what I admire most is his perfect unselfishness in the telling of them.[...] I haven't seen yet the "The First Fleet Family" and have a great curiosity.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
George Lewis (Louis) Becke (and Walter Jeffrey) : A First Fleet Family
' I have read "The First Fleet Family"with interest tempered by disappointment.' Thereafter follow two pages of largely negative criticism.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Henry James : The Spoils of Poynton
'I had this morning a charming surprise in the shape of the "Spoils of Poynton" sent me by H. James with a very characteristic and friendly inscription on the flyleaf. I need not tell you how pleased I am. I have already read the book. It is as good as anything of his--almost--a story of love and wrongheadedness revolving around a houseful of artistic furniture. It's Henry James and nothing but Henry James.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Sidney Colvin : [Notices on Titian and Daniel Maclise]
'I say Colvin, your Titian is no end, and has pleased my mother as much as me: no end, also, is your description of that incarnate devil Maclise one of the wickedest incarnations of the spirit of (artistic) unnatural crime that ever lived.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
W.Someret Maugham : Liza of Lambeth
'I've just finished reading "Lisa of Lambeth" It is certainly worth reading--but whether it's worth talking about is another question. I at any rate have nothing to say except this--that I do not like society novels--and Liza to me is just a society novel--society of a kind.[...]It will be fairly successful I believe--for it is a "genre" picture without any atmosphere and consequently no reader can live in it. He just looks on-- and that is what the general reader prefers.' Conrad then compares the novel to George Du Maurier's illustrations.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
: Blackwood's Magazine
'I delayed sending you my acknowledgement for the September issue[of Blackwood's Magazine] [...]The appreciation of Mrs Oliphant's work is just in the right note.It is justice--and discriminating justice--rendered to that serene talent. I think she wrote too much (perhaps it's envy; to me it's simply inconceivable) but she was ever faithful to her artistic temperament--she always expressed herself. She was a better artist than George Elliot[sic] and, at her best immensely superior to any living woman novelist I can call to mind. Harris (an old friend of mine--in his work) can write more than a bit. Not to everyone is given to be so graphic and so easy at the same time. Besides his point of view is most sympathetic to me. Blackmore is himself--of course. But professor Saintsbury's paper interested me most--a bit of fundamental criticism most cleverly expounded.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
E.(Ethel) L.(Lilian) Voynich : The Gadfly
'What do you think of the "Gadfly"? I wrote what I thought to P.[presumably Sydney Pawling of Heinemann] who rejoined gallantly. But it comes to this, if his point of view is accepted, that having suffered is sufficient excuse for the production of rubbish.[...] I don't remember ever reading a book I disliked so much.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
: Blackwood's Magazine
'Thanks for the copy of the November number [of Blackwood;'s Magazine][...] I turned to "Tennyson" with eagerness.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Humphry James : Paddy's Woman and Other Storiesries
'Humphry James is good. Is he very deep or very simple? And by the bye R.Bridges is a poet I'm damned if he ain't! There's more poesy in one page of "Shorter Poems" than in the whole volume of Tennyson. This is my deliberate opinion. And what a descriptive power! The man hath wings--sees from on high.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Robert Bridges : Shorter Poems
'Humphry James is good. Is he very deep or very simple? And by the bye R.Bridges is a poet. I'm damned if he ain't! There's more poesy in one page of "Shorter Poems" than in the whole volume of Tennyson. This is my deliberate opinion. And what a descriptive power! The man hath wings--sees from on high.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Stephen Crane : The Red Badge of Courage
'Read the "Badge" It won't hurt you --or only very little. Crane-ibn-Crane el Yankee is all right. The man sees the outside of many things and the inside of some.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Stephen Crane : A Man and Some Others
'But my great excitement was reading your stories.Garnett's right. "A Man and some others" is immense. I can't spin a long yarn about it but I admire it without reserve. It is an amazing bit of biography. [...] The boat thing ["The Open Boat"] is immensely interesting.I don't use the word in its common sense.' [Hence follows several more lines of general praise].
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Stephen Crane : The Open Boat
'But my great excitement was reading your stories.Garnett's right. "A Man and some others" is immense. I can't spin a long yarn about it but I admire it without reserve. It is an amazing bit of biography. [...] The boat thing ["The Open Boat"] is immensely interesting.I don't use the word in its common sense.' [Hence follows several more lines of general praise].
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Walter Scott : 'Glenfinlas; Or, Lord Ronald's Coronach'
'either I am grossly mistaken or there are more [italics] natural [end italics] beauties in Marmion than all your others and as long as that is admired (which it ever will be by a part) so will Marmion. You gave the truest picture of your manner of writing in the introduction to Mr Erskine that ever was given [SEAL] ever will and I am particularly partial to that epistle I think it extremely beautifull. I should like extremely well to see another poem of yours in the same stanza with Glenfinlas my first and I believe still greatest favourite'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Walter Scott : Marmion
'either I am grossly mistaken or there are more [italics] natural [end italics] beauties in Marmion than all your others and as long as that is admired (which it ever will be by a part) so will Marmion. You gave the truest picture of your manner of writing in the introduction to Mr Erskine that ever was given [SEAL] ever will and I am particularly partial to that epistle I think it extremely beautifull. I should like extremely well to see another poem of yours in the same stanza with Glenfinlas my first and I believe still greatest favourite'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Walter Scott : 'To Henry Erskine, Esq'
'either I am grossly mistaken or there are more [italics] natural [end italics] beauties in Marmion than all your others and as long as that is admired (which it ever will be by a part) so will Marmion. You gave the truest picture of your manner of writing in the introduction to Mr Erskine that ever was given [SEAL] ever will and I am particularly partial to that epistle I think it extremely beautifull. I should like extremely well to see another poem of yours in the same stanza with Glenfinlas my first and I believe still greatest favourite'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: [reviews of The Mountain Bard and The Shepherd's Guide]
'I have read several English reviews of my books at great length which are favourable in the extreme'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
Janet Stuart : 'Ode to Dr Thomas Percy'
[a long anecdote about how Hogg found his correspondent Janet Stuart's book in an Edinburgh bookshop and had to pay 7/6 for a 'pamphlet' which the bookseller argued was 'a very extraordinary production'] 'I did not only read it I devoured it: the man was right; it is an [italics] extraordinary production [end italics]. I do not think a man is flattering when he tells what he thinks I think there is not a more beautiful poem in the English language of its kind. Some of my friends, though they acknowledge it contains great beauties, blame it for what they are pleased to call a [italics] mysterous [sic] obscurity [end italics], while to me who am luckily versant in ancient ballads, it is as plain as the ABC. Yet I acknowledge I should be happy to see in my Adeline's next piece a little more of the unaffected simplicity so visible in her whole character and deportment'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg
Robert Southey : Curse of Kehama, The
'Kehama has not got justice take a bards word who never flatters he will live for ever'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Unknown
Walter Scott : Bridal of Triermain, The
'[italics] The Bridal [end italics] of Triermain is published. It is quite a romance of a lady that lay enchanted 500 years &c a servile imitation of Scott and possesses some poetical merit. It will not however be regarded'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Unknown
John Morrison : Hoggiad, The
'A gentleman who deems himself libelled at in the Wake has sent a long poem to Edin. to be printed [italics] in quarto [end italics] which he denominates [italics] The Hoggiad [end italics] or [italics] A Supplement to the Queen's Wake [end italics] It is the most abusive thing I ever saw but has otherwise some merit'..
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
Robert Louis Stevenson : A Country Dance
'And now I have taken up an old story, begun years ago; and I have now rewritten all I had written of it then and mean to finish it. What I have lost and gained is odd. As far as regards simple writing, of course I am in another world now; but in some things, though more clumsy, I seem to have been freer and more plucky: this is a lesson I have taken to heart. I have got a jolly new name for my old story. I am going to call it ?A Country Dance?: the two heroes keep changing places, you know; and the chapter, where the most of this changing goes on, is to be called: ?Up the Middle, down the Middle?. It will be in six, or (perhaps) seven, chapters. I have never worked harder in my life, than these last four days. If I can only keep it up.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Earlier draft of one of his stories.
John Galsworthy : Jocelyn
'I send back the MS tonight.The chapters are all as they should be. The last line excellent. Good luck to the book.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown, probably a typed MS
Gabriela Cunninghame Graham : Santa Teresa: Her Life and Times
'Yesterday I finfished the "Life" [the biography of Saint Teresa of Avila by Cunninghame Grahames's wife Gabriela.] Ca m'a laisse une profonde impression de tristesse [...] I can say no more just now.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
R. (Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : The Impenitent Thief
'The "Impenitent Thief" has been read more than once. I've read it several times alone and I've read it aloud to my wife. Every word has found a home.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Bernard Barton : 'To James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, author of The Queen's Wake. By A Gentleman of Suffolk'
'I recieved yours accompanying the beautifull complimentary verses, which are judged by the small circle of my friends to be the best that ever have appeared in our language addressed to any poet while alive. Goldie published them in the Courant the principal paper of this country as addressed to the Ettrick Shepherd by a gentleman of Suffolk. I admired the verses very much indeed for their poetical merit but much more for the spirit of enthusiasm and kindness that breathes throughout towards a friendless and un-noted Bard'.
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg
Bernard Barton : 'To James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, author of The Queen's Wake. By A Gentleman of Suffolk'
'I think the stanzas greatly improved and they are in the press as an introduction to the second edition of the [italics] wake [end italics]. There was one term which I was thinking should have been altered as it rather struck me to be bordering on the extravagant I think it was [italics] heaven-born [end italics] which I thought should only have been [italics] gifted [end italics] or something to that effect but you may trust that to me I will think of it when the proof comes to my hand'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
: Edinburgh Review
'The Edin. and the Scottish Reviews were both published yesterday. Neither Rokeby nor the Wake is in the former. Rokeby it is certain is never to be in, but it is still reported that the Wake is. It is reviewed at great length in this number of the Scottish. It is an excellent article and said to be written by the editor. He has placed my character as a poet in a much higher point of view than any has yet ventured to place it perhaps you may think that impossible after reading the following extract out of a London Monthly publication. After giving the analysis he says, the English writer I mean "This subject, so fertile of poetic beauty the most diversified and contrasted, yields an harvest fully adequate to all that could be expected from the advantages of the field. Greater ease and spirit, a sweeter, richer, more animated and easy flow of versification, more clearness of language, more beauty of imagery, more grandeur, fervor, pathos, and occassionally more vivid and aweful sublimity, can hardly be found". [this quotation continues for two pages, forming the greater part of this letter]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: Scotish Review
'The Edin. and the Scottish Reviews were both published yesterday. Neither Rokeby nor the Wake is in the former. Rokeby it is certain is never to be in, but it is still reported that the Wake is. It is reviewed at great length in this number of the Scottish. It is an excellent article and said to be written by the editor. He has placed my character as a poet in a much higher point of view than any has yet ventured to place it perhaps you may think that impossible after reading the following extract out of a London Monthly publication. After giving the analysis he says, the English writer I mean "This subject, so fertile of poetic beauty the most diversified and contrasted, yields an harvest fully adequate to all that could be expected from the advantages of the field. Greater ease and spirit, a sweeter, richer, more animated and easy flow of versification, more clearness of language, more beauty of imagery, more grandeur, fervor, pathos, and occassionally more vivid and aweful sublimity, can hardly be found". [this quotation continues for two pages, forming the greater part of this letter]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: Monthly Magazine
'The Edin. and the Scottish Reviews were both published yesterday. Neither Rokeby nor the Wake is in the former. Rokeby it is certain is never to be in, but it is still reported that the Wake is. It is reviewed at great length in this number of the Scottish. It is an excellent article and said to be written by the editor. He has placed my character as a poet in a much higher point of view than any has yet ventured to place it perhaps you may think that impossible after reading the following extract out of a London Monthly publication. After giving the analysis he says, the English writer I mean "This subject, so fertile of poetic beauty the most diversified and contrasted, yields an harvest fully adequate to all that could be expected from the advantages of the field. Greater ease and spirit, a sweeter, richer, more animated and easy flow of versification, more clearness of language, more beauty of imagery, more grandeur, fervor, pathos, and occassionally more vivid and aweful sublimity, can hardly be found". [this quotation continues for two pages, forming the greater part of this letter]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: Scotish Review [sic]
'In the last No of the Scottish Review there is a very long and exquisite review of the [italics] Wake [end italics]. It is a good article, said to be written by the editor of that work, who has placed my poetry in a point of view where none has hitherto ventured to place it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
William Roscoe : [pre-publication comments on Hogg's 'The Hunting of Badlewe'
'I inclose you Roscoe's and Mr. Scott's letters of criticism but besides this Scott has written the margin from beginning to end and his hints are most rational - these letters will well make up to you what is unfilled up in my sheet. I send you likewise a volume of poems by a young friend of mine of very great poetical powers. I have been greatly instrumental in bringing them forward, and subscribed for ten copies and I beg you will accept of this as a small present to the neat collection upstairs which has erst been free to me'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: presumably in MS
Walter Scott : [pre-publication comments and marginal notes on Hogg's 'The Hunting of Badlewe'
'I inclose you Roscoe's and Mr. Scott's letters of criticism but besides this Scott has written the margin from beginning to end and his hints are most rational - these letters will well make up to you what is unfilled up in my sheet. I send you likewise a volume of poems by a young friend of mine of very great poetical powers. I have been greatly instrumental in bringing them forward, and subscribed for ten copies and I beg you will accept of this as a small present to the neat collection upstairs which has erst been free to me'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: presumably in MS
Walter Paterson : Legend of Iona, The
'I inclose you Roscoe's and Mr. Scott's letters of criticism but besides this Scott has written the margin from beginning to end and his hints are most rational - these letters will well make up to you what is unfilled up in my sheet. I send you likewise a volume of poems by a young friend of mine of very great poetical powers. I have been greatly instrumental in bringing them forward, and subscribed for ten copies and I beg you will accept of this as a small present to the neat collection upstairs which has erst been free to me'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Dante Alighieri : Divine Comedy
Friday 27 November 1936, following lunch at Claridges with others including Sir Ronald Storrs: 'Sir R. Storrs. [...] stolid, second rate, a snob, & very vain [...] Reads seasonally: Dante: Homer: Shakespeare.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Ronald Storrs Print: Book
Homer : unknown
Friday 27 November 1936, following lunch at Claridges with others including Sir Ronald Storrs: 'Sir R. Storrs. [...] stolid, second rate, a snob, & very vain [...] Reads seasonally: Dante: Homer: Shakespeare.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Ronald Storrs Print: Book
William Shakespeare : unknown
Friday 27 November 1936, following lunch at Claridges with others including Sir Ronald Storrs: 'Sir R. Storrs. [...] stolid, second rate, a snob, & very vain [...] Reads seasonally: Dante: Homer: Shakespeare.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Ronald Storrs Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : [juvenile poems]
'if you have no [italics] odd things [end italics] lying about you which I daresay you do not lack there are many pieces among those you published in your youth which are I deem not much known and which I think extremely beautifull if you would deign to favour us with something of either the one class or the other you can hardly conceive how much it would oblige [italics] me [end italics] in particular and turn as it were every letter of our little repository into gold'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Unknown
J. H. Craig : Hunting of Badlewe, The
'By the by have you read my friend Mr Crag's [sic] "Hunting of Badlewe" published by Colburne. If you have not I wish you would and tell me punctually what you think of him, and the utmost that may be anticipated of him as a poet and dramatist'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
William Tenant : Anster Fair
'Pray have you seen a poem that was published last year entitled "Anster Fair" I am vexed that it has never been noticed for their [sic] is a strength of mind and a [TEAR] originality of conception manifested in it which I n[TEAR] before witnessed - it is anonymous but I understand it is written by a poor schoolmaster in Fife you must by all means see it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
William Tenant : Anster Fair
'There are two poems that I desire you at all events to read the one entitled "Anster Fair" the most original production that ever this country gave birth to and another thing published lately by Colbourn London called "The Hunting of Badlewe". There is hard struggling here with some kind of very sublime and metaphysical productions called "Reviews" some of them will I fear prove [italics] Ephemeral [end italics] or very short lived. Mrs Grant's 1813 has excited little or no interest here and if some exertion is not made to save it in London it is lost, yet the second book in particular certainly contains something very good'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
J.H. Craig : Hunting of Badlewe, The
'There are two poems that I desire you at all events to read the one entitled "Anster Fair" the most original production that ever this country gave birth to and another thing published lately by Colbourn London called "The Hunting of Badlewe". There is hard struggling here with some kind of very sublime and metaphysical productions called "Reviews" some of them will I fear prove [italics] Ephemeral [end italics] or very short lived. Mrs Grant's 1813 has excited little or no interest here and if some exertion is not made to save it in London it is lost, yet the second book in particular certainly contains something very good'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Anne Grant : Eighteen Hundred and Thirteen: A Poem
'There are two poems that I desire you at all events to read the one entitled "Anster Fair" the most original production that ever this country gave birth to and another thing published lately by Colbourn London called "The Hunting of Badlewe". There is hard struggling here with some kind of very sublime and metaphysical productions called "Reviews" some of them will I fear prove [italics] Ephemeral [end italics] or very short lived. Mrs Grant's 1813 has excited little or no interest here and if some exertion is not made to save it in London it is lost, yet the second book in particular certainly contains something very good'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: [review in the Edinburgh Review of Southey's 'Carmen Triumphale for the Commencement of the Year 1814']
'The attact [sic] upon you in the last Edin. Review was too palpably malevolent to produce any bad effect on the public feeling with regard to you, and it was (besides being evidently the words of a [italics] hurt person [end italics]) a very shabby article'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: [review in the Scottish Review of JH Craig's The Hunting of Badlewe]
'Badliewe [sic] has not yet made great noise but has excited a deep interest in a limited sphere. It is reviewed in both our minor reviews in the one with a good deal of asperity but they allow the author to be posessed of some kind of unaccountable fund of poetical genius. In the "Scottish" published yesterday there is a long and able review of it - the writer is quite misled likewise with regard to the author too - He blames the plot but extols the poetry some of it even above all others - says that the author is no common man and though he has great faults which it becomes him to mention the author if he continue writing his own way cannot go far wrong'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
Walter Scott : Waverley; or, 'Tis Sixty Years Since
'[Scott] denies "Waverly" [sic] which it behoves him to do for a while at least; indeed I do not think he will ever acknowledge it; but with regard to the author there is not and cannot be a doubt remaining - the internal evidence is of itself sufficient - it may be practical enough to imitate either your lordship or him for a few verses but that the same turn of thought characters and expression in a word that the whole structure of mind sholud so exactly coinincide in two distinct individuals is not in nature. - By the by this seems to have brought a curious fact to light. I heard Ballantyne with my own ears attest when Waverly went first to the press which is now a long while ago that it was by the author of "The Bridal of Triermain" who in all the surmises [italics] had never yet been named [end italics] What are we to think here my Lord? However I like Waverly exceedingly and never was more diverted than by some of the pictures there of Scottish manners and I am much pleased to hear you commend it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book, Serial / periodical
John Galsworthy : Jocelyn
'And the merit of the book ["Jocelyn"], (apart from distinguished literary expression) is just in this: You have given the exact measure of your characters in a language of great felicity,with measure,with poetical appropriateness to characters tragic indeed but within the bounds of their nature. That's what makes the book valuable apart from its many qualities as a piece of lirerary work.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Walter Scott : Bridal of Triermain, The
'[Scott] denies "Waverly" [sic] which it behoves him to do for a while at least; indeed I do not think he will ever acknowledge it; but with regard to the author there is not and cannot be a doubt remaining - the internal evidence is of itself sufficient - it may be practical enough to imitate either your lordship or him for a few verses but that the same turn of thought characters and expression in a word that the whole structure of mind sholud so exactly coinincide in two distinct individuals is not in nature. - By the by this seems to have brought a curious fact to light. I heard Ballantyne with my own ears attest when Waverly went first to the press which is now a long while ago that it was by the author of "The Bridal of Triermain" who in all the surmises [italics] had never yet been named [end italics] What are we to think here my Lord? However I like Waverly exceedingly and never was more diverted than by some of the pictures there of Scottish manners and I am much pleased to hear you commend it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book, Serial / periodical
Gabriela Cunninghame Graham : Santa Teresa: Her Life and Times
'Now the first sensation of oppression has worn off a little what remains with one after reading the Life of Santa Teresa is the impression of a wonderful richness; a world peopled thickly--with the breath of mysticism over all--the landscapes, the walls,the men,the women. Of course I am quite incompetent to criticise such a work; but I can appreciate it .[...] It is absorbing like a dream amd as difficult to keep hold of.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Arthur Symons : [article in Saturday Review]
'[Arthur] Symons reviewing "Trionfo della Morte" (trans:) [Gabriele d'Annunzio's 1894 novel] in the last "Sat. Rev" went out of his way to damn Kipling and me with the same generous praise. he says that "Captains Courageous" and the "Nigger" have no idea behind them.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
R. (Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Bristol Fashion Pt.2 in Saturday Review
'The "Bristol Fashion" business is excellently well put. You seem to know a lot about every part of the world and what's more you can say what you know in a most individual way.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Israel Zangwill : Premier and the Painter
[in reference to Israel Zangwill's praise for "The Nigger of the Narcissus" Conrad expresses] 'a disinterested admiration for his [Zangwill's] work-- dating far back, to the days of "Premier and the Painter" which I read by chance of the Indian Ocean--a copy with covers torn off and two pages missing.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
R. (Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Notes on the District of Menteith
'The Guide book simply magnificent Everlastingly good! [sic].I've read it last night having only then returned home.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Hugh Clifford : Studies in Brown Humanity
'Mr Clifford's book reached me only yesterday--the 15th [...] The book is interesting, has insight and of course unrival[l]ed knowledge of the subject. But it is not literature.' (Then follows a justification of the responsibilities of a critic to sign reviews even if unflattering.)
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
R.(Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Aurora la Cujini: A Realistic sketch in Seville
'This morning I had the "Aurora" from Smithers, No.2 of the 500 copies. C'est tout simplement magnifique yet I do not exactly perceive what on earth they have been making a fuss about.[...] I notice variations in the text as I've read it in the typewritten copy.This seems the most fnished piece of work you have ever done.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, see additional comments
: Blackwood's Magazine
'Blackwood's Magazine for this month has an appreciation of F.M. Kelly's [James Fitzmaurice Kelly 1857-1923] edition of Don Quixote. Very fair. Nothing striking but distinct recognition. I do like the attitude of the "Maga" on the Spanish business.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
R.(Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Preface to: Mogreb-el-Aksa: A Journey in Morocco
'I return the pages "To Wayfaring Men". I read them before I read your letter and have been deeply touched.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet, Presumably typewritten pages
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Lara
'I have had such a pleasant morning perusing Lara to day that I cannot risist [sic] the impulse of writing to you and telling you so. The last Canto of it is much the best thing you ever wrote - there are many pictures in it which the heart of man can scarcely brook. It is besides more satisfactorily and better wind up [sic] than any of your former tales and the images rather more perceptible. You are constantly improving in this Your figures from the very first were strong without parallel but in every new touch of your pencil they are better and better relieved. In the first Canto there is haply too much painting of the same and too close on that so much dwelt on in the Corsair; Yet still as it excels the rest in harmony of numbers I am disposed to give it the preference to any of them. [Hogg then advises Byron not to attempt writing drama] I have been extremely puzzled to find out who Sir Ezzelin is sometimes I have judged him to be some sea captain at others Medora's uncle or parent from whom the Corsair had stole her but I have at last pleased myself by concluding that Lord Byron does not know himself - what a wretched poet Mr Rogers is. You are truly very hardly set for great original poets in England at present when such as he must be extolled. I could not help smiling at his Jacqueline'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Corsair, The
'I have had such a pleasant morning perusing Lara to day that I cannot risist [sic] the impulse of writing to you and telling you so. The last Canto of it is much the best thing you ever wrote - there are many pictures in it which the heart of man can scarcely brook. It is besides more satisfactorily and better wind up [sic] than any of your former tales and the images rather more perceptible. You are constantly improving in this Your figures from the very first were strong without parallel but in every new touch of your pencil they are better and better relieved. In the first Canto there is haply too much painting of the same and too close on that so much dwelt on in the Corsair; Yet still as it excels the rest in harmony of numbers I am disposed to give it the preference to any of them [Hogg then advises Byron not to attempt writing drama] I have been extremely puzzled to find out who Sir Ezzelin is sometimes I have judged him to be some sea captain at others Medora's uncle or parent from whom the Corsair had stole her but I have at last pleased myself by concludoing thatg Lord Byron does not know himself - what a wretched poet Mr Rogers is You are truly very hardly set for great original poets in England at present when such as he must be extolled. I could not help smiling at his Jacqueline'.'I have had such a pleasant morning perusing Lara to day that I cannot risist [sic] the impulse of writing to you and telling you so. The last Canto of it is much the best thing you ever wrote - there are many pictures in it which the heart of man can scarcely brook. It is besides more satisfactorily and better wind up [sic] than any of your former tales and the images rather more perceptible. You are constantly improving in this Your figures from the very first were strong without parallel but in every new touch of your pencil they are better and better relieved. In the first Canto there is haply too much painting of the same and too close on that so much dwelt on in the Corsair; Yet still as it excels the rest in harmony of numbers I am disposed to give it the preference to any of them. [Hogg then advises Byron not to attempt writing drama] I have been extremely puzzled to find out who Sir Ezzelin is sometimes I have judged him to be some sea captain at others Medora's uncle or parent from whom the Corsair had stole her but I have at last pleased myself by concluding that Lord Byron does not know himself - what a wretched poet Mr Rogers is. You are truly very hardly set for great original poets in England at present when such as he must be extolled. I could not help smiling at his Jacqueline'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Samuel Rogers : Jacqueline
'I have had such a pleasant morning perusing Lara to day that I cannot risist [sic] the impulse of writing to you and telling you so. The last Canto of it is much the best thing you ever wrote - there are many pictures in it which the heart of man can scarcely brook. It is besides more satisfactorily and better wind up [sic] than any of your former tales and the images rather more perceptible. You are constantly improving in this Your figures from the very first were strong without parallel but in every new touch of your pencil they are better and better relieved. In the first Canto there is haply too much painting of the same and too close on that so much dwelt on in the Corsair; Yet still as it excels the rest in harmony of numbers I am disposed to give it the preference to any of them. [Hogg then advises Byron not to attempt writing drama] I have been extremely puzzled to find out who Sir Ezzelin is sometimes I have judged him to be some sea captain at others Medora's uncle or parent from whom the Corsair had stole her but I have at last pleased myself by concluding that Lord Byron does not know himself - what a wretched poet Mr Rogers is. You are truly very hardly set for great original poets in England at present when such as he must be extolled. I could not help smiling at his Jacqueline'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Robert Southey : Roderick, The Last of the Goths
'Wilson who is one of the most noble fellows in existence swore terribly about the [italics] fishing [end italics] and challenges you fairly to a trial but after a serious perusal of "Wordsworth's excursion" together and no little laughter and some parodying he has with your assistance fairly confessed to me yesterday that he now holds the [italics]school [end italics] in utter contempt Wordsworth is really a fine intelligent man and one that must ever be respected but I fear the [italics] Kraken [end italics] has peppered him for this world - with its proportion of beauties (by the by they are but thin sown) it is the most heavy and the most absurd work that I ever perused without all exception - Southey's new work will be published in Novr. I have had the peculiar privilege of perusing it from end to end. It is much the best thing that was ever produced by the [italics] pond school [end italics] I assure you my lord it is and will raise Southey much in character as a poet The story moves a little heavily for some time but it is wild tragical and the circumstances in which the parties are placed extremely interesting'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
Robert Southey : Roderick, The Last of the Goths
'Roderick is safe depend upon it I venture my judgement on it very publickly that it is the first epic poem of the age - its great merit consists in the extent and boldness of the plan its perfect consistency and the ease with which it is managed - in these respects you are so far above your cotemporaries [sic] as not to admit of a comparison - I should like above all things to review it in some respectable work'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
Robert Southey : Roderick, The Last of the Goths
'Wordsworth and Southey have each published a new poem price of each /2:2. Southey's is a noble work the other is a very absurd one but has many most beautiful and affecting passages - Scott is in the press - the beginning is beautiful'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
William Wordsworth : Excursion, The
'Wordsworth and Southey have each published a new poem price of each /2:2. Southey's is a noble work the other is a very absurd one but has many most beautiful and affecting passages - Scott is in the press - the beginning is beautiful'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Walter Scott : Lord of the Isles, The
'Wordsworth and Southey have each published a new poem price of each /2:2. Southey's is a noble work the other is a very absurd one but has many most beautiful and affecting passages - Scott is in the press - the beginning is beautiful'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
Robert Southey : Roderick, The Last of the Goths
'I have read Roderick over and over again and am the more and more convinced that it is the noblest Epic poem of the age I have had some correspondence and a good deal of conversation with Mr Jeffery [sic] about it who though he does not agree with me in every particular. He says it is too long and wants [italics] elasticity [end italics] and will not he fears be generally read though much may be said in its favours' [Hogg was trying to get Jeffrey to allow him to review the poem]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book, Hogg had also read the poem in MS
Robert Southey : Roderick, The Last of the Goths
'I have read Roderick over and over again and am the more and more convinced that it is the noblest Epic poem of the age I have had some correspondence and a good deal of conversation with Mr Jeffery [sic] about it who though he does not agree with me in every particular. He says it is too long and wants [italics] elasticity [end italics] and will not he fears be generally read though much may be said in its favours' [Hogg was trying to get Jeffrey to allow him to review the poem]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Jeffrey Print: Book
William Wordsworth : Excursion, The
'I suppose you have heard what a crushing review [Jeffrey] has given [Wordsworth]. I still found him persisting in his first asseveration that it was heavy but what was my pleasure to find he had only got to the 17 division I assured him he had the marrow of the thing to come at as yet'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Jeffrey Print: Book
Francis Jeffrey : [review of The Excursion in The Edinburgh Review]
'I suppose you have heard what a crushing review [Jeffrey] has given [Wordsworth]. I still found him persisting in his first asseveration that it was heavy but what was my pleasure to find he had only got to the 17 division I assured him he had the marrow of the thing to come at as yet'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book, Serial / periodical
Walter Scott : Lord of the Isles, The
'I have read "Ronald" with great care and much pleasure I think it is the most [italics] spirited [end italics] poem Scott ever wrote - He has availed himself of his particular forte, a kind of easy elastick rapidity which never once flags from beginning to end. It is a pity that the tale should be again butched the two females are but a clog upon it, and no one natural occurrence connected with them takes place - I likewise expected some finer bursts of feeling with regard to Scottish independence - the coaxing apology to England is below any Scot to have uttered - But these are quite subordinate matters and can never materially affect the poem and I have not a doubt, tho' the public seem to be receiving it with select caution, that it will finally succeed to the author's highest anticipation - If it do not none of his ever deserved to do so which is enough for you and me'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Walter Scott : Lord of the Isles, The
'I confess I was pleased with ['The Lord of the Isles'] save the plot and augured good of it but I have heard very different breathings of late and some of these from headquarters but the Scots are chagrined at the fear he has shown of giving offence to the English in his description of the final battle and they maintain that he is himself the English bard who was taken captive there and [italics] compelled [end italics] to celebrate the Scotish [sic] victory If a right strong effort is not made to support Scott at this time, Like the snow on the mountain Like the foam on the river Like the bubbles on the fountain, He is gone! and for ever.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: Quarterly Review
'A friend brought me in the last "Quarterly" which I looked at tho' but slightly as yet not being able. There are by far too little variety in it though I think some of the articles good - I have always been afraid your Review would lose all character of independance [sic] by the system of one friend reviewing another but I never before thought you would suffer a poet to review himself'.
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
James Hogg : Pilgrims of the Sun, The
'I had a note from Mr Jeffery [sic] on the very day after [Hogg's The Pilgrims of the Sun] was published who is not going to review it till he get another to join with it which makes me think it is no peculiar favourite with him, I copy his own words from the note he sent which was an invitation to sup "I have run slightly over your new published poem - It unquestionably shows great powers of imagination and composition but I am afraid it is too [italics] stretchy [end italics] and desultory - the public estimation of your powers will lose nothing by it of your judgement it may but of this we shall have a long crack".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Jeffrey Print: Book
: Quarterly Review
'I was much pleased with your last Review upon the whole which was the only No. I ever read; it is a much more amusing Review than the Edin. and I should think more engaging to common readers'.
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: Edinburgh Review [review of Scott's 'Lord of the Isles']
'"The Lord of the isles" is in [the Edinburgh Review] and seems meant as a favourable review, in my opinion however it is [italics] scarce middling [end italics] as we Scots folks say'.
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: Quarterly Review
' I have got hold of the "Quarterly" but have not yet got far on with it. The review of Gibbon is certainly a first rate article as indeed I think all your principal articles are, but O I am grieved to see such an ignorant and absurd review of Mannering so contrary to the feelings of a whole nation for I certainly never saw high and low rich and poor so unanimous about any book as that [... Hogg berates the reviewer] Scott has been the most strenuous supporter of the character of your Miscellany as excellent, and there is an indelicacy in the the [sic] whole thing that cannot be thought of'.
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
Walter Scott : Guy Mannering
' I have got hold of the "Quarterly" but have not yet got far on with it. The review of Gibbon is certainly a first rate article as indeed I think all your principal articles are, but O I am grieved to see such an ignorant and absurd review of Mannering so contrary to the feelings of a whole nation for I certainly never saw high and low rich and poor so unanimous about any book as that [... Hogg berates the reviewer] Scott has been the most strenuous supporter of the character of your Miscellany as excellent, and there is an indelicacy in the the [sic] whole thing that cannot be thought of'.
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Desmond MacCarthy : lecture on Sir Leslie Stephen
Monday 1 June 1937: 'I should make a note of Desmond [MacCarthy]'s queer burst of intimacy the other evening [...] last Tuesday, that is; [he] read us his L[eslie]. S[tephen]. lecture, a rather laboured but honest but perfunctory lecture: after which he & I sitting in the twilight with the door open, L[eonard]. [Woolf] coming in & out, discussed his shyness: he says he thinks it made him uncreative.'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Desmond MacCarthy
William Wordsworth : Poems by William Wordsworth, including Lyrical Ballads
'I hear nothing of the literary world very interesting except that people are commending some of Lord Byron's melodies as incomparably beautiful and laughing immoderately at Mr Wordsworth's new prefaces which certainly excel all that ever was written in this world in egotism vanity and absurdity'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Hebrew Melodies
'The "Melodies" bear a few striking marks of the master's hand but there are some of them feeble and I think they must be Lady B's. He is not equal to Moore for [italics] melodies [end italics].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Thomas Moore : Irish Melodies
'The "Melodies" bear a few striking marks of the master's hand but there are some of them feeble and I think they must be Lady B's. He is not equal to Moore for [italics] melodies [end italics].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : 'Siege of Corinth, The'
'After an absence of 9 months in Yarrow I returned here the night before last when for the first time I found a copy of your two last poems kindly sent to me by Murray, the perusal of which have so much renewed my love and admiration of you as a poet that I can no longer resist the inclination of once more writing to you'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : 'Parisina'
'After an absence of 9 months in Yarrow I returned here the night before last when for the first time I found a copy of your two last poems kindly sent to me by Murray, the perusal of which have so much renewed my love and admiration of you as a poet that I can no longer resist the inclination of once more writing to you'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : 'Parisina' and 'The Siege of Corinth'
'I am highly dilighted [sic] with your two last little poems. They breathe a vein of poetry which you never once touched before and there is something in "The Siege of Corinth" at least which convinces me that you have loved my own stile of poetry better than you ever acknowledged to me. Some of the people here complain of the inadequacy of the tales to the poetry I am perfectly mad at them and Mr Jeffery [sic] among the rest for such an insinuation. I look upon them both as descriptive poems descriptive of some of the finest and boldest scenes of nature and of the most powerful emotions of the human heart. Perdition to the scanty discernment that would read such poems as they would do a novel for the sake of the plot to the disgrace of the age however be it spoken in the light romantic narrative which our mutual friend Scott has made popular this is the predominant ingredient expected and to a certainty the reviewers will harp upon the shortcoming of it in your poems as a fault'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
John Wilson : City of the Plague, The
'Wilson is publishing a poem entitled "The City of the Plague". It is in the dramatic form and a perfect anomaly in literature. Wilson is a man of great genius and fancy but he is intoxicated with Wordsworth and a perfect dreamer of moons ships seas and solitudes were it not for this antihydrophobia (forgive my mangling of that long Greek word) I do not know what he might not be capable of'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Childe Harold's Pilgrimage (canto III)
'I have had a great treat this morning in perusing L. Byron's 3d Canto - Considered as a continuation of Child-Harold [sic] it has some incongruities and perhaps too much egoism still it is a powerful and energetic work and superior to every long poem of my noble friend's - I have had only time to read two articles of the Review which I was in a great hurry to do because I knew the authors of both and was informed of their being in Giffords hand before they were put to press, but I hope all the other articles are better'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Unknown
: Quarterly Review
'I have had a great treat this morning in perusing L. Byron's 3d Canto - Considered as a continuation of Child-Harold [sic] it has some incongruities and perhaps too much egoism still it is a powerful and energetic work and superior to every long poem of my noble friend's - I have had only time to read two articles of the Review which I was in a great hurry to do because I knew the authors of both and was informed of their being in Giffords hand before they were put to press, but I hope all the other articles are better'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical, Unknown
Gillies : [review of Hogg's 'Dramatic Tales']
'I have had a proof of a review of my dramas by Gillies - the analysis is good but the whole of the part that refers to me as the author I dislike but an author has no right to be either satisfied or dissatisfied with a review - it is kindly meant in honest G. and I think must be admitted'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
James Hogg : 'Translation from an Ancient Chaldee Manuscript'
'I have laughed at least as heartily at the continuation of "Daniel" as you did at the original the conceit is excellent indeed I see that mine was quite an imperfect thing without some description of the forces on the other side - the third chapter however is very faulty - the characters are made too plain and the language of scripture compleatly departed from. I have remedied that in proof in great measure but alas it is out of time! - As it is it will create great interest I am certain of its popularity as well as its being blamed. "Maggy Scott" is likewise a good fancy it has no faults but one the name should not have been "Dinmont" else he should have spoken [italics] Scotish [sic, end italics]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
: 'Letter to the Lord High Constable, from Mr Dinmont'
'I have laughed at least as heartily at the continuation of "Daniel" as you did at the original the conceit is excellent indeed I see that mine was quite an imperfect thing without some description of the forces on the other side - the third chapter however is very faulty - the characters are made too plain and the language of scripture compleatly departed from. I have remedied that in proof in great measure but alas it is out of time! - As it is it will create great interest I am certain of its popularity as well as its being blamed. "Maggy Scott" is likewise a good fancy it has no faults but one the name should not have been "Dinmont" else he should have spoken [italics] Scotish [sic, end italics]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodicalManuscript: Unknown
: Blackwood's Edinburgh magazine
'I cannot tell you how much I think of the Magazine it is so interesting and spirited throughout it is safe'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - anonymous poem and articles
'I am much pleased by your attention in sending me such [CUT] and confess my weakness that such [CUT] and Z. to Leigh Hunt are quite delicious pray may I ask if the Indian Officer is from the same pen of masterly humour as the article on Cookery? I wish Z. had left out the allusion to primrose and Mildmay altogether all the rest is in his best genuine stile The Shepherd's dog is also very well indeed Hoy was my uncle the anecdote is quite true'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
William Laidlaw : 'Sagacity of a Shepherd's Dog'
'I am much pleased by your attention in sending me such [CUT] and confess my weakness that such [CUT] and Z. to Leigh Hunt are quite delicious pray may I ask if the Indian Officer is from the same pen of masterly humour as the article on Cookery? I wish Z. had left out the allusion to primrose and Mildmay altogether all the rest is in his best genuine stile The Shepherd's dog is also very well indeed Hoy was my uncle the anecdote is quite true'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
John Aitken : Frogs, The: A Fable
'Some of my friends think that the introduction and moral of the "Frogs" are too highly wrought and polished for the simplicity of the fable; it is however a very ingenious little thing'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Childe Harold's Pilgrimage (canto IV)
'I have got the fourth canto to day - It is a glorious morsel!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, including the poetic 'Notices'
'There are some very able papers in the last Magazine as usual but I do not think the selection likely to add much to its popularity The Notices however are inimitable more finished but scarce so [italics] piquant [end italics] as the former ones'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
William Ernest Henley : unknown
'My poet writes good stuff; it is slack still and unequal, but I think some of it capital.'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
: Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
'This last is not near so interesting as the former, there is too much of pompous fine writing in it at least attempts at it. Such papers as that declamatory one on the state of parties are not the kind of political papers that will stand the test. Besides how absurd is it to praise Madam [sic] de Stael and attack Playfair?!!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
'I have read the Review and no 23 of the Magazine and never did I read any works with so much interest Though quite different messes they are both exquisite in kind a feast of fat things. No previous number of the Review has been better; no one of the Magazine has been near so good: for some months past I felt as if I suspected a falling off, but this must give it a heeze again else originality of composition has lost its value'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: Quarterly Review
'I have read the Review and no 23 of the Magazine and never did I read any works with so much interest Though quite different messes they are both exquisite in kind a feast of fat things. No previous number of the Review has been better; no one of the Magazine has been near so good: for some months past I felt as if I suspected a falling off, but this must give it a heeze again else originality of composition has lost its value'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
'I find your Mag. a great favourite in Dumfriesshire especially with the ladies. Macculloch had been trying to stir up a party against it - It is little wonder With all the cleverness and carelessness of composition (which has generally I think a good grace) I cannot help feeling that the last two numbers are too egotistical which never has a good grace But perhaps this will not be generally felt if they have not that fault they have no other I am wearying terribly for this month's one.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
anon : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - anon. political article entitled 'The Warder'
'I love the Warder as much as I detest these radicals and the general harping spirit of the Whigs Pray is my dear friend Cunninghame the author of The Cameronians Surely he must it is so like him and so graphic'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
Allan Cunningham : 'Recollections No. I. - The Cameronians' [in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]
'I love the Warder as much as I detest these radicals and the general harping spirit of the Whigs Pray is my dear friend Cunninghame the author of The Cameronians Surely he must it is so like him and so graphic'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
Robert Surtees : History and Antiquities of the County Palatinate of Durham, The
'I received your splendid work the other day; and have placed it in my little library, having only looked over the plates, and some references from these; and read the general history, in which I have found many things that interested me in no ordinary degree.' [Later in the same letter, after recounting a local farmer's amazement at the size of the book, Hogg calls it 'your extraordinary work, in which the labour and research truly confounds me']
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Charles Howard : Historical Anecdotes of Some of the Howard Family
'The Howard book I had read, but had not a copy of it. I have the Sonnet to Sharpe, which I admired greatly for its simplicity, and truly antique style, long ere I knew who was the author'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: [unidentified sonnet]
'The Howard book I had read, but had not a copy of it. I have the Sonnet to Sharpe, which I admired greatly for its simplicity, and truly antique style, long ere I knew who was the author'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Charles Howard : Historical Anecdotes of Some of the Howard Family
'The Howard book I had read, but had not a copy of it. I have the Sonnet to Sharpe, which I admired greatly for its simplicity, and truly antique style, long ere I knew who was the author'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Thomas McCrie : Life of Andrew Melville, The
'Melville is a terribly dull book: I do not think it will take so well as Knox'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Thomas McCrie : Life of John Knox, The
'Melville is a terribly dull book: I do not think it will take so well as Knox'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Allan Cunningham : 'Recollections of Mark Macrabin the Cameronian'
'I like some things in the last Mag. very well but there is a grievious [sic] falling off in Cunningham's Cameronian The one is a drawing from life the other a composition and not at all in keeping'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
James Laidlaw : [Letter from America to his son]
'I inclose you a very curious letter from a cousin german of my own to his son who still remains in this country. It has given me so much amusement that I thought it might be acceptable to you for publication in the Magazine. If you think it proper to give it a corner, do not alter the orthography, or the writer's singular mode of grammar in any other way than by pointing it What he says with regard to the riches and freedoms of the United States must be taken with reserve, it being well known here that he is very dissatisfied, but that he wants the son to whom he is writing and others of his family to join him. This indeed is apparent from the tenor of the letter.' [there are several pages of explanation of the letter and its writer]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Letter
Allan Cunningham : 'Recollections of Mark Macrabin, the Cameronian'
'When ever I saw your Cameronians I knew the hand but I do not like your last ideal picture half so well as the one you drew from life.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
John Wilson : [ review of 'Hogg's Tales, &c.']
'Send me word directly about Wilson's success. I cannot tell you how anxious I am about. I would not even wish him to know how anxious I am about as I look on it to be a desiderratum in his literary life. It is a most friendly review and will help the sale of the tales greatly but the Magazine on the whole is not a superior one. The first article is however [italics] very good [end italics]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: [ essay on H.H. Milman's painting 'The Fall of Jerusalem']
'Send me word directly about Wilson's success. I cannot tell you how anxious I am about. I would not even wish him to know how anxious I am about as I look on it to be a desiderratum in his literary life. It is a most friendly review and will help the sale of the tales greatly but the Magazine on the whole is not a superior one. The first article is however [italics] very good [end italics]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
John Gibson Lockhart : 'Testimonium, A Prize Poem by James Scott, Esq.'
'I have not got all the Mag. read but think it is an exceedingly good one. I only wish the term [italics] Galloway Stott [end italics] had been left out of Scott's prize poem It is exceedingly shrewd and clever. New York I do not understand The poetry of Cunningham is perfectly beautiful'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
John Gibson Lockhart : 'Dietrich Knickernocker's History of New York'
'I have not got all the Mag. read but think it is an exceedingly good one. I only wish the term [italics] Galloway Stott [end italics] had been left out of Scott's prize poem It is exceedingly shrewd and clever. New York I do not understand The poetry of Cunningham is perfectly beautiful'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
Allan Cunningham : 'Cameronian Song'
'I have not got all the Mag. read but think it is an exceedingly good one. I only wish the term [italics] Galloway Stott [end italics] had been left out of Scott's prize poem It is exceedingly shrewd and clever. New York I do not understand The poetry of Cunningham is perfectly beautiful'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Gillespie : [various pieces in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, September 1820]
'I do not rank this Maga very high but would like much to know who this new village poet is this juvenile Crab Coleridge's letter is great stuff but correspondence of the Pringles continues to be excellent'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : 'Letter to Peter Morris, M.D. On the Sorts and Uses of Literary Praise'
'I do not rank this Maga very high but would like much to know who this new village poet is this juvenile Crab Coleridge's letter is great stuff but correspondence of the Pringles continues to be excellent'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
John Galt : 'The Ayrshire Legatees; Or, The Correspondenceof the Pringle Family. No IV'
'I do not rank this Maga very high but would like much to know who this new village poet is this juvenile Crab Coleridge's letter is great stuff but correspondence of the Pringles continues to be excellent'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
T. Brown : Art of reading and conversing on the works of the living poets of Great Britain
'I have had within these few days a curious MS. sent to me by an English gentleman a Dr T. Brown who intreats me to take a hand in editing it and I think it would take remarkably well both in schools and as a cabinet work. It is "The art of reading and conversing on the works of the living poets of Great Britain" with many most beautiful extracts [...] If close printed it would be 7/ and you might have it on your own terms. I go over it every word and will answer for the ingenuity of it but it is not really mine so cannot be in my name but I declare on honour it is a great deal more ingenious than I could have written it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
John Galt : Annals of the Parish
'I have read the "Parish Register" with great attention. It is rather lifeless and wants character and point but I like it for its simplicity and extraordinary resemblance to truth in my estimation the first properties that any work of the same stamp can possess. It will not however sell extensively for the matter was much better calculated for a periodical work. If it had appeared piecemeal among other things it would have taken very well but as the old proverb runs "ower muckle o' ae' thing's gude for naething".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Neil Munro : The Lost Pibroch and Other Sheiling Stories
'At one o'clock [Neil] Munro and I went into the street.We talked. I had read up "The Lost Pibroch" which I do think wonderful in a way.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
R. (Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Higginson's Dream
'"Higginson's Dream" is super-excellent. It is much too good to remind me of any of my work, but I am immensely flattered that you discern some points of similitude. Of course I am in complete sympathy with the point of view. For the same accomplishmnet in expression I can never hope--and Robert [Cunninghame Grahame] is too strong an individuality [sic] to be influenced by anyone's writing. He desired me to correct the proofs but the "Sat. Rev" people did not send me the proofs.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
William Ernest Henley : [poems]
'I have a poet in stock here, a poor ass in the infirmary with one leg off and the other more than shaky − scrofula you know − but [italics]bougrement[end italics] intelligent, and he writes straight enough verses, I think. He?s learning, you know. But he makes good songs [and] here and there has a good idea. His hospital sonnets are very true and boldly real − not realistic, a word I have now learned to hate.'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
Henry James : The Two Magics
'PS I've read "Two Magics" Henry James's last. The first story ["The Turn of the Screw"] is all there. He extracts an intellectual thrill out of the subject. The second ["Covering End"] is unutterable rubbish.Quite a shock to one of the faithful.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Ford Madox (Hermann Ford) Ford (Hueffer) : Shifting of the Fire
'I have read "Shifting of the Fire". I have read it several times looking for your "inside" in that book; the first impression being that there is a considerable "inside" in you.The book is delightfully young.' [thereafter 30 lines of critical comment for what was Ford Madox Ford's first novel, written in his teens and later adapted by Edward Garnett.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
R.(Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Mogreb-el-Acksa
'Your photograph came yesterday (It's good!) and the book [Mogreb-el-Acksa] arrived by this evening's post. I dropped everything--as you may imagine and rushed at it paper knife in hand. It is with great difficulty I interrupt my reading at the 100th page -- and I interrupt it only to write to you. A man staying here has been reading over my shoulder; for we share our best with the stranger within our tent. No thirsty men drank water as we have been drinking in, swallowing, tasting, blessing, enjoying, gurgling, choking over, absorbing, your thought, your phrases, your irony [...Then follows ten lines of enthusiastic praise for the book.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
R.(Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Mogreb-el-Acksa
'Just a word or two about Robert's book. It is a glorious performance.Much as we expected of him. [...] Nothing approaching it has appeared since Burton's "Mecca" ["Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to El-Medinah and Meccah" 1855] [...] The Journey in Morocco is a work of art, a book of travel written like this is no longer a book of travel--it is a creative work.[...] The book pulled at my very heart strings.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
H.(Herbert) G. (George) Wells : The Invisible Man
'Thanks ever so much for "The Invisible Man". I shall keep him a few more days longer. Frankly--it is uncommonly fine.[Hence follows a long paragraph of appreciative comment comparing it favorably with "The War of the Worlds".] The letter ends with 'In reading this last ["The Invisible Man"], one is touched by the anguish of it, as by something that may one day happen to oneself.It is a great triumph for you'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Stephen Crane : The Price of the Harness
'Do you think Stephen will be home for Christmas? His story in B. ["Blackwood's Magazine"] is magnificent. It is the very best thing he has done since "The Red Badge [of Courage]"--and it has even somethimng the "Red Badge" has not--or not so much of. He is maturing. He is expanding.' [Then follows six more lines of praise.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Hugh Clifford : Article in Singapore Free Press
'I had a treat in the shape of a number of the "Singapore Free Press" 2 and a half columns about "Mr Conrad at home and abroad". extremely laudatory but in fact telling me I don't know anything about it. Well I never did set up as an authority on Malaysia.I looked for a medium in which to express myself. I am inexact and ignorant no doubt (most of us are) but I don't think I sinned so recklessly. Curiously enough all the details about the little characteristic acts and customs which they hold up as proof I have taken out (to be safe) from undoubted sources--dull,wise books.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
: [traditional tales]
'I likewise received the Tales you sent me before from your friend in Edinburgh, and should have acknowledged them long ago; but a multiplicity of family and farming concerns have put literary correspondence out of my head [...] The Tales are all ingenious and bear evident marks of old tradition; but, unfortunately, I have finished my "Winter Evening Tales", and can make no use of them. In the mean time I am as much obliged to you as though I could, and if ever I think of making another collection I shall apply to you'.
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg
: Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
'Have received the Mag. and like it exceedingly. The best for a good while'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
H.(Herbert) G. (George) Wells : The Time Machine
'The trans: of the T.M.["The Time Machine"] is really first rate. What an admirably good thing it is, this T.M. How true,clever, ingenious, full of thought and beauty. I read on in the trans: neglecting my work.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
David Laing : [review of new edition of 'the Mountain Bard' - Edinburgh Monthly Review]
'I hope you do not estimate my mind by Davie Laing's canting and insolent review or by your friend Goldie's lies [Hogg then complains at Boyd's unwillingness to publish "The Three Perils of Man"] I neither could have expected such an insolent nor such an ignorant review from D. Laing.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: [MS volume of Jacbite material]
'I received the Mag. with the inclosures last night; a great store of amusement The former I have not got time to read but I see there are some excellent articles in it as well as true comic ones. I like "Mediocrity". The Jacobite relics are doubtless very curious but they are totally English. They appear to me to be all the work of one man and I think them Tom D'Urfys I know they are; and I think that perhaps they are in his hand writing'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
: Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
'I received the Mag. with the inclosures last night; a great store of amusement The former I have not got time to read but I see there are some excellent articles in it as well as true comic ones. I like "Mediocrity". The Jacobite relics are doubtless very curious but they are totally English. They appear to me to be all the work of one man and I think them Tom D'Urfys I know they are; and I think that perhaps they are in his hand writing'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: [attack on Hogg's 'Memoir' in the new edition of 'The Mountain Bard' -Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]
'Well sir you have now put the crown on all the injurious abuse that I have suffered from you for these three years and a half, and that in despite of your word of honour which no miserable pretext can justify. If I have ever done ought either to you or your correspondents to deserve this it was unintentional. For my own part I would have regarded this wanton attack as I did all the rest of the ribaldry and mockery that has been so liberally vomited forth on me from your shop but there are other feelings now besides my own that I am bound to respect, and on these the blows that you inflict wound deeper and smart with more poignancy' [Hogg is referring to his wife]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
William Clerk : 'True, but Stupid History of Tom MacFribble, The'
'The article which I inclose "The History of Tom M. Fribble" is not mine. It is written by a Mr William Clerk a teacher here who copies a good many things for me therefore the allowance for it (if published) must be mentioned by itself. It is a very ingenious allegorical tale but ill wound up at the close'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
John Wilson : Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life
'I think very highly of both the books you have sent me but far most highly of Lights and Shadows in which there is a great deal of very powerful effect purity of sentiment and fine writing but with very little of real nature as it exists in the walks of Scottish life The feelings and language of the author are those of Romance Still it is a fine and beautiful work.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
John Galt : Provost
'I think very highly of both the books you have sent me but far most highly of Lights and Shadows in which there is a great deal of very powerful effect purity of sentiment and fine writing but with very little of real nature as it exists in the walks of Scottish life The feelings and language of the author are those of Romance Still it is a fine and beautiful work.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
David Laing : [review in 'Edinburgh Monthly Review' of Hogg's 'The Mountain Bard'
'I cannot think one thing and say another to a friend or indeed to any man and it was owing to a review written by you in the Edin. Quarterly of The Mountain Bard that hindered me to call as I was wont. I thought that article illiberal from a friend and wrong view taken of the Memoir but I am so used to these rubs that I have learned the virtue of forgiveness a good deal; and hereby promise and swear that now when I have told you what I felt that article shall never be mentioned nor thought of more between the writer and me, [italics] whoever he may be [end italics].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
John Wilson : [various items in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]
'I am indeed highly delighted with the magazine as I well may for in all my life I never saw a more original miscellany. I think the letter from THE GOTH the shrewdest and cleverest thing I ever saw but every thing is a gem though they are all of different waters. The Stott is rather too bad. It was hardly worth while tearing the guts out of the thing in such a turgid butcherlike stile. Believe me there will be some kick up about it. The critique on the [italics] jubilee [end italics] is a real good natured thing one would have thought it hardly possble to have made as much out of a trifle'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
R. (Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : letter in Daily Chronicle "Pax Britannica"
'Today, from your kindness, I received the "Chronicle" with Robert's [Cunninghame Graham] letter. C'est bien ca -- c'est bien lui!' [Its good, that-- it's really him!]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
R. (Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : 'A Paheka'
'The thing ["A Paheka" ] in "West.Gaz." is excellent, excellent.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
John Wilson : Trials of Margaret Lyndsay, The
'I am delighted more than I can tell you with Margt Lindsay. It is a charming work pure, elegant, and perfect; all save two or three trivial misnomers regarding the character of Scottish peasantry [Hogg then compliments the author] The part that I like a thousand times best is what no other seems to regard namely the whole of Daniel Craig's character and its renovation. There is a charm in that which few will have the good taste to discover But it is nature; at least far closer on genuine nature than aught the author ever touched on. I dare say it was merely by accident but it shows what he can do'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
John Gibson Lockhart : Reginald Dalton
'I have read Reginald with great care and with great interest. It is a masterly work upon the whole, particularly in stile grouping and plot. In these its excellencies lie, and they are of a high class. But it strikes me that so masterly an architect might have made a far more imposing fabric on the whole. Its faults are these. A damned affectation of inserting short classical and French quotations without end and without measure which to common readers like me hurts the work materially - The work is too long for the materials two volumes would have been rather so - The plot is an excellent plot. I have seen nothing better concieved in the present age, and every thing bears upon it turning on it as a hinge. The author has prodigious merit in the conception of the plot, and therefore it is the greater pity that there is some manifest defects in the conducting of it. The final event is far too soon seen. From the moment that the Vicar tells the story of his sister-in-law's seduction it is palpable. I saw it perfectly, and my chief interest afterwards was incited by my anxiety to see how the author was going to bring it about. This is Sir W. Scott's plan, but it is not to be made a precedent of. In fact it will not do with any body but himself to let the events be seen perfectly through. However he could not have conceived such a true dramatic plot, all so perfecty in bearing; that he could not; but he could have made more of the characters and incidents; a great deal more. There is a fascination in the stile and in the abstract ideas that often delights me. The hand of a master is apparent there; and after all I think the sole failure is in the conducting of the plot, which you may depend on it will hurt the popularity of a grand work. There was great scope for pathos in it- there is not an item - several scenes of powerful impression seem just approaching - they pass over without taking due effect; and besides, the leaving out of the Christian name in the will was a misnomer unlikely enough for so much to hinge upon [Hogg critiques some further aspects of the plot].
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine; 'Noctes Ambrosianae. no. IX'
'This last is indeed a [italics] redeeming Number [end italics] even if the fallings off had been greater Nothing like it has I think appeared'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
James Hook : Percy Mallory
'Piercy Mallory is an extraordinary work. In character it is inimitable not in original design but in amazing strength of colouring. In nature and interest it is defective but I cannot tell you the half I would say about it in this line. The Maga. is excellent. no dross. But I think I am still most delighted with old Tim of them all. He is uniformly the first I read and Wrestliana is the very thing for me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
William Maginn : 'Letters of Timothy Tickler Esq. to Eminent Literary Characters. No XII. To Christopher North, Esq.' in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
'Piercy Mallory is an extraordinary work. In character it is inimitable not in original design but in amazing strength of colouring. In nature and interest it is defective but I cannot tell you the half I would say about it in this line. The Maga. is excellent. no dross. But I think I am still most delighted with old Tim of them all. He is uniformly the first I read and Wrestliana is the very thing for me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
John Wilson : 'Wrestliana', in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
'Piercy Mallory is an extraordinary work. In character it is inimitable not in original design but in amazing strength of colouring. In nature and interest it is defective but I cannot tell you the half I would say about it in this line. The Maga. is excellent. no dross. But I think I am still most delighted with old Tim of them all. He is uniformly the first I read and Wrestliana is the very thing for me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
Eliza Logan : St Johnstoun; or, John, Earl of Gowrie
'I would like well to know who is the author of ST JOHNSTON. It is rather better than ordinary. Pray does any of you know who is the editor of "The Northern Whig"? It comes hither from Belfast. Can it be Gray?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: Northern Whig, The
'I would like well to know who is the author of ST JOHNSTON. It is rather better than ordinary. Pray does any of you know who is the editor of "The Northern Whig"? It comes hither from Belfast. Can it be Gray?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Newspaper
Susan Edmonstone Ferrier : Marriage
'I should like much to address a song ode or sonnet to the authoress of Marriage &c and if I do it shall be to her as the sister of David Wilkie. Never was there such a painter as she is (if a she it be of which I have strong doubts) Sir W Scott's portraits are sometimes more strongly defined but they are not more unique and rarely or never so humourous [sic]. He can paint an individual well the hero of the story But can he paint a group like the family of the Fairbairns? No I defy him or any [italics] man [end italics] alive save David Wilkie as for [italics] women [end italics] there's no saying what [italics] they [end italics] can do when men and children are the objects. In short if the author of MARRIAGE and THE INHERITANCE be a woman I am in love with her and I authorise you to tell her so.' [the letter has a postscript: 'You have sent the two [italics] first [end italics] vols of The Inheritance and I want the [italics] third [end italics] I return one']
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Susan Edmonstone Ferrier : Inheritance, The
'I should like much to address a song ode or sonnet to the authoress of Marriage &c and if I do it shall be to her as the sister of David Wilkie. Never was there such a painter as she is (if a she it be of which I have strong doubts) Sir W Scott's portraits are sometimes more strongly defined but they are not more unique and rarely or never so humourous [sic]. He can paint an individual well the hero of the story But can he paint a group like the family of the fairbairns? No I defy him or any [italics] man [end italics] alive save David Wilkie as for [italics] women [end italics] there's no saying what [italics] they [end italics] can do when men and children are the objects. In short if the author of MARRIAGE and THE INHERITANCE be a woman I am in love with her and I authorise you to tell her so.' [the letter has a postscript: 'You have sent the two [italics] first [end italics] vols of The Inheritance and I want the [italics] third [end italics] I return one']
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: [articles concerning Hogg's poem 'Queen Hynde' in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]
'I have looked over the articles Hogg v. Campbell and Noctes and am not only not angry but highly satisfied and pleased with both. I had forgot to mention to you that I was afraid terrified for high praise in Maga because our connection considered it would have been taken for puffing a thing of all things that I detest and one I think has ought but a good effect a bitter good humoured thing like this was just what I wanted'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
'I did not think very highly of last Maga This appears more spirited the former part of the NOCTES is very good my part abominable'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: [article on 'Agriculture' in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]
'It is amazing how many clever things are written about the embarrassments of the country there has one appeared in Blackwood and another in the weekly journal which I cannot but admire'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
Walter Scott : [letters in ] Edinburgh Weekly Journal
'It is amazing how many clever things are written about the embarrassments of the country there has one appeared in Blackwood and another in the weekly journal which I cannot but admire'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
John Wilson : 'Hints for the Holidays. No. III' [in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]
'I have only read the first article of Maga which is a glorious confusion a miscellany of itself the other long articles I dont like'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
R.P. Gillies : German Stories, selected from the works of Hoffmann, De la Motte-0Fouque, Pichler, Kruse, and others
'Of all the new works you have sent me I admire Gillies' stories by far the most. I have scarcely ever met with a work that pleased me better and was so truly congenial to my mind. The ease and simple elegance of the stile is exquisite. That work should certainly have a great circulation I have great faults with Mrs Johnston's work in which there is however great genius but the anachronisms are without end and the characters too much borrowed from Scott Beyond all the story is forced and confused beyond all measures. Our ladies were pleased with it beyond measure so it must have something very fascinating'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Christian Isobel Johnstone : Elizabeth de Bruce
'Of all the new works you have sent me I admire Gillies' stories by far the most. I have scarcely ever met with a work that pleased me better and was so truly congenial to my mind. The ease and simple elegance of the stile is exquisite. That work should certainly have a great circulation I have great faults with Mrs Johnston's work in which there is however great genius but the anachronisms are without end and the characters too much borrowed from Scott Beyond all the story is forced and confused beyond all measures. Our ladies were pleased with it beyond measure so it must have something very fascinating'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
'I have recieved your's with the £5 inclosed and also the two Magas the last article of each only I have read and dread that you are too hard on Canning and his party'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Hamilton : Youth and Manhood of Cyril Thornton, The
'I have only got about half through Cyral Thornton as yet and cannot therefore be decided on its merits. But I suspect it to have one grievious fault that of introducing innumerable curous [sic] and original characters of whom you would like to be well acquainted and of whom you hear no more. I have no patience at all with this rambling and deesultory mode of running through a life, and if it do not turn out better embodied ultimately than it has done thus far I shall damn it as the work of a man of high accomplishments given to prosing and garrulity'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
More : 'Hymn to Hesperus'
'I have recieved Maga with the inclosures safe to night but have only as yet got her looked over. For one thing I percieve that Mr More's hymn to the Evening star is perfectly beautiful and I think the masterpiece of all he has yet written'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: Blackwood's Magazine
''I was delighted with the number. Gibbon especially fetched me quite. But everything is good. Munro's verses--excellent, and Whibley very interesting--very appreciative,very fair. I happen to know Rimbaud's verses.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Gabriela Cunninghame Graham : Family Portraits
'I have just read "Family Portraits". I am a bad critic: it is difficult for me to express with the right words the pleasure that the reading of your charming sketch has given me; but when I raised my eyes from the page , it was with the very vivid feeling of having seen not only the long line of the portaits but also the beauty of the profound and tender idea which illuminated for you all the faces portrayed, the sad eyes of the dead with the flame of a gentle pity and a penetrating sympathy.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Unknown
William Beckford : Vathek, an Arabian Tale or The History of the Caliph Vathek
'In a little while came the books . [..] I've read Vathek at once. C'est tres bien. What an infernal imagination! The style is cold and I do not see in the work the immense promise as set forth by the introduction. Chaucer I have dipped into, reading aloud as you advised. I am afraid I am not English enough to appreciate fully the father of English literature. Moreover I am generally insensible to verse. Thereupon came "The Stealimg of the Mare" This I delight in. I've read it at once and right through. It is quite inspiring most curious and altogether fascinating.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Unknown
Geoffrey Chaucer : The Canterbury Tales
'In a little while came the books . [..] I've read Vathek at once. C'est tres bien. What an infernal imagination! The style is cold and I do not see in the work the immense promise as set forth by the introduction. Chaucer I have dipped into, reading aloud as you advised. I am afraid I am not English enough to appreciate fully the father of English literature. Moreover I am generally insensible to verse. Thereupon came "The Stealing of the Mare" This I delight in. I've read it at once and right through. It is quite inspiring most curious and altogether fascinating.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Abu Zaid (and Wilfrid Scawen Blunt) : The Celebrated Romance of the Stealing of the Mare
'In a little while came the books . [..] I've read Vathek at once. C'est tres bien. What an infernal imagination! The style is cold and I do not see in the work the immense promise as set forth by the introduction. Chaucer I have dipped into, reading aloud as you advised. I am afraid I am not English enough to appreciate fully the father of English literature. Moreover I am generally insensible to verse. Thereupon came "The Stealing of the Mare" This I delight in. I've read it at once and right through. It is quite inspiring most curious and altogether fascinating.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
James Hogg : Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner, The
'Mrs Hughes insists on the Confessions of a Sinner being republished with my name as she say it is the best story of that frightful kind that ever was written'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Hughes Print: Book
Thomas De Quincy : [articles in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]
'I hate these things of de Q-s in Maga'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
James Hogg : Shepherd's Calendar, The
'Robert has in several instances spoiled the effect of the tales at the close by winding them too abruptly up The Marvellous Doctor is quite ruined for though previously shortened one half to suit Maga that was no reason the other half should now have been withheld'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: 'Noctes Ambrosianae. No. XLII' [Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]
'I am exceedingly disgusted with the last beastly Noctes and as it is manifest that the old business of mockery and redicule [sic] is again beginning I have been earnestly advised by several of my best and dearest friends to let you hear from me in a way to which I have a great aversion'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: Jacobite Minstrelsy, with notes Illustrative of the Text, and Containing Historical Details in Relation to the House of Stuart from 1640-1784
'There is a new work lately come to my hand "The Jacobite Minstrelsy of Scotland" which is the most bare-faced plagiarism that ever was attempted. It is by a Griffin & Co Glasgow Nearly one half of the songs are my own genuine copyright attained by myself at great trouble and expense'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Henry Scott Ridell : 'Ode to the Harp of Zion'
'I enclose you two poems one by Mr Riddell which I have copied and corrected a sublime and beautiful thing, its only fault being a small shade of redundancy of thought but that I cannot help. It gives great promise and I want to bring him in as my [italics]assistant [end italics] and [italics]successor [end italics]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Pringle [ed.] : Friendship's Offering
'I have within these few minutes recieved Friendship's Offering. It is splendid and far outvies any of the foregoing numbers. I really anticipate good news of it this year.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
John Wilson : 'The Age - A Poem - in Eight Books' [Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]
'Though Maga would have the better [sic] of something of mine it is nevertheless an excellent number. "The Age" is inimitable so is "The Currency"and indeed the whole is excellent save that our friend has rather overstrained the "wishing Gate"'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
'I have not yet had time to read through the Twin Sisters but there is a certain stile apparent in the Fall of Nineveh &c which is always irrestible [sic] though not equal to "Stop Stop Snip" I would not wonder to see the sale of Maga extend to 50=000.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
Mr Brooks : [poem]
'I have received the foregoing little poem from a townsman of your's which I think so good I transmit it to you for insertion in the Juvenile Keepsake and hope you will oblige me by giving it a place'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Sheet
: ['Literary Gossip' articles in Newcastle Magazine]
'In as far as regards Maga I consider Lockhart blameless so many others having represented me in a far more ludicrous light witness the long Noctes's in the Newcastle Magazine. Bobby Chambers' paper, and the Lit. Jour. &c &c'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: Quarterly Review
'In as far as regards Maga I consider Lockhart blameless so many others having represented me in a far more ludicrous light witness the long Noctes's in the Newcastle Magazine. Bobby Chambers' paper, and the Lit. Jour. &c &c'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: [possibly] the 'Edinburgh Advertiser'
'In as far as regards Maga I consider Lockhart blameless so many others having represented me in a far more ludicrous light witness the long Noctes's in the Newcastle Magazine. Bobby Chambers' paper, and the Lit. Jour. &c &c'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Newspaper
Caroline Bowles Southey : 'La petite Madelaine'
'The twin Magas are excellent with the exception of "La petite Madelaine" which to me is quite despicable! To slight your old friend for such feminine frible-frable! Wilson [TEAR] poem is most splendid but I have never been able to get straight through it nor I don't think any man ever will'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Newspaper
John Wilson : 'Unimore. A Dream of the Highlands'
'The twin Magas are excellent with the exception of "La petite Madelaine" which to me is quite despicable! To slight your old friend for such feminine frible-frable! Wilson [TEAR] poem is most splendid but I have never been able to get straight through it nor I don't think any man ever will'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Newspaper
Robert Southey : [possibly] 'A true Ballad of St Antidius, the Pope, and the Devil'
'I send you two pieces which were sent me for the proposed Poetic Mirror long ago and which are not in print to my knowledge. Southey's is one of his very best'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
: Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine
'I have recieved Maga to night and looked it over but think very poorly of it You need not send any more of them as I would not be at the pains to cut them up for the sake of their endless repetitions of political dogmas'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
: Quarterly Review
'Who the devil was it who wrote the last article of the Quarterly? He is a lad of some spirit and I must have a half mutchkin with him.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Serial / periodical
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : private letter
'The other afternoon, as I was lying dozing in a brown study after dinner, a lord's lackey knocked at the door and delivered me a little blue parcel, requiring for it a ntoe of delivery. I opened it, and found two pretty stitched little books, and a letter from - Goethe! I copy it from the fractur [Gothic script] hand it was written in, and send it for your edification. The patriarchal style of it pleases me much.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter
Alphonse de Lamartine : La Chute d'un ange
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 7 January 1845: 'It is true that posterity remembers the good; but how often does it happen that the immediate public, looking at the new bad, forgets or is ignorant of the old good! Just this occurred to me in reading Lamartine's dull piece of extravagance, "La Chute d'un Ange." Nothing but your recommendation could have induced me to read another line of his writing. Now, I have gone through "Jocelyn;" and, although I dislike the story -- the heroine in man's clothes, and the hero made a priest, Heaven knows how -- I have yet been delighted with the general feeling and beauty of the poem, particularly with one portion full of toleration, and another about dogs.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Alphonse de Lamartine : Jocelyn
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 7 January 1845: 'It is true that posterity remembers the good; but how often does it happen that the immediate public, looking at the new bad, forgets or is ignorant of the old good! Just this occurred to me in reading Lamartine's dull piece of extravagance, "La Chute d'un Ange." Nothing but your recommendation could have induced me to read another line of his writing. Now, I have gone through "Jocelyn;" and, although I dislike the story -- the heroine in man's clothes, and the hero made a priest, Heaven knows how -- I have yet been delighted with the general feeling and beauty of the poem, particularly with one portion full of toleration, and another about dogs.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Henry John Newbolt : Drake's Drum
'Father is rehearsing Drake's Drum for Wednesday'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Leslie Stephen Print: Book
Pierre Veron : Le Pantheon de Poche
'There is only one very good thing in the world: the acting of Sarah Bernhardt. I beg your pardon, there is another: Pierre Veron’s "Pantheon de Poche".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Jean Racine : unknown
'I have been reading John Racine: it is very standard − damnd[sic] standard, I beg your pardon.[…] I like John Racine, however; the noise is very pleasing and as unintelligent and soothing as a mill wheel; occasionally too there are verses of a dignity! − Verses with Versailles wigs − pageant verses − like a Roman Triumph.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Alfred, Lord Tennyson : Oenone
[Gaskell tells John Forster of Samuel Bamford who knows many of Tennyson's poems by heart and recites them, but does not have his own copy - she later asks Forster if he could procure a copy for Bamford, signed by Tennyson] ''whenever he got into a house where there were Tennyson's poems he learnt as many as he could of[f] by heart; & he thought he knew better than twelve', - & he began Oenone, & then the Sleeping Beauty'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Alfred, Lord Tennyson : 'Sleeping Beauty, The'
[Gaskell tells John Forster of Samuel Bamford who knows many of Tennyson's poems by heart and recites them, but does not have his own copy - she later asks Forster if he could procure a copy for Bamford, signed by Tennyson] ''whenever he got into a house where there were Tennyson's poems he learnt as many as he could of[f] by heart; & he thought he knew better than twelve', - & he began Oenone, & then the Sleeping Beauty'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Alfred, Lord Tennyson : 'Sleeping Beauty, The'
[Gaskell describes handing over the gift of a signed copy of Tennyson's poems to Samuel Bamford] 'I said, 'Look at the title page', for I saw he was fairly caught by something he liked in the middle of the book, & was standing reading it there in the street. 'Well! I am a proud man this day', he exclaimed, - then he turned it up and down, & read a bit, (it was a very crowded street), and his grey face went quite brown-red with pleasure [...] Then he dipped down into his book, and began reading aloud the Sleeping beauty, and in the middle stopped to look at the writing again, and we left him a sort of sleep[-]walking state, & only trust he will not be run over'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
William Gaskell : Lectures on the Lancashire Dialect
'I have sent your letter on to my husband by this post; but I must just say a very hearty thank you for the pleasure I know it will give him. It will come to him at the same time as my little confession of having thought his lectures worthy of your reading. I have been very much interested by your remarks which {are} will be of course still more interesting to one capable of entering into their full value'.
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Walter Savage Landor
Henry Morley : 'Brother Mieth and his Brothers'
'I have a friend who was educated at Nieuwied, - & who is just crazy about 'Brother Mieth'. First she made me write to Mr Wills, and ask who wrote it; and now, as much would ever have more, she wants me to ask you if Brother Mieth was not Brother Andrup - (Anthrup?) and if you were there at the time of his death; and if you, like her, got a piece of wood shaving out of the bed on which he lay and kept it for a relic? and if you heard his Leben read? - and - and - I don't know how many more questions, all hinging on the one supposition that Brother Mieth was Brother Andrup - It is a charming paper, I, the exoteric may say. But she will hardly allow that I [italics] can [end italics] recognise it's merits, and has gone off upon Neuwied ever since, taking the bit between her teeth. Would you be so kind as to stop her with a hair of the dog that bit her, & give us all another paper on Neuwied in some shape. That reading the Diary & the confessions of sins over the coffin must have been most striking. I don't know half enough about the Moravians.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Patterson Print: Serial / periodical
Honore de Balzac : Modeste Mignon
Elizabeth Barrett to Mary Russell Mitford, 20-21 January 1845: 'I put down "Modeste Mignon" to take up your letter. I read my French abomination at breakfast & dinner & tea time, .. so as to forget myself & be delighted to find that I have eaten a little more than usual in my trance (deeper than mesmeric) & happy state of physical unconsciousness [...] And your first words [in letter] [...] are still of Mignon, Mignon. It is a decided case of flint to flint -- & of electricity by coincidence. 'Well -- and I am delighted with the book just as you are [...] because charmed beyond the point of pleasure produced by mere artistic power in the writer. The truth is [...] that if I were to write my own autobiography, or rather, (much rather), if Balzac were to write it for me, he could not veritably have made it different from what he has written of Modeste. The ideal life of my youth was just [italics]that[end italics], .. line for line [goes on to comment further on text] [...] And that "satiete par la pensee."! -- [italics]There[end italics], lies the test of the morbidity -- for it is morbid -- it is dangerous! & worse romances than poor Modests's is likely to be (I have only read a third of the book) might come of it [comments further on own and Mitford's responses to text]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Henry James : The Real Thing
Referring to criticism of Henry James by John Galsworthy that James did not 'write from the heart': 'To me even "R.T." ["The Real Thing" 1892,1893] seems to flow from the heart because and only because the work approaching [sic] so near perfection yet does not strike cold.[...] The outlines are so clear the figures so finished, chiselled, carved and brought out[...]. The volume of short stories entitled I think "The Lesson of the Master" [1892] contains a tale called "The Pupil" if I remember rightly where the underlying feeling of the man --his really wide sympathy--is seen nearer the surface.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Unknown
Henry James : The Pupil
Referring to criticism of Henry James by John Galsworthy that James did not 'write from the heart': 'To me even "R.T." ["The Real Thing" 1892,1893] seems to flow from the heart because and only because the work approaching [sic] so near perfection yet does not strike cold.[...] The outlines are so clear the figures so finished, chiselled, carved and brought out[...]. The volume of short stories entitled I think "The Lesson of the Master" [1892] contains a tale called "The Pupil" if I remember rightly where the underlying feeling of the man --his really wide sympathy--is seen nearer the surface.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Unknown
R. (Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : The Ipane
''I hold "Ipane". Hoch! Hurra! Vivat! May you live! And now I know I am virtuous because I read and had no pang of jealousy. There are things in that volume that are like magic and though space and through the distance of regretted years convey to one the actual feeling, the sights, the sounds, the thoughts; one steps on the earth, breathes the air and has the sensation of your past. I know of course every sketch; what was almost a surprise was the extraordinarily good convincing effect of the whole. [...] I have read it already three times.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
: Mercure de France
'In reading the last number of the "Mercure [de France]" I had a moment of very lively pleasure, and I owe it to you. Thanks. you have given your opinin in words that go straight to my heart. The phrase "who is one of ours" touched me, for, truly I feel bound to France by a deep sympathy [...]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Hugh Clifford : In a Corner of Asia
'I received the book only three hours ago--and it is only too short! I've read it twice.[...]. Many thanks. I've lived for a few hours in your pages.Of the sketches I've not previously seen, "The Central Gaol" and "The Vigil of Pa' Tua" are the two I like the best. Of the others,"The Death March" has always been my favorite; indeed all are absorbing--to me at least.' Thereafter follow almost three pages of detailed and constructive criticism.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Sir J.P.K. Shuttleworth : Scarsworth
'Sir J.P.K. Shuttleworth seeks your acquaintance & society [because] he has a novel, - partly read to Mrs Nicholls the last time she was at Gawthrop, - partly to me, - [italics] wholly [end italics] to many of his friends - a novel of Lancashire society, whh is at present in MS & which he wants you to publish I have no doubt.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir J.P.K. Shuttleworth Print: Book
: newspapers
Referring to the reporting of the outbreak of the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902): 'I can't say I shared in the hysterical transports of some public organs for the simple reason that I expected to see displayed all the valour, perseverance, devotion which in fact have been displayed. Confound these papers. From the tone of some of them one would have thought they expected the artillery to clear out at a gallop across hills and ravines[...]. Those infernal scribblers are rank outsiders .'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
: Blackwood's Magazine
'I think Zack [Gwendolen Keats] may be congratulated on the novel. It is an advance on the short stories--a promising advance. I've just finished reading it having waited for the last inst: [...] The French article [about the Dreyfus case] in the last number I dislike frankly as to tone. It is not "Maga's" tone either; it does not give an impression of intelligence behind the words--it is not quite candid. [...] The navy article awfully interesting and the Fashon in fiction simply delightful.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
John Buchan : The Far Islands
'I prefer to say nothing critical about John Buchan's story'. Hence follow more than twenty lines of quite strong and pointed, almost entirely negative, criticism.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Ivan Turgenev : A Desperate Character and Other Stories
'I wanted to thank you for the volume you've sent me. The preface is jolly good let me tell you. It is wonderfully good--and true. Thanks to you both.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Hugh Clifford : Father Rouellet
'As to your sketch (for it is that) in last "B'wood", it has pleased me immensely. The simplicity of treatment is effective.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Atlantic Monthly
'In this way he [Mr Bosanquet] has seen some of your letters, & read the Atlantic &c, & especially begged me for a letter of introduction to you'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Bosanquet Print: Serial / periodical
H.G. Wells : The Plattner Story and Others
'I send you my affectionate thanks for the book ["The Plattner Story and Others"] and for the terms of the inscription on the fly-leaf; for the more I know of you--in our inconclusive talks--the more I feel that such should be the terms of our intercourse. I've of course read the book more than once. You get hold of one by your immense power of presentation, by your capacity to give shape, colour, aspect to the invisible.[...] ' Hence follows about twenty lines of appreciative comment and some negative criticism of one of the stories "The Cone".
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
R.(Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : In a German Tramp
'[...] but now since I've received the "Sat. Review" I've something to write about. The "german Tramp" is not only excellent[...] but it is something more. Of your short pieces I don't know but this this is the one I like best. The execution has a vigour-the right touch-- and an ease that delight me.' Hence follows around ten lines of appreciative criticism including a reference to two other stories published in the Saturday Review in 1899.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
William Shakespeare : The Two Gentlemen of Verona
In a long letter to Edward Garnett, in which Conrad outlines some aspects of his family history, he writes that his father Apollonius N. Korzeniowski translated into Polish Victor Hugo's "La Legende des Siecles", "Travailleurs de la Mer" and " Hernani", Alfred de Vigny's " Chatterton", Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing", "As You Like It", "Two Gentlemen of Verona", "A Comedy of Errors" and "Othello" . 'These I remember seeing in proofs when sent for his correction.[...] Some of these I've read when I could be no more than eight or nine years old.' [See also additional comments.]
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Codex, Sheet, One page of his father's translation into Polish.
Victor Hugo : Les Travailleurs de la Mer
'It was only a month before or perhaps it was only a week before, that I had read to him aloud from beginning to end, and to his perfect satisfaction, as he lay on the bed not being very well at the time, the proofs of his translation of Victor Hugo's "Toilers of the Sea". Such was[...] my first introduction to the sea in literature. [...] I am not likely to forget the process of being trained in the art of reading aloud.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Codex, Sheet, Conrad's father's translation into Polish.
Jules Michelet : French Revolution
'I am reading Michelet's French Revolution.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
R.(Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Buta
'But as to "Buta" it is altogether and fundamentally good, good in matter--that's of course--but good wonderfully good in form and especially in expression.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Ivan Turgenev : The Jew and Other Stories
'Have you seen the last vol of Mrs Garnett's Turgeniev [sic]? There's a story there. "Three Portraits" really fine. Also "Enough" worth reading.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Serial / periodical
James T. Fields : "On a Book of Sea-Mosses. Sent to an Eminent English Poet" in The Boston Book, being Specimens of Metropolitan Literature
'By the way, we all admire _very greatly_ your beautiful little poem in the Boston Book. I dare say you don't care for the opinion of we three "weaker vessels" [i.e. De Quincey's three daughters], though Papa, like the dutiful parent he is, and though a "vain man", admits that our judgment in such matters is equal if not sometimes better than his. However in this case we one and all came separately to the conclusion that there was exquisite poetic grace and beauty in the lines. Who is the Poet you sent the mosses too [sic]? for we don't know one who has spoken of Venice that has been living since you could have written this. My sister Florence says that with one or two exceptions in the case of Longfellow and that most beautiful of writers Hawthorne, yours is nearly the only good thing in the book. I have not had time to look it over yet.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas De Quincey Print: Book
Marguerite Poradowska : Pour Noemi
'I add a few words above all to talk to you about the book. I've read the novel for the third time, faithfully--from one end to the other. It's very good. It's very good! The characters are defined with a precision which I envy in you. [...] I love the book.There is a very gentle charm and also power in the style.' Hence follows five more lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
H.G. Wells : Love and Mr Lewisham
'Thanks for the vol. Chaffery is immense. The thing as a whole remarkable in its effects.' Hence follow five more lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Cosmopolitan (eventually known as A Knight)
''The MS heralded by your letter arrived tbhis morning. I've had the time to read it . it is wonderfully well done: technically and in the clearness of the idea it is superior to the "Villa [Rubein]". Jack [Galsworthy] is making giant strides;[...]' Hence follows twenty lines of encouragement.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
R. (Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Cruz Alta
'I've read "Cruz Alta" four days ago. c'est tout simplement magnifique. I know most of the sketches, in fact nearly all, except "Cruz Alta" itself.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford (Hueffer) : The Cinque Ports
'Many thanks for the "Cinque Ports" which came today as a most agreeable surprise. In the matter of outward characteristics the book has substance, appearance an air of sober finish which to me is very pleasing. [...] Hueffer's talent has been from the first sympathetic to me. throughout his feeling is true and his expression genuine with ease and moderation.' Hence follow nine lines of restrained praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Villa Rubein
'I wanted to write to you about Your book [...] you know how paralysed one is sometimes-- and then we had talked--I had tried to talk of the book so many times that it seemed to have become part of me, that part of belief amd thought so intimate that it cannot be put into speech as if it cannot live apart from one coherent self.' [See also additional comments].
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Olive Garnett : The Petersburg Tales
'I've read " Petersburg Tales". Phew! That is something! [...] That work is genuine, undeniable,constructed and inhabited. It hath [sic] foundation and life.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Silence
'I've read "The Silence" once but shall keep it till tomorrow. Certain remarks I keep for a note which I will send you together with the MS. Here I will only say that I feel strongly my good fortune in being able to sympathise more and more with your work, with its spirit, feeling and fundamental conception.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Frank Challice Constable : (letter)
'Many thanks for your letter. The enclosure was most intetesting. It reveals an original personality and to me attractive. It is at the same time a most flattering recognition of my qualities and shortcomings. I shall write to Mr Constable in a day or two.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Letter
: Blackwood's Magazine.
'I run on with leaden feet and do not seem to advance an inch. I see no one, read nothing but "Maga" which is a solace a treat, an event.' Hence follows a short commentary on four items in the issue of Blackwood's Magazine referred to.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
William Robert Kennedy : Hurrah for the Life of a Sailor: Fifty Years in the Navy
'I have never had the pleasure of meeting him [Admiral Sir William Robert Kennedy] ; but I've read and admired his book.[...] I re-read Admiral Kennedy's book with gratitude and have a great affection for the man [...].' Interspersed are ten lines of rather nostalgic praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
David Meldrum : The Conquest of Charlotte
'As to "Charlotte" the genuineness of its conception the honesty of its feeling make that work as welcome as a breath of fresh air to a breast oppressed by all the fumes and cheap perfumes of fiction that is [sic ]thrown on the altar of publicity in the hopes of propitiating the god of big sales. It is refreshing indeed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
John Galsworthy : A Man of Devon
'Nevertheless I've read the book ["A Man of Devon"] twice'. Hence follows a page of constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
R. (Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Vanished Arcadia
'I am altogether under the charm of that book ["The Vanished Arcadia"] in accord with its spirit and full of admiration for its expression.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : Kubla Khan
'... some verses which I wrote turn out, on inspection, to be not quite equal to "Kubla Khan".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Walt Whitman : Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking
'However I forgave him, and read him that bit of Walt Whitman about the widowed bird, which I thank God affected him quite tolerably.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
H.(Herbert) G. (George) Wells : The Discovery of the Future
'The lecture is splendid. It is striking in its expression [...]and in its eloquence too [...].I call it scientific eloquence--that is eloquence appealing not to the passions like the eloquence of the orator but to the reason..[...] All the criticism I've seen (now after reading the lecture) strike me as extremely unfair --[...] '
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
David Meldrum : (An episode of ) The Conquest of Charlotte
'It's wonderful how well sustained is the excellence of "Charlotte".I've just read the last instalment [...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
(Enoch) Arnold Bennett : A Man from the North.
'The reading of the "Man from the North" has inspired me with the greatest respect for your artistic conscience. I am profoundly impressed with the achievement of style.[...] as you may suppose I've read the book more than once. Unfortunately I don't know how to criticise; to discuss however I am ready.' Hence follow about ten lines of constructive criticism of what Conrad calls the 'design' of the novel.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Hugh Clifford : Bushwhacking and Other Sketches
'As to "Bushwhacking" you know I prize it above anything that may be written in acknowledgement of a presentation volume.[...]The book I consider as the best expression of your talent. All is seen and all is felt, with that gift of expression peculiar to you which suggests action itself underneath the record of vision and emotion.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford (Hueffer) : The Making of Modern Verse
'Your paper in the "Academy" mutilated as it is by the mystic mind illustrates my meaning.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Ford Madox Ford (Hueffer) : Rossetti
'Thanks for the "Rossetti". My opinion of it you know but I am reading it carefully. It is good.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Leo Tolstoy : Anna Karenina
'Remenber me faithfully to your wife whose translation of "Karenina" is splendid.Of the thing itself I think but little, so that her merit shines with the greater lustre.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Elizabeth Martindale : Margaret Hever
'I'm sorry I kept the MS so long.[...] However I've read it more than once; the difficulty was to say something useful.[...] I do not want to deface the pages tho' I have meditated them.[...] The passages I have written on loose sheets embody my criticism which is concerned solely with the technique.' Hence follow five lines of constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Guy de Maupassant : [Stories]
'I've lazed-- though I must say I did look through all the stories. It was the first look and I have done no actual underlining.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
(Enoch) Arnold Bennett : Anna of the Five Towns
'But if I could not find time to write to you [to acknowledge receipt of the presentation copy] I had found time to read your book. I read it once, twice,then kept it upstairs for dipping into when I came up to bed.' Hence follow twenty lines of praise and an invitation to Pent Farm to further discuss the work.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
R.(Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Success
'I feel so dull and muddle-headed that I daren't even attempt to give you now an idea of the effect the little volume ["Success"] had produced on me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Neil Munro : Children of the Tempest
'Excellent, the last number of "Maga".' Conrad then very briefly mentions two stories, one by Neil Munro.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
James Fenimore Cooper : The Last of the Mohicans
'You have promised me to read these stories and I would recommend you to begin with "The Last of the Mohicans"-- then go on with "Deerslayer" and end with the "Prairie". I read them at your age in that order;[..] Thirty four years ago is a long long time to look back upon.' Hence follows further comments about the language and content.
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
James Fenimore Cooper : The Deerslayer
'You have promised me to read these stories and I would recommend you to begin with "The Last of the Mohicans"-- then go on with "Deerslayer" and end with the "Prairie". I read them at your age in that order;[..] Thirty four years ago is a long long time to look back upon.' Hence follows further comments about the language and content.
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
James Fenimore Cooper : The Prairie
'You have promised me to read these stories and I would recommend you to begin with "The Last of the Mohicans"-- then go on with "Deerslayer" and end with the "Prairie". I read them at your age in that order;[..] Thirty four years ago is a long long time to look back upon.' Hence follows further comments about the language and content.
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Twelfth Night, Or What You Will.
'I am to act Orsino (the Duke) in "Twelfth Night" at the Jenkins’. I could not resist that; it is such a delightful part; and I got them to put off my rehearsals to the last moment, so that I may get a fortnight with you in London and a fortnight with Bob in France: for that must be done this time, [italics]couteque coute [end italics]. I am not altogether satisfied that I shall do Orsino [italics]comme il faut[end italics]; but the Jenkins are pleased, and that is the great affair.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Charles Lamb : Essays of Elia
'Miss Jewsbury lay on the floor and read half through the Essays of Elia and called our drawing room "such an ugly room in which we should always be unhappy".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Jewsbury Print: Book
: various newspapers and periodicals
'The review [in the "Spectator"] is good is it not.The "Speaker" also reviewed me the same week--Whig and Tory. That is also a good review. Upon the whole the "Press" is good. The provincila papers seem to catch on to Jim. They sent me cuttings from Ed'gh. The Bradford "Observer" was most appreciative.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper, Serial / periodical
Adam Smith : [unknown]
'I know I shall never be wise enough in a tete a tete with a girl who does not read poetry & novels but Adam Smith, Niall etc. & "has no sense of humour but takes everything literally".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Thompson Print: Book
Delphine de Girardin : L'Ecole des journalistes
'In a letter to Charles Boner (28 February 1851), Miss Mitford wrote that she had read L'Ecole des journalistes "in a Bruxelles edition with serveral feuilletons about it appended thereunto, especially a letter to the authoress by Jules Janin, one of his best'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
Victor Hugo : Odes et Ballades (volume 1)
Mary Russell Mitford to Elizabeth Barrett, 18 March 1845: 'I have the first volume of Victor Hugo's "Odes et Ballades," but they are slavishly loyal to those vile old Bourbons. What could he see in them? I suppose I shall like the second volume better.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Russell Mitford Print: Book
George Crabbe : Parish Register, The
'Having been upon a tour in Scotland I did not receive your book till my arrival at York & was unwilling to answer your very obliging letter till I had read the Parish register in print. I can assure you that its appearance in this dress has increased my opinion of its beauty & as you have done me very undeservedly the honour of calling me a judge of such matters I will venture to say that it seems to me calculated to advance the reputation of the Author of the Library & the Village which to any one acquainted with those two excellent poems is saying a great deal'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Henry Vassal Fox, Lord Holland Print: Book
George Crabbe : Library, The
'Having been upon a tour in Scotland I did not receive your book till my arrival at York & was unwilling to answer your very obliging letter till I had read the Parish register in print. I can assure you that its appearance in this dress has increased my opinion of its beauty & as you have done me very undeservedly the honour of calling me a judge of such matters I will venture to say that it seems to me calculated to advance the reputation of the Author of the Library & the Village which to any one acquainted with those two excellent poems is saying a great deal'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Henry Vassal Fox, Lord Holland Print: Book
George Crabbe : Village, The
'Having been upon a tour in Scotland I did not receive your book till my arrival at York & was unwilling to answer your very obliging letter till I had read the Parish register in print. I can assure you that its appearance in this dress has increased my opinion of its beauty & as you have done me very undeservedly the honour of calling me a judge of such matters I will venture to say that it seems to me calculated to advance the reputation of the Author of the Library & the Village which to any one acquainted with those two excellent poems is saying a great deal'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Henry Vassal Fox, Lord Holland Print: Book
George Crabbe : Tales in verse
'My eldest girl begins to read well and enters as well into the humour as into the sentiment of your admirable descriptions of human life'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sophia Scott Print: Book
Robert Browning : Dramatic Romances and Lyrics
Walter Savage Landor to Robert Browning, letter postmarked 10 November 1845: 'Before I have half re[a]d through your Dramatic Romances, I must acknowledge the delight I am receiving [...] What a profusion of imagery, covering what a depth of thought!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Walter Savage Landor Print: Book
Georg Christoph Lichtenberg : Ausführliche Erklärung der Hogarthischen Kupferstiche
Look here, you had better get hold of G.C. Lichtenberg’s "Ausführliche Erklärung der Hogarthischen Kupferstiche": Gottingen, 1794 to 1816 (it was published in numbers seemingly. Douglas the publisher lent it to me: and tho’ I hate the damned tongue too cordially to do more than dip into it, I have seen some shrewd things. If you cannot get it for yourself, (it seems scarce), I daresay I could negotiate with Douglas for a loan.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Robert Browning : Christmas-Eve and Easter-Day
Joseph Arnould to Robert Browning, 25 April 1850: 'I have read re-read marked learned & [italics]]really[end italics] inwardly digested your last Poem [...] Well then I must say quite honestly that though your master hand has never dashed on the canvas the colours of poetry more grandly [...] yet, [italics]as a whole[end italics], it is less satisfactory to me than some of your earlier inspirations: call me limited, narrow, academic what you will, but I cannot quite like the grotesque, wonderful inventive & ingenious as it is of your opening; & then not so much on the ground of any mere individual dislike on my own part, as from the feeling that it may be a stumbling block to so many weaker brethren in the critic world'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Arnould Print: Book
Jane Austen : Mansfield Park
'Finished reading Mansfield Park, which more than ever convinces me that Jane Austen is trivial, facetious and commonplace.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lees-Milne Print: Book
Andrew Marvell : [Poems]
'[Basil Nicholson] loves Marvell's poems and Durer's drawings. He has a great admiration for Keats but won't read the letters "because he feels they will probably annoy him".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Basil Nicholson Print: Book
John Keats : [Poems]
'[Basil Nicholson] loves Marvell's poems and Durer's drawings. He has a great admiration for Keats but won't read the letters "because he feels they will probably annoy him".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Basil Nicholson Print: Book
Antonia White : Frost at Midnight
'[Susan] is reading [italics] Frost [end italics]. She was terrified by the story of the lost child in the cellar.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Susan Glossop Print: Book
Jules Michelet : French Revolution/Histoire de la Revolution francaise
'I am reading Michelet's French Revolution with much interest.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Thomas McCrie : Life of John Knox
'I am nearly done with McCrie's Knox.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Walter Scott : Woodstock
'Colvin has brought home Woodstock from Nice and we have started reading it aloud, which is a huge institution.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Lytton Strachey : Life of Cardinal Manning
Leonard Woolf to Virginia Woolf, 13 March 1914: 'Lytton read me last night what he had written about Manning. It's very good & amusing.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Giles Lytton Strachey Manuscript: Unknown
Leonard Woolf : article on 'the politician and the intellectual'
Robert Offley Ashburton Crewe-Milnes, Marquess of Crewe, to Leonard Woolf, 29 July 1940: 'I read your article on the Politician and the Intellectual, in the New Statesman of July 20th, and I hope that you will excuse a much older man who has enjoyed the company of many of both sorts for troubling you with a few observations on it [goes on to comment further].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Offley Ashburton Crewe-Milnes Print: Serial / periodical
Leonard Woolf : Empire and Commerce in Africa
Leonard Woolf to Margery Perham, 24 August 1955: 'Did you ever come across [Charles] Temple, who was in the Nigerian Civil Service [...] He read Empire and Commerce after his retirement and when he lived in Granada; hearing that Virginia and I were going to stay in the mountains above, he asked us to come and spend the night at his house. I had a long talk with him and he was very bitter against [Lord] Lugard [imperialist attacked by Woolf in text], claiming that a great deal of the credit for indirect rule etc., whicb Lugard claimed himself, ought to have gone to him, Temple.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Temple Print: Book
Laetitia Pilkington : Paper
[Pilkington tells how her poem on 'Paper' was seen by a 'Lady of Distinction'] 'She would examine what I had been scribbling, and seem'd so well pleased with my Rhymes, that she did them the Honour to put them in her Pocket-Book, and I never thought more of them. About four years after this, making a visit to Baron [italics] Wainwright[end italics]'s Lady, she told me she had got a very pretty Poem from [italics] London [end italics], wrote by the Lord Chancellor [italics] Talbot[end italics]'s Daughter, a young Lady of but twelve Years of Age, and desir'd I would read them for the Good of the Company; but how great was my Surprise, to find they were the above Lines! however I went thro' my task, and Mrs [italics] Wainwright [end italics] ask'd my Opinion of them, and seem'd impatient at my Silence' [Pilkington then tells how she managed to convey diplomatically that they were hers, saying she'd seen them four years before, whereupon] the Baron said, that he also remember'd them, and that he was told by the Person he saw them with, that they were writ by a very young Girl, who was married to a clergyman in [italics] Ireland [end italics]...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: 'a Lady of Distinction' Manuscript: Unknown
Jane Baillie Welsh : Letter dated 29th January
'My own Jane!- You are a noble girl; and your true and generous heart shall not lie oppressed anotehr instant under any weight that I can tkae from it... This letter is, I think, the best you ever sent me; there is more of the true woman, of the essence of my Jane's honourable nature in it, than I ever saw before. Such calm quiet good-sense, and such confiding simple true affection! I were myself a pitiable man, if it did not move me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter
: The Courier
'PS Since I finished this, I have got Alick's letter, and the Courier all in order! Thank Alick and my dear Father for the pleasure and contentment they have given me: had I got their letter a day sooner, this sheet had not been yours.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Newspaper
Laetititia Pilkington : [verses on 'Stella']
[Pilkington tells of how she wrote poems for a Mr Worsdale to pass off as his own and reproduces the Song 'Stella, Darling of the Muses'] 'Mr Worsdale shewed this Ballad to Mr Pilkington, who thought proper to alter the last verse, giving it this prophane and nonsensical turn; Cou'd the Gods, in blest Condition, Aught on Earth with Envy view, Lovely Stella, their Ambition Wou'd be to resemble you. As for the Gods envying Mortals, and wishing to be like them, it has neither Sense, [italics] English [end italics], nor even Novelty to recommend it; nor is it agreeable to the Dictates of Reason or Religion; for even a Heathen Author stands condemned for setting [italics] Cato [end italics] in a Light superior to the Gods; but a Christian Divine may say any thing, and so much for an old song'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Worsdale Manuscript: Unknown
Laetitia Pilkington : To The Hon. Colonel Duncombe
[LP reproduces her poem 'to the Hon. Colonel Duncombe', which she sent to Lord Augustus Fitz Roy] 'Lord Augustus did not fail to shew the Lines to all the Noblemen at [italics] White's[end italics], who heartily bantered the Colonel on his Generosity to his Mistress'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Augustus, Lord Fitzroy Manuscript: Unknown
Laetitia Pilkington : [Poems]
'Every Poem, as I occasionally introduced them, he [Colley Cibber] made me give him a Copy of, and communicated them to the Earl of [italics] Chesterfield [end italics], who positively insisted on it, that I must understand [italics] Greek [end italics], and [italics] Latin [end italics], otherwise I never could write [italics] English [end italics] so well.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield Manuscript: Unknown
: Spanish Grammar
'There is a Spaniard here (one of the refugees) who from Catholic has become Protestant, a very honest shrewd little fellow, between whom and Irving I have had occasion frequently of late to officiate as interpreter (the Sp[an]iard speaking only French). I have bethought me of turning his skill [to] account; I have bought a Spanish grammar, and begun yesterday to take lessons from him in his language, which I may repay by giving him lessons in mine.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Alexander Carlyle : Letter
'My dear Alick, No piece of news that I have heard for a long time has given me more satisfaction than the intelligence contained in your letter of yesterday. For several weeks I had lived in a total dearth of tidings from you; and both on account of your welfare, and of our mutual projects in the farming line, I had begun to get into the fidgets, and was ready to hasten homewards with many unpleasant imaginations to damp the expected joy of again beholding friends so dear to me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter
Badams : Letter
'Yesterday Badams wrote me (from admist the 'wild beasts of Ephesus,' as he calls the new Mining Companies, with whom he is in constant treaty about some important smelting schemes): he wishes me to stay till his return, but if I cannot, he entreats me to take Taffy (a little fiery corn-fed indefatigable Welsh Pony of his, on which I ride) with all its furniture, for the love of him.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter
Badams : Letter
'He has written to me twice since his departure; he insists that I shall take a little pony of his with all its furniture; ride home on it thro' the Peak country in Derbyshire, and keep the steed in remembrance of him.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter
Laetitia Pilkington : [Letter]
'[Sir Hans Sloane] considered my Letter over, and finding, by the contents, Doctor [italics] Mead [end italics] recommended me to him, said "Poor Creature! I suppose you want Charity; there's Half a Crown for you".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hans Sloane Manuscript: Letter
Jean Paul Friedrich Richter : Leben Fibels
'Of Richter I yet know little; I have looked into his Herbst-Bluminen, his Flegaljahre, and am now reading his Fibel. It is easy to see already that next to Goethe (and Tieck?) he is the best man in Germany: but his extravagance and barbarism will render the task of selecting from him one of some difficulty.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Jean Paul Friedrich Richter : Herbst-blumine oder gesammelte Wekchen aus Zeitschriften
'Of Richter I yet know little; I have looked into his Herbst-Bluminen, his Flegaljahre, and am now reading his Fibel. It is easy to see already that next to Goethe (and Tieck?) he is the best man in Germany: but his extravagance and barbarism will render the task of selecting from him one of some difficulty.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Jean Paul Friedrich Richter : Die Flegeljahre
'Of Richter I yet know little; I havelooked into his Herbst-Bluminen, his Flegaljahre, and am now reading his Fibel. It is easy to see already that next to Goethe (and Tieck?) he is the best man in Germany: but his extravagance and barbarism will render the task of selecting from him one of some difficulty.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Auguste Heinrich Julius Lafontaine : Raphael
'Could you learn for me which is Lafontaine's best novel in one moderate volume? I have read his Raphael (in French), his Rudolph von Werdenberg, and his Tinchen (in German): there is genius in all of these, but whether any of them is among the best of his half-a-century of works, I have no means of ascertaining.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Auguste Heinrich Julius Lafontaine : Rudolph von Werdenberg
'Could you learn for me which is Lafontaine's best novel in one moderate volume? I have read his Raphael (in French), his Rudolph von Werdenberg, and his Tinchen (in German): there is genius in all of these, but whether any of them is among the best of his half-a-century of works, I have no means of ascertaining.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Auguste Heinrich Julius Lafontaine : Tinchen oder die Mannerprobe
'Could you learn for me which is Lafontaine's best novel in one moderate volume? I have read his Raphael (in French), his Rudolph von Werdenberg, and his Tinchen (in German): there is genius in all of these, but whether any of them is among the best of his half-a-century of works, I have no means of ascertaining.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
unknown : [German novel]
'I have read nothing, but half of one German novel, last sunday! Not long ago, all this would have made me miserable; but at present I submit to it with equanimity, and even find enjoyment in the thought that in this humblest of spheres of existence I am doing all I can do save my spirit and my fortunes from the shipwreck which threatened then, and to fit me for discharging to myself and others whatever duties my natural or accidental capabilities, slender but actually existing as they are, point out and impose upon me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Jean Paul Friedrich Richter : unknown
'It is many a weary year since I have been so idle or so happy. I have not done two sheets of Werter yet; I read Richter and Jacobi, I ride, and hoe cabbages, and like Basil Montague, am "a lover of all quiet things"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: BookManuscript: Letter
Thomas Carlyle : Letter dated 4 August
'My dear Carlyle, I received your letter with the inclosed addressed to Mr Burns, which I had the pleasure of delivering to him about three weeks ago. I reached Edinburgh about mid-day; took the coach at three o'clock, and arrived in Haddington about seven.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Johnston Manuscript: Letter
E. M. Forster : works
E. M. Forster to Syed Ross Masood, 2 July 1909: 'Something exciting is coming on [...] The Minister for Foreign Affairs has read the works of your humble servant, has approved of them, & has asked me to dinner in consequence [...] I am looking forward to it, and am not in a funk, for Grey is not only charming, but simple, I hear: I do know his brother & sister a little.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Edward Grey Print: Unknown
Jane Baillie Welsh : Letter dated 9 October 1825
'How kind, how simple, true and good! Beautifully welcome, in my sombre vacancy here! (Dumfries, Septr, 1868) This Letter to my Mother (dear kind Letter!) I must have brot [sic] with me from Templand. Legible without commentary,- or with almost none. The Nithsdale Visit is ab[ou]t terminating; and dull distant Haddington, with an uncertain future, lies ahead.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter
Laetitia Pilkington : To his Excellency the Earl of Chesterfield
[LP wrote a poem 'To his Excellency the Earl of Chesterfield'] 'just as I had finished this poem, [italics] Worsdale came in, and snatched it from me, saying, he would send it himself to his old Friend [italics] Philip [end italics]. I could not get it from him, but as I remembered every syllable of it, I wrote it in a better Hand than that rough Draft I had given Mr [italics] Cibber [end italics], and having the Honour of his Correction, who is a fair and candid Critic, sent it again to him.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Worsdale Manuscript: Unknown
John Carteret Pilkington : To Samuel Foote, Esq. on seeing his Englishman in Paris
[Jack Pilkington gives an introduction to his now deceased mother's third volume of memoirs, relating how he wrote a poem 'To Samuel Foote Esq, on seeing his Englishman in Paris' and sent it to him, proposing to insert it in the 'Daily Advertiser'; he received the following reply] 'It is impossible for me to thank you as I ought, for your inclosed Favour; and full as impossible for me, to answer the Contents of your obliging Letter; there is at present, such a Conflict in me, between Modesty and Vanity, that as neither can get the better, I must leave the destination of your elegant Piece, to your own Discretion'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Foote Manuscript: Unknown
unknown : [children's book]
'When I was about six, she decided that the time had come for me to learn to read. And that was when she made her mistake. Instead of merely sitting me down in front of Peter Rabbit, The Secret Garden or the Jungle Books and telling me to get on with it, she provided a dreadful book about a Rosy-Faced Family who Lived Next Door and Had Cats that Sat on Mats, and expected me to get on with that. I was outraged – I, who had walked the boards with the Crummles, and fought beside Beowulf in the darkened Hall of Heriot. I took one look, and decided that the best way of making sure that I should never meet the Rosy-Faced Family or any of their unspeakable kind in the future was not to learn to read at all. So I didn’t, and my mother never quite had the hardness of heart to stop reading to me. We had lessons and lessons and lessons; and we got practically nowhere.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosemary Sutcliff Print: Book
Hans Christian Andersen : Little Match Girl, The
'She did take to reading me The Little Matchgirl rather more frequently as time went on. Maybe she hoped that I would learn to read as a means of avoiding that particular story, but I have a nasty suspicion that it was done as a means of providing light relief for herself, because The Little Match Girl always made me cry.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosemary Sutcliff Print: Book
Grimm : Fairy Tales
'From a tattered old volume of Grimm’s Fairy Tales passed around among us, we learned to read, even I, at long last, discovering suddenly what the mystery was all about. I have no recollection of the actual process; I do not know how or why or when or wherefore the light dawned. I only know that when I went to Miss Beck’s Academy I could not read, and that by the end of my first term, without any apparent transition period, I was reading, without too much trouble, anything that came my way.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosemary Sutcliff Print: Book
L.M. Montgomery : Emily of New Moon
'And then one day I found a book. It was a book called Emily of New Moon, about a little girl whose father died of consumption – that made a change, to start with - after which she was brought up by strict aunts in an old farmhouse somewhere in Canada. A Canadian story, not an American one; but I barely registered that at the time. What made it so different from other books of its kind I did not know, and I do not really know even now. But for me it was magic. I carried it off and kept it under my pillow or clutched to my bosom at bed-making time, and it seems as though I read it all that summer long, which can scarcely have been the fact; but I think I must have read it through, at first voraciously and then with slow and lingering delight, at least three times on the trot. And it was summer. On fine summer nights the beds remained out on the concrete strip all night, and I used to read, half under the bedclothes to evade Night Nurse’s eagle eye, until the last dregs of the light had drained away [...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosemary Sutcliff Print: Book
Thomas Stevenson : 'British Storms' in Good Words
'I should like, by the way, to hear more about my father's lecture; was it much on the same rails as the Good Words article?'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
: Fortnightly Review
'... and then nearly fell asleep over the Fortnightly. Morley is very jolly; so is Marat.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Jean Baptise Honore Raymond Capefigue : Histoire de la Reforme, de la Ligue, et du Regne de Henri IV
'Imagine my delight to find a footnote in Capefigs thus conceived ... Immediately after, Capefigues talks of la grande flotte de Dracke.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
George Sand : unknown
'I cannot tell how I feel, who can ever? I feel like a person in a novel of George Sand’s; I feel a desire to go out of the house, and begin life anew in the cool blue night. Never to come back here; never, never. Only to go on forever by sunny day and gray day, by bright night and foul, by highway and byway, town and hamlet, until somewhere by a roadside or in some clean inn, clean death opened his arms to me, and took me to his quiet heart forever.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
William Ernest Henley : Hospital Outlines: Sketches and Portraits
'My dear Henley, Sketches III line 11. More laughter comes from them than moan. IV As a whole. VII Both quatrains. VIII line 2. Extemporising a becoming gloom. IX Well, I don’t like it. Portraits I The sestett[sic] is not up to the mark, I think, but I don’t press this. IV Is a little broken, and the phrasing is a little imbecile. VII I don’t like. IX The first quatrain, and the words "does not feel his place" in the second. There is positively all I find….'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Probably proof.
[unknown] : [a review of Ford's work]
'I was greeted in the mess at breakfast today by the whole table exclaiuming: "Genius" - it appears that someone had read the British weekly which says "Mr H's literary power does not fall short of genius!" which struck them as comic'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: soldier Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : [book on wild flowers]
'There is an awfully good little book on English wild flowers with good clear illustrations, but it costs 7/6. Is it worth it?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, "Stella" Bowen Print: Book
[n/a] : [press cuttings - subject unknown]
'The enclosed press cuttings have just arrived via Clifford. I've read 'em. It might be a good plan to give The Authors Club as an address for the Press Cuttings people, as the fewer things go to S.L. the better.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, 'Stella' Bowen Print: Newspaper
Clifford Bax : [poems]
'The [underlined] whole [end underlining] trouble [in Bowen's relationships with her friends Phyllis and Clifford] is that Clifford doesn't admire your poetry!! so that somehow there is something lacking in their personal sympathy with me!!! And [underlined] I [end underlining] don't admire Clifford's, - tho' I try and dissemble a little - so you [underlined] see [end underlining]!! And this morning relations with P. were a trifle strained becaused she read me some poetry she'd written, for criticism, I said I thought there were always too many Stars & Pools & Buds in what she wrote, & she said I was so dreadfully sophisticated and affected!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn 'Stella' Bowen Print: Unknown
Phyllis Reid : [poems]
'The [underlined] whole [end underlining] trouble [in Bowen's relationships with her friends Phyllis and Clifford] is that Clifford doesn't admire your poetry!! so that somehow there is something lacking in their personal sympathy with me!!! And [underlined] I [end underlining] don't admire Clifford's, - tho' I try and dissemble a little - so you [underlined] see [end underlining]!! And this morning relations with P. were a trifle strained becaused she read me some poetry she'd written, for criticism, I said I thought there were always too many Stars & Pools & Buds in what she wrote, & she said I was so dreadfully sophisticated and affected!'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn 'Stella' Bowen
Phyllis Reid : [a poem]
'The [underlined] whole [end underlining] trouble [in Bowen's relationships with her friends Phyllis and Clifford] is that Clifford doesn't admire your poetry!! so that somehow there is something lacking in their personal sympathy with me!!! And [underlined] I [end underlining] don't admire Clifford's, - tho' I try and dissemble a little - so you [underlined] see [end underlining]!! And this morning relations with P. were a trifle strained becaused she read me some poetry she'd written, for criticism, I said I thought there were always too many Stars & Pools & Buds in what she wrote, & she said I was so dreadfully sophisticated and affected!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Phyllis Reid Manuscript: Unknown
Ford Madox Ford : [letter to Stella Bowen]
'P.'s roving eye fell upon your letter of today, & read the beginning of the sentence about "Poor old Phyllis & her poems!" Which led to demands to know how it ended. Which led to strenuous refusals on my part & denials of her right to ask, and assurances of the trviality of the reference. Which led to really violent hysteria.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Phyllis Reid Manuscript: Letter
[unknown] : [first reading]
'[Baby] is making progress with her reading & can - most times - identify the sound & the curly S & the elegant L. Perhaps she will be writing short stories by your return!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Julia Ford Print: Unknown
Herbert George Wells : Outline of History, The
'behind my back, E.J. is reading H.G.'s [underlined] Outline of History [end underlining] & making riotous comments on Amenhotep IV who she declares is a lidie with two heads'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Julia Ford Print: Book
[n/a] : [newspaper]
'It is very curious her [Ford's daughter's] coquettish mischievousness. If you shew her a letter she will always say it wrong: but when she is sitting on the bed in the morning with a newspaper & thinks no one is noticing her, she prattles on about B for Bodog's; P for Piggy & points to the right letters.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Julia Ford Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Daily Mail, The
'The Daily mail has persistent articles about Stabilisation at 100' [reference to currency fluctuations]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, 'Stella' Bowen Print: Newspaper
Getrude Stein : [art criticism]
'I've had [underlined] one [end underlining] violent set-too with Douglas on the subject of Gertrude Stein. He said her work was "purest bosh" & thought it "a shame" that undergraduates should be inveighed into listening & being influenced by her art propaganda.' [SB defended Stein's work]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Douglas Cole Print: Book
Edith Wharton : [unknown]
'I have just read a very bad book by Edith Wharton & am cross with it for being bad because I thougt she never [underlined] was [end underlining].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, 'Stella' Bowen Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford : [dedicatory letter to 'The Good Soldier']
'The last mail brought me your Dedicatory letter. I am [underlined] so [end underlining] touched & so very very proud. I don't know how to tell you how proud it makes me. It is lovely of you to want to pay me such a tribute. Of course I don't deserve a quarter of it. Some day I shall begin to tell you what [underlined] you [end underlining] have done for [underlined] me [end underlining]! I suppose you know me well enough however to guess that at the idea of your letter being [underlined] published [end italics] I am overcome by feelings of really awful - shyness, I suppose it is.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, 'Stella' Bowen Manuscript: Letter
Isabel Paterson : [column in ] New York Herald Tribune Books
'I read about your earlier dinner quite by accident in "Books" - & by the way I have never had the copy with your Stephen Crane article. I liked [underlined] very [end underlining] much the article about Ezra - I have read Hemingway's book - It seems pretty good. I like that hard clean sort of effect - but I think it gives also the effect of brittleness - or is that nonsense? It is also rather dazzling & tiring. He has touched me off rather nastily - rather on Jean's lines - So I feel very discouraged! Even you don't quite escape. Still its all of no consequence. Jenny had Violet's book lying about yesterday, which really [underlined] did [end underlining] rather upset me - The Envoi appears to say, that with someone who has had so [underlined] many [end underlining] final grand Passions there will [underlined] never [end underlining] be [underlined] any [end underlining] means of knowing who was really "the" one!
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, 'Stella' Bowen Print: Serial / periodical
Ford Madox Ford : [unknown article about Ezra Pound]
'I read about your earlier dinner quite by accident in "Books" - & by the way I have never had the copy with your Stephen Crane article. I liked [underlined] very [end underlining] much the article about Ezra - I have read Hemingway's book - It seems pretty good. I like that hard clean sort of effect - but I think it gives also the effect of brittleness - or is that nonsense? It is also rather dazzling & tiring. He has touched me off rather nastily - rather on Jean's lines - So I feel very discouraged! Even you don't quite escape. Still its all of no consequence. Jenny had Violet's book lying about yesterday, which really [underlined] did [end underlining] rather upset me - The Envoi appears to say, that with someone who has had so [underlined] many [end underlining] final grand Passions there will [underlined] never [end underlining] be [underlined] any [end underlining] means of knowing who was really "the" one!
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, 'Stella' Bowen Print: Serial / periodical
Ernest Hemingway : Sun Also Rises, The
'I read about your earlier dinner quite by accident in "Books" - & by the way I have never had the copy with your Stephen Crane article. I liked [underlined] very [end underlining] much the article about Ezra - I have read Hemingway's book - It seems pretty good. I like that hard clean sort of effect - but I think it gives also the effect of brittleness - or is that nonsense? It is also rather dazzling & tiring. He has touched me off rather nastily - rather on Jean's lines - So I feel very discouraged! Even you don't quite escape. Still its all of no consequence. Jenny had Violet's book lying about yesterday, which really [underlined] did [end underlining] rather upset me - The Envoi appears to say, that with someone who has had so [underlined] many [end underlining] final grand Passions there will [underlined] never [end underlining] be [underlined] any [end underlining] means of knowing who was really "the" one!
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, 'Stella' Bowen Print: Book
Violet Hunt : I Have This to Say
'I read about your earlier dinner quite by accident in "Books" - & by the way I have never had the copy with your Stephen Crane article. I liked [underlined] very [end underlining] much the article about Ezra - I have read Hemingway's book - It seems pretty good. I like that hard clean sort of effect - but I think it gives also the effect of brittleness - or is that nonsense? It is also rather dazzling & tiring. He has touched me off rather nastily - rather on Jean's lines - So I feel very discouraged! Even you don't quite escape. Still its all of no consequence. Jenny had Violet's book lying about yesterday, which really [underlined] did [end underlining] rather upset me - The Envoi appears to say, that with someone who has had so [underlined] many [end underlining] final grand Passions there will [underlined] never [end underlining] be [underlined] any [end underlining] means of knowing who was really "the" one!
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, 'Stella' Bowen Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford : Thus to Revisit
'I have inspected all the work the binder has done for you and as far as I can rember it seems to be what you ordered. He has put 'Hueffer' on the back of 'Thus to Revisit' having copied the jacket - but I suppose that is of no great consequence.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, 'Stella' Bowen Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford : Last Post, The
'first let me say how splendid I think the "Last Post" is. (By the way, Duckworth has acknowledged receipt of MSS, so that's all safe). Mark's death is a lovely poem. And poor Valentine! But all that is a bit too near the knuckle. Still I'm the only person who is going to feel that, and it doesn't make it less wonderful art. I'm glad you didn't have a scene betwen Helen Luther and Valentine. I let Bradley read the MSS before sending it to Duckworth and he is awfully enthusiastic. He thinks it is a wonderfully sustained finish to the whole series. Only he expected a tragic denouement and was taken aback by the capitulation of Sylvia! So was I, rather. But I don't think you've ever in your life done anything better than you've done in this book. There is nothing better anywhere in Literature than Marie Leonie, Mark on Women, and the boy, and even Valentine's agonies even if she [underlined] is [end underlining] so beastly normal! Anyway that is my opinion.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, 'Stella' Bowen Manuscript: Unknown
Ford Madox Ford : Last Post, The
'I am very touched by all the tributes in your New Year's letter, & enormously pleased with The Last Post. I don't believe you have any last idea how much I admire your genius, & how proud it makes me of my association with you [Stella then talks about her own painting] But your letter, & the "Last Post" together, seem to mark the end of our long intimacy, which did have a great deal of happiness in it for me, & which did involve us in a great deal of decent effort.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, 'Stella' Bowen Print: Book
Esther Julia Ford : [a short story]
'And you know she [Ford's daughter, Julie] acted about her story just like a grown-up I know: No, it was not good enough for me to see. She had not had enough experience. Perhaps one day when she had had experience. And she supposed no-one would print her silly story. And she went and read it to Fannie, and then to Mlle Renee and at last she let me see it and explained that it would look much better when she had made a clean copy.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Julia Ford Manuscript: Unknown
Ford Madox Ford : [chapters from 'It Was the Nightingale']
'Many thanks for the 3 chapters - they look entrancing, but I haven't had time to do more than glance at them as I've had a sitter all day'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, 'Stella' Bowen Manuscript: Unknown
Isabel Paterson : [review of 'It Was The Nightingale' in] New York Herald Tribune Book Review
'Ray Postgate has given me some [underlined] excellent [end underlining] reviews of it was the Nightingale by Isabel Paterson & (better still) by W.R. Benet under the title "Uncle Ford". I expect you have seen them.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, 'Stella' Bowen Print: Serial / periodical
W.R. Benet : 'Uncle Ford'
'Ray Postgate has given me some [underlined] excellent [end underlining] reviews of it was the Nightingale by Isabel Paterson & (better still) by W.R. Benet under the title "Uncle Ford". I expect you have seen them.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, 'Stella' Bowen Print: Serial / periodical
Elizabeth Madox Roberts : Time of Man, The
'Mummy is now reading "[T]he Time of Man", so you can't have it back just yet: but you'll get it some day'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Gwendolyn, 'Stella' Bowen Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford : Great Trade Route, The
'I've just received "The Great Trade Route" this morning, and there's a gentleman on the cover who tells me that it is "bland, ironic humurous [sic] discursive, always amusing, throughly convincing" & I've been trying to find the place where I left off in the proofs but have just realized how futile such a search is & have gone back to the beginning.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Julia Ford Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford : March of Literature, The
'I am loving your book [The March of Literature]: in fact I'm enjoying it even more than Great Trade Route. I do hope it's doing as well as it deserves'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Esther Julia Ford Print: Book
Thomas Hardy : [unknown]
'Sydney [Larkin's father] gave him free run of his library and his appetite for books grew enormously. "Thanks to my father", he wrote later: "our house contained not only the principal works of most main English writers in some form or other (admittedly there were exceptions, like Dickens), but also nearly-complete collections of authors my father favoured - Hardy, Bennett, Wilde, Butler and Shaw, and later on Lawrence, Huxley and Katherine Mansfield".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Larkin Print: Book
Arnold Bennett : [unknown]
'Sydney [Larkin's father] gave him free run of his library and his appetite for books grew enormously. "Thanks to my father", he wrote later: "our house contained not only the principal works of most main English writers in some form or other (admittedly there were exceptions, like Dickens), but also nearly-complete collections of authors my father favoured - Hardy, Bennett, Wilde, Butler and Shaw, and later on Lawrence, Huxley and Katherine Mansfield".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Larkin Print: Book
Oscar Wilde : [unknown]
'Sydney [Larkin's father] gave him free run of his library and his appetite for books grew enormously. "Thanks to my father", he wrote later: "our house contained not only the principal works of most main English writers in some form or other (admittedly there were exceptions, like Dickens), but also nearly-complete collections of authors my father favoured - Hardy, Bennett, Wilde, Butler and Shaw, and later on Lawrence, Huxley and Katherine Mansfield".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Larkin Print: Book
Samuel Butler : [unknown]
'Sydney [Larkin's father] gave him free run of his library and his appetite for books grew enormously. "Thanks to my father", he wrote later: "our house contained not only the principal works of most main English writers in some form or other (admittedly there were exceptions, like Dickens), but also nearly-complete collections of authors my father favoured - Hardy, Bennett, Wilde, Butler and Shaw, and later on Lawrence, Huxley and Katherine Mansfield".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Larkin Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw : [unknown]
'Sydney [Larkin's father] gave him free run of his library and his appetite for books grew enormously. "Thanks to my father", he wrote later: "our house contained not only the principal works of most main English writers in some form or other (admittedly there were exceptions, like Dickens), but also nearly-complete collections of authors my father favoured - Hardy, Bennett, Wilde, Butler and Shaw, and later on Lawrence, Huxley and Katherine Mansfield".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Larkin Print: Book
David Herbert Lawrence : [unknown]
'Sydney [Larkin's father] gave him free run of his library and his appetite for books grew enormously. "Thanks to my father", he wrote later: "our house contained not only the principal works of most main English writers in some form or other (admittedly there were exceptions, like Dickens), but also nearly-complete collections of authors my father favoured - Hardy, Bennett, Wilde, Butler and Shaw, and later on Lawrence, Huxley and Katherine Mansfield".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Larkin Print: Book
Aldous Huxley : [unknown]
'Sydney [Larkin's father] gave him free run of his library and his appetite for books grew enormously. "Thanks to my father", he wrote later: "our house contained not only the principal works of most main English writers in some form or other (admittedly there were exceptions, like Dickens), but also nearly-complete collections of authors my father favoured - Hardy, Bennett, Wilde, Butler and Shaw, and later on Lawrence, Huxley and Katherine Mansfield".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Larkin Print: Book
Katherine Mansfield : [unknown]
'Sydney [Larkin's father] gave him free run of his library and his appetite for books grew enormously. "Thanks to my father", he wrote later: "our house contained not only the principal works of most main English writers in some form or other (admittedly there were exceptions, like Dickens), but also nearly-complete collections of authors my father favoured - Hardy, Bennett, Wilde, Butler and Shaw, and later on Lawrence, Huxley and Katherine Mansfield".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Larkin Print: Book
unknown : law books
'I am all right. I am reading law, and writing beautiful poems in prose. […]Do write, son of perdition, do write. I cannot, owing to poetical (prose poetical) afflatus, Civil Law, and a kind of nondescript incapacity that weighs upon me.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book, Textbooks on Scottish Law, including Civil Law.
William Penn : Fruits of Solitude
[On blank recto flyleaf at the beginning of the volume:] 'My Dear Brown,/ Here it is, with the mark of a San Francisco BOUQUINISTE. And if ever in all my "human conduct" I have done a better thing to any fellow-creature than handing on to you this sweet, dignified, and wholesome book, I know I shall hear of it on the last day. To write a book like this were impossible; at least one can hand it on − with a wrench − one to another. My wife cries out and my own heart misgives me, but still here it is. I could scarcely better prove myself − Yours affectionately, R.L. Stevenson. [Later, placed on a blank recto page facing p.166, i.e. the last page of Fruits of Solitude and before Fruits of a Father’s Love:] My Dear Brown, / I hope if you get this far, you will know what an invaluable present I have made you. Even the copy was dear to me, printed in the colony that Penn established and carried in my pocket all about San Francisco streets, read in street cars and ferry boats, when I was sick unto death, and found in all times a peaceful and sweet companion. But I hope, when you shall have reached this note, my gift will not have been in vain; for while just now we are so busy and intelligent, there is not the man living, no, nor recently dead, that could have put, with so lovely a spirit, so much honest, kind wisdom into words. / R.L.S.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
George Sand : Nanon
'I have finished Nanon...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
William Kingdom Clifford : The Unseen Universe or Physical Speculations on a Future State
'My father has been quite sewed up for some days back, by Clifford’s article: (a fine article it was too);[…].'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical, Review article. Probably read in print after publication, but possibly in another earlier form since RLS was acquainted with its author.
Ernest Dawson : The River of Cathay
'The River of Cathay is good; it is right; perfectly right; right in tone and in expression. It pleased me much.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Hugh Clifford : A Free Lance of Today
'I ought to have thanked you before but I preferred to read the book first. I've read it twice with casts back here and there. The book is remarkable- and that it will be very much remarked I have no doubt.' Thence follows eleven lines of qualified praise though comparing the book rather unfavourably with Clifford's 1898 work "Since the Beginning".
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
R. (Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : A Vanished Arcadia: being some account of the Jesuits in Paraguay 1607-1767
'I have been reading again the "[A] Vanished Arcadia" - from the dedication, so full of charm,to the last paragraph with its ironic aside about the writers of books "proposing something and concluding nothing" - and its exquisite last lines..'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Henry-Durand Davray : unknown
'The "Mercure de France" notice is agreeable - and as he [Henry-Durand Davray] reproduces what I have been lately talking at him as to French fiction I am flattered.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Marcelle Tinayre : La Maison du Peché
'The book ("Maison du Peché") has arrived and is now half read. Without going further my verdict is that it is good , but is not "fort".' Thence follows five lines of moderately negative criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Hay Athole Macdonald : election speech
'I read J. H. A. Macdonald's speech with interest.'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
[n/a] : [English newspapers]
'[Father] taught himself to read English almost perfectly. Mother somehow taught herself enough English to get the gist of the contents of English newspapers. Father, oddly, refused to read the English papers; I fancy he thought more highly of books. I dimly remember evenings, before mother became very ill, when she sat with him at the kitchen table while he ate his dinner, and with obvious delight read an English paper to him. She also of course read "Die Zeit", and letters in Yiddish from relatives left behind in Lithuania; these came more and more infrequently and finally died away. I suppose she never had time to read anything else'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Glasser Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Die Zeit
'[Father] taught himself to read English almost perfectly. Mother somehow taught herself enough English to get the gist of the contents of English newspapers. Father, oddly, refused to read the English papers; I fancy he thought more highly of books. I dimly remember evenings, before mother became very ill, when she sat with him at the kitchen table while he ate his dinner, and with obvious delight read an English paper to him. She also of course read "Die Zeit", and letters in Yiddish from relatives left behind in Lithuania; these came more and more infrequently and finally died away. I suppose she never had time to read anything else'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Glasser Print: Newspaper
Thomas Stevenson : letter (in "Nature")
'I have been reading a paper of my father's in Nature.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
John Wilkes : Essay on Woman
'There was Hamish, confirmed practical joker, who donned stage make-up and a false beard and, pretending serious research, persuaded a member of the Bodleian staff to bring him John Wilkes's "Essay on Woman" - a work so scandalous that it was on the restricted access list - and copied it out for [itaklics] zamizdat [end italics] circulation among a select few: "Awake my Fanny, leave all meaner things, This morn shall show what rapture swiving brings..." I accepted a copy, on several sheets of smudged carbon, and for many weeks hid it in the lining of my trunk, expecting that at any moment, in some fateful fashion, the sin would proclaim itself'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Hamish Print: Book
Sidney Colvin : Letter
'The gay and free S.C. has at last written to me; but has not pleased me: does he think I can do anything with my “Spring-time”, that’s what I want to know.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne : The House of Seven Gables
'The more I read of Mr. Hawthorne's writings the more intense does my admiration become. I read over the other day a part of his "House of the Seven Gables" and I don't remember any delineation of character under Shakespeare's that is to me so exquisitely fascinating as his of Phoebe, and it is the one I think, among all his characters which mark him most of all as a man of very great genius, for in the hands of any but such a man, instead of being as she is "A perfect woman, nobly planned, To warn, to comfort, and command; And yet a spirit still and bright With something of an Angel light." she would have been a common place stupid creature who only was good because she had not will to be bad [...] The contrast too of the restless minded metaphysical Holgrave always searching into the cause of things, and his tremendous delight in watching the development of character are admirable [underlined]. This latter feature is I am sure a marking characteristic of Mr. Hawthorne's and I just wish to warn him that though I have in thought [underlined] quite an agonizing sympathy with him in it, yet when carried to such a pitch as he does in practice that he won't give a hand to a pair of poor lovers that have fallen into the gutter on a rainy night because his part is only to be a spectator. I have no patience with him, and beg to say if I catch him at anything like that I will commit an assault upon him as sure as fate. I should tell you, as more important than any thing that I can say on the subject, that for the first time Papa read "The House of the Seven Gables" a few days ago [...] he said that if anyone wished to give a very favorable notion to a non-German reader of Jean Paul Richter's style of thought and sentiment they could not do it more successfully than by pointing out many passages in it [i.e. the Hawthorne], and when I tell you that Papa admires him more than any Author of his class by far, and has often regretted our not being German scholars simply on his account you will have an idea....'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas De Quincey Print: Book
R. (Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : A Convert (?)
'Your Saturday Review fling is first rate. Nothing I liked more since the gold-fish carrier story'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Richard` Garnett : The Twilight of the Gods and Other tales
'He [Edward Garnett] gave me his father's book for you. He handed it to me because I wanted to look at some new stories in the vol:[...]I send it on now. E.G. thinks that the intelligence and irony of the book may appeal to H.G. I think so too.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Serial / periodical
Guy de Maupassant : Stories from De Maupassant [English title]
Referring to Elsie Hueffer's translation of Maupassant: 'I've "suggested" on the proof numbered 2 everything that occurred to me as improvement. Your work and your corrections are all right. The preface is extremely good.' Hence follow twelve lines of minor comment about the translation, including delicately skirting around Mrs.Hueffer's naive misuse of the French verb 'baiser' instead of 'embrasser'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Proofs
Walter Scott : Field of Waterloo, The
'Of his poem Waterloo she writes: "These are my honest opinions, just as I should give them to any third person: and let me fairly add that I by no means expected to be so much pleased. Whatever subject draws universal attention, sets 'every goose cackling', every newspaper declaiming, descanting, admiring, lamenting, exaggerating, it is harder for a poet to handle than Swift's broomstick itself, and I protest, I thought Waterloo such a hopeless one that I was almost vexed at your undertaking it. But you have wonderfully avoided the commonplace".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Unknown
[unknown] : [novels]
'Like most of those capable of appreciating real literature, Lady Louisa enjoyed novels of almost any description; admitting her taste with unusual frankness: "I did not read novels when very young, and possibly I like them all the better afterwards; they are like wine to a person not used to them, but I fear I have been a downright dram-drinker, so long have they lost their effect".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [unknown]
'She comments, with discrimination, on Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, Rousseau and Cervantes, "Tom Jones", "Emma", "A Man of Feeling", Coleridge, Mrs Shelley, and Crabbe'.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Ben Jonson : [unknown]
'She comments, with discrimination, on Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, Rousseau and Cervantes, "Tom Jones", "Emma", "A Man of Feeling", Coleridge, Mrs Shelley, and Crabbe'.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Henry Mackenzie : Man of Feeling, The
'She comments, with discrimination, on Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, Rousseau and Cervantes, "Tom Jones", "Emma", "A Man of Feeling", Coleridge, Mrs Shelley, and Crabbe'.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : [unknown]
'She comments, with discrimination, on Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, Rousseau and Cervantes, "Tom Jones", "Emma", "A Man of Feeling", Coleridge, Mrs Shelley, and Crabbe'.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
George Crabbe : [unknown]
'She comments, with discrimination, on Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, Rousseau and Cervantes, "Tom Jones", "Emma", "A Man of Feeling", Coleridge, Mrs Shelley, and Crabbe'.
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Sir Charles Grandison
'"Flimsy novel language disgusts" her; and she "perceives a difference between 'Sir Charles Grandison' and the common novels one now meets with, like that between roast beef and whipt syllabub".'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'Did you ever read "Emma", a novel of Miss Austen's? I have seen three or four [italics] Harriet Smiths [end italics] taken up and let down again, and you not being a [italics] Harriet Smith [end italics], your [italics] good genius [end italics] would rather you were not of the number. The present inmate is, I acknowledge, rather of the [italics] Miss Jane Fairfax [end italics] class, and the first I have known so favoured... Oh! how I wish (and have long wished) for the [italics] Mr Knightly [sic, end italics] to come and take the government on his own shoulders, then everything would go on as it ought... which proves me to be something like a romantic old fool.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Caroline Dawson : [journal]
'You need not be at all afraid that I should think your journal an odd composition. I am so much charmed with it that I long for the second part, and want to see the characters you have painted in action; but I pity you for being forced to spend so much of your time visiting and playing at cards by daylight'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Manuscript: Unknown
[n/a] : [newspapers]
'We hear of nothing but the Prince of Wales, but as we get no other account in our letters but what is to be seen in the newspapers I will not repeat anything here.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : [history books]
'Some of his pictures are good, and as his family is very noble and greatly allied, one sees many faces one has read of both in English and Scotch history, which I always think amusing'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Walter Scott : Marmion
'Mr Scott must have thought me very ungrateful in returning no acknowledgements for being [italics] entrusted [end italics] with "Marmion", but I was prisoner with so severe a cold the last week I stayed at Dalkeith that I could not attempt writing. Lady Dalkeith undertook the care of the parcel, which I hope has been safely restored; but now my head is clear enough, I must tell you how much pleasure it gave me, and that this pleasure rose still higher on reading it over and over again. Like the "Lay", it carries one on, and one cannot lay it down. It is, I feel, a great piece of presumption in me either to commend or criticise; but one passage, I confess, strikes me as more feeble than the rest, though by itself, or in a less spirited poem, I should never have affix'd to it that epithet. What I mean is that part of the introduction to the third Canto where you begin to give Mr Erskine your reasons for not adopting his advice; it immediately follows the compliment to Miss Baillie. Yet even in this the picture of the old Highland drover is beautiful. What ensues upon Smailhome Tower, etc., I was particularly charmed with, but I shall not pretend to point out all the beauties in this note'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Manuscript: Unknown
Walter Scott : Lay of the Last Minstrel, The
'Mr Scott must have thought me very ungrateful in returning no acknowledgements for being [italics] entrusted [end italics] with "Marmion", but I was prisoner with so severe a cold the last week I stayed at Dalkeith that I could not attempt writing. Lady Dalkeith undertook the care of the parcel, which I hope has been safely restored; but now my head is clear enough, I must tell you how much pleasure it gave me, and that this pleasure rose still higher on reading it over and over again. Like the "Lay", it carries one on, and one cannot lay it down. It is, I feel, a great piece of presumption in me either to commend or criticise; but one passage, I confess, strikes me as more feeble than the rest, though by itself, or in a less spirited poem, I should never have affix'd to it that epithet. What I mean is that part of the introduction to the third Canto where you begin to give Mr Erskine your reasons for not adopting his advice; it immediately follows the compliment to Miss Baillie. Yet even in this the picture of the old Highland drover is beautiful. What ensues upon Smailhome Tower, etc., I was particularly charmed with, but I shall not pretend to point out all the beauties in this note'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Walter Scott : Waverley
'In general the coterie here are disposed to think it not by the same author as "Waverley", etc., and to think it superior to all three. I myself place it above Guy and Monkbarns, but "Waverley" being my first love, I canot give him up. [italics] as a whole [end italics], however, I believe it does bear the palm, and it surprises me by not sinking into flatness, after the return of Morton from abroad; which was a very slippery place for [italics] you [end italics], who profess never knowing what you are going to write.... I must mention a remark Mrs Weddell has repeatedly made: "this has the [italics] nature [end italics] of Daniel Defoe's novels, tho' with a higher style of writing. I can hardly forbear fancying every word of it true". And we are all agreed that instead of perverting history, it elucidates it, and would give a person partially acquainted with it the desire to be more so'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Walter Scott : Guy Mannering
'In general the coterie here are disposed to think it not by the same author as "Waverley", etc., and to think it superior to all three. I myself place it above Guy and Monkbarns, but "Waverley" being my first love, I canot give him up. [italics] as a whole [end italics], however, I believe it does bear the palm, and it surprises me by not sinking into flatness, after the return of Morton from abroad; which was a very slippery place for [italics] you [end italics], who profess never knowing what you are going to write.... I must mention a remark Mrs Weddell has repeatedly made: "this has the [italics] nature [end italics] of Daniel Defoe's novels, tho' with a higher style of writing. I can hardly forbear fancying every word of it true". And we are all agreed that instead of perverting history, it elucidates it, and would give a person partially acquainted with it the desire to be more so'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Walter Scott : Tales of my Landlord
'In general the coterie here are disposed to think it not by the same author as "Waverley", etc., and to think it superior to all three. I myself place it above Guy and Monkbarns, but "Waverley" being my first love, I canot give him up. [italics] as a whole [end italics], however, I believe it does bear the palm, and it surprises me by not sinking into flatness, after the return of Morton from abroad; which was a very slippery place for [italics] you [end italics], who profess never knowing what you are going to write.... I must mention a remark Mrs Weddell has repeatedly made: "this has the [italics] nature [end italics] of Daniel Defoe's novels, tho' with a higher style of writing. I can hardly forbear fancying every word of it true". And we are all agreed that instead of perverting history, it elucidates it, and would give a person partially acquainted with it the desire to be more so'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Walter Scott : Antiquary, The
'In general the coterie here are disposed to think it not by the same author as "Waverley", etc., and to think it superior to all three. I myself place it above Guy and Monkbarns, but "Waverley" being my first love, I canot give him up. [italics] as a whole [end italics], however, I believe it does bear the palm, and it surprises me by not sinking into flatness, after the return of Morton from abroad; which was a very slippery place for [italics] you [end italics], who profess never knowing what you are going to write.... I must mention a remark Mrs Weddell has repeatedly made: "this has the [italics] nature [end italics] of Daniel Defoe's novels, tho' with a higher style of writing. I can hardly forbear fancying every word of it true". And we are all agreed that instead of perverting history, it elucidates it, and would give a person partially acquainted with it the desire to be more so'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Walter Scott : Tales of my Landlord
'In general the coterie here are disposed to think it not by the same author as "Waverley", etc., and to think it superior to all three. I myself place it above Guy and Monkbarns, but "Waverley" being my first love, I canot give him up. [italics] as a whole [end italics], however, I believe it does bear the palm, and it surprises me by not sinking into flatness, after the return of Morton from abroad; which was a very slippery place for [italics] you [end italics], who profess never knowing what you are going to write.... I must mention a remark Mrs Weddell has repeatedly made: "this has the [italics] nature [end italics] of Daniel Defoe's novels, tho' with a higher style of writing. I can hardly forbear fancying every word of it true". And we are all agreed that instead of perverting history, it elucidates it, and would give a person partially acquainted with it the desire to be more so'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Weddell Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : [novels]
'In general the coterie here are disposed to think it not by the same author as "Waverley", etc., and to think it superior to all three. I myself place it above Guy and Monkbarns, but "Waverley" being my first love, I canot give him up. [italics] as a whole [end italics], however, I believe it does bear the palm, and it surprises me by not sinking into flatness, after the return of Morton from abroad; which was a very slippery place for [italics] you [end italics], who profess never knowing what you are going to write.... I must mention a remark Mrs Weddell has repeatedly made: "this has the [italics] nature [end italics] of Daniel Defoe's novels, tho' with a higher style of writing. I can hardly forbear fancying every word of it true". And we are all agreed that instead of perverting history, it elucidates it, and would give a person partially acquainted with it the desire to be more so'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Weddell Print: Book
H.(Herbert) G. (George) Wells : Mankind in the Making
'There is any amount of masterly pages. I have not read all of them as you may imagine. [...] Yes the "virtue" of the book is great.' Interspersed and following are several lines of warm praise for Wells's new book.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
H.(Herbert) G. (George) Wells : Twelve Stories and a Dream
'An excellent volume. Last time I saw you , you spoke of it slightlingly-and this only adds to my envy of your astounding gift-for if this is the sort of thing you throw off while you whistle!-well!' Thence follow tweleve lines of praise for this collection of short stories.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
(Enoch) Arnold Bennett : Leonora
'You must think me a brute. I don't even attempt to palliate an inexcusable delay in thanking you for "Leonora".[...] Yes. you can do things; you present them with a skill and a language for which I wish to thank you as distinc[t]ly as possible, and with all the respect due to such a remarkable talent.[...] And here the first criticism that occurs is that there is not enough of Leonora herself. [...] And that's about the only objection that can be made to the book as a work. With the sheer pleasure of reading it, that-say-defect- does not interfere.' Thence follow sixteen more lines of constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Kazimierz Waliszewski : Un cas de naturalisation littéraire: Joseph Conrad
'A thousand thanks for the article you devote to me in the "Revue". I read it with lively interest, profound attention and much gratitude.' Thence follow six more lines of grateful appreciation of the article.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
E.(Edward) D.(Dene) Morel : The Congo Slave State.
'I have to thank you for Morel's pamphlet which reached me from L'pool a few days ago.There can be no doubt that his presentation of the commercial policy and the administrative methods of the Congo State is absolutely true. It is a most brazen breach of faith as to Europe. It is in every aspect an enormous and atrocious lie in action.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
R. (Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Hernando de Soto: together with an account of one of his captains, Gonçalo Silvestre.
'Next to tell you that "H.[Hernando]de Soto" is most exquisitely excellent: your very mark and spirit upon a subject that only you can do justice to-with your wonderful English and your sympathetic insight insto the souls of the Conquistadores.' Thence follows half a page of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
J.[James] M.[Matthew] Barrie : The Little White Bird
'The reading of the "White Bird", apart from the sheer pleasure your work always gives, had a special interest for me as demonstrating once more your wonderful power to deal with fanciful and delicate conceptions; something much too perfect to be called skill.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Kazimierz Waliszewski : Ivan le Terrible
'It only remains for me to add that I am on page 24 of "Ivan the Terrible"; that is to say that I have been comforted 24 times by complete forgetfulness of my difficulties.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Henri Jean François Borel : Wu Wei:A Phantasy Based on the Philosophy of Lao-Tse
'Arrived: A book with a Chinese title of Scandinavian authorship translated by Mrs Reynolds. I am touched and pleased indeed by the kind`attention. Have looked into it alreday with the translator alone in view. And that is all right. That's all I have to say. If I were to talk of skill and fluency and mastery and the rest of the journalese bosh you would not believe me and you would be right. But the thing will do and that's the most an honest man can say of any writing.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Robert Lewins : unknown
'I met a rum old army doctor, called Lewins, who sent me a paper of his, full of matter that would not be very gratifying to the elect: In which paper he has the following: "Healthy sensation .. is thus our only Heaven: morbid sensation, varying as it does from ennui or general malaise to mental and corporeal agony and anguish, our only Hell".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Unknown
W.(William) H.(Henry) Hudson : The London Sparrow in Kith and Kin: Poems of Animal Life ed. H.S.Salt
'Hudson's "Sparrow" is really first rate and just in the tone I expected. C'est une belle nature, which never falls short of its domain. One can depend upon him. The other volume I have been reading with a surprised admiration. It shall be an abiding delight-I see that much.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
W.(William) H.(Henry) Hudson : Green Mansions: A Romance of the Tropical Forest
'Hudson's "Sparrow" is really first rate and just in the tone I expected. C'est une belle nature, which never falls short of its domain. One can depend upon him. The other volume I have been reading with a surprised admiration. It shall be an abiding delight-I see that much.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Henry V
[Signature] R.L.H. Stevenson 'You don’t know what H. means, ha? I have been reading Nym; and that’s the humour of it.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Walter Scott : Waverley novels
'I am still ... doing a pleasanter spell of work over the Waverley novels.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Fortunes fo Nigel
'I have read one after another ... The Fortunes of Nigel.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Walter Scott : Waverley
'Waverley is so poor and dull.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Victor Hugo : various romances
#Last night I set to work and Bob wrote to my dictation three or four pages of "V. Hugo's Romances" ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Mr Morritt : [account of Hampton Court, Herefordshire]
'By the bye, I think I read your Mr Morritt's account of Hampton Court in Herefordshire, one of the oldest baronial seats in the kingdom, lately purchased by Sir -- Arkwright, son of the cotton-mill inventor. I can now tell you the fate of Newstead Abbey'.
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart
Walter Scott : Bride of Lammermoor, The
'Do not suppose, however, that I am at present reading the ["Bride of Lammermoor" and "Legend of Montrose"] for the first time. I have had it by heart these five weeks. It possesses the same power of captivating the attention as its predecessors; one may find this or that fault but who does not read on? The Master of Ravenscroft is perhaps the best [italics] lover [end italics] the author ever drew; and oh! how glad I was to hear the true notes of the old lyre in Annot Lyle's matin song!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Walter Scott : [Works]
'I believe most people would say of the four-and-twenty volumes, what I have known parents of large families do of their children: "you may think them a great many, yet there is not one we could spare". For my own part I acknowledge I am not a fair judge; all these writings, all the author's works confessed and unconfessed, are so much associated in my mind with, not the earliest, but the pleasantest, part of my life, that they awaken in me many feelings I could hardly explain to another. They are to me less like books, than like the letters one treasures up, "pleasant yet mournful to the soul", and I cannot open one of them without a thousand recollections that as time rolls on, grow precious, although they are often painful. Independent of this, how many hours of mine have they soothed and softened! and still do soothe and soften, for I can read them over and over again'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Walter Scott : Legend of Montrose, A
'Do not suppose, however, that I am at present reading the ["Bride of Lammermoor" and "Legend of Montrose"] for the first time. I have had it by heart these five weeks. It possesses the same power of captivating the attention as its predecessors; one may find this or that fault but who does not read on? The Master of Ravenscroft is perhaps the best [italics] lover [end italics] the author ever drew; and oh! how glad I was to hear the true notes of the old lyre in Annot Lyle's matin song!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Thomas Gray : [Letters]
'Pray tell Lady Louisa that I have been reading the last "Quarterly Review" (No. XLII) more steadily than I could do at Sheffield Place, and quite agree with her in liking the article upon our statute laws, which is very clear and convincing, and pleases me better than anything else in it, though I think it is on the whole an amusing number. Mr Humboldt and his ([italics] crodo, crodo [end italics] ) crocodiles entertained me; the account of Hayti was interesting; the first dissertation (on Aristophanes) and the last. Yet I am no convert to Messrs Whistlecraft & Co., I cannot like slipshod verse or be convinced that it is not as easily written as read; the burlesque of one country can hardly ever be well copied in the language of another. As for Plato and Xenophon, it revolts all my old prejudices to hear them discussed as if they were members of the Alfred, or the French Academy - to be told that Plato had delicacy of [italics] tact [end italics] taught him at the [italics] court [end italics] of Dionysius. It puts me in mind of Gray's simile about some book upon antiquity which he says was like an antique statue dressed in a negligee made by a Yorkshire mantua-maker'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
E. M. Forster : Maurice
E. M. Forster to Edward Joseph Dent, 6 March 1915: 'You can scarcely imagine the loneliness of such an effort as this [Forster's novel of homosexual love, Maurice] -- a year's work! [...] Carpenter has read and liked it, but he's too unliterary to be helpful [...] Roger Fry & Sydney [Waterlow] have also read the book, and their opinions, being totally unbiased, are interesting. R. agrees with you that it is beautiful and the best work I have done. S. finds it moving, and persuasive to all but bigots, admirable as a sociological tract, full of good things, but he finds the characters weighed down by these'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Waterlow Manuscript: Unknown
[n/a] : Quarterly Review
'Pray tell Lady Louisa that I have been reading the last "Quarterly Review" (No. XLII) more steadily than I could do at Sheffield Place, and quite agree with her in liking the article upon our statute laws, which is very clear and convincing, and pleases me better than anything else in it, though I think it is on the whole an amusing number. Mr Humboldt and his ([italics] crodo, crodo [end italics] ) crocodiles entertained me; the account of Hayti was interesting; the first dissertation (on Aristophanes) and the last. Yet I am no convert to Messrs Whistlecraft & Co., I cannot like slipshod verse or be convinced that it is not as easily written as read; the burlesque of one country can hardly ever be well copied in the language of another. As for Plato and Xenophon, it revolts all my old prejudices to hear them discussed as if they were members of the Alfred, or the French Academy - to be told that Plato had delicacy of [italics] tact [end italics] taught him at the [italics] court [end italics] of Dionysius. It puts me in mind of Gray's simile about some book upon antiquity which he says was like an antique statue dressed in a negligee made by a Yorkshire mantua-maker'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Serial / periodical
: Quarterly Review [articles on classics]
'Pray tell Lady Louisa that I have been reading the last "Quarterly Review" (No. XLII) more steadily than I could do at Sheffield Place, and quite agree with her in liking the article upon our statute laws, which is very clear and convincing, and pleases me better than anything else in it, though I think it is on the whole an amusing number. Mr Humboldt and his ([italics] crodo, crodo [end italics] ) crocodiles entertained me; the account of Hayti was interesting; the first dissertation (on Aristophanes) and the last. Yet I am no convert to Messrs Whistlecraft & Co., I cannot like slipshod verse or be convinced that it is not as easily written as read; the burlesque of one country can hardly ever be well copied in the language of another. As for Plato and Xenophon, it revolts all my old prejudices to hear them discussed as if they were members of the Alfred, or the French Academy - to be told that Plato had delicacy of [italics] tact [end italics] taught him at the [italics] court [end italics] of Dionysius. It puts me in mind of Gray's simile about some book upon antiquity which he says was like an antique statue dressed in a negligee made by a Yorkshire mantua-maker'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : Quarterly Review [article about Alexander von Humboldt]
'Pray tell Lady Louisa that I have been reading the last "Quarterly Review" (No. XLII) more steadily than I could do at Sheffield Place, and quite agree with her in liking the article upon our statute laws, which is very clear and convincing, and pleases me better than anything else in it, though I think it is on the whole an amusing number. Mr Humboldt and his ([italics] crodo, crodo [end italics] ) crocodiles entertained me; the account of Hayti was interesting; the first dissertation (on Aristophanes) and the last. Yet I am no convert to Messrs Whistlecraft & Co., I cannot like slipshod verse or be convinced that it is not as easily written as read; the burlesque of one country can hardly ever be well copied in the language of another. As for Plato and Xenophon, it revolts all my old prejudices to hear them discussed as if they were members of the Alfred, or the French Academy - to be told that Plato had delicacy of [italics] tact [end italics] taught him at the [italics] court [end italics] of Dionysius. It puts me in mind of Gray's simile about some book upon antiquity which he says was like an antique statue dressed in a negligee made by a Yorkshire mantua-maker'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Serial / periodical
John Hookham Frere : Quarterly Review [burlesque poetry]
'Pray tell Lady Louisa that I have been reading the last "Quarterly Review" (No. XLII) more steadily than I could do at Sheffield Place, and quite agree with her in liking the article upon our statute laws, which is very clear and convincing, and pleases me better than anything else in it, though I think it is on the whole an amusing number. Mr Humboldt and his ([italics] crodo, crodo [end italics] ) crocodiles entertained me; the account of Hayti was interesting; the first dissertation (on Aristophanes) and the last. Yet I am no convert to Messrs Whistlecraft & Co., I cannot like slipshod verse or be convinced that it is not as easily written as read; the burlesque of one country can hardly ever be well copied in the language of another. As for Plato and Xenophon, it revolts all my old prejudices to hear them discussed as if they were members of the Alfred, or the French Academy - to be told that Plato had delicacy of [italics] tact [end italics] taught him at the [italics] court [end italics] of Dionysius. It puts me in mind of Gray's simile about some book upon antiquity which he says was like an antique statue dressed in a negligee made by a Yorkshire mantua-maker'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Serial / periodical
Sydney, Lady Morgan : Woman: or, Ida of Athens
'Plato and tact sounds like Plato and puppy, an incongruous mixture of ancient and modern, such as only suits the language of second-rate novels. Lady Morgan, I suppose, talked of tact in her "Ida of Athens".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
[unknown] : [description of the Court of Haiti]
'I am very glad you have enjoyed the court of Hayti, much the best part of the book in my opinion. I only barred your reading it out of propriety and for fear the other Lady Louisa should be scandalized; pray tell her so. My own notions are that comical books rarely do harm, unless when they try to throw ridicule on sacred subjects; and, I am tempted to say, "Have fixed principles deeply rooted, and then read what you please". I agree with her that Tardif de Courtrac, tho' always clever, is sometimes very tedious, especially in America, from one's indifference respecting the subject. For "Ivanhoe", make yourself easy, I am its sincere partisan and Rebecca's devoted admirer. I would rather the templar had burst a blood vessel, because that is really often the effect of a conflict of violent passions and tho' they may bring on an apoplexy also , it is not apt to ensue so immediately'. [LS then discusses several characters in Ivanhoe at length]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Walter Scott : Ivanhoe
'I am very glad you have enjoyed the court of Hayti, much the best part of the book in my opinion. I only barred your reading it out of propriety and for fear the other Lady Louisa should be scandalized; pray tell her so. My own notions are that comical books rarely do harm, unless when they try to throw ridicule on sacred subjects; and, I am tempted to say, "Have fixed principles deeply rooted, and then read what you please". I agree with her that Tardif de Courtrac, tho' always clever, is sometimes very tedious, especially in America, from one's indifference respecting the subject. For "Ivanhoe", make yourself easy, I am its sincere partisan and Rebecca's devoted admirer. I would rather the templar had burst a blood vessel, because that it really often the effect of a conflict of violent passions and tho' they may bring on an apoplexy also , it is not apt to ensue so immediately'. [LS then discusses several characters in Ivanhoe at length]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
: [description of Court of Haiti]
'I am very glad you have enjoyed the court of Hayti, much the best part of the book in my opinion. I only barred your reading it out of propriety and for fear the other Lady Louisa should be scandalized; pray tell her so. My own notions are that comical books rarely do harm, unless when they try to throw ridicule on sacred subjects; and, I am tempted to say, "Have fixed principles deeply rooted, and then read what you please". I agree with her that Tardif de Courtrac, tho' always clever, is sometimes very tedious, especially in America, from one's indifference respecting the subject. For "Ivanhoe", make yourself easy, I am its sincere partisan and Rebecca's devoted admirer. I would rather the templar had burst a blood vessel, because that it really often the effect of a conflict of violent passions and tho' they may bring on an apoplexy also , it is not apt to ensue so immediately'. [LS then discusses several characters in Ivanhoe at length]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Clinton Print: Book
Walter Scott : Ivanhoe
'I am very glad you have enjoyed the court of Hayti, much the best part of the book in my opinion. I only barred your reading it out of propriety and for fear the other Lady Louisa should be scandalized; pray tell her so. My own notions are that comical books rarely do harm, unless when they try to throw ridicule on sacred subjects; and, I am tempted to say, "Have fixed principles deeply rooted, and then read what you please". I agree with her that Tardif de Courtrac, tho' always clever, is sometimes very tedious, especially in America, from one's indifference respecting the subject. For "Ivanhoe", make yourself easy, I am its sincere partisan and Rebecca's devoted admirer. I would rather the templar had burst a blood vessel, because that it really often the effect of a conflict of violent passions and tho' they may bring on an apoplexy also , it is not apt to ensue so immediately'. [LS then discusses several characters in Ivanhoe at length]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Clinton Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown - French? -text featuring travels in America]
'I am very glad you have enjoyed the court of Hayti, much the best part of the book in my opinion. I only barred your reading it out of propriety and for fear the other Lady Louisa should be scandalized; pray tell her so. My own notions are that comical books rarely do harm, unless when they try to throw ridicule on sacred subjects; and, I am tempted to say, "Have fixed principles deeply rooted, and then read what you please". I agree with her that Tardif de Courtrac, tho' always clever, is sometimes very tedious, especially in America, from one's indifference respecting the subject. For "Ivanhoe", make yourself easy, I am its sincere partisan and Rebecca's devoted admirer. I would rather the templar had burst a blood vessel, because that it really often the effect of a conflict of violent passions and tho' they may bring on an apoplexy also , it is not apt to ensue so immediately'. [LS then discusses several characters in Ivanhoe at length]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Holroyd Print: Unknown
[unknown] : [unknown - French? -text featuring travels in america]
'I am very glad you have enjoyed the court of Hayti, much the best part of the book in my opinion. I only barred your reading it out of propriety and for fear the other Lady Louisa should be scandalized; pray tell her so. My own notions are that comical books rarely do harm, unless when they try to throw ridicule on sacred subjects; and, I am tempted to say, "Have fixed principles deeply rooted, and then read what you please". I agree with her that Tardif de Courtrac, tho' always clever, is sometimes very tedious, especially in America, from one's indifference respecting the subject. For "Ivanhoe", make yourself easy, I am its sincere partisan and Rebecca's devoted admirer. I would rather the templar had burst a blood vessel, because that it really often the effect of a conflict of violent passions and tho' they may bring on an apoplexy also , it is not apt to ensue so immediately'. [LS then discusses several characters in Ivanhoe at length]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Unknown
[n/a] : [newspaper]
'If the paper today speaks truth about the King's sending for the Duke of Sussex, he begins as he should do, for no one's behaviour can have been worse. But they (the newspapers) make me absolutely sick with the stuff they insert about his poor father, sometimes absolutely false, sometimes stories caught by the tail, twisted and blundered, till the original teller could not know them again'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Newspaper
Walter Scott : [Waverley Novels]
'Your observation on the Waverley novels is perfectly just; instead of misleading one concerning the true history, or giving one a distaste for it, they make one relish it the better. Whereas Mrs Radcliffe's, for example, always abound with the most disgusting species of anachronism, the polished manners and sentimental cant of modern times put in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The enlightened philosophy likewise! young ladies arguing with their maids against their belief in ghosts and witches, when a judge durst not have expressed his doubts of either upon the bench. This [italics] palavering [end italics] style has crept into history through Miss Aitken, the language of whose memoirs of Elizabeth is so suited to modern notions that Mrs Scott has said it reminded her of Puddingfield's newspaper in the Anti-Jacobin German play. "Magna Charta was signed on Friday three weeks, and their Majesties, after partaking of a cold collation, returned to Windsor".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Anne Racliffe : [Novels]
'Your observation on the Waverley novels is perfectly just; instead of misleading one concerning the true history, or giving one a distaste for it, they make one relish it the better. Whereas Mrs Radcliffe's, for example, always abound with the most disgusting species of anachronism, the polished manners and sentimental cant of modern times put in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The enlightened philosophy likewise! young ladies arguing with their maids against their belief in ghosts and witches, when a judge durst not have expressed his doubts of either upon the bench. This [italics] palavering [end italics] style has crept into history through Miss Aitken, the language of whose memoirs of Elizabeth is so suited to modern notions that Mrs Scott has said it reminded her of Puddingfield's newspaper in the Anti-Jacobin German play. "Magna Charta was signed on Friday three weeks, and their Majesties, after partaking of a cold collation, returned to Windsor".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Lucy Aikin : Memoirs of the Court of Queen Elizabeth
'Your observation on the Waverley novels is perfectly just; instead of misleading one concerning the true history, or giving one a distaste for it, they make one relish it the better. Whereas Mrs Radcliffe's, for example, always abound with the most disgusting species of anachronism, the polished manners and sentimental cant of modern times put in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The enlightened philosophy likewise! young ladies arguing with their maids against their belief in ghosts and witches, when a judge durst not have expressed his doubts of either upon the bench. This [italics] palavering [end italics] style has crept into history through Miss Aitken, the language of whose memoirs of Elizabeth is so suited to modern notions that Mrs Scott has said it reminded her of Puddingfield's newspaper in the Anti-Jacobin German play. "Magna Charta was signed on Friday three weeks, and their Majesties, after partaking of a cold collation, returned to Windsor".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Lucy Aikin : Memoirs of the Court of Queen Elizabeth
'Your observation on the Waverley novels is perfectly just; instead of misleading one concerning the true history, or giving one a distaste for it, they make one relish it the better. Whereas Mrs Radcliffe's, for example, always abound with the most disgusting species of anachronism, the polished manners and sentimental cant of modern times put in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The enlightened philosophy likewise! young ladies arguing with their maids against their belief in ghosts and witches, when a judge durst not have expressed his doubts of either upon the bench. This [italics] palavering [end italics] style has crept into history through Miss Aitken, the language of whose memoirs of Elizabeth is so suited to modern notions that Mrs Scott has said it reminded her of Puddingfield's newspaper in the Anti-Jacobin German play. "Magna Charta was signed on Friday three weeks, and their Majesties, after partaking of a cold collation, returned to Windsor".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Scott Print: Book
Walter Scott : [Waverley Novels]
'Your observation on the Waverley novels is perfectly just; instead of misleading one concerning the true history, or giving one a distaste for it, they make one relish it the better. Whereas Mrs Radcliffe's, for example, always abound with the most disgusting species of anachronism, the polished manners and sentimental cant of modern times put in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The enlightened philosophy likewise! young ladies arguing with their maids against their belief in ghosts and witches, when a judge durst not have expressed his doubts of either upon the bench. This [italics] palavering [end italics] style has crept into history through Miss Aitken, the language of whose memoirs of Elizabeth is so suited to modern notions that Mrs Scott has said it reminded her of Puddingfield's newspaper in the Anti-Jacobin German play. "Magna Charta was signed on Friday three weeks, and their Majesties, after partaking of a cold collation, returned to Windsor".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Clinton Print: Book
John Stanley : [a speech]
'a thousand thanks for [your letter], and for Sir John Stanley's speech, which I like very much, though I own I think he gives a little into commonplace towards the end, when he says the French Revolution would never have happened if so and so - forgetting that the unfortunate sovereign under whom it did happen was religious, moral, and virtuous to the highest degree, solely attached to his own wife, - and it was an old observation that a wife, a Queen's having any influence over her husband was a thing the French at no time could bear' [LS critiques various other points of the speech at length]
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart
John Stanley : [a speech]
'There is a part of Sir John's speech I think quite beautiful, that which describes the sensation of vacancy; and his waiving any observations of a political nature is extremely judicious.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart
Walter Scott : Ivanhoe
'This [talking about feuds between families] reminds me of "Ivanhoe". I take the introduction of Scripture phrases to be neither intentional profaneness in the author nor carelessness, but adherence to the strict letter of the time he describes. It was their constant language. They had few books to read, and they quoted [italics] a tort et a travers [end italics] the one they knew, just as in the 17th century they did the Classics. Even Jeremy Taylor cannot bid us do as we would be done by without bringing in a passage from Plato or Homer'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Jeremy Taylor : Rule and Exercises of Holy Living, The
'This [talking about feuds between families] reminds me of "Ivanhoe". I take the introduction of Scripture phrases to be neither intentional profaneness in the author nor carelessness, but adherence to the strict letter of the time he describes. It was their constant language. They had few books to read, and they quoted [italics] a tort et a travers [end italics] the one they knew, just as in the 17th century they did the Classics. Even Jeremy Taylor cannot bid us do as we would be done by without bringing in a passage from Plato or Homer'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
[n/a] : Edinburgh Magazine
'I have not read the Edinburgh Magazine you mention, but if it attacks Walter Scott (or whoever it may be) for a design to ridicule the priesthood, it is as unjust as if they said the Templar and de Bracey were intended to render the character of a soldier odious'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Clinton Print: Serial / periodical
Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, Marquise de Sevigne : [Letters]
'The former [apparently a letter from Louisa Clinton, praising LS -or someone else? - extravagantly] discomposed me, trenching upon all the old forbidden ground. Even Madame de Sevigne's reiterated encomiums on her daughter and extreme professions of fondness, have in some degree this effect. And you may depend upon it, dear Lou, that exaggerated praise of any person, nay, of anything, is sure to leave on the mind of every hearer an impression rather unfavourable to that person or thing'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
William Congreve : Way of the World, The
'Louis 14 certainly never fell into the error Mrs Millamant cautioned her intended husband against in a clever wicked old play that you never read: "Good Mirabel, do not let us be familiar and fond before folks, like my Lady Faddle and Sir Francis". Whereas now it is my Lady Faddle and Sir Francis in Westminster Abbey and St Patrick's Cathedral'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
John Galt : Ayrshire Legatees, The
'Mrs Scott (here) is as thorough-paced a lover of those books [The Waverley Novels] as either of us. I have been looking over the Ayrshire Legatees, which I do not like at all. Mme de Stael's "Dix Annees d'Exil" is here, but a lord of the creation has got possession of it and reads so slowly that I have no chance of it while I stay'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Walter Scott : [Waverley Novels]
'Mrs Scott (here) is as thorough-paced a lover of those books [The Waverley Novels] as either of us. I have been looking over the Ayrshire Legatees, which I do not like at all. Mme de Stael's "Dix Annees d'Exil" is here, but a lord of the creation has got possession of it and reads so slowly that I have no chance of it while I stay'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Scott Print: Book
Henry Hart Milman : Martyr of Antioch, The
'Have you read the "Martyr of Antioch"? I read it (aloud) at Ditton, and did not like it much - heavy and dragging, I think.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
unknown : [law books]
'I have been reading such lots of law, and it seems to take away the power of writing from me. From morning to night, so often as I have a spare moment, I am in the embraces of a law book: barren embraces.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book, Law books in the plural.
[unknown] : Memoires de l'Europe sous Napoleon
'As for reading, I have much to say of the "Memoires de l'Europe sous Napoleon", but not time for it till quiet in my own house. I piously believe them genuine; they have the [italics] sceau [end italics] of his genius and of his profound art. I am also reading "Journal de Las Cases". I shut one book where he himself details the precautions taken to secure personal liberty under his government, the strict laws for the purpose, no person could be kept in prison a day without so, and so, and so, judges, privy council, and I know not what. I opened the other where Las Cases says that on looking over papers at St Helena, the Emperor was himself surprised to see the number of books prohibited and of [italics] persons arrested by the police [end italics], whom he had never heard of and knew nothing about'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Emmanuel Las Cases : Memorial de Sainte Helene: Journal of the Private Life and Conversations o the Emperor Napoleon at Saint Helena
'As for reading, I have much to say of the "Memoires de l'Europe sous Napoleon", but not time for it till quiet in my own house. I piously believe them genuine; they have the [italics] sceau [end italics] of his genius and of his profound art. I am also reading "Journal de Las Cases". I shut one book where he himself details the precautions taken to secure personal liberty under his government, the strict laws for the purpose, no person could be kept in prison a day without so, and so, and so, judges, privy council, and I know not what. I opened the other where Las Cases says that on looking over papers at St Helena, the Emperor was himself surprised to see the number of books prohibited and of [italics] persons arrested by the police [end italics], whom he had never heard of and knew nothing about'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
John Galt : Entail, The, or The Lairds Of Grippy
'Pray, if you love laughing, read "the [italics] Entail [end italics] or the Lairds of Grippy". It is admirable for that purpose, tho' far more broadly Scotch than I can understand; but besides the patois, the old lady has a slip-slop of her own quite incomparable - [italics] concos montes [end italics] for [italics] compos mentis [end italics], etc. - and the author [Galt] this time is so wise as to keep quite out of good company, avoid lords and ladies, and only describe the people he has seen'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Walter Scott : Redgauntlet
'I ought to have thanked you for "Redgauntlet" a fortnight ago, but I stayed to read it, and then to read it again. It has taken my fancy very particularly, though (not to flatter you) I could almost wonder why: for there is no story in it, no love, no hero - unless Redgauntlet himself, who would be such a one as the Devil in Milton; yet in spite of all these wants, the interest is so strong one cannot lay it down, and I prophesy for it a great deal of mauling and abuse, and a second edition before the maulers know where they are'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Walter Scott : Wandering Willie's Tale
'I read her [Miss Murray] the legend of Steenie Steenson the other night, and we agreed it was in the author's very best manner. I felt disappointed, though, at Wandering Willie's not coming forward more effectually after that very interesting scene of using old times as a sort of telegraph. I thought he was to be a prime agent, and then I heard no more of him; that is to say, the aforesaid author grew tired and flung the cards into the bag as fast as he could. I know his provoking ways.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Sidney Colvin : Frederick Walker. In Memoriam.
'I say, how nice S.C.’s ‘Walker’ is.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Given the date of the letter, RLS may have read the article in proof.
[n/a] : Quarterly Review
'Another thing pleases me, the general approbation of the last "Quarterly Review", Mr Lockhart's first, I believe, and one in which your cloven foot is visible. It had something to set it off, however; for I think verily the temporary editor of the work during the [italics] interregnum [end italics] must have been bribed into his extreme degree of dullness'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Quarterly Review
'Another thing pleases me, the general approbation of the last "Quarterly Review", Mr Lockhart's first, I believe, and one in which your cloven foot is visible. It had something to set it off, however; for I think verily the temporary editor of the work during the [italics] interregnum [end italics] must have been bribed into his extreme degree of dullness'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Serial / periodical
Anon [Apprently the father of the dead child] : [memorial on grave]
'[…] I’ve been to church and am not depressed − a great step. I was at that beautiful church my P.P.P.[Petit Poeme en Prose] was about. It is a little cruciform place, with heavy cornices and string course to match, and a steep slate roof. The small kirkyard is full of old gravestones; one of a Frenchman from Dunquerque, I suppose he died prisoner in the military prison hard by. And one, the most pathetic memorial I ever saw: a poor school-slate, in a wooden frame, with the inscription cut into it evidently by the father’s own hand.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Inscription carved on school slate.
Mary Shelley : Last Man, The
'I have lately had a long bad cold, such as reduces one to trash and slops, novels and barley water, and amongst the books my friends kindly sent me to while away time was the first volume of one puffed in the newspaper, "The Last Man", by the authoress of "Frankenstein". I would not trouble them for any more of it, but really there were sentences in it so far exceeding those Don Quixote ran mad in trying to comprehend, that I could not help copying out a few of them; they would have turned Feliciano de Silva's own brains. [LS then quotes passages beginning "Her eyes were impenetrably deep" and "The overflowing warmth of her heart"...] Since the wonderful improvement that somebody who shall be nameless, together with Miss Edgeworth and one or two more, have made in novels, I imagined such stuff as this had not ventured to show its head, though I remember plenty of it in the days of my youth. So for old acquaintance-sake I give it welcome. But if the boys and girls begin afresh to take it for sublime and beautiful, it ought to get a rap and be put down'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth : [Novels]
'I have lately had a long bad cold, such as reduces one to trash and slops, novels and barley water, and amongst the books my friends kindly sent me to while away time was the first volume of one puffed in the newspaper, "The Last Man", by the authoress of "Frankenstein". I would not trouble them for any more of it, but really there were sentences in it so far exceeding those Don Quixote ran mad in trying to comprehend, that I could not help copying out a few of them; they would have turned Feliciano de Silva's own brains. [LS then quotes passages beginning "Her eyes were impenetrably deep" and "The overflowing warmth of her heart"...] Since the wonderful improvement that somebody who shall be nameless, together with Miss Edgeworth and one or two more, have made in novels, I imagined such stuff as this had not ventured to show its head, though I remember plenty of it in the days of my youth. So for old acquaintance-sake I give it welcome. But if the boys and girls begin afresh to take it for sublime and beautiful, it ought to get a rap and be put down'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Susan Ferrier : Inheritance, The
'Are not Maria and Anny a thousand times preferable to the Miss in "Inheritance", who describes the Lakes of Cumberland?'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Gilbert White : Natural History of Selborne, The
'draw her [Harriet, a girl LC is teaching] to such books as White's "Natural History of Selborne", but do not bother and (though I hate the word) [italics] bore [end italics] her with what she has no relish for'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Joseph Addison : Spectator, The
'My mind was early formed (or half formed) by the old exploded "Spectator", and Addison's assertion that he had seen "A woman's face break out into heats as she was railing against a great man she never saw in her life" hindered my ever being a female politician, even when I became an old maid, though the two characters are as congenial as those of barber and newsmonger'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book, Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Morning Post
'Wellesley Long has thought fit to produce before Chancery his letters to his children, and like everything else they have found their way into the newspapers. I did not read them with much attention, but saw that in the main they contained better advice than might have been expected from such a father, amongst other subjects, a strong censure passed on [italics] cunning [end italics], and, what was odd enough (addressed to a little boy), instances given in the characters of public men, particularly Sheridan and Tierney. Then followed, in the "Courier" and "Morning Post", two or three lines of ::: *** dots, stars, or whatever you call them. By chance seeing another paper, I found the dots held the place of an admonition to take warning by what had happened to Mr C.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Courier, The
'Wellesley Long has thought fit to produce before Chancery his letters to his children, and like everything else they have found their way into the newspapers. I did not read them with much attention, but saw that in the main they contained better advice than might have been expected from such a father, amongst other subjects, a strong censure passed on [italics] cunning [end italics], and, what was odd enough (addressed to a little boy), instances given in the characters of public men, particularly Sheridan and Tierney. Then followed, in the "Courier" and "Morning Post", two or three lines of ::: *** dots, stars, or whatever you call them. By chance seeing another paper, I found the dots held the place of an admonition to take warning by what had happened to Mr C.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : [Unknown newspaper - article on Wellesley Long Chancery Case]
'Wellesley Long has thought fit to produce before Chancery his letters to his children, and like everything else they have found their way into the newspapers. I did not read them with much attention, but saw that in the main they contained better advice than might have been expected from such a father, amongst other subjects, a strong censure passed on [italics] cunning [end italics], and, what was odd enough (addressed to a little boy), instances given in the characters of public men, particularly Sheridan and Tierney. Then followed, in the "Courier" and "Morning Post", two or three lines of ::: *** dots, stars, or whatever you call them. By chance seeing another paper, I found the dots held the place of an admonition to take warning by what had happened to Mr C.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : [newspapers]
'Do tell me what more you have heard about the poor Fans. [Fanshawes]. Is it to such an extent as is rumoured? the newspapers said £19,000 or £29,000. Ten thousand makes some difference, but even the smaller sum would be tremedous.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : [newspaper]
'Did you see in the newspaper that W.S. has avowed himself the author of "Waverley" etc.? He said at a public meeting that the secret had been remarkably well kept, considering above twenty people knew it, [italics] one [end italics] of whom, to say truth, is now writing to you'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Newspaper
Walter Scott : Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft
'I have been feasting upon the Demonology and Witchcraft; yet some stories freshly rung in my ears, and I am sure fully equal to any of those you tell, give me a longing to attack you for civilly supposing the present [italics] enlightened age [end italics] rejects the superstitions of our forefathers because they were absurd' [LS then talks about the vogue for 'Animal Magnetism', saying superstitions are a matter of fashion]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
[n/a] : Quarterly Review [advertisements for forthcoming works by Scott]
'In the bushel of advertisements tacked to the "Quarterly Review", I spy two from Cadell that I am very glad to see - "New Tales of a Grandfather" and "Robert of Paris". By the bye, it has struck me that the review of Southey's "John Bunyan" bears some tokens of coming from that quarter.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Advertisement, Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Quarterly Review [Review of Southey's "John Bunyan"]
'In the bushel of advertisements tacked to the "Quarterly Review", I spy two from Cadell that I am very glad to see - "New Tales of a Grandfather" and "Robert of Paris". By the bye, it has struck me that the review of Southey's "John Bunyan" bears some tokens of coming from that quarter.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Serial / periodical
A.K. : [fragments, including something in French]
'I take this opportunity of returning you A.K.'s fragments. I do believe it has been of material service... as for A.K.'s French pasage, you will be surprised at the impression it makes on my mind - as neither more nor less than [italics] commonplace [end italics] Perhaps she has not, but I have read so many descriptions of concentrated feelings, boiling passion under [italics] un froid exterieur [end italics], dark and gloomy minds, that this strikes me as only what I have seen fifty times before [LS then critiques 'The school of Sentiment'] By her further description I should pronounce it [italics] unwholesome [italics] reading. The smallest grain of [italics] amour physique [end italics] poisons the whole, renders it literally and positively [italics] beastly [end italics], for it is describing the sensations of a brute animal. And here lies the difference between even [italics] bad [end italics] English books and the French ones, which everyone reads without blushing. Mrs Bellamy and Mrs Baddeley, two women of the town, whom I remember as actresses, wrote their Memoirs. They painted their first false steaps either as the effect of seduction, they were victims to the arts employed to ruin them, or else they had been led away by their [italics] affections [end italics]; they had conceived a violent passion for such and such a man, whom they took pains to paint as formed to captivate the [italics] heart [end italics]. Madame Roland, one of the heroines of the French Revolution, a [italics] virtuous [end italics] woman, so far as chastity goes, writes her Memoirs and tells you what were her [italics] sensations towards the opposite sex in general [end italics] (without any particular object) at 14 or 15 years old!!! And young ladies were taught to read and admire this who would not have been allowed to open "Tom Jones", where Fielding does describe [italics] l'amour physique [end italics] between Tom and Molly Seagrim, but I daresay would as soon have given Sophia an inclination to commit murder as hinted that she ever had Madame Roland's [italics] sensations[end italics], or even that Tom had them towards her'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Manuscript: Unknown
George Anne Bellamy : Memoirs of George Anne Bellamy
'I take this opportunity of returning you A.K.'s fragments. I do believe it has been of material service... as for A.K.'s French pasage, you will be surprised at the impression it makes on my mind - as neither more nor less than [italics] commonplace [end italics] Perhaps she has not, but I have read so many descriptions of concentrated feelings, boiling passion under [italics] un froid exterieur [end italics], dark and gloomy minds, that this strikes me as only what I have seen fifty times before [LS then critiques 'The school of Sentiment'] By her further description I should pronounce it [italics] unwholesome [italics] reading. The smallest grain of [italics] amour physique [end italics] poisons the whole, renders it literally and positively [italics] beastly [end italics], for it is describing the sensations of a brute animal. And here lies the difference between even [italics] bad [end italics] English books and the French ones, which everyone reads without blushing. Mrs Bellamy and Mrs Baddeley, two women of the town, whom I remember as actresses, wrote their Memoirs. They painted their first false steaps either as the effect of seduction, they were victims to the arts employed to ruin them, or else they had been led away by their [italics] affections [end italics]; they had conceived a violent passion for such and such a man, whom they took pains to paint as formed to captivate the [italics] heart [end italics]. Madame Roland, one of the heroines of the French Revolution, a [italics] virtuous [end italics] woman, so far as chastity goes, writes her Memoirs and tells you what were her [italics] sensations towards the opposite sex in general [end italics] (without any particular object) at 14 or 15 years old!!! And young ladies were taught to read and admire this who would not have been allowed to open "Tom Jones", where Fielding does describe [italics] l'amour physique [end italics] between Tom and Molly Seagrim, but I daresay would as soon have given Sophia an inclination to commit murder as hinted that she ever had Madame Roland's [italics] sensations[end italics], or even that Tom had them towards her'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Sophia Baddeley : Memoirs of Mrs Sophia Baddeley
'I take this opportunity of returning you A.K.'s fragments. I do believe it has been of material service... as for A.K.'s French pasage, you will be surprised at the impression it makes on my mind - as neither more nor less than [italics] commonplace [end italics] Perhaps she has not, but I have read so many descriptions of concentrated feelings, boiling passion under [italics] un froid exterieur [end italics], dark and gloomy minds, that this strikes me as only what I have seen fifty times before [LS then critiques 'The school of Sentiment'] By her further description I should pronounce it [italics] unwholesome [italics] reading. The smallest grain of [italics] amour physique [end italics] poisons the whole, renders it literally and positively [italics] beastly [end italics], for it is describing the sensations of a brute animal. And here lies the difference between even [italics] bad [end italics] English books and the French ones, which everyone reads without blushing. Mrs Bellamy and Mrs Baddeley, two women of the town, whom I remember as actresses, wrote their Memoirs. They painted their first false steaps either as the effect of seduction, they were victims to the arts employed to ruin them, or else they had been led away by their [italics] affections [end italics]; they had conceived a violent passion for such and such a man, whom they took pains to paint as formed to captivate the [italics] heart [end italics]. Madame Roland, one of the heroines of the French Revolution, a [italics] virtuous [end italics] woman, so far as chastity goes, writes her Memoirs and tells you what were her [italics] sensations towards the opposite sex in general [end italics] (without any particular object) at 14 or 15 years old!!! And young ladies were taught to read and admire this who would not have been allowed to open "Tom Jones", where Fielding does describe [italics] l'amour physique [end italics] between Tom and Molly Seagrim, but I daresay would as soon have given Sophia an inclination to commit murder as hinted that she ever had Madame Roland's [italics] sensations[end italics], or even that Tom had them towards her'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Marie-Jeanne Roland : Memoirs of Madame Roland
'I take this opportunity of returning you A.K.'s fragments. I do believe it has been of material service... as for A.K.'s French pasage, you will be surprised at the impression it makes on my mind - as neither more nor less than [italics] commonplace [end italics] Perhaps she has not, but I have read so many descriptions of concentrated feelings, boiling passion under [italics] un froid exterieur [end italics], dark and gloomy minds, that this strikes me as only what I have seen fifty times before [LS then critiques 'The school of Sentiment'] By her further description I should pronounce it [italics] unwholesome [italics] reading. The smallest grain of [italics] amour physique [end italics] poisons the whole, renders it literally and positively [italics] beastly [end italics], for it is describing the sensations of a brute animal. And here lies the difference between even [italics] bad [end italics] English books and the French ones, which everyone reads without blushing. Mrs Bellamy and Mrs Baddeley, two women of the town, whom I remember as actresses, wrote their Memoirs. They painted their first false steaps either as the effect of seduction, they were victims to the arts employed to ruin them, or else they had been led away by their [italics] affections [end italics]; they had conceived a violent passion for such and such a man, whom they took pains to paint as formed to captivate the [italics] heart [end italics]. Madame Roland, one of the heroines of the French Revolution, a [italics] virtuous [end italics] woman, so far as chastity goes, writes her Memoirs and tells you what were her [italics] sensations towards the opposite sex in general [end italics] (without any particular object) at 14 or 15 years old!!! And young ladies were taught to read and admire this who would not have been allowed to open "Tom Jones", where Fielding does describe [italics] l'amour physique [end italics] between Tom and Molly Seagrim, but I daresay would as soon have given Sophia an inclination to commit murder as hinted that she ever had Madame Roland's [italics] sensations[end italics], or even that Tom had them towards her'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Henry Fielding : History of Tom Jones, A Foundling
'I take this opportunity of returning you A.K.'s fragments. I do believe it has been of material service... as for A.K.'s French pasage, you will be surprised at the impression it makes on my mind - as neither more nor less than [italics] commonplace [end italics] Perhaps she has not, but I have read so many descriptions of concentrated feelings, boiling passion under [italics] un froid exterieur [end italics], dark and gloomy minds, that this strikes me as only what I have seen fifty times before [LS then critiques 'The school of Sentiment'] By her further description I should pronounce it [italics] unwholesome [italics] reading. The smallest grain of [italics] amour physique [end italics] poisons the whole, renders it literally and positively [italics] beastly [end italics], for it is describing the sensations of a brute animal. And here lies the difference between even [italics] bad [end italics] English books and the French ones, which everyone reads without blushing. Mrs Bellamy and Mrs Baddeley, two women of the town, whom I remember as actresses, wrote their Memoirs. They painted their first false steaps either as the effect of seduction, they were victims to the arts employed to ruin them, or else they had been led away by their [italics] affections [end italics]; they had conceived a violent passion for such and such a man, whom they took pains to paint as formed to captivate the [italics] heart [end italics]. Madame Roland, one of the heroines of the French Revolution, a [italics] virtuous [end italics] woman, so far as chastity goes, writes her Memoirs and tells you what were her [italics] sensations towards the opposite sex in general [end italics] (without any particular object) at 14 or 15 years old!!! And young ladies were taught to read and admire this who would not have been allowed to open "Tom Jones", where Fielding does describe [italics] l'amour physique [end italics] between Tom and Molly Seagrim, but I daresay would as soon have given Sophia an inclination to commit murder as hinted that she ever had Madame Roland's [italics] sensations[end italics], or even that Tom had them towards her'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Jane Scott : Trevelyan
'Yesterday I had a letter from [Mrs Scott] written with characteristic eagerness about "Trevelyan".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Scott Print: Book
[n/a] : [newspaper advertisements for "Trevelyan"]
'Bentley's puffs in the newspaper (for Jane Scott's "Trevelyan") quite sicken me, all admirable and charming alike, written by his [italics] literary adviser [end italics] you may be sure, just in the same spirit as the puffs of Warren's blacking and Rowland's kalydor. Oh dear! it is a degradation I cannot bear'. [LS is arguing that aristocrats ought not admit to publishing books]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Newspaper
H.(Herbert) G.(George) Wells : Kipps:The Story of a Simple Soul
'Your first inst[alment] [of "Kipps"] in the PMM [Pall Mall Magazine] is jolly good. It turns up [sic] remarkably well. Coming upon it unexpectedly (the No.of PMM was sent to me) I gave a great gasp to see the story of which I had heard first so long ago now beginning at last. I don't know that I will read the other instalments. I should think not. I've been pleased and now I can wait. There is in that opening, my dear boy, a quality.' Hence follow eight more lines of praise, including a resolution to read the second instalment after all.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
H.(Herbert) G.(George) Wells : A Modern Utopia
'All I can say is that I am quite enthusiastic about the work ["A Modern Utopia"]. From the first line of the preface to the closing sentence I feel in touch with a more accessible Wells - a Wells mellowed, as it were in the meditation of the three books of which this last one is certainly the nearest to my understanding and the most commanding to my assent.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
R. (Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Progress and Other Stories
'This moment I receive "Progress", or rather the moment (last night) occurred favorably to let me read before I sat down to write. Nothing in my writing life[...] has give mre a greater pleasure, a deeper satisfaction of innocent vanity [...] than the dedication of the book so full of admirable things, from the wonderful preface to the slightest of the sketches between the covers.' Hence follow nine more lines of unqualified praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Jane Scott : Trevelyan
'To return to "Trevelyan". I long to know what you will hear of it from Mary. I think Lady Augusta admirably drawn, her letters are real life, and what a striking little trait her being less fond of St Ives than of the other boy because he had seen Theresa. But [italics] entre nous [end italics], sacredly, I do think she has too much excuse for standing out about the latter, and A.K. made the observation too. [LS then comments on the character of Theresa and her actions.] But interest, interest, interest, as Mrs Williams says, is the first, second, and third perfection in a novel, and that never fails or slackens, nor does one hardly know such a hero as Tevelyan. Mrs Williams will have it that Theresa is not worthy of him, nor likely to have attracted such a man, and caused such a lasting passion; she is not intellectual enough; a mere boarding-school-girl uninformed, etc. etc. Pshoh! I am not over sure that such men like much [italics] mind [end italics] in a woman. I am very sure they can do without it - and at any rate Theresa has capabilities, is what a superior man might train and make something of. However, there is but one voice as (to) thinking it a most interesting book - what nobody can lay down'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Jane Scott : Trevelyan
'To return to "Trevelyan". I long to know what you will hear of it from Mary. I think Lady Augusta admirably drawn, her letters are real life, and what a striking little trait her being less fond of St Ives than of the other boy because he had seen Theresa. But [italics] entre nous [end italics], sacredly, I do think she has too much excuse for standing out about the latter, and A.K. made the observation too. [LS then comments on the character of Theresa and her actions.] But interest, interest, interest, as Mrs Williams says, is the first, second, and third perfection in a novel, and that never fails or slackens, nor does one hardly know such a hero as Tevelyan. Mrs Williams will have it that Theresa is not worthy of him, nor likely to have attracted such a man, and caused such a lasting passion; she is not intellectual enough; a mere boarding-school-girl uninformed, etc. etc. Pshoh! I am not over sure that such men like much [italics] mind [end italics] in a woman. I am very sure they can do without it - and at any rate Theresa has capabilities, is what a superior man might train and make something of. However, there is but one voice as (to) thinking it a most interesting book - what nobody can lay down'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Williams Print: Book
Jane Austen : Emma
'I had a letter from Ly. -- on Tuesday that gave me great content, for I, like you, felt a little afraid that the Lady Augusta might give offence. However, her withers are altogether unwrung, and she speaks of "Trevelyan" just as I could wish, enumerating all her bothers and businesses, but saying she cannot resist taking it up at odd times, "it is so very, very interesting!!" She has not yet come to the end; however, this has quite dispelled my fears. For that matter, when we all read "Emma" together at poor Bothwell - the duchess one - we could not help laughing a little more at the devotion of father and daughter to their respective apothecaries, and all the coddling that ensued from it, but we did not find that it struck the devotees in existence. People are so used to themselves! One of Foote's most comical farces represented to the life a certain Mr. Ap. Rees, whom, as old people told me, it did not in the least exaggerate. They swore to having heard him utter the very things the farce put in his mouth. But he himself never found it out. He was intimate with Foote, read the play, told him it was d- stupid and would not suceed, wondered it did, yet went to it and laughed for company, till some good-natured friend informed him he was the person ridiculed; then he went in a rage to the Lord Chamberlain and desired it might be suppressed'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
[n/a] : [newspaper advertisements for Jane Scott's Trevelyan and other books]
'The newspapers having transferred their puffs from "Trevelyan" to something more recent I am tranquillized again, and almost regret my sincerity in taking notice of them to [italics] her [end italics] lest she should be hurt; for I cannot help saying what I think just [italics] as [end italics] I think it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
Ellis Cornelia Knight : Sir Guy de Lusignan. A tale of Italy
'I wish you would like my poor friend Miss Knight's "Guy de Lusignan" a little better: the style is very good, the descriptions very exact, the history very exact; but, alas! it is not "Trevelyan".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Ellis Cornelia Knight : Sir Guy de Lusignan. A tale of Italy
'I wish you would like my poor friend Miss Knight's "Guy de Lusignan" a little better: the style is very good, the descriptions very exact, the history very exact; but, alas! it is not "Trevelyan".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa Clinton Print: Book
Francois Rene de Chateaubriand : Moïse
'I always thought Chateaubriand had a great deal of the mountebank in him. I bought the play [which she also watched] so you will see it. In his preface he talks of Racine's sacred dramas, but, after all, the histories of Esther and Athalie, though in the Bible, are [italics] mere history [end italics; this is significant because LS is objecting to Chateaubriand representing Moses on stage - implicitly a different thing from what Racine did - this is elaborated on] When I got the book I could scarcely follow the actors, who ate half their words and bellowed the other half.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Louisa, Lady Stuart Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth : Patronage
'I was indeed surprised to find my name in "Patronage" but my surprise was principally caused by finding such honourable mention made of me and by seeing myself in company with those whom I have no pretensions to associate with. No person but Miss Edgeworth would call "Patronage" a trivial performance, but even she has not a right to call it so. Like most of her other works, under the form of a mere book of amusement it conveys the most important lessons. I hope that the publication of it will add greatly to the lively satisfaction she must feel when she reflects how greatly her writings have contributed to improve the condition of mankind, and what mischievous follies and frailties they have in numerous individuals corrected or repressed'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Romilly Print: Book
[unknown] : [novel by a lady novelist]
'The pleasure we had in reading "Patronage" has been even increased by reading the [torn and illegible] but I should not say we, for Sir Samuel could not get past the first volume. Surely it is vastly inferior to all her other publications and the only moral I can find out is that ladies should not go without pockets. It had to me all the defects of her other novels without any of their beauties, and the impression on my mind all the time I was reading it was similar to that of a tormenting dream, wherever you getg to the same disagreeable objects present themselves'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Romilly Print: Book
Henri-Benjamin Constant de Rebecque : [pamphlet on press freedom]
'Benjamin Constant is writing some of the most successful pamphlets of the day., particularly one in favour of the liberty of the press which Lady Holland has just sent to Sir Samuel, together with a very excellent one of Gallois's on the same side'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Romilly
Norman Douglas : unknown
'I've just read Nelson. It is very good. Some criticism can be made mainly on the point that you presuppose too much knowledge of facts in your readers. Still we shall try to place it where it may be judged sympathetically.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Germaine de Stael : [writings about England, never published as 'De L'Angleterre', as originally planned]
' have not yet seen him [Sir James Mackintosh], but I hear that he has read or has heard some chapters of "L'Angleterre". He says it is full of talent, but that there are some strange mistakes as to English Manners; but that a dinner at Lord Grey's is very well described'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Mackintosh Manuscript: Unknown
Albert Jean Michel de Rocca : Mémoires sur la guerre des Français en Espagne
'Mr Rocca's "Memoirs sur la guerre Des Francois en Espagne" [sic] is just out. I have only read a very few pages but they give me a great desire to read more, particularly as Sophie who took it up could not lay it down again, and in general a girl of fourteen is a pretty good judge of the interest'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sophie Romilly Print: Book
Walter Scott : Lord of the Isles, The
'The "Edinburgh Review" will have praised "Waverley" to your hearts content. I think however they left out one of the most affecting parts of the work, which is the return of W. to the Barons, and the conduct of the poor innocent David Gellatley. Surely there is no doubt but that Walter Scott is the principal Author of it. The learned here do not affect to speak of it as belonging to anyone else -- I read "The Lord of the Isles" last night it being lent me for the Evening. There is some beautiful description indeed in it, particlarly to my fancy a barren scene in one of the Isles. I own I expected more from the two opening cantos than I afterwards found, and on the whole was disappointed. The story of the Page is so hackneyd, and there is nothing to redeem it but a greater power of holding the tongue than is commonly given to Women, and, as in every thing Walter Scott writes one can never feel great interest for the Lover, which one certainly ought to do, Malcolm Graeme in the "Lady of the Lake", "Waverley", and the Lover in "Marmion", and now Ronald, altho' I expected a great deal from him from the opening. I am however in love with the description of Robert Bruce, I think it beautiful. It is very presumptuous in me thus to give my opinion, [particularly as I have this morning heard that Sir James Mackintosh says it is by far the best thing Walter Scott has done, but then he is puffer general particularly to Scotsmen.] ' [Words inside brackets crossed out in original]
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Mackintosh Print: Book
Walter Scott : Lord of the Isles, The
'Since I wrote the first two pages of this letter I have read Eugene and Guilliaume, and quite agree with you. Pray correct Sir James Mackintosh's opinion [about "Waverley"], and for [italics] best [end italics] read [italics] worst [end italics] which was his opinion, altho' I was told the contrary. He is now I understand a little softened, and says it comes before Rokeby but after all the others. Have you read "Discipline" by Mrs Brunton? With many defects it is much above the common class, and the last Volume is very pretty indeed some scenes nearly as good as "Waverley" who I might have added to my list of Lovers belonging to Walter Scott one can take no interest in. - Have you read La Baume's act. of the Campaign in Russia? I am told it is very well done. I am sure you will be pleased with Mr Rocca's Book if you read it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Mackintosh Print: Book
Walter Scott : Rokeby
'Since I wrote the first two pages of this letter I have read Eugene and Guilliaume, and quite agree with you. Pray correct Sir James Mackintosh's opinion [about "Waverley"], and for [italics] best [end italics] read [italics] worst [end italics] which was his opinion, altho' I was told the contrary. He is now I understand a little softened, and says it comes before Rokeby but after all the others. Have you read "Discipline" by Mrs Brunton? With many defects it is much above the common class, and the last Volume is very pretty indeed some scenes nearly as good as "Waverley" who I might have added to my list of Lovers belonging to Walter Scott one can take no interest in. - Have you read La Baume's act. of the Campaign in Russia? I am told it is very well done. I am sure you will be pleased with Mr Rocca's Book if you read it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Mackintosh Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Sketch from Private Life, A
'I send you some lines which he [Lord Byron] printed but did not publish, and which were handed about [italics] confidentially everywhere [end italics]. The usual consequence has happened, they appeared in one of the Sunday newspapers, and of course were copied on Monday a hundred times over. I send you what were in the "Morning Chronicle" with an unintelligible preface, and a paragraph which appeared the next day, by which you will see what a persecution Lady Byron is enduring. Sir Samuel says that the "Farewell" is a greater instance of wickedness than he thought was possible could have existed in human nature - and that the "Sketch from Private Life" is a miserable blackguard production without merit. - Indeed I cannot help thinking that he has hurt himself more than Lady Byron by abusing the person of a Maid Servant who was Nurse to Lady Milbanke, and who is grown old in faithful service to the Family'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Romilly Print: Unknown
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Fare thee well
'I send you some lines which he [Lord Byron] printed but did not publish, and which were handed about [italics] confidentially everywhere [end italics]. The usual consequence has happened, they appeared in one of the Sunday newspapers, and of course were copied on Monday a hundred times over. I send you what were in the "Morning Chronicle" with an unintelligible preface, and a paragraph which appeared the next day, by which you will see what a persecution Lady Byron is enduring. Sir Samuel says that the "Farewell" is a greater instance of wickedness than he thought was possible could have existed in human nature - and that the "Sketch from Private Life" is a miserable blackguard production without merit. - Indeed I cannot help thinking that he has hurt himself more than Lady Byron by abusing the person of a Maid Servant who was Nurse to Lady Milbanke, and who is grown old in faithful service to the Family'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Romilly Print: Unknown
Jane Haldimand Marcet : Conversations on Political Economy
'Have you not been delighted with Mrs Marcet? What an extraordinary work for a woman! Everybody who understands the subject is in a state of astonishment, and those, who like me know very little or nothing about it, are delighted with the knowledge they have acquired. One of our ci-devant Judges, Sir James Mansfield, who in his 83rd year devours all that is new in Literature, is charmed and laments extremely that he did not know as much as that Book has taught him when he was at the Bar'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Mansfield Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : [poems]
'Have you read Lord Byron and his horrid Incantation? Can you doubt but that it is intended as a curse on his wife? Her nerves must be strong if she can read it without shuddering. He is in Italy travelling with two ladies in his Suite. In "Childe Harold" there is a novel enjoyment of a storm such I should think as a demon would feel, but I think that the stanza which describes the appearance of the morning after is beautiful. Sir Samuel says that he has lost his ear, and that his last poems are decidedly the worst he has written. Surely the man who wrote "Darkness" must be mad or nearly approaching to it. Is there not something exceptionally riduculous in the idea of the two men, who survived the rest, frightening each other to death at last by their ugliness, ''een of their mutual ugliness they died", that is the line I think'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Romilly Print: Book, Unknown
Jeremy Bentham : Papers Relative to Codification and Public Instruction
'What a pity it is that Mr B[entham] carries this oddity of language [which AR has just been joking about] into his works. It makes them unreadible [sic] and of much less use than they otherwise would be. He has just published a singular Book the title of which is "Bentham on Codification", a great deal very excellent, Sir Samuel says, but most injudicious and injurious to the good cause, not only from throwing a ridicule on it, but also from going so much too far, for it is scarcely attempted to be disguised that Republicanism is his great object'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Romilly Print: Book
James Mill : History of British India, The
'Mr Mill's great work on India will soon be published in 3 vol. quarto. Sir Samuel saw the two first, and seems to think that it will be extremely curious, and very well done, but finds the style very bad'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Romilly Manuscript: Unknown
William Ernest Henley : Notes on the Firth
'Will you allow me to recommend you the accompanying sonnets? They are by Mr Henley, who wrote the “Hospital Outlines” in this month’s "Cornhill" − poems which have made a great sensation here, where the portraits are easily recognized; and though these have not the same extrinsic interest, they seem to me better as workmanship and more agreeable altogether. Henley is a singularly fine fellow, whose constancy under great trouble is as remarkable as his verse. Let me add that he is not the richest person in the world, so (should these sonnets suit you for the magazine) an early publication will be of great service to him.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Sheet, Unknown
William Ernest Henley : Hospital Outlines: Sketches and Portraits.
'Will you allow me to recommend you the accompanying sonnets? They are by Mr Henley, who wrote the “Hospital Outlines” in this month’s "Cornhill" − poems which have made a great sensation here, where the portraits are easily recognized; and though these have not the same extrinsic interest, they seem to me better as workmanship and more agreeable altogether. Henley is a singularly fine fellow, whose constancy under great trouble is as remarkable as his verse. Let me add that he is not the richest person in the world, so (should these sonnets suit you for the magazine) an early publication will be of great service to him.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Unknown, Probably a proof copy.
Samuel Johnson : [papers left at his death]
'In this [producing a biography of Johnson] he has not been very successful, as I have found upon a perusal of those papers, which have been since transferred to me. Sir John Hawkins's ponderous labours, I must acknowledge, exhibit a [italics] farrago [end italics], of which a considerable portion is not devoid of entertainment to the lovers of literary gossiping; but besides its being swelled out with long unnecessary extracts from various works [...], a very small part of it relates to the person who is the subject of the book; and, in that, there is such an inaccuracy in the statement of facts, as in so solemn an author is hardly excusable, and certainly makes his narrative very unsatisfactory'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
John Hawkins : Life of Samuel Johnson
'In this [producing a biography of Johnson] he has not been very successful, as I have found upon a perusal of those papers, which have been since transferred to me. Sir John Hawkins's ponderous labours, I must acknowledge, exhibit a [italics] farrago [end italics], of which a considerable portion is not devoid of entertainment to the lovers of literary gossiping; but besides its being swelled out with long unnecessary extracts from various works [...], a very small part of it relates to the person who is the subject of the book; and, in that, there is such an inaccuracy in the statement of facts, as in so solemn an author is hardly excusable, and certainly makes his narrative very unsatisfactory'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Dr Warburton : [Letter to Thomas Birch]
'There is, in the B. Museum, a letter from Bishop Warburton to Dr Birch, on the subject of biography; which, though I am aware it may expose me to a charge of artfully raising the value of my own work, by contrasting it with that of which I have spoken, is so well conceived and expressed, that I cannot refrain from here inserting it: [the letter follows, including this passage] "Almost all the life-writers we have had before Toland and Desmaiseaux, are indeed strange inspid creatures; and yet I had rather read the worst of them, than be obliged to go through with this of Milton's, or the other's life of Boileau, where there is such a dull, heavy succession of long quotations of disinteresting passages, that it makes their method quite nauseous".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Letter
William Mason : Memoirs of Gray
'Instead of melting down my materials into one mass, and constantly speaking in my own person, by which I might have appeared to have more merit in the execution of the work, I have resolved to adopt and enlarge upon the excellent plan of Mr Mason, in his Memoirs of Gray [ie connecting quotations, conversation and letters with narrative]'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
William Mason : [Memoir of William Whitehead]
'That the conversation of a celebrated man, if his talents have been exerted in conversation, will best display his character, is, I trust, too well established in the judgment of mankind, to be at all shaken by a sneering observation of Mr Mason, in his "Memoirs of Mr William Whitehead", in which there is literally no "Life", but a mere dry narrative of facts'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
: Book of Common Prayer [collect for the day]
'When he [Johnson] was a child in petticoats, and had learnt to read, Mrs Johnson one morning put the common prayer-book into his hands, pointed to the collect for the day, and said, "Sam, you must get this by heart". She went upstairs, leaving him to study it: But by the time she had reached the second floor, she heard him following her. "What's the matter?" said she. "I can say it", he replied; and repeated it distinctly, though he ciould not have read it over more than twice'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: [reading lessons]
'He was first taught to read English by Dame Oliver, a widow, who kept a school for young children in Lichfield. He told me she could read the black letter, and asked him to borrow for her, from his father, a bible in that character'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: [romances of chivalry]
'Dr Percy, the Bishop of Dromore, who was long intimately acquainted with him, and has preserved a few anecdotes concerning him, regretting that he was not a more diligent collector, informs me, that "When a boy he was immoderately fond of reading romances of chivalry, and he retained his fondness for them through life; so that (adds his Lordship) spending part of a summer at my parsonage-house in the country, he chose for his regular reading the old Spanish romance of "Felixmarte of Hircania", in folio, which he read quite through. Yet I have heard him attribute to these extravagant fictions that unsettled turn of mind which prevented his ever fixing in any profesion'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Melchor de Ortega : Felixmarte de Hircania
'Dr Percy, the Bishop of Dromore, who was long intimately acquainted with him, and has preserved a few anecdotes concerning him, regretting that he was not a more diligent collector, informs me, that "When a boy he was immoderately fond of reading romances of chivalry, and he retained his fondness for them through life; so that (adds his Lordship) spending part of a summer at my parsonage-house in the country, he chose for his regular reading the old Spanish romance of "Felixmarte of Hircania", in folio, which he read quite through. Yet I have heard him attribute to these extravagant fictions that unsettled turn of mind which prevented his ever fixing in any profesion'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Petrarch : [works]
'he read a great deal in a desultory manner, without any scheme of study, as chance threw books in his way, and inclination directed him through them. He used to mention one curious instance of his casual reading, when but a boy. Having imagined that his brother had hid some apples behind a large folio upon an upper shelf in his father's shop, he climbed up to search for them. There were no apples; but the large folio proved to be Petrarch, whom he had seen mentioned in some preface, as one of the restorers of learning. His curiosity having been thus excited, he sat down with avidity and read a great part of the book'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: [various works of classics and literature]
'what he read during these two years [between Stourbridge school and Oxford] , he told me, was not works of mere amusement, "not voyages and travels, but all literature, Sir, all ancient writers, all manly: though but little Greek, only some of Anacreon and Hesiod; but in this irregular manner (added he) I had looked into a great many books, which were not commonly known at the Universities, where they seldom read any books but what are put into their hands by their tutors; so that when I came to Oxford, Dr Adams, now master of Pembroke College, told me I was the best qualified for the university that he had ever known come there".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Anacreon :
'what he read during these two years [between Stourbridge school and Oxford] , he told me, was not works of mere amusement, "not voyages and travels, but all literature, Sir, all ancient writers, all manly: though but little Greek, only some of Anacreon and Hesiod; but in this irregular manner (added he) I had looked into a great many books, which were not commonly known at the Universities, where they seldom read any books but what are put into their hands by their tutors; so that when I came to Oxford, Dr Adams, now master of Pembroke College, told me I was the best qualified for the university that he had ever known come there".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Hesiod :
'what he read during these two years [between Stourbridge school and Oxford] , he told me, was not works of mere amusement, "not voyages and travels, but all literature, Sir, all ancient writers, all manly: though but little Greek, only some of Anacreon and Hesiod; but in this irregular manner (added he) I had looked into a great many books, which were not commonly known at the Universities, where they seldom read any books but what are put into their hands by their tutors; so that when I came to Oxford, Dr Adams, now master of Pembroke College, told me I was the best qualified for the university that he had ever known come there".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Ambrosius Theodosius Macrobius :
'His figure and manner appeared strange to them [the company on the night of Johnson's arrival in Oxford]; but he behaved modestly, and sat silent, till upon something which occurred in the course of conversation, he suddenly struck in and quoted Macrobius; and thus he gave the first impression of that more extensive reading in which he had indulged himself'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Messiah. A Sacred Eclogue, in Imitation of Virgil's Pollio
'Having given such a specimen of his poetical powers, he was asked by Mr Jorden to translate Pope's Messiah into Latin verse, as a Christmas exercise. He performed it with uncommon rapidity, and in so masterly a manner, that he obtained great applause from it, which ever after kept him high in the estimation of his College and, indeed, of all the University'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Richard Allestree : Whole Duty of Man, The
'"Sunday (said he) was a heavy day to me when I was a boy. My mother confined me on that day, and made me read "The Whole Duty of Man", from a great part of which I could derive no instruction. When, for instance, I had read the chapter on theft, which from my infancy I had been taught was wrong, I was no more convinced that theft was wrong than before; so there was no accession of knowledge".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
:
'"The church in Lichfield, in which we had a seat, wanted reparation, so I was to go and find a seat in other churches; and having bad eyes, and being awkward about this, I used to go and read in the fields on Sunday. This habit continued till my fourteenth year".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Law : Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, A
'"When at Oxford, I took up Law's "Serious Call to a Holy Life", expecting to find it a dull book (as such books generally are), and perhaps to laugh at it. But I found Law quite an overmatch for me; and this was the first occasion of my thinking in earnest of religion, after I became capable of rational inquiry".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Euripides : [Tragedies]
'He appears, from his early notes or memorandums in my possession, to have at various times attempted, or at least planned, a methodical course of study, according to computation, of which he was all his life fond, as it fixed his attention steadily on something without, and prevented his mind from preying upon itself. Thus I find in his handwriting the number of lines in each of two of Euripides' Tragedies, of the Georgicks of Virgil, of the first six books of the Aeneid, of Horace's Art of Poetry, of three of the books of Ovid's Metamorphosis, of some parts of Theocritus, and of the tenth satire of Juvenal; and a table, shewing at the rate of various numbers a day (I suppose verses to be read), what would be, in each case, the total amount in a week, month, and year'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Virgil : Georgics
'He appears, from his early notes or memorandums in my possession, to have at various times attempted, or at least planned, a methodical course of study, according to computation, of which he was all his life fond, as it fixed his attention steadily on something without, and prevented his mind from preying upon itself. Thus I find in his handwriting the number of lines in each of two of Euripides' Tragedies, of the Georgicks of Virgil, of the first six books of the Aeneid, of Horace's Art of Poetry, of three of the books of Ovid's Metamorphosis, of some parts of Theocritus, and of the tenth satire of Juvenal; and a table, shewing at the rate of various numbers a day (I suppose verses to be read), what would be, in each case, the total amount in a week, month, and year'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Virgil : Aeneid
'He appears, from his early notes or memorandums in my possession, to have at various times attempted, or at least planned, a methodical course of study, according to computation, of which he was all his life fond, as it fixed his attention steadily on something without, and prevented his mind from preying upon itself. Thus I find in his handwriting the number of lines in each of two of Euripides' Tragedies, of the Georgicks of Virgil, of the first six books of the Aeneid, of Horace's Art of Poetry, of three of the books of Ovid's Metamorphosis, of some parts of Theocritus, and of the tenth satire of Juvenal; and a table, shewing at the rate of various numbers a day (I suppose verses to be read), what would be, in each case, the total amount in a week, month, and year'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Horace : Ars Poetica
'He appears, from his early notes or memorandums in my possession, to have at various times attempted, or at least planned, a methodical course of study, according to computation, of which he was all his life fond, as it fixed his attention steadily on something without, and prevented his mind from preying upon itself. Thus I find in his handwriting the number of lines in each of two of Euripides' Tragedies, of the Georgicks of Virgil, of the first six books of the Aeneid, of Horace's Art of Poetry, of three of the books of Ovid's Metamorphosis, of some parts of Theocritus, and of the tenth satire of Juvenal; and a table, shewing at the rate of various numbers a day (I suppose verses to be read), what would be, in each case, the total amount in a week, month, and year'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Theocritus :
'He appears, from his early notes or memorandums in my possession, to have at various times attempted, or at least planned, a methodical course of study, according to computation, of which he was all his life fond, as it fixed his attention steadily on something without, and prevented his mind from preying upon itself. Thus I find in his handwriting the number of lines in each of two of Euripides' Tragedies, of the Georgicks of Virgil, of the first six books of the Aeneid, of Horace's Art of Poetry, of three of the books of Ovid's Metamorphosis, of some parts of Theocritus, and of the tenth satire of Juvenal; and a table, shewing at the rate of various numbers a day (I suppose verses to be read), what would be, in each case, the total amount in a week, month, and year'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Juvenal : Tenth Satire
'He appears, from his early notes or memorandums in my possession, to have at various times attempted, or at least planned, a methodical course of study, according to computation, of which he was all his life fond, as it fixed his attention steadily on something without, and prevented his mind from preying upon itself. Thus I find in his handwriting the number of lines in each of two of Euripides' Tragedies, of the Georgicks of Virgil, of the first six books of the Aeneid, of Horace's Art of Poetry, of three of the books of Ovid's Metamorphosis, of some parts of Theocritus, and of the tenth satire of Juvenal; and a table, shewing at the rate of various numbers a day (I suppose verses to be read), what would be, in each case, the total amount in a week, month, and year'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [memoranda of his reading]
'He appears, from his early notes or memorandums in my possession, to have at various times attempted, or at least planned, a methodical course of study, according to computation, of which he was all his life fond, as it fixed his attention steadily on something without, and prevented his mind from preying upon itself. Thus I find in his handwriting the number of lines in each of two of Euripides' Tragedies, of the Georgicks of Virgil, of the first six books of the Aeneid, of Horace's Art of Poetry, of three of the books of Ovid's Metamorphosis, of some parts of Theocritus, and of the tenth satire of Juvenal; and a table, shewing at the rate of various numbers a day (I suppose verses to be read), what would be, in each case, the total amount in a week, month, and year'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
Jeronimo Lobo : Voyage to Abyssinia , A
'[referring to his translation of Lobo's "Voyage to Abyssinia"] Johnson upon this exerted the powers of his mind, though his body was relaxed. He lay in bed with the book, which was a quarto, before him, and dictated while Hector wrote'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: [Turkish History]
'Mr Peter Garrick, the elder brother of David, told me that he remembered Johnson's borrowing the "Turkish History" of him, in order to form his play from it'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [original notes for "Irene"]
'The hand-writing [in the original sketch for "Irene"] is very difficult to read, even by those who were best acquainted with Johnson's mode of penmanship which at all times was very particular. The King having accepted of this manuscript as a literary curiosity, Mr Langton made a fair and distinct copy of it, which he ordered to be bound up with the original and the printed tragedy; and the volume is deposited in the King's library.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
Sidney Colvin : annotations
'My dear Colvin, Thanks for your pencilations. One thing only, remains; how am I to call the followers of Orso and Manfredi.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter, annotations
Sidney Colvin : The History of a Pavement
'I say your pavement is d−d jolly.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
William Ernest Henley : [second series of] Hospital Poems
'Herewith you receive the rest of Henley’s hospital work. He was much pleased by what you said of him, and asked me to forward these to you for your opinion; the pencil marks are principally Payne’s. One poem at least, the “Spring Sorrow”, which seems to me the most beautiful, I hope you will communicate to Madame. I thank God for this [italics]petit bout de consolation[end italics], that by Henley’s own account, this one more lovely thing in the world is not altogether without some trace of my influence: let me say that I have been something sympathetic which the mother found and contemplated while she yet carried it in her womb. This, in my profound discouragement, is a great thing for me; if I cannot do good work myself, at least, it seems, I can help others better inspired; I am at least a skilful accoucheur.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Unknown
[unknown] : [reading primer]
'But all this while, altho' now about Thirteen Years Old, I could not read; then thinking of the vast usefulness of reading, I bought me a Primer, and got now one, then another, to teach me to Spell, and so learn'd to Read imperfectly, my Teachers themselves not being ready Readers: But in a little time, having learn'd to Read competently well, I was desirous to learn to Write, but was at a great loss for a Master, none of my fellow Shepherds being able to teach me'.
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Tryon Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'[during his three years as a London apprentice castor-maker] I was mightily addicted to reading and Study; and tho' I was then engaged in a laborious trade and not allowed time for such Imployments of the Brain; yet I was so intent on my Study, that abridged myself of my Sleep and Rest. For after having wrought hard all day, from Five or Six in the Morning, till Ten or Eleven at Night, it was frequent with me to sit up two or three Hours reading'.
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Tryon Print: Book
[unknown] : [books on astrology]
'[at Christmas, Easter and on other holidays, he] 'would be at Work or Study, whilst my Fellow-servants were abroad taking their Pleasure. I was then upon Astrolgy [sic], a Science too rashly decried by some' [he then discusses the merits of Astrology at length, but not mentioning any specific texts]
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Tryon Print: Book
[unknown] : [books]
'But besides Astrology, I read Books of Physick, and sereval [sic] other natural Sciences and Arts.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Tryon Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'the time others spent in the Coffee-house or Tavern, I spent in Reading, Writing, Musick, or some useful Imployment'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Tryon Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'[editor's words] without literary pretensions, Mrs Marshall had a genuine love of reading, and when no other engagement intervened, it was one of her domestic regulations, that a book should be read aloud in the evening for general amusement; the office of reader commonly devolved on Miss Hamilton, who was thus led to remark that the best prose style was always that which could be longest read without exhausting the breath. These social studies were far from satisfying her avidity for information; and she constantly perused many books by stealth. Mrs Marshall, on discovering what had been her private occupation, expressed neither praise nor blame, but quietly advised her to avoid any display of superior knowledge by which she might be subjected to the imputation of pedantry. This admonition produced the desired effect, since, as she herself informs us, she once hid a volume of Lord Kames's Elements of Criticism under the cushion of a chair lest she should be detected in a study which prejudice and ignorance might pronounce unfeminine'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Marshall Print: Book
[n/a] : Gentleman's Magazine, The
'"The Gentleman's Magazine", begun and carried on by Mr Edward Cave , under the name of SYLVANUS URBAN, had attracted the notice and esteem of Johnson, in an eminent degree, before he came to London as an adventurer in literature'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Serial / periodical
Samuel Johnson : Irene
'Mr Peter Garrick told me, that Johnson and he went together to the Fountain tavern, and read it over, and that he afterwards solicited Mr Fleetwood, the patentee of Drury-lane theatre, to have it acted at his house'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
[n/a] : Scot's Magazine, The
'I myself recollect such impressions [of reverence, like Johnson displayed for the "Gentleman's Magazine"] from "The Scots Magazine", which was begun at Edinburgh in the year 1739, and has been ever conducted with judgement, accuracy, and propriety'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : ['The Italian' - unknown text]
'I have read the Italian - nothing in it is well'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson
Thomas Birch : [unknown]
'Tom Birch is as brisk as a bee in conversation; but no sooner does he take a pen in his hand, than it becomes a torpedo to him, and benumbs all his faculties'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Life of Savage
'Sir Joshua Reynolds told me, that upon his return from Italy he met with it [Johnson's "Life of Savage"] in Devonshire, knowing nothing of its authour [sic], and began to read it while he was standing with his arm leaning against a chimney piece. It seized his attention so strongly, that, not being able to lay down the book till he had finished it, when he attempted to move, he found his arm totally benumbed'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joshua Reynolds Print: Book
[unknown] : [sources for his Dictionary]
'The authorities [for the definitions in Johnson's Dictionary] were copied from the books themselves, in which he had marked the passages with a black lead pencil, the traces of which could easily be effaced'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Robert Dodsley : Preceptor, The
'Mr Dodsley this year brought out his "Preceptor", oned of the most valuable books for the improvement of young minds that has appeared in any language'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Vanity of Human Wishes, The
'His "Vanity of Human Wishes" has less of common life, but more of a philosophick dignity than his "London". More readers, therefore, will be delighted with the pointed spirit of "London", than with the profound reflection of "The Vanity Of Human Wishes". Garrick, for instance, observed in his sprightly manner, with more vivacity than regard to just discrimination, as is usual with wits, "When Johnson lived much with the Herveys, and saw a good deal of what was passing in life, he wrote his 'London', which is lively and easy. When he became more retired, he gave us his 'Vanity of Human Wishes', which is as hard as Greek. Had he gone on to imitate another satire, it would have been as hard as Hebrew".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Unknown
Samuel Johnson : [notes collected for periodical articles]
'he was not altogether unprepared as a periodical writer; for I have in my possession a small duodecimo volume, in which he has written, in the form of Mr Locke's "Common-Place Book", a variety of hints for essays on different subjects. He has marked upon the first blank leaf of it, "to the 128th page, collections for 'The Rambler'"; and in another place, "In fifty -two there were seventeen provided; in 97-21; in 190-25".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: UnknownManuscript: duodecimo book
Samuel Johnson : Rambler, The
'I profess myself to have ever had a profound veneration for the astonishing force and vivacity of mind which "The Rambler" exhibits [Boswell then talks at length of the philosophical merits of the essays] I may shortly observe that the "Rambler" furnishes such an assemblage of discourses on practical religion and moral duty, of critical investigations, and allegorical and oriental tales, that no mind may be thought very deficient that has, by constant study and meditation, assimilated to itself all that may be found there'. [Boswell singles out numbers 7, 110, 54 and 32]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
Samuel Johnson : Rambler, The
'["Rambler"] No 32 on patience, even under extreme misery, is wonderfully lofty, and as much above the rant of stoicism, as the Sun of Revelation is brighter than the twilight of Pagan philosophy. I never read the following sentence without feeling my frame thrill: "I think there is some reason for questioning whether the body and mind are not so proportioned, that the one can bear all which can be inflicted on the other; whether virtue cannot stand its ground as long as life, and whether a soul well principled, will not be sooner separated than subdued".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
Samuel Johnson : Rambler, The
'I have seen some volumes of Dr Young's copy of "The Rambler", in which he has marked the pasages which he thought particularly excellent, by folding down a corner of the page; and such as he rated in a super-eminent degree, are marked by double folds'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book, Serial / periodical
Joseph Addison : [essays]
'It has of late been the fashion to compare the style of Addison and Johnson, and to depreciate, I think very unjustly, the style of Addison as nerveless and feeble, because it has not the strength and energy of that of Johnson. Their prose may be balanced like the poetry of Dryden and Pope. Both are excellent, though in different ways. Addison writes with the ease of a gentleman. His readers fancy that a wise and accomplished companion is talking to them; so that he insinuates his sentiments and tastes into their minds by an imperceptible influence. Johnson writes like a teacher'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book, Serial / periodical
John Hawkesworth : Adventurer, The
'Let me add, that Hawkesworth's imitations of Johnson are sometimes so happy,that it is extremely difficult to distinguish them, with certainty, from the compositions of his great archetype'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
James Boswell : [account given to him by Mrs Williams]
'[referring to a dispute over whether Johnson wrote certain papers in "The Adventurer"] Mrs Williams told me that, "as he had [italics] given [end italics] those Essays to Dr Bathurst, who sold them at two guineas each, he never would own them; nay, he used to say that he did not [italics] write [end italics] them: but the fact was, that he [italics] dictated [end italics] them,while Bathurst wrote". I read to him Mrs Williams's account; he smiled, and said nothing'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Johnson : [letter from Johnson to Lord Chesterfield]
'[Robert Dodsley] then told Dr Adams, that Lord Chesterfield had shewn him the letter [in which Johnson refused his patronage]. "I should have imagined (replied Dr Adams) that Lord Chesterfield would have concealed it". "Poh! (said Dodsley) do you think a letter from Johnson could hurt Lord Chesterfield? Not at all, Sir. It lay upon his table where any body might see it. He read it to me; said, 'this man has great powers', pointed out the severest passages, and observed how well they were expressed".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield Manuscript: Letter
Henry St John, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke : Philosophical works
'On the 6th of March came out Lord Bolingbroke's works, published by Mr David Mallet. The wild and pernicious ravings, under the name of [italics] Philosophy [end italics], which were thus ushered into the world, gave great offence to all well-principled men.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Thomas Warton : Observations on the Faerie Queene of Spenser
'[thanking Warton for a book he has sent ] You have shewn to all, who shall hereafter attempt the study of our ancient authors, the way to success; by directing them to the perusal of the books which those authors had read. Of this method, Hughes and men much greater than Hughes, seem never to have thought'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
[unknown] : [books of Northern literature]
'Here was an excellent library; particularly, a valuable collection of books in Northern literature, with which Johnson was often very busy. One day Mr Wise read to us a dissertation which he was preparing for the press, intitled "A History and Chronology of the fabulous Ages".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Alexander Barclay : Ship of Fools, The
'There is an old English and Latin book of poems by Barclay, called "The Ship of Fools"; at the end of which are a number of [italics] Eglogues [end italics]; so he writes it, from [italics] Egloga [end italics], which are probably the first in our language. If you cannot find the book I will get Mr Dodsley to send it to you'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [memoranda for a projected literary journal]
'In one of his little memorandum-books I find the following hints for his intended "Review or Literary Journal": "[italics] The Annals of Literature, foreign as well as domestick. [end italics] Imitate Le Clerk - Bayle - Barberac. Infelicity of Journals in England. Works of the learned. We cannot take in all. Sometimes copy from foreign Jouralists. Always tell".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Codex, memorandum book
Samuel Johnson : Dictionary
'The part of your "Dictionary" which you have favoured me with the sight of has given me such an idea of the whole, that I most sincerely congratulate the publick upon the acquisition of a work long wanted, and now executed with an industry, accuracy, and judgement, equal to the importance of the subject. You might, perhaps, have chosen one in which your genius would have appeared to more advantage; but you could not have fixed upon any other in which your labours would have done such substantial service to the present age and to posterity'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Birch Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [Plan for his dictionary]
'[Mr Charles Burney] had been so much delighted with Johnson's "Rambler" and the "Plan" of his "Dictionary", that when the great work was announced in the newspapers as nearly finished, he wrote to Dr Johnson, begging to be informed when and in what manner his "Dictionary" would be published; intreating, if it should be by subscription, or he should have any books at his own disposal, to be favoured with six copies for himself and his friends'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Burney Print: Unknown
Samuel Johnson : Rambler, The
'[Mr Charles Burney] had been so much delighted with Johnson's "Rambler" and the "Plan" of his "Dictionary", that when the great work was announced in the newspapers as nearly finished, he wrote to Dr Johnson, begging to be informed when and in what manner his "Dictionary" would be published; intreating, if it should be by subscription, or he should have any books at his own disposal, to be favoured with six copies for himself and his friends'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Burney Print: Serial / periodical
Samuel Johnson : Dictionary
'Let the Preface [to Johnson's Dictionary] be attentively perused, in which is given, in a clear, strong, and glowing style, a comprehensive, yet particular view of what he had done; and it will be evident, that the timed he employed upon it [the Dictionary] was relatively short. [Boswell then comments on the great praise the Dictionary received] One of its excellencies has always struck me with peculiar admiration: I mean the perspicuity with which he has expresed abstract scientifick notions.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [essays]
'all the esays [in the "Universal Visitor"] marked with two [italics] asterisks [end italics] have been ascribed to him; but I am confident, from internal evidence, that of these, neither "The Life of Chaucer", "Reflections on the State of Portugal", nor an "Essay on Architecture", were written by him. I am equally confident, upon the same evidence, that he wrote "Further Thoughts on Agriculture"; being the sequel of a very inferiour essay on the same subject, and which, though carried on as if by the same hand, is both in thinking and expression so far above it, as to leave no doubt of its true parent; and that he also wrote "A Dissertation on the State of Literature and Authors", and "A Dissertation on the Epitaphs Written by Pope".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : The Universal Visitor
'all the esays [in the "Universal Visitor"] marked with two [italics] asterisks [end italics] have been ascribed to him; but I am confident, from internal evidence, that of these, neither "The Life of Chaucer", "Reflections on the State of Portugal", nor an "Essay on Architecture", were written by him. I am equally confident, upon the same evidence, that he wrote "Further Thoughts on Agriculture"; being the sequel of a very inferiour essay on the same subject, and which, though carried on as if by the same hand, is both in thinking and expression so far above it, as to leave no doubt of its true parent; and that he also wrote "A Dissertation on the State of Literature and Authors", and "A Dissertation on the Epitaphs Written by Pope".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
Elizabeth Harrison : Miscellanies
'Th authours of the essays in prose [in "Miscellanies" published by Elizabeth Harrison] seem generally to have imitated or tried to imitate, the copiousness and luxuriance of Mrs [italics] Rowe [end italics]. This, however, is not all their praise; they have laboured to add to her brightness of imagery, her purity of sentiments. The poets have had Dr [italics] Watts [end italics] before their eyes; a writer, who, if he stood not in the first class of genius, compensated that defect by a ready application of his powers to the promotion of piety'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Elizabeth Rowe : [unknown]
'Th authours of the essays in prose [in "Miscellanies" published by Elizabeth Harrison] seem generally to have imitated or tried to imitate, the copiousness and luxuriance of Mrs [italics] Rowe [end italics]. This, however, is not all their praise; they have laboured to add to her brightness of imagery, her purity of sentiments. The poets have had Dr [italics] Watts [end italics] before their eyes; a writer, who, if he stood not in the first class of genius, compensated that defect by a ready application of his powers to the promotion of piety'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Isaac Watts : [unknown]
'Th authours of the essays in prose [in "Miscellanies" published by Elizabeth Harrison] seem generally to have imitated or tried to imitate, the copiousness and luxuriance of Mrs [italics] Rowe [end italics]. This, however, is not all their praise; they have laboured to add to her brightness of imagery, her purity of sentiments. The poets have had Dr [italics] Watts [end italics] before their eyes; a writer, who, if he stood not in the first class of genius, compensated that defect by a ready application of his powers to the promotion of piety'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Madden : Boulter's Monument
'[according to Thomas Campbell] he begged of me that when I returned to Ireland, I would endeavour to procure for him a poem of Dr Madden's called "Boulter's Monument". The Reason (said he) why I wish for it, is this: when Dr Madden came to London, he submitted that work to my castigation; and I remember I blotted a great many lines, and might have blotted many more, without making the poem worse. However, the Doctor was very thankful, and very generous, for he gave me ten guineas, [italics] which was to me at that time a great sum [end italics]'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Johnson : Idler, The
'Yet there are in the "Idler" several papers which shew as much profundity of thought, and labour of language, as any of this great man's writings'. [Boswell mentions numbers 14, 24, 41, 43, 51, 52, 58 and 89]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
Samuel Johnson : History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia
'This Tale ["Rasselas"], with all the charms of oriental imagery, and all the force and beauty of which the English language is capable, leads us through the most important scenes of human life, and shews us that this stage of our being is full of "vanity and vexation of spirit". [Boswell comments on its value] Voltaire's "Candide", written to refute the system of Optimism, which it has accomplished with brilliant success, is wonderfully similar in its plan and conduct to Johnson's "Rasselas"; insomuch, that I have heard Johnson say, that if they had not been published so closely one after the other that there was not time for imitation, it would have been vain to deny that the scheme of that which came latest was taken from the other. Though the proposition illustrated by both these works was the same, namely, that in our present state there is more evil than good, the intention of the writers was very different. Voltaire, I am afraid, meant only by wanton profanness to obtain a sportive victory over religion, and to discredit the belief of a superintending Providence: Johnson meant, by shewing the unsatisfactory nature of things temporal, to direct the hopes of man to things eternal'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Voltaire [pseud.] : Candide: Or, All for the Best
'This Tale ["Rasselas"], with all the charms of oriental imagery, and all the force and beauty of which the English language is capable, leads us through the most important scenes of human life, and shews us that this stage of our being is full of "vanity and vexation of spirit". [Boswell comments on its value] Voltaire's "Candide", written to refute the system of Optimism, which it has accomplished with brilliant success, is wonderfully similar in its plan and conduct to Johnson's "Rasselas"; insomuch, that I have heard Johnson say, that if they had not been published so closely one after the other that there was not time for imitation, it would have been vain to deny that the scheme of that which came latest was taken from the other. Though the proposition illustrated by both these works was the same, namely, that in our present state there is more evil than good, the intention of the writers was very different. Voltaire, I am afraid, meant only by wanton profanness to obtain a sportive victory over religion, and to discredit the belief of a superintending Providence: Johnson meant, by shewing the unsatisfactory nature of things temporal, to direct the hopes of man to things eternal'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Voltaire [pseud.] : Candide: Or, All for the Best
'This Tale ["Rasselas"], with all the charms of oriental imagery, and all the force and beauty of which the English language is capable, leads us through the most important scenes of human life, and shews us that this stage of our being is full of "vanity and vexation of spirit". [Boswell comments on its value] Voltaire's "Candide", written to refute the system of Optimism, which it has accomplished with brilliant success, is wonderfully similar in its plan and conduct to Johnson's "Rasselas"; insomuch, that I have heard Johnson say, that if they had not been published so closely one after the other that there was not time for imitation, it would have been vain to deny that the scheme of that which came latest was taken from the other. Though the proposition illustrated by both these works was the same, namely, that in our present state there is more evil than good, the intention of the writers was very different. Voltaire, I am afraid, meant only by wanton profanness to obtain a sportive victory over religion, and to discredit the belief of a superintending Providence: Johnson meant, by shewing the unsatisfactory nature of things temporal, to direct the hopes of man to things eternal'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas Sheridan : Life of the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Swift, The
'I could not but smile, at the same time that I was offended, to observe Sheridan, in "The Life of Swift", which he afterwards published, attempting, in the writhings of his resentment, to depreciate Johnson, by characterising him as "A writer of gigantick fame in these days of little men"; that very Johnson whom he once so highly admired and venerated'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
Frances Sheridan : Memoirs of Miss Sydney Biddulph, The
'Her [Mrs Sheridan's] novel, entitled "Memoirs of Miss Sydney Biddulph", contains an excellent moral, while it inculcates a future state of retribution; and what it teaches is impressed upon the mind by a series of as deep distress as can affect humanity, in the amiable and pious heroine who goes to her grave unrelieved, but resigned, and full of hope of "heaven's mercy". Johnson paid her this high compliment upon it: "I know not, Madam, that you have a right, upon moral principles, to make your readers suffer so much".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Frances Sheridan : Memoirs of Miss Sydney Biddulph, The
'Her [Mrs Sheridan's] novel, entitled "Memoirs of Miss Sydney Biddulph", contains an excellent moral, while it inculcates a future state of retribution; and what it teaches is impressed upon the mind by a series of as deep distress as can affect humanty, in the amiable and pious heroine who goes to her grave unrelieved, but resgned, and full of hope of "heaven's mercy". Johnson paid her this high compliment upon it: "I know not, Madam, that you have a right, upon moral principles, to make your readers suffer so much".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Henry Home, Lord Kames : Elements of Criticism
'Sir, this book ("The Elements of Criticism", which he had taken up,) is a pretty essay, and deserves to be held in some estimation, though much of it is chimerical'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James Macpherson : Fragments of Ancient Poetry collected in the Highlands of Scotland
'At this time the controversy concerning the pieces published by Mr James Macpherson as translations of [italics] Ossian [end italics], was at its height. Johnson had all along denied their authenticity; and, what was still more provoking to their admirers, maintained they had no merit. The subject having been introduced by Dr Fordyce, Dr Blair, relying on the internal evidence of their antiquity, asked Dr Johnson whether he thought any man of a modern age could have written such poems? Johnson replied, "Yes, Sir, many men, many women, and many children". Dr Johnson did not know that Dr Blair had just published a "Dissertation", not only defending their authenticity, but seriously ranking them with the poems of [italics] Homer [end italics] and [italics] Virgil [end italics].'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Colley Cibber : [Odes]
'His [Colley Cibber's] friends gave out that he [italics] intended [end italics] his birth-day "Odes" should be bad: but that was not the case, Sir; for he kept them many months by him, and a few years before he died he shewed me one of them, with great solicitude to render it as perfect as might be, and I made some corrections, to which he was not very willing to submit'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
William Whitehead : [poem on Garrick]
'"Cibber's familiar style, however, was better than that which Whitehead has assumed. [italics] Grand [end italics] nonsense is insupportable. Whitehead is but a little man to inscribe verses to players". I did not presume to controvert this censure, which was tinctured with his prejudice against players; but I could not help thinking that a dramatick poet might with propriety pay a compliment to an eminent performer as Whitehead has very happily done in his verses to Mr Garrick'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
William Whitehead : [poem on Garrick]
'"Cibber's familiar style, however, was better than that which Whitehead has assumed. [italics] Grand [end italics] nonsense is insupportable. Whitehead is but a little man to inscribe verses to players". I did not presume to controvert this censure, which was tinctured with his prejudice against players; but I could not help thinking that a dramatick poet might with propriety pay a compliment to an eminent performer as Whitehead has very happily done in his verses to Mr Garrick'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Unknown
Thomas Gray : Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard
'Sir, I do not think Gray a first-rate poet. He has not a bold imagination, nor much command of words. The obscurity in which he has involved himself will not persuade us that he is sublime. His "Elegy in a Church yard" has a happy selection, but I don't like what are called his great things'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
John Campbell : Hermippus Redivivus: Or, the Sage's Triumph Over Old Age and the Grave.
'Dr John Campbell, the celebrated political and biographical writer, being mentioned, Johnson said, "Campbell is a man of much knowledge, and has a good share of imagination. His "Hermippus Redivivus" is very entertaining, as an account of the Hermetick philosophy, and as furnishing a curious history of the human mind. If it were merely imaginary it would be nothing at all.".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Charles Churchill : [unknown]
'He talked very contemptuously of Churchill's poetry, observing, that "it had a temporary currency, only from its audacity of abuse, and being filled with living names, and that it would sink into oblivion".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Charles Churchill : [poems]
'In this depreciation [by Johnson] of Churchill's poetry I could not agree with him. It is very true that the greatest part of it is upon the topicks of the day, on which account, as it brought him great fame and profit at the time, it must proportionally slide out of the publick attention as other occasional objects succeed. But Churchill had extraordnary vigour both of thought and expression. His portraits of the players will ever be valuable to the true lovers of the drama; and his strong caricatures of several eminent men of his age, will not be forgotten by the curious. Let me add, that there are in his works many passages which are of a general nature; and his "Prophecy of Famine" is a poem of no ordinary merit. It is, indeed, falsely injurious to Scotland, but therefore may be allowed a greater share of invention'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Charles Churchill : Prophecy of Famine, The. A Scots Pastoral
'In this depreciation [by Johnson] of Churchill's poetry I could not agree with him. It is very true that the greatest part of it is upon the topicks of the day, on which account, as it brought him great fame and profit at the time, it must proportionally slide out of the publick attention as other occasional objects succeed. But Churchill had extraordnary vigour both of thought and expression. His portraits of the players will ever be valuable to the true lovers of the drama; and his strong caricatures of several eminent men of his age, will not be forgotten by the curious. Let me add, that there are in his works many passages which are of a general nature; and his "Prophecy of Famine" is a poem of no ordinary merit. It is, indeed, falsely injurious to Scotland, but therefore may be allowed a greater share of invention'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Bonnell Thornton : Ode on St. Cecilia's day, adapted to the ancient British music, viz. the salt-box, the jews- harp, the marrow-bones and cleaver, the hum-strum or hurdy-gurdy, &c
'Bonnell Thornton had just published a burlesque "Ode on St. Cecilia's day, adapted to the ancient British music, viz. the salt-box, the jews- harp, the marrow-bones and cleaver, the hum-strum or hurdy-gurdy, &c". Johnson praised its humour, and seemed much diverted with it'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
[n/a] : Connoisseur, The
I mentioned the periodical paper called "The Connoisseur." He said it wanted matter. No doubt it has not the deep thinking of Johnson's writings. But surely it has just views of the surface of life, and a very sprightly manner. His opinion of "The World" was not much higher than of "The Connoisseur".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : World, The
I mentioned the periodical paper called "The Connoisseur." He said it wanted matter. No doubt it has not the deep thinking of Johnson's writings. But surely it has just views of the surface of life, and a very sprightly manner. His opinion of "The World" was not much higher than of "The Connoisseur".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Connoisseur, The
'I mentioned the periodical paper called "The Connoisseur." He said it wanted matter. No doubt it has not the deep thinking of Johnson's writings. But surely it has just views of the surface of life, and a very sprightly manner. His opinion of "The World" was not much higher than of "The Connoisseur".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
Paley : Evidences of Christianity
'If among the books of divinity that you are so kindly offered the use of, you can borrow any of the following, they will help to establish you in the belief of the truth of Divine Revelation:- Paley's Evidences of Christianity; Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to Thomas Paine; Bishop Porteus' Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity; Addison's Evidences of the Christian Religion;Madam Genlis' Religion the only Basis of Happiness and true Philosophy, in which the Principles of the modern pretended Philosophers are laid open and refuted, 2 vols. Butler's Divine Analogy; Bentley against Collins; Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism; Jenkins Reasonableness and Certainty of the Chrisian Religion, 2 vols. I have lately read the whole of these works with great satisfaction. If you are fond of real philosophy and astronomy, you will be highly pleased with Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism. Paley's is an extraordinary good work. Butler's Analogy is a very great work.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Robert Jenkin : Reasonableness and Certainty of the Christian Religion
'Jenkin's is the most copious and the best work I ever read in defence of divine revelation. It treats in a clear manner of the necessity of a divine revelation, antiquity of the scriptures, God's dispensations under the Patriarchs, Moses, Judges, Kings, and Christ; the wisdom and goodness of God is excellently displayed in the manner of the promulgation and preservation of the scriptures; various difficulties are cleared and objections answered. The author has, through the whole, discovered great depth of thought, a thorough knowledge of the history of the four great monarchies mentioned in the Old Testament, and of other ancient nations; which he has brought forward in confirmation of the truth of divine revelation. In reading this excellent learned production I could not help remarking the wonderful difference that therre is between this work and the poor superficial works of freethinkers.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Unknown
Henry Newbolt : The Year of Trafalgar: being an account of the battle and of the events which led up to it, with a collection of the poems and ballads written thereupon between 1805 and 1905
'The book ["The Year of Trafalgar"] arrived. Some day I will bring it to London for you to write your name and mine on the flyleaf, thus making it specially valuable apart from its intrinsic worth, which I have been eagerly absorbing.' Hence follow eight lines of unqualified praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edward Garnett : 'The Icelandic Sagas'
'Your article on [Icelandic] Sagas first rate and extracts quoted are good. I quite see how one could get dramas out of that.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Henry Newbolt : The Year of Trafalgar: being an account of the battle and of the events which led up to it, with a collection of the poems and ballads written thereupon between 1805 and 1905
'I have re-read your book on Trafalgar and can only repeat that your argumentation is absolutely convincing.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Anatole France : Sur la pierre blanche
'If you don't know already it may interest you to know that in Anatole France's last book ["Sur la pierre blanche"] there are two allusions to you.' Hence follow eleven lines of clarification and discussion.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Anatole France : Abeille: conte
'I don't know whether I ought to mention my delight at your approval of "Abeille" [by Anatole France]. I put it in your hands with confidence and trust - but one never knows.[...] I must tell you in confidence that some time ago dear Jack [Galsworthy] sat upon me so heavily for my admiration of "Thais" that I promised to myself to walk very delicately in the way of recommending books for the future.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Anatole France : Thais
'I don't know whether I ought to mention my delight at your approval of "Abeille" [by Anatole France]. I put it in your hands with confidence and trust - but one never knows.[...] I must tell you in confidence that some time ago dear Jack [Galsworthy] sat upon me so heavily for my admiration of "Thais" that I promised to myself to walk very delicately in the way of recommending books for the future.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Ogilvie : [poems]
'On Tuesday the 5th of July, I again visited Johnson. He told me he had looked into the poems of a pretty voluminous writer, Mr. (now Dr.) John Ogilvie, one of the Presbyterian ministers of Scotland, which had lately come out, but could find no thinking in them. Boswell. "Is there not imagination in them, Sir?" Johnson. "Why, Sir, there is in them what [italics] was [end italics] imagination, but it is no more imagination in [italics] him [end italics] than sound is sound in the echo. And his diction too is not his own. We have long ago seen [italics] white-robed innocence [end italics] and [italics] flower-bespangled meads[end italics]".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Pierre Bayle : Historical and Critical Dictionary
'"Bayle's Dictionary is a very useful work for those to consult who love the biographical part of literature, which is what I love most." Talking of the eminent writers in Qneen Anne's reign, he observed, "I think Dr. Arbuthnot the first man among them. He was the most universal genius, being an excellent physician, a man of deep learning, and a man of much humour. Mr. Addison was, to be sure, a great man; his learning was not profound; but his morality, his humour, and his elegance of writing, set him very high."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Arbuthnot : [unknown]
'"Bayle's Dictionary is a very useful work for those to consult who love the biographical part of literature, which is what I love most." Talking of the eminent writers in Queen Anne's reign, he observed, "I think Dr. Arbuthnot the first man among them. He was the most universal genius, being an excellent physician, a man of deep learning, and a man of much humour. Mr. Addison was, to be sure, a great man; his learning was not profound; but his morality, his humour, and his elegance of writing, set him very high."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Joseph Addison : [unknown]
'"Bayle's Dictionary is a very useful work for those to consult who love the biographical part of literature, which is what I love most." Talking of the eminent writers in Queen Anne's reign, he observed, "I think Dr. Arbuthnot the first man among them. He was the most universal genius, being an excellent physician, a man of deep learning, and a man of much humour. Mr. Addison was, to be sure, a great man; his learning was not profound; but his morality, his humour, and his elegance of writing, set him very high."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
David Dalrymple : [letter to Boswell]
'I at this time kept up a very frequent correspondence with Sir David [Dalrymple]; and I read to Dr. Johnson to-night the following passage from the letter which I had last received from him: "It gives me pleasure to think that you have obtained the friendship of Mr. Samnel Johnson. He is one of the best moral writers which England has produced. At the same time, I envy you the free and undisguised converse with such a man. May I beg you to present my respects to him, and to assure him of the veneration which I entertain for the author of the 'Rambler' and of 'Rasselas'? Let me recommend this work to you; with the 'Rambler' you certainly are acquainted. In 'Rasselas' you will see a tender-hearted operator, who probes the wound only to heal it. Swift, on the contrary, mangles human nature. He cuts and slashes, as if he took pleasure in the operation, like the tyrant who said, [italics] Ita feri ut se sentiat emori [end italics]." Johnson seemed to be much gratified by this just and well-turned compliment.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Letter
Frederick II King of Prussia : [unknown]
'On Tuesday, July 18, I found tall Sir Thomas Robinson sitting with Johnson. Sir Thomas said, that the King of Prussia valued himself upon three things;—upon being a hero, a musician, and an author. Johnson. "Pretty well, Sir, for one man. As to his being an author, I have not looked at his poetry ; but his prose is poor stuff. He writes just as you may suppose Voltaire's footboy to do, who has been his amanuensis. He has such parts as the valet might have, and about as much of the colouring of the style as might be got by transcribing his works." [Boswell tells how he repeated this to Voltaire, who was amused as he was on bad terms with Frederick the great]. But I think the criticism much too severe; for the "Memoirs of the House of Brandenbergh" are written as well as many works of that kind. His poetry, for the style of which he himself makes a frank apology, "[italics] Jargonnant un francois barbare [end italics]", though fraught with pernicious ravings of infidelity, has, in many places, great animation, and in some a pathetick tenderness.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Frederick II King of Prussia : Memoirs of the house of Brandenburg. From the earliest accounts, to the death of Frederick I.
'On Tuesday, July 18, I found tall Sir Thomas Robinson sitting with Johnson. Sir Thomas said, that the King of Prussia valued himself upon three things;—upon being a hero, a musician, and an author. Johnson. "Pretty well, Sir, for one man. As to his being an author, I have not looked at his poetry ; but his prose is poor stuff. He writes just as you may suppose Voltaire's footboy to do, who has been his amanuensis. He has such parts as the valet might have, and about as much of the colouring of the style as might be got by transcribing his works." [Boswell tells how he repeated this to Voltaire, who was amused as he was on bad terms with Frederick the great]. But I think the criticism much too severe; for the "Memoirs of the House of Brandenbergh" are written as well as many works of that kind. His poetry, for the style of which he himself makes a frank apology, "[italics] Jargonnant un francois barbare [end italics]", though fraught with pernicious ravings of infidelity, has, in many places, great animation, and in some a pathetick tenderness.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Frederick II King of Prussia : [poems]
'On Tuesday, July 18, I found tall Sir Thomas Robinson sitting with Johnson. Sir Thomas said, that the King of Prussia valued himself upon three things;—upon being a hero, a musician, and an author. Johnson. "Pretty well, Sir, for one man. As to his being an author, I have not looked at his poetry ; but his prose is poor stuff. He writes just as you may suppose Voltaire's footboy to do, who has been his amanuensis. He has such parts as the valet might have, and about as much of the colouring of the style as might be got by transcribing his works." [Boswell tells how he repeated this to Voltaire, who was amused as he was on bad terms with Frederick the great]. But I think the criticism much too severe; for the "Memoirs of the House of Brandenbergh" are written as well as many works of that kind. His poetry, for the style of which he himself makes a frank apology, "[italics] Jargonnant un francois barbare [end italics]", though fraught with pernicious ravings of infidelity, has, in many places, great animation, and in some a pathetick tenderness.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
David Hume : [unknown]
'The conversation now turned upon Mr. David Hume's style. Johnson. "Why, Sir, his style is not English; the structure of his sentences is French. Now the French structure and the English structure may, in the nature of things, be equally good. But if you allow that the English language is established, he is wrong. My name might originally have been Nicholson, as well as Johnson ; but were you to call me Nicholson now, you would call me very absurdly."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
David Hume : Enquiry concerning Human Understanding
' [Johnson said] "Hume, and other sceptical innovators, are vain men, and will gratify themselves at any expence. Truth will not afford sufficient food to their vanity; so they have betaken themselves to error. Truth, Sir, is a cow which will yield such people no more milk, and so they are gone to milk the bull. If I could have allowed myself to gratify my vanity at the expence of truth, what fame might I have acquired Every thing which Hume has advanced against Christianity had passed through my mind long before he wrote. Always remember this, that after a system is well settled upon positive evidence, a few partial objections ought not to shake it. The human mind is so limited, that it cannot take in all the parts of a subject, so that there may be objections raised against any thing. There are objections against a plenum, and objections against a vacuum; yet one of them must certainly be true." I mentioned Hume's argument against the belief of miracles, that it is more probable that the witnesses to the truth of them are mistaken, or speak falsely, than that the miracles should be true. [Johnson then argues against this]'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
David Hume : Enquiry concerning Human Understanding
' [Johnson said] "Hume, and other sceptical innovators, are vain men, and will gratify themselves at any expence. Truth will not afford sufficient food to their vanity; so they have betaken themselves to error. Truth, Sir, is a cow which will yield such people no more milk, and so they are gone to milk the bull. If I could have allowed myself to gratify my vanity at the expence of truth, what fame might I have acquired Every thing which Hume has advanced against Christianity had passed through my mind long before he wrote. Always remember this, that after a system is well settled upon positive evidence, a few partial objections ought not to shake it. The human mind is so limited, that it cannot take in all the parts of a subject, so that there may be objections raised against any thing. There are objections against a plenum, and objections against a vacuum; yet one of them must certainly be true." I mentioned Hume's argument against the belief of miracles, that it is more probable that the witnesses to the truth of them are mistaken, or speak falsely, than that the miracles should be true. [Johnson then argues against this]'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'[Johnson said] "Sir, in my early years I read very hard. It is a sad reflection, but a true one, that I knew almost as much at eighteen as I do now. My judgment, to be sure, was not so good; but I had all the facts."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Joseph Warton : Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope
'He said, Dr. Joseph Warton was a very agreeable man, and his "Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope," a very pleasing book. I wondered that he delayed so long to give us the continuation of it. Johnson. "Why, Sir, I suppose he finds himself a little disappointed, in not having been able to persuade the world to be of his opinion as to Pope." We have now been favoured with the concluding volume, in which, to use a parliamentary expression, he has explained, so as not to appear quite so adverse to the opinion of the world, concerning Pope, as was at first thought; and we must all agree, that his work is a most valuable accession to English literature'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Joseph Warton : Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope
'He said, Dr. Joseph Warton was a very agreeable man, and his "Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope," a very pleasing book. I wondered that he delayed so long to give us the continuation of it. Johnson. "Why, Sir, I suppose he finds himself a little disappointed, in not having been able to persuade the world to be of his opinion as to Pope." We have now been favoured with the concluding volume, in which, to use a parliamentary expression, he has explained, so as not to appear quite so adverse to the opinion of the world, concerning Pope, as was at first thought; and we must all agree, that his work is a most valuable accession to English literature'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Martin Martin : Description of the Western Islands of Scotland
'He told me, that his father had put Martin's account of those islands into his hands when he was very young, and that he was highly pleased with it; that he was particularly struck with the St. Kilda man's notion that the high church of Glasgow had been hollowed out of a rock; a circumstance to which old Mr. Johnson had directed his attention.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : Tale of a Tub, A
'On Thursday, July 28, we again supped in private at the Turk's Head coffee-house. Johnson. "Swift has a higher reputation than he deserves. His excellence is strong sense; for his humour, though very well, is not remarkably good. I doubt whether "The Tale of a Tub" be his; for he never owned it, and it is much above his usual manner." "Thomson, I think, had as much of the poet about him as most writers. Every thing appeared to him through the medium of his favourite pursuit. He could not have viewed those two candles burning but with a poetical eye."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James Thomson : [poems]
'On Thursday, July 28, we again supped in private at the Turk's Head coffee-house. Johnson. "Swift has a higher reputation than he deserves. His excellence is strong sense; for his humour, though very well, is not remarkably good. I doubt whether "The Tale of a Tub" be his; for he never owned it, and it is much above his usual manner." "Thomson, I think, had as much of the poet about him as most writers. Every thing appeared to him through the medium of his favourite pursuit. He could not have viewed those two candles burning but with a poetical eye."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : London: A Poem in Imitation of the Third Satire of Juvenal
'I was much pleased to find myself with Johnson at Greenwich, which he celebrates in his "London" as a favourite scene. I had the poem in my pocket, and read the lines aloud with enthusiasm : On Thames's banks in silent thought we stood, Where Greenwich smiles upon the silver flood : Pleas'd with the seat which gave Eliza birth, We kneel, and kiss the consecrated earth.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
George Buchanan : Nympha Caledoniae
'Buchanan, he said, was a very fine poet; and observed that he was the first who complimented a lady, by ascribing to her the different perfections of the heathen goddesses; but that Johnston improved upon this, by making his lady, at the same time, free from their defects. He dwelt upon Buchanan's elegant verses to Mary, Queen of Scots, "Nympha Caledoniae, &c" and spoke with enthusiasm of the beauty of Latin verse. "All the modern languages (said he) cannot furnish so melodious a line as 'Formosam resonare doces Amarillida silvas'".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Pomponius Mela : De situ orbis
'He had in his pocket, "Pomponius Mela de Situ Orbis," in which he read occasionally, and seemed very intent upon ancient geography.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas Blacklock : [poems]
'He talked of Mr. Blacklock's poetry, so far as it was descriptive of visible objects; and observed, that "as its author had the misfortune to be blind, we may be absolutely sure that such passages are combinations of what he has remembered of the works of other writers who could see".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Gisbert Japix : Rymelerie
'[Boswell to Johnson] Of the modern Frisick, or what is spoken by the boors at this day, I have procured a specimen. It is [italics] Gisbert Japix's Rymelerie [end italics], which is the only book that they have. It is amazing that they have no translation of the bible, no treatises of devotion, nor even any of the ballads and story-books which are so agreeable to country people. You shall have Japix by the first convenient opportunity.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : London Chronicle [review of Grainger's "Sugar Cane, a poem"]
'He wrote a review of Grainger's "Sugar Cane, a Poem", in the "London Chronicle". He told me, that Dr. Percy wrote the greatest part of this review; but, I imagine, he did not recollect it distinctly, for it appears to be mostly, if not altogether, his own'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
Samuel Johnson : [journal]
'From one of his Journals I transcribed what follows : "At church, Oct.—65. " To avoid all singularity; [italics] Bonaventura [end italics] " To come in before service, and compose my mind by meditation, or by reading some portions of scripture. [italics] Tetty [end italics]. " If I can hear the sermon, to attend it, unless attention be more troublesome than useful. " To consider the act of prayer as a reposal of myself upon God, and a resignation of all into his holy hand." '
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
James Boswell : [letter to Johnson from Corsica]
'He kept the greater part of mine [letters] very carefully; and a short time before his death was attentive enough to seal them up in bundles, and ordered them to be delivered to me, which was accordingly done. Amongst them I found one, of which I had not made a copy, and which I own I read with pleasure at the distance of twenty years. It is dated November, 1765, at the palace of Pascal Paoli, in Corte, the capital of Corsica, and is full of generous enthusiasm. After giving a sketch of what I had seen and heard in that island, it proceeded thus: "I dare to call this a spirited tour. I dare to challenge your approbation."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Letter
Oliver Goldsmith : Traveller, The
'He said of Goldsmith's "Traveller," which had been published in my absence, "There has not been so fine a poem since Pope's time".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Bishop Watson : Apology for the Bible, in Letters to Thomas Paine
'If among the books of divinity that you are so kindly offered the use of, you can borrow any of the following, they will help to establish you in the belief of the truth of Divine Revelation:- Paley's Evidences of Christianity; Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to Thomas Paine; Bishop Porteus' Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity; Addison's Evidences of the Christian Religion; Madam Genlis' Religion the only Basis of Happiness and true Philosophy, in which the Principles of the modern pretended Philosophers are laid open and refuted, 2 vols. Butler's Divine Analogy; Bentley against Collins; Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism; Jenkins Reasonableness and Certainty of the Chrisian Religion, 2 vols. I have lately read the whole of these works with great satisfaction. If you are fond of real philosophy and astronomy, you will be highly pleased with Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism. Paley's is an extraordinary good work. Butler's Analogy is a very great work.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Bishop Porteus : Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity
'If among the books of divinity that you are so kindly offered the use of, you can borrow any of the following, they will help to establish you in the belief of the truth of Divine Revelation:- Paley's Evidences of Christianity; Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to Thomas Paine; Bishop Porteus' Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity; Addison's Evidences of the Christian Religion; Madam Genlis' Religion the only Basis of Happiness and true Philosophy, in which the Principles of the modern pretended Philosophers are laid open and refuted, 2 vols. Butler's Divine Analogy; Bentley against Collins; Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism; Jenkins Reasonableness and Certainty of the Chrisian Religion, 2 vols. I have lately read the whole of these works with great satisfaction. If you are fond of real philosophy and astronomy, you will be highly pleased with Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism. Paley's is an extraordinary good work. Butler's Analogy is a very great work.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Addison : Evidences of the Christian Religion
'If among the books of divinity that you are so kindly offered the use of, you can borrow any of the following, they will help to establish you in the belief of the truth of Divine Revelation:- Paley's Evidences of Christianity; Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to Thomas Paine; Bishop Porteus' Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity; Addison's Evidences of the Christian Religion; Madam Genlis' Religion the only Basis of Happiness and true Philosophy, in which the Principles of the modern pretended Philosophers are laid open and refuted, 2 vols. Butler's Divine Analogy; Bentley against Collins; Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism; Jenkins Reasonableness and Certainty of the Chrisian Religion, 2 vols. I have lately read the whole of these works with great satisfaction. If you are fond of real philosophy and astronomy, you will be highly pleased with Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism. Paley's is an extraordinary good work. Butler's Analogy is a very great work.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Madame de Genlis : Religion the only Basis of Happiness and true Philosophy, in which the Principles of the modern pretended Philosophers are laid open and refuted
'If among the books of divinity that you are so kindly offered the use of, you can borrow any of the following, they will help to establish you in the belief of the truth of Divine Revelation:- Paley's Evidences of Christianity; Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to Thomas Paine; Bishop Porteus' Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity; Addison's Evidences of the Christian Religion; Madam Genlis' Religion the only Basis of Happiness and true Philosophy, in which the Principles of the modern pretended Philosophers are laid open and refuted, 2 vols. Butler's Divine Analogy; Bentley against Collins; Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism; Jenkins Reasonableness and Certainty of the Chrisian Religion, 2 vols. I have lately read the whole of these works with great satisfaction. If you are fond of real philosophy and astronomy, you will be highly pleased with Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism. Paley's is an extraordinary good work. Butler's Analogy is a very great work.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Bishop Butler : Divine Analogy
'If among the books of divinity that you are so kindly offered the use of, you can borrow any of the following, they will help to establish you in the belief of the truth of Divine Revelation:- Paley's Evidences of Christianity; Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to Thomas Paine; Bishop Porteus' Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity; Addison's Evidences of the Christian Religion; Madam Genlis' Religion the only Basis of Happiness and true Philosophy, in which the Principles of the modern pretended Philosophers are laid open and refuted, 2 vols. Butler's Divine Analogy; Bentley against Collins; Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism; Jenkins Reasonableness and Certainty of the Chrisian Religion, 2 vols. I have lately read the whole of these works with great satisfaction. If you are fond of real philosophy and astronomy, you will be highly pleased with Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism. Paley's is an extraordinary good work. Butler's Analogy is a very great work.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Bentley : Sermons on the Folly of Atheism
'If among the books of divinity that you are so kindly offered the use of, you can borrow any of the following, they will help to establish you in the belief of the truth of Divine Revelation:- Paley's Evidences of Christianity; Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to Thomas Paine; Bishop Porteus' Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity; Addison's Evidences of the Christian Religion; Madam Genlis' Religion the only Basis of Happiness and true Philosophy, in which the Principles of the modern pretended Philosophers are laid open and refuted, 2 vols. Butler's Divine Analogy; Bentley against Collins; Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism; Jenkins Reasonableness and Certainty of the Chrisian Religion, 2 vols. I have lately read the whole of these works with great satisfaction. If you are fond of real philosophy and astronomy, you will be highly pleased with Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism. Paley's is an extraordinary good work. Butler's Analogy is a very great work.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Jenkins : Reasonableness and Certainty of the Chrisian Religion
'If among the books of divinity that you are so kindly offered the use of, you can borrow any of the following, they will help to establish you in the belief of the truth of Divine Revelation:- Paley's Evidences of Christianity; Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to Thomas Paine; Bishop Porteus' Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity; Addison's Evidences of the Christian Religion; Madam Genlis' Religion the only Basis of Happiness and true Philosophy, in which the Principles of the modern pretended Philosophers are laid open and refuted, 2 vols. Butler's Divine Analogy; Bentley against Collins; Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism; Jenkins Reasonableness and Certainty of the Chrisian Religion, 2 vols. I have lately read the whole of these works with great satisfaction. If you are fond of real philosophy and astronomy, you will be highly pleased with Bentley's Sermons on the Folly of Atheism. Paley's is an extraordinary good work. Butler's Analogy is a very great work.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
James Edward Austen : unpublished manuscript story
'[James Edward Austen] read his two Chapters to us the first Evening; - both good - but especially the last in our opinion. We think it has more of the Spirit & Entertainment of the early part of his Work, the first 3 or 4 Chapters, than some of the subsequent...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Edward Austen Manuscript: Sheet
Jean Jacques Rousseau : Emile
'This violence [of Dr Johnson against Rousseau] seemed very strange to me, who had read many of Rousseau's animated writings with great pleasure, and even edification; had been much pleased with his society, and was just come from the Continent, where he was very generally admired. Nor can I yet allow that he deserves the very severe censure which Johnson pronounced upon him. His absurd preference of savage to civilized life and other singularities are proofs rather of a defect in his understanding than of any depravity in his heart. And notwithstanding the unfavourable opinion which many worthy men have expressed of his "Profession de Foi du Vicaire Savoyard," I cannot help admiring it as the performance of a man full of sincere reverential submission to Divine Mystery, though beset with perplexing doubts: a state of mind to be viewed with pity rather than with anger.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Jean Jacques Rousseau : Discourse on Inequality
'This violence [of Dr Johnson against Rousseau] seemed very strange to me, who had read many of Rousseau's animated writings with great pleasure, and even edification; had been much pleased with his society, and was just come from the Continent, where he was very generally admired. Nor can I yet allow that he deserves the very severe censure which Johnson pronounced upon him. His absurd preference of savage to civilized life and other singularities are proofs rather of a defect in his understanding than of any depravity in his heart. And notwithstanding the unfavourable opinion which many worthy men have expressed of his "Profession de Foi du Vicaire Savoyard," I cannot help admiring it as the performance of a man full of sincere reverential submission to Divine Mystery, though beset with perplexing doubts: a state of mind to be viewed with pity rather than with anger.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'His Majesty having observed to him that he supposed he must have read a great deal; Johnson answered, that he thought more than he read; that he had read a great deal in the early part of his life, but having fallen into ill health, he had not been able to read much, compared with others: for instance, he said, he had not read much, compared with Dr. Warburton.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
[unknown] : [Lowth-Warburton controversy]
'His Majesty then talked of the controversy between Warburton and Lowth, which he seemed to have read, and asked Johnson what he thought of it. Johnson answered, "Warburton has most general, most scholastic learning ; Lowth is the more correct scholar. I do not know which of them calls names best." The King was pleased to say he was of the same opinion; adding, "You do not think then, Dr. Johnson, that there was much argument in the case." Johnson said, he did not think there was. "Why truly, (said the King,) when once it comes to calling names, argument is pretty well at an end." His Majesty then asked him what he thought of Lord Lyttelton's history, which was then just published. Johnson said, he thought his style pretty good, but he had blamed Henry the Second rather too much.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
George, Lord Lyttelton : History of the Life of Henry the Second
'His Majesty then talked of the controversy between Warburton and Lowth, which he seemed to have read, and asked Johnson what he thought of it. Johnson answered, "Warburton has most general, most scholastic learning ; Lowth is the more correct scholar. I do not know which of them calls names best." The King was pleased to say he was of the same opinion; adding, "You do not think then, Dr. Johnson, that there was much argument in the case." Johnson said, he did not think there was. "Why truly, (said the King,) when once it comes to calling names, argument is pretty well at an end." His Majesty then asked him what he thought of Lord Lyttelton's history, which was then just published. Johnson said, he thought his style pretty good, but he had blamed Henry the Second rather too much.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Dr Hill : [unknown]
'The King then asked him what he thought of Dr. Hill. Johnson answered, he was an ingenious man, but had no veracity; and immediately mentioned, as an instance of it, an assertion of that writer, that he had seen objects magnified to a much greater degree by using three or four microscopes at a time than by using one. "Now, (added Johnson,) every one acquainted with microscopes, knows, that the more of them he looks through, the less the object will appear." "Why, (replied the King,) this is not only telling an untruth, but telling it clumsily; for, if that be the case, every one who can look through a microscope will be able to detect him."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
[n/a] : Monthly Review
'The King then asked him if there were any other literary journals published in this kingdom, except the "Monthly" and "Critical Reviews"; and on being answered there was no other, his Majesty asked which of them was the best: Johnson answered, that the "Monthly Review" was done with most care, the "Critical" upon the best principles; adding that the authors of the "Monthly Review" were enemies to the Church. This the King said he was sorry to hear. The conversation next turned on the Philosophical Transactions, when Johnson observed that they had now a better method of arranging their materials than formerly. "Aye, (said the King,) they are obliged to Dr. Johnson for that ;" for his Majesty had heard and remembered the circumstance, which Johnson himself had forgot.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Critical Review
'The King then asked him if there were any other literary journals published in this kingdom, except the "Monthly" and "Critical Reviews"; and on being answered there was no other, his Majesty asked which of them was the best: Johnson answered, that the "Monthly Review" was done with most care, the "Critical" upon the best principles; adding that the authors of the "Monthly Review" were enemies to the Church. This the King said he was sorry to hear. The conversation next turned on the Philosophical Transactions, when Johnson observed that they had now a better method of arranging their materials than formerly. "Aye, (said the King,) they are obliged to Dr. Johnson for that ;" for his Majesty had heard and remembered the circumstance, which Johnson himself had forgot.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society
'The King then asked him if there were any other literary journals published in this kingdom, except the "Monthly" and "Critical Reviews"; and on being answered there was no other, his Majesty asked which of them was the best: Johnson answered, that the "Monthly Review" was done with most care, the "Critical" upon the best principles; adding that the authors of the "Monthly Review" were enemies to the Church. This the King said he was sorry to hear. The conversation next turned on the Philosophical Transactions, when Johnson observed that they had now a better method of arranging their materials than formerly. "Aye, (said the King,) they are obliged to Dr. Johnson for that ;" for his Majesty had heard and remembered the circumstance, which Johnson himself had forgot.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Serial / periodical
Henry Fielding : [unknown]
'"Sir, (continued he) there is all the difference in the world between characters of nature and characters of manners; and [italics] there [end italics] is the difference between the characters of Fielding and those of Richardson. Characters of manners are very entertaining; but they are to be understood, by a more superficial observer, than characters of nature, where a man must dive into the recesses of the human heart." It always appeared to me that he estimated the compositions of Richardson too highly, and that he had an unreasonable prejudice against Fielding. In comparing those two writers, he used this expression ; "that there was as great a difference between them as between a man who knew how a watch was made, and a man who could tell the hour by looking on the dial-plate." '
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : [unknown]
'"Sir, (continued he) there is all the difference in the world between characters of nature and characters of manners; and [italics] there [end italics] is the difference between the characters of Fielding and those of Richardson. Characters of manners are very entertaining; but they are to be understood, by a more superficial observer, than characters of nature, where a man must dive into the recesses of the human heart." It always appeared to me that he estimated the compositions of Richardson too highly, and that he had an unreasonable prejudice against Fielding. In comparing those two writers, he used this expression ; "that there was as great a difference between them as between a man who knew how a watch was made, and a man who could tell the hour by looking on the dial-plate." '
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : [unknown]
'"Sir, (continued he) there is all the difference in the world between characters of nature and characters of manners; and [italics] there [end italics] is the difference between the characters of Fielding and those of Richardson. Characters of manners are very entertaining; but they are to be understood, by a more superficial observer, than characters of nature, where a man must dive into the recesses of the human heart." It always appeared to me that he estimated the compositions of Richardson too highly, and that he had an unreasonable prejudice against Fielding. In comparing those two writers, he used this expression ; "that there was as great a difference between them as between a man who knew how a watch was made, and a man who could tell the hour by looking on the dial-plate." '
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Henry Fielding : [unknown]
'"Sir, (continued he) there is all the difference in the world between characters of nature and characters of manners; and [italics] there [end italics] is the difference between the characters of Fielding and those of Richardson. Characters of manners are very entertaining; but they are to be understood, by a more superficial observer, than characters of nature, where a man must dive into the recesses of the human heart." It always appeared to me that he estimated the compositions of Richardson too highly, and that he had an unreasonable prejudice against Fielding. In comparing those two writers, he used this expression ; "that there was as great a difference between them as between a man who knew how a watch was made, and a man who could tell the hour by looking on the dial-plate." '
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
[n/a] : Hedaya
[EDITOR WRITES]'During several months, Mr Hamilton was sedulously engaged in unravelling all the intricacies of the Persian tome'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Hamilton Print: Book
Elizabeth Hamilton : Letters of a Hindoo Rajah
'[EDITOR'S WORDS] The same enlightened judgment [of a friend] which had protected "The Rajah", gave its sanction to "The Modern Philosophers", notwithstanding the objections of the too scrupulous author. Experience justified the decision: the work appeared early in 1800, and passed through two editions before the end of the year'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs G- Manuscript: Unknown
Elizabeth Hamilton : Memoirs of Modern Philosophers
'[EDITOR'S WORDS] The same enlightened judgment [of a friend] which had protected "The Rajah", gave its sanction to "The Modern Philosophers", notwithstanding the objections of the too scrupulous author. Experience justified the decision: the work appeared early in 1800, and passed through two editions before the end of the year'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs G- Manuscript: Unknown
Richard Watson : An Apology for the Bible
'I also sent for Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to T. Paine; Bishop Porteus's Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity, Pilgrim's Good Intent, Pascal's Thoughts, Addison's Evidences of Christianity, Conibeare on Revealed Religion, Madam de Genlis's Religion the only Basis of Happiness and sound Philosophy, with Observations on pretended modern Philosophers, 2 vols. Jenkin's Reasonableness and Certainty of Christianity, and several others of the same tendency. Those excellent defences of revealed religion I read through, during which I had many struggles . . . '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Beilby Porteus : A Summary of the Principle Evidences for the Truth and Divine Origin of the Christian Revelation
I also sent for Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to T. Paine; Bishop Porteus's Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity, Pilgrim's Good Intent, Pascal's Thoughts, Addison's Evidences of Christianity, Conibeare on Revealed Religion, Madam de Genlis's Religion the only Basis of Happiness and sound Philosophy, with Observations on pretended modern Philosophers, 2 vols. Jenkin's Reasonableness and Certainty of Christianity, and several others of the same tendency. Those excellent defences of revealed religion I read through, during which I had many struggles . . .
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Joseph Butler : The Analogy of Religion
'I also sent for Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to T. Paine; Bishop Porteus's Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity, Butler's Divine Analogy, Paley's Evidences of Christianity, Pilgrim's Good Intent, Pascal's Thoughts, Addison's Evidences of Christianity, Conibeare on Revealed Religion, Madam de Genlis's Religion the only Basis of Happiness and sound Philosophy, with Observations on pretended modern Philosophers, 2 vols. Jenkin's Reasonableness and Certainty of Christianity, and several others of the same tendency. Those excellent defences of revealed religion I read through, during which I had many struggles . . . '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
William Paley : A View of the Evidences of Christianity
'I also sent for Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to T. Paine; Bishop Porteus's Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity, Butler's Divine Analogy, Paley's Evidences of Christianity, Pilgrim's Good Intent, Pascal's Thoughts, Addison's Evidences of Christianity, Conibeare on Revealed Religion, Madam de Genlis's Religion the only Basis of Happiness and sound Philosophy, with Observations on pretended modern Philosophers, 2 vols. Jenkin's Reasonableness and Certainty of Christianity, and several others of the same tendency. Those excellent defences of revealed religion I read through, during which I had many struggles . . . '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Burges : The Progress of Pilgrim Good-Intent
'I also sent for Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to T. Paine; Bishop Porteus's Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity, Butler's Divine Analogy, Paley's Evidences of Christianity, Pilgrim's Good Intent, Pascal's Thoughts, Addison's Evidences of Christianity, Conibeare on Revealed Religion, Madam de Genlis's Religion the only Basis of Happiness and sound Philosophy, with Observations on pretended modern Philosophers, 2 vols. Jenkin's Reasonableness and Certainty of Christianity, and several others of the same tendency. Those excellent defences of revealed religion I read through, during which I had many struggles . . . '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Blaise Pascal : Thoughts on Religion and Other Subjects
'I also sent for Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to T. Paine; Bishop Porteus's Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity, Butler's Divine Analogy, Paley's Evidences of Christianity, Pilgrim's Good Intent, Pascal's Thoughts, Addison's Evidences of Christianity, Conibeare on Revealed Religion, Madam de Genlis's Religion the only Basis of Happiness and sound Philosophy, with Observations on pretended modern Philosophers, 2 vols. Jenkin's Reasonableness and Certainty of Christianity, and several others of the same tendency. Those excellent defences of revealed religion I read through, during which I had many struggles . . . '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Joseph Addison : Evidence of the Christian Religion
'I also sent for Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to T. Paine; Bishop Porteus's Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity, Butler's Divine Analogy, Paley's Evidences of Christianity, Pilgrim's Good Intent, Pascal's Thoughts, Addison's Evidences of Christianity, Conibeare on Revealed Religion, Madam de Genlis's Religion the only Basis of Happiness and sound Philosophy, with Observations on pretended modern Philosophers, 2 vols. Jenkin's Reasonableness and Certainty of Christianity, and several others of the same tendency. Those excellent defences of revealed religion I read through, during which I had many struggles . . . '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Stephanie de Genlis : Religion considered as the only Basis of Happiness and true Philosophy
'I also sent for Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to T. Paine; Bishop Porteus's Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity, Butler's Divine Analogy, Paley's Evidences of Christianity, Pilgrim's Good Intent, Pascal's Thoughts, Addison's Evidences of Christianity, Conibeare on Revealed Religion, Madam de Genlis's Religion the only Basis of Happiness and sound Philosophy, with Observations on pretended modern Philosophers, 2 vols. Jenkin's Reasonableness and Certainty of Christianity, and several others of the same tendency. Those excellent defences of revealed religion I read through, during which I had many struggles . . . '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Robert Jenkin : Reasonableness and Certainty of the Christian Religion
'I also sent for Bishop Watson's Apology for the Bible, in Letters to T. Paine; Bishop Porteus's Compendium of the Evidences of Christianity, Butler's Divine Analogy, Paley's Evidences of Christianity, Pilgrim's Good Intent, Pascal's Thoughts, Addison's Evidences of Christianity, Conibeare on Revealed Religion, Madam de Genlis's Religion the only Basis of Happiness and sound Philosophy, with Observations on pretended modern Philosophers, 2 vols. Jenkin's Reasonableness and Certainty of Christianity, and several others of the same tendency. Those excellent defences of revealed religion I read through, during which I had many struggles . . . '
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Bishop Horne : Sermons (4vols)
'I meant to inform you, that besides those books already mentioned, I sent for Bishop Horne's Sermons, 4 vols. Carr's Sermons, Blairs Sermons, 5vols. Scott's Christian Life, 5vols. several leaned and sensible expositions of the Bible; Calmet's Dictionary of the Bible, with the Fragments; Josephus' Works, Prideaux's Connections, 4vols. Mrs H. More's Works, and various other excellent Works. For some time one sermon was read on every Sunday, but soon Mrs L. began to like them, and then two or three were read in the course of the week; at last one at least was ready every day, and very often part of some other book in divinity, as Mrs. L said that she preferred such kind of reading far beyond the reading of novels.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Samuel Carr : Sermons
'I meant to inform you, that besides those books already mentioned, I sent for Bishop Horne's Sermons, 4 vols. Carr's Sermons, Blairs Sermons, 5vols. Scott's Christian Life, 5vols. several leaned and sensible expositions of the Bible; Calmet's Dictionary of the Bible, with the Fragments; Josephus' Works, Prideaux's Connections, 4vols. Mrs H. More's Works, and various other excellent Works. For some time one sermon was read on every Sunday, but soon Mrs L. began to like them, and then two or three were read in the course of the week; at last one at least was ready every day, and very often part of some other book in divinity, as Mrs. L said that she preferred such kind of reading far beyond the reading of novels.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Hugh Blair : Sermons (5 vols)
'I meant to inform you, that besides those books already mentioned, I sent for Bishop Horne's Sermons, 4 vols. Carr's Sermons, Blairs Sermons, 5vols. Scott's Christian Life, 5vols. several leaned and sensible expositions of the Bible; Calmet's Dictionary of the Bible, with the Fragments; Josephus' Works, Prideaux's Connections, 4vols. Mrs H. More's Works, and various other excellent Works. For some time one sermon was read on every Sunday, but soon Mrs L. began to like them, and then two or three were read in the course of the week; at last one at least was ready every day, and very often part of some other book in divinity, as Mrs. L said that she preferred such kind of reading far beyond the reading of novels.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
John Scott : Christian Life(5 vols)
'I meant to inform you, that besides those books already mentioned, I sent for Bishop Horne's Sermons, 4 vols. Carr's Sermons, Blairs Sermons, 5vols. Scott's Christian Life, 5vols. several leaned and sensible expositions of the Bible; Calmet's Dictionary of the Bible, with the Fragments; Josephus' Works, Prideaux's Connections, 4vols. Mrs H. More's Works, and various other excellent Works. For some time one sermon was read on every Sunday, but soon Mrs L. began to like them, and then two or three were read in the course of the week; at last one at least was ready every day, and very often part of some other book in divinity, as Mrs. L said that she preferred such kind of reading far beyond the reading of novels.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Augustin Calmet : Dictionary of the Bible
'I meant to inform you, that besides those books already mentioned, I sent for Bishop Horne's Sermons, 4 vols. Carr's Sermons, Blairs Sermons, 5vols. Scott's Christian Life, 5vols. several leaned and sensible expositions of the Bible; Calmet's Dictionary of the Bible, with the Fragments; Josephus' Works, Prideaux's Connections, 4vols. Mrs H. More's Works, and various other excellent Works. For some time one sermon was read on every Sunday, but soon Mrs L. began to like them, and then two or three were read in the course of the week; at last one at least was ready every day, and very often part of some other book in divinity, as Mrs. L said that she preferred such kind of reading far beyond the reading of novels.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Flavius Josephus : Works
'I meant to inform you, that besides those books already mentioned, I sent for Bishop Horne's Sermons, 4 vols. Carr's Sermons, Blairs Sermons, 5vols. Scott's Christian Life, 5vols. several leaned and sensible expositions of the Bible; Calmet's Dictionary of the Bible, with the Fragments; Josephus' Works, Prideaux's Connections, 4vols. Mrs H. More's Works, and various other excellent Works. For some time one sermon was read on every Sunday, but soon Mrs L. began to like them, and then two or three were read in the course of the week; at last one at least was ready every day, and very often part of some other book in divinity, as Mrs. L said that she preferred such kind of reading far beyond the reading of novels.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Humphrey Prideaux : The Old and New Testament connected in the history of the Jews and neighbouring nations
'I meant to inform you, that besides those books already mentioned, I sent for Bishop Horne's Sermons, 4 vols. Carr's Sermons, Blairs Sermons, 5vols. Scott's Christian Life, 5vols. several leaned and sensible expositions of the Bible; Calmet's Dictionary of the Bible, with the Fragments; Josephus' Works, Prideaux's Connections, 4vols. Mrs H. More's Works, and various other excellent Works. For some time one sermon was read on every Sunday, but soon Mrs L. began to like them, and then two or three were read in the course of the week; at last one at least was ready every day, and very often part of some other book in divinity, as Mrs. L said that she preferred such kind of reading far beyond the reading of novels.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Hannah More : Works
'I meant to inform you, that besides those books already mentioned, I sent for Bishop Horne's Sermons, 4 vols. Carr's Sermons, Blairs Sermons, 5vols. Scott's Christian Life, 5vols. several leaned and sensible expositions of the Bible; Calmet's Dictionary of the Bible, with the Fragments; Josephus' Works, Prideaux's Connections, 4vols. Mrs H. More's Works, and various other excellent Works. For some time one sermon was read on every Sunday, but soon Mrs L. began to like them, and then two or three were read in the course of the week; at last one at least was ready every day, and very often part of some other book in divinity, as Mrs. L said that she preferred such kind of reading far beyond the reading of novels.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Kenneth Macaulay : History of St Kilda
'He [Dr Johnson] said, "Macaulay, who writes the account of St. Kilda, set out with a prejudice against prejudice, and wanted to be a smart modern thinker; and yet he affirms for a truth, that when a ship arrives there all the inhabitants are seized with a cold".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
David Hume : History of England
'When I talked of our [the Scots'] advancement in literature, "Sir, (said he,) you have learnt a little from us, and you think yourselves very great men. Hume would never have written History, had not Voltaire written it before him. He is an echo of Voltaire." Boswell "But, Sir, we have Lord Kames." Johnson. "You [italics] have [italics] Lord Кames. Keep him; ha, ha, ha! We don't envy you him. Do you ever see Dr. Robertson?" Boswell. "Yes, Sir." Johnson. "Does the dog talk of me ?" Boswell. "Indeed, Sir, he does, and loves you." Thinking that I now had him in a corner, and being solicitous for the literary fame of my country, I pressed him for his opinion on the merit of Dr. Robertson's "History of Scotland". But, to my surprise, he escaped.—" Sir, I love Robertson, and I won't talk of his book."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Voltaire : [books of history]
'When I talked of our [the Scots'] advancement in literature, "Sir, (said he,) you have learnt a little from us, and you think yourselves very great men. Hume would never have written History, had not Voltaire written it before him. He is an echo of Voltaire." Boswell "But, Sir, we have Lord Kames." Johnson. "You [italics] have [italics] Lord Кames. Keep him; ha, ha, ha! We don't envy you him. Do you ever see Dr. Robertson?" Boswell. "Yes, Sir." Johnson. "Does the dog talk of me ?" Boswell. "Indeed, Sir, he does, and loves you." Thinking that I now had him in a corner, and being solicitous for the literary fame of my country, I pressed him for his opinion on the merit of Dr. Robertson's "History of Scotland". But, to my surprise, he escaped.—" Sir, I love Robertson, and I won't talk of his book."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Henry Home, Lord Kames : Elements of Criticism
'When I talked of our [the Scots'] advancement in literature, "Sir, (said he,) you have learnt a little from us, and you think yourselves very great men. Hume would never have written History, had not Voltaire written it before him. He is an echo of Voltaire." Boswell "But, Sir, we have Lord Kames." Johnson. "You [italics] have [italics] Lord Кames. Keep him; ha, ha, ha! We don't envy you him. Do you ever see Dr. Robertson?" Boswell. "Yes, Sir." Johnson. "Does the dog talk of me ?" Boswell. "Indeed, Sir, he does, and loves you." Thinking that I now had him in a corner, and being solicitous for the literary fame of my country, I pressed him for his opinion on the merit of Dr. Robertson's "History of Scotland". But, to my surprise, he escaped.—" Sir, I love Robertson, and I won't talk of his book."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Robertson : History of Scotland
'When I talked of our [the Scots'] advancement in literature, "Sir, (said he,) you have learnt a little from us, and you think yourselves very great men. Hume would never have written History, had not Voltaire written it before him. He is an echo of Voltaire." Boswell "But, Sir, we have Lord Kames." Johnson. "You [italics] have [italics] Lord Кames. Keep him; ha, ha, ha! We don't envy you him. Do you ever see Dr. Robertson?" Boswell. "Yes, Sir." Johnson. "Does the dog talk of me ?" Boswell. "Indeed, Sir, he does, and loves you." Thinking that I now had him in a corner, and being solicitous for the literary fame of my country, I pressed him for his opinion on the merit of Dr. Robertson's "History of Scotland". But, to my surprise, he escaped.—" Sir, I love Robertson, and I won't talk of his book". It is but justice both to him and Dr. Robertson to add, that though he indulged himself in this sally of wit, he had too good taste not to be fully sensible of the merits of that admirable work.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Joseph Baretti : Account of the Manners and Customs of Italy; with Observations on the Mistakes of some Travellers, with Regard to that Country
'He praised Signor Baretti. "His account of Italy is a very entertaining book; and, Sir, I know no man who carries his head higher in conversation than Baretti. There are strong powers in his mind. He has not, indeed, many hooks; but with what hooks he has, he grapples very forcibly".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James Thomson : [poetry]
'He allowed high praise to Thomson, as a poet; but when one of the company said he was also a very good man, our moralist contested this with very great warmth, accusing him of gross sensuality and licentiousness of manners. I was very much afraid that in writing Thomson's "Life", Dr. Johnson would have treated his private character with a stern severity, but I was agreeably disappointed; and I may claim a little merit in it, from my having been at pains to send him authentic accounts of the affectionate and generous conduct of that poet to his sisters, one of whom, the wife of Mr. Thomson, schoolmaster, of Lanark, I knew, and was presented by her with three of his letters, one of which Dr. Johnson has inserted in his "Life".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James Thomson : [letters to his sisters and accounts by them of his character]
'He allowed high praise to Thomson, as a poet; but when one of the company said he was also a very good man, our moralist contested this with very great warmth, accusing him of gross sensuality and licentiousness of manners. I was very much afraid that in writing Thomson's "Life", Dr. Johnson would have treated his private character with a stern severity, but I was agreeably disappointed; and I may claim a little merit in it, from my having been at pains to send him authentic accounts of the affectionate and generous conduct of that poet to his sisters, one of whom, the wife of Mr. Thomson, schoolmaster, of Lanark, I knew, and was presented by her with three of his letters, one of which Dr. Johnson has inserted in his "Life".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Letter
Samuel Johnson : Lives of the Poets
'He allowed high praise to Thomson, as a poet; but when one of the company said he was also a very good man, our moralist contested this with very great warmth, accusing him of gross sensuality and licentiousness of manners. I was very much afraid that in writing Thomson's "Life", Dr. Johnson would have treated his private character with a stern severity, but I was agreeably disappointed; and I may claim a little merit in it, from my having been at pains to send him authentic accounts of the affectionate and generous conduct of that poet to his sisters, one of whom, the wife of Mr. Thomson, schoolmaster, of Lanark, I knew, and was presented by her with three of his letters, one of which Dr. Johnson has inserted in his "Life".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
James Thomson : [letters to his sister and accounts by them of his character]
'He allowed high praise to Thomson, as a poet; but when one of the company said he was also a very good man, our moralist contested this with very great warmth, accusing him of gross sensuality and licentiousness of manners. I was very much afraid that in writing Thomson's "Life", Dr. Johnson would have treated his private character with a stern severity, but I was agreeably disappointed; and I may claim a little merit in it, from my having been at pains to send him authentic accounts of the affectionate and generous conduct of that poet to his sisters, one of whom, the wife of Mr. Thomson, schoolmaster, of Lanark, I knew, and was presented by her with three of his letters, one of which Dr. Johnson has inserted in his "Life".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Letter
Jonathan Swift : The Conduct of the Allies, and of the Late Ministry, in Beginning and Carrying on the Present War
'Swift having been mentioned, Johnson, as usual, treated him with little respect as an author. Some of us endeavoured to support the Dean of St. Patrick's, by various arguments. One in particular praised his "Conduct of the Allies." Johnson. "Sir, his 'Conduct of the Allies,' is a performance of very little ability." "Surely, Sir, (said Dr. Douglas,) you must allow it has strong facts." Johnson. "Why yes, Sir; but what is that to the merit of the composition? In the Sessions-paper of the Old Bailey there are strong facts. Housebreaking is a strong fact; and murder is a mighty strong fact; but is great praise due to the historian of those strong facts? No, Sir, Swift has told what he had to tell distinctly enough, but that is all. He had to count ten, and he has counted it right."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Many years ago, when I used to read in the library of your College, I promised to recompence the college for that permission, by adding to their books a Baskerville's 'Virgil'. I have now sent it, and desire you to reposit it on the shelves in my name'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Matthew Prior : Alexis shunn'd his fellow swains
'Mrs. Thrale disputed with him on the merit of Prior. He attacked him powerfully ; said he wrote of love like a man who had never felt it: his love verses were college verses; and he repeated the song "Alexis shunn'd his fellow swains," &c. in so ludicrous a manner, as to make us all wonder how any one could have been pleased with such fantastical stuff. Mrs. Thrale stood to her gun with great courage, in defence of amorons ditties, which Johnson despised, till he at last silenced her by saying, "My dear Lady, talk no more of this. Nonsense can be defended but by nonsense." Mrs. Thrale then praised Garrick's talents for light gay poetry ; and, as a specimen, repeated his song in "Florizel and Perdita," and dwelt with peculiar pleasure on this line: "I'd smile with the simple, and feed with the poor."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Matthew Prior : [poems]
'Mrs. Thrale disputed with him on the merit of Prior. He attacked him powerfully ; said he wrote of love like a man who had never felt it: his love verses were college verses; and he repeated the song "Alexis shunn'd his fellow swains," &c. in so ludicrous a manner, as to make us all wonder how any one could have been pleased with such fantastical stuff. Mrs. Thrale stood to her gun with great courage, in defence of amorons ditties, which Johnson despised, till he at last silenced her by saying, "My dear Lady, talk no more of this. Nonsense can be defended but by nonsense." Mrs. Thrale then praised Garrick's talents for light gay poetry ; and, as a specimen, repeated his song in "Florizel and Perdita," and dwelt with peculiar pleasure on this line: "I'd smile with the simple, and feed with the poor."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Thrale Print: Book
David Garrick : [light verse]
'Mrs. Thrale disputed with him on the merit of Prior. He attacked him powerfully ; said he wrote of love like a man who had never felt it: his love verses were college verses; and he repeated the song "Alexis shunn'd his fellow swains," &c. in so ludicrous a manner, as to make us all wonder how any one could have been pleased with such fantastical stuff. Mrs. Thrale stood to her gun with great courage, in defence of amorons ditties, which Johnson despised, till he at last silenced her by saying, "My dear Lady, talk no more of this. Nonsense can be defended but by nonsense." Mrs. Thrale then praised Garrick's talents for light gay poetry ; and, as a specimen, repeated his song in "Florizel and Perdita," and dwelt with peculiar pleasure on this line: "I'd smile with the simple, and feed with the poor."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Thrale Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Dunciad, The
'After dinner our conversation first turned upon Pope. Johnson said, his characters of men were admirably drawn, those of women not so well. He repeated to us, in his forcible melodious manner, the concluding lines of the "Dunciad". While he was talking loudly in praise of those lines, one of the company ventured to say, "Too fine for such a poem:— a poem on what?" Johnson, (with a disdainful look,) "Why, on [italics] dunces [italics]. It was worth while being a dunce then. Ah, Sir, hadst [italics] thou [italics] lived in those days! It is not worth while being a dunce now, when there are no wits." Bickerstaff observed, as a peculiar circumstance, that Pope's fame was higher when he was alive, than it was then. Johnson said, his Pastorals were poor things, though the versification was fine. He told us, with high satisfaction, the anecdote of Pope's enquiring who was the author of his "London," and saying, he will be soon [italics] deterré [italics]. He observed, that in Dryden's poetry there were passages drawn from a profundity which Pope could never reach. He repeated some fine lines on love, by the former, (which I have now forgotten,) and gave great applause to the character of Zimri. Goldsmith said, that Pope's character of Addison shewed a deep knowledge of the human heart. Johnson said, that the description of the temple, in "The Mourning Bride," was the finest poetical passage he had ever read; he recollected none in Shakspeare equal to it'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Pastorals
'After dinner our conversation first turned upon Pope. Johnson said, his characters of men were admirably drawn, those of women not so well. He repeated to us, in his forcible melodious manner, the concluding lines of the "Dunciad". While he was talking loudly in praise of those lines, one of the company ventured to say, "Too fine for such a poem:— a poem on what?" Johnson, (with a disdainful look,) "Why, on [italics] dunces [italics]. It was worth while being a dunce then. Ah, Sir, hadst [italics] thou [italics] lived in those days! It is not worth while being a dunce now, when there are no wits." Bickerstaff observed, as a peculiar circumstance, that Pope's fame was higher when he was alive, than it was then. Johnson said, his Pastorals were poor things, though the versification was fine. He told us, with high satisfaction, the anecdote of Pope's enquiring who was the author of his "London," and saying, he will be soon [italics] deterré [italics]. He observed, that in Dryden's poetry there were passages drawn from a profundity which Pope could never reach. He repeated some fine lines on love, by the former, (which I have now forgotten,) and gave great applause to the character of Zimri. Goldsmith said, that Pope's character of Addison shewed a deep knowledge of the human heart. Johnson said, that the description of the temple, in "The Mourning Bride," was the finest poetical passage he had ever read; he recollected none in Shakspeare equal to it'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Congreve : Mourning Bride, The
'After dinner our conversation first turned upon Pope. Johnson said, his characters of men were admirably drawn, those of women not so well. He repeated to us, in his forcible melodious manner, the concluding lines of the "Dunciad". While he was talking loudly in praise of those lines, one of the company ventured to say, "Too fine for such a poem:— a poem on what?" Johnson, (with a disdainful look,) "Why, on [italics] dunces [italics]. It was worth while being a dunce then. Ah, Sir, hadst [italics] thou [italics] lived in those days! It is not worth while being a dunce now, when there are no wits." Bickerstaff observed, as a peculiar circumstance, that Pope's fame was higher when he was alive, than it was then. Johnson said, his Pastorals were poor things, though the versification was fine. He told us, with high satisfaction, the anecdote of Pope's enquiring who was the author of his "London," and saying, he will be soon [italics] deterré [italics]. He observed, that in Dryden's poetry there were passages drawn from a profundity which Pope could never reach. He repeated some fine lines on love, by the former, (which I have now forgotten,) and gave great applause to the character of Zimri. Goldsmith said, that Pope's character of Addison shewed a deep knowledge of the human heart. Johnson said, that the description of the temple, in "The Mourning Bride," was the finest poetical passage he had ever read; he recollected none in Shakspeare equal to it'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Dryden : Absalom and Achitophel
'After dinner our conversation first turned upon Pope. Johnson said, his characters of men were admirably drawn, those of women not so well. He repeated to us, in his forcible melodious manner, the concluding lines of the "Dunciad". While he was talking loudly in praise of those lines, one of the company ventured to say, "Too fine for such a poem:— a poem on what?" Johnson, (with a disdainful look,) "Why, on [italics] dunces [italics]. It was worth while being a dunce then. Ah, Sir, hadst [italics] thou [italics] lived in those days! It is not worth while being a dunce now, when there are no wits." Bickerstaff observed, as a peculiar circumstance, that Pope's fame was higher when he was alive, than it was then. Johnson said, his Pastorals were poor things, though the versification was fine. He told us, with high satisfaction, the anecdote of Pope's enquiring who was the author of his "London," and saying, he will be soon [italics] deterré [italics]. He observed, that in Dryden's poetry there were passages drawn from a profundity which Pope could never reach. He repeated some fine lines on love, by the former, (which I have now forgotten,) and gave great applause to the character of Zimri. Goldsmith said, that Pope's character of Addison shewed a deep knowledge of the human heart. Johnson said, that the description of the temple, in "The Mourning Bride," was the finest poetical passage he had ever read; he recollected none in Shakspeare equal to it'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Shakespeare : [unknown]
'After dinner our conversation first turned upon Pope. Johnson said, his characters of men were admirably drawn, those of women not so well. He repeated to us, in his forcible melodious manner, the concluding lines of the "Dunciad". While he was talking loudly in praise of those lines, one of the company ventured to say, "Too fine for such a poem:— a poem on what?" Johnson, (with a disdainful look,) "Why, on [italics] dunces [italics]. It was worth while being a dunce then. Ah, Sir, hadst [italics] thou [italics] lived in those days! It is not worth while being a dunce now, when there are no wits." Bickerstaff observed, as a peculiar circumstance, that Pope's fame was higher when he was alive, than it was then. Johnson said, his Pastorals were poor things, though the versification was fine. He told us, with high satisfaction, the anecdote of Pope's enquiring who was the author of his "London," and saying, he will be soon [italics] deterré [italics]. He observed, that in Dryden's poetry there were passages drawn from a profundity which Pope could never reach. He repeated some fine lines on love, by the former, (which I have now forgotten,) and gave great applause to the character of Zimri. Goldsmith said, that Pope's character of Addison shewed a deep knowledge of the human heart. Johnson said, that the description of the temple, in "The Mourning Bride," was the finest poetical passage he had ever read; he recollected none in Shakspeare equal to it'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Elizabeth Montagu : Essay on the Writings and Genius of Shakespear
'Mrs. Montague, a lady distinguished for having written an Essay on Shakspeare [sic], being mentioned:—Reynolds. "I think that essay does her honour." Johnson. "Yes, Sir; it does her honour, but it would do nobody else honour. I have, indeed, not read it all. But when I take up the end of a web, and find it packthread. I do not expect, by looking further, to find embroidery. Sir, I will venture to say, there is not one sentence of true criticism in her book." Garrick. "But, Sir, surely it shews how much Voltaire has mistaken Shakspeare, which nobody else has done." Johnson. "Sir, nobody else has thought it worth while. And what merit is there in that ? You may as well praise a schoolmaster for whipping a boy who has construed ill".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Elizabeth Montagu : Essay on the Writings and Genius of Shakespear
'Mrs. Montague, a lady distinguished for having written an Essay on Shakspeare [sic], being mentioned:—Reynolds. "I think that essay does her honour." Johnson. "Yes, Sir; it does her honour, but it would do nobody else honour. I have, indeed, not read it all. But when I take up the end of a web, and find it packthread. I do not expect, by looking further, to find embroidery. Sir, I will venture to say, there is not one sentence of true criticism in her book." Garrick. "But, Sir, surely it shews how much Voltaire has mistaken Shakspeare, which nobody else has done." Johnson. "Sir, nobody else has thought it worth while. And what merit is there in that ? You may as well praise a schoolmaster for whipping a boy who has construed ill".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joshua Reynolds Print: Unknown
Henry Home, Lord Kames : Elements of Criticism
'Johnson proceeded :— "The Scotchman has taken the right method in his 'Elements of Criticism.' I do not mean that he has taught us any thing; but he has told us old things in a new way." Murphy. "He seems to have read a great deal of French criticism, and wants to make it his own; as if he had been for years anatomizing the heart of man, and peeping into every cranny of it." Goldsmith. "It is easier to write that book, than to read it." Johnson. "We have an example of true criticism in Burke's 'Essay on the Sublime and Beautiful'; and, if I recollect, there is also Du Bos; and Bouhours, who shews all beauty to depend on truth. There is no great merit in telling how many plays have ghosts in them, and how this Ghost is better than that. You must shew how terrour is impressed on the human heart.— In the description of night in Macbeth, the beetle and the bat detract from the general idea of darkness,—inspissated gloom".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Edmund Burke : Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful
'Johnson proceeded :— "The Scotchman has taken the right method in his 'Elements of Criticism.' I do not mean that he has taught us any thing; but he has told us old things in a new way." Murphy. "He seems to have read a great deal of French criticism, and wants to make it his own; as if he had been for years anatomizing the heart of man, and peeping into every cranny of it." Goldsmith. "It is easier to write that book, than to read it." Johnson. "We have an example of true criticism in Burke's 'Essay on the Sublime and Beautiful'; and, if I recollect, there is also Du Bos; and Bouhours, who shews all beauty to depend on truth. There is no great merit in telling how many plays have ghosts in them, and how this Ghost is better than that. You must shew how terrour is impressed on the human heart.— In the description of night in Macbeth, the beetle and the bat detract from the general idea of darkness,—inspissated gloom".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Jean-Baptiste Dubos : [unknown]
'Johnson proceeded :— "The Scotchman has taken the right method in his 'Elements of Criticism.' I do not mean that he has taught us any thing; but he has told us old things in a new way." Murphy. "He seems to have read a great deal of French criticism, and wants to make it his own; as if he had been for years anatomizing the heart of man, and peeping into every cranny of it." Goldsmith. "It is easier to write that book, than to read it." Johnson. "We have an example of true criticism in Burke's 'Essay on the Sublime and Beautiful'; and, if I recollect, there is also Du Bos; and Bouhours, who shews all beauty to depend on truth. There is no great merit in telling how many plays have ghosts in them, and how this Ghost is better than that. You must shew how terrour is impressed on the human heart.— In the description of night in Macbeth, the beetle and the bat detract from the general idea of darkness,—inspissated gloom".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Dominique Bouhours : [unknown]
'Johnson proceeded :— "The Scotchman has taken the right method in his 'Elements of Criticism.' I do not mean that he has taught us any thing; but he has told us old things in a new way." Murphy. "He seems to have read a great deal of French criticism, and wants to make it his own; as if he had been for years anatomizing the heart of man, and peeping into every cranny of it." Goldsmith. "It is easier to write that book, than to read it." Johnson. "We have an example of true criticism in Burke's 'Essay on the Sublime and Beautiful'; and, if I recollect, there is also Du Bos; and Bouhours, who shews all beauty to depend on truth. There is no great merit in telling how many plays have ghosts in them, and how this Ghost is better than that. You must shew how terrour is impressed on the human heart.— In the description of night in Macbeth, the beetle and the bat detract from the general idea of darkness,—inspissated gloom".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Macbeth
'Johnson proceeded :— "The Scotchman has taken the right method in his 'Elements of Criticism.' I do not mean that he has taught us any thing; but he has told us old things in a new way." Murphy. "He seems to have read a great deal of French criticism, and wants to make it his own; as if he had been for years anatomizing the heart of man, and peeping into every cranny of it." Goldsmith. "It is easier to write that book, than to read it." Johnson. "We have an example of true criticism in Burke's 'Essay on the Sublime and Beautiful'; and, if I recollect, there is also Du Bos; and Bouhours, who shews all beauty to depend on truth. There is no great merit in telling how many plays have ghosts in them, and how this Ghost is better than that. You must shew how terrour is impressed on the human heart.— In the description of night in Macbeth, the beetle and the bat detract from the general idea of darkness,—inspissated gloom".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Elizabeth, Lady Wardlaw : Hardyknute
'The ballad of Hardyknute has no great merit, if it be really ancient. People talk of nature. But mere obvious nature may be exhibited with very little power of mind.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Colley Cibber : Apology for the Life of Mr. Colley Cibber
'Boswell. "You have read his [Cibber's] apology, Sir ?" Johnson. "Yes, it is very entertaining. But as for Cibber himself, taking from his conversation all that he ought not to have said, he was a poor creature. I remember when he brought me one of his Odes to have my opinion of it, I could not bear such nonsense, and would not let him read it to the end; so little respect had I for [italics] that great man! [end italics] (laughing.)"'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
George Buchanan : [poems]
'Buchanan (he observed,) has fewer [italics] centos [end italics] than any modern Latin poet. He not only had great knowledge of the Latin language, but was a great poetical genius. Both the Scaligers praise him.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Edward Young : Night Thoughts
'Boswell. "What do you think of Dr. Young's 'Night Thoughts,' Sir?" Johnson. "Why, Sir, there are many fine things in them".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
[n/a] : London Chronicle
'"The London Chronicle", which was the only newspaper he constantly took in, being brought, the office of reading it aloud was assigned to me. I was diverted by his impatience. He made me pass over so many parts of it, that my task was very easy. He would not suffer one of the petitions to the King about the Middlesex election to be read.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : London Chronicle
'"The London Chronicle", which was the only newspaper he constantly took in, being brought, the office of reading it aloud was assigned to me. I was diverted by his impatience. He made me pass over so many parts of it, that my task was very easy. He would not suffer one of the petitions to the King about the Middlesex election to be read.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Newspaper
William Gifford : Memoir of Ben Jonson
Passages transcribed into E. M. Forster, Commonplace Book (1938) include criticisms of practices of editors of Renaissance-period texts, by William Gifford in his Memoir of Ben Jonson; Forster also notes that 'Lord Macaulay has written "Very Good" in the margin of the copy at Wallington'.
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
John Bramhall : Discourse of Liberty and Necessity
'[Boswell having expressed doubt about the power of prayer, Johnson] mentioned Dr. Clarke and Bishop Bramhall on "Liberty and Necessity", and bid me read South's "Sermons on Prayer"; but avoided the question which has excruciated philosophers and divines, beyond any other.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
South : Sermons on Prayer
'[Boswell having expressed doubt about the power of prayer, Johnson] mentioned Dr. Clarke and Bishop Bramhall on "Liberty and Necessity", and bid me read South's "Sermons on Prayer"; but avoided the question which has excruciated philosophers and divines, beyond any other.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Walter Harte : History of the life of Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden
'[from an account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish london-based priest friend of Johnson] Speaking of Mr. Harte, Canon of Windsor, and writer of "The History of Gustavus Adolphus", he much commended him as a scholar, and a man of the must companionable talents he had ever known. He said, the defects in his history proceeded not from imbecility, but from foppery. He loved, he said, the old black letter books; they were rich in matter, though their style was inelegant; wonderfully so, considering how conversant the writers were with the best models of antiquity. Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy", he said, was the only book that ever took him out of bed two hours sooner than he wished to rise.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
[unknown] : ['black letter', ie gothic text books - medieval to 16th c.]
'[from an account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish london-based priest friend of Johnson] Speaking of Mr. Harte, Canon of Windsor, and writer of "The History of Gustavus Adolphus", he much commended him as a scholar, and a man of the must companionable talents he had ever known. He said, the defects in his history proceeded not from imbecility, but from foppery. He loved, he said, the old black letter books; they were rich in matter, though their style was inelegant; wonderfully so, considering how conversant the writers were with the best models of antiquity. Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy", he said, was the only book that ever took him out of bed two hours sooner than he wished to rise.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Robert Burton : Anatomy of Melancholy, The
'[from an account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish london-based priest friend of Johnson] Speaking of Mr. Harte, Canon of Windsor, and writer of "The History of Gustavus Adolphus", he much commended him as a scholar, and a man of the must companionable talents he had ever known. He said, the defects in his history proceeded not from imbecility, but from foppery. He loved, he said, the old black letter books; they were rich in matter, though their style was inelegant; wonderfully so, considering how conversant the writers were with the best models of antiquity. Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy", he said, was the only book that ever took him out of bed two hours sooner than he wished to rise.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Law : Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life
'[from an account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish London-based priest friend of Johnson] He much commended Law's "Serious Call", which he said was the finest piece of hortatory theology in any language. "Law, (said he) fell latterly into the reveries of Jacob Behmen, whom Law alledged to have been somewhat in the same state with St. Paul, and to have seen [italics] unutterable things [end italics]. Were it even so, (said Johnson,) Jacob would have resembled St. Paul still more, by not attempting to utter them."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Joseph Priestley : [unknown]
'Of Dr. Priestley's theological works, he remarked, that they tended to unsettle every thing, and yet settled nothing.' [account by Dr Maxwell, and Irish London priest friend of Johnson]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : [novels]
'Speaking of the French novels, compared with Richardson's, he said, they might be pretty baubles, but a wren was not an eagle'. [account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish London priest friend of Dr Johnson]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
[unknown] : [French novels]
'Speaking of the French novels, compared with Richardson's, he said, they might be pretty baubles, but a wren was not an eagle'. [account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish London priest friend of Dr Johnson]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
George, first Lord Lyttelton : Dialogues of the Dead
'Lord Lyttelton's Dialogues he deemed a nugatory performance. "That man, (said he,) sat down to write a book, to tell the world what the world had all his life been telling him".' [account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish London priest friend of Dr Johnson]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James MacPherson : 'Fingal: An Ancient Epic Poem' [from Poems of Ossian]
'The poem of "Fingal", he said, was a mere unconnected rhapsody, a tiresome repetition of the same images. "In vain shall we look for the [italics] lucidus ordo [end italics], where there is neither end or object, design or moral, [italics] nec certa recurrit imago [italics]".' [account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish London priest friend of Dr Johnson]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Boethius : [unknown]
'Speaking of Boetius, who was the favourite writer of the middle ages, he said it was very surprising, that upon such a subject, and in such a situation, he should be [italics] magis philosophus quam Christianus [end italics]".'[account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish London priest friend of Dr Johnson]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Arthur Murphy : [unknown]
'Speaking of Arthur Murphy, whom he very much loved, "I don't know (said he) that Arthur can be classed with the very first dramatick writers; yet at present I doubt much whether we have any thing superiour to Arthur".' [account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish London priest friend of Dr Johnson]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Homer : Iliad
'Speaking of Homer, whom he venerated as the prince of poets, Johnson remarked that the advice given to Diomed by his father, when he sent him to the Trojan war, was the noblest exhortation that could be instanced in any heathen writer, and comprised in a single line: [Greek characters; 'Be ever best and o'ertop other men'; "Iliad" vi] which, if I recollect well, is translated by Dr. Clarke thus: [italics] semper appetere prestantissima, et omnibus aliis antecellere [end italics]'. [account by Dr Maxwell, an Irish London priest friend of Dr Johnson]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Thoughts on the late Transactions respecting Falkland's Islands
'His description of its [the situation in the Falklands] miseries in this pamphlet ['Thoughts on the late Transactions respecting Falkland's Islands'] is one of the finest pieces of eloquence in the English language. Upon this occasion, too, we find Johnson lashing the party in opposition with unbounded severity, and making the fullest use of what he ever reckoned a most effectual argumentative instrument,—contempt. His character of their very able mysterious champion, Junius, is executed with all the force of his genius, and finished with the highest care.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell
Thomas Percy : Hermit of Warkworth, The
'I was last night at the Club. Dr. Percy has written a long ballad in many [italics] fits [end italics]; it is pretty enough. He has printed, and will soon publish it.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Samuel Johnson : Thoughts on the Late Transactions respecting Falkland's Islands
'We talked of his two political pamphlets, "The False Alarm," and "Thoughts concerning Falkland's Islands." Johnson. "Well, sir, which of them did you think the best?" Boswell. "I liked the second best." Johnson. "Why, sir, I liked the first best; and Beattie liked the first best. Sir, there is a subtlety of disquisition in the first that is worth all the fire of the second".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell
Samuel Johnson : False Alarm, The
'We talked of his two political pamphlets, "The False Alarm," and "Thoughts concerning Falkland's Islands." Johnson. "Well, sir, which of them did you think the best?" Boswell. "I liked the second best." Johnson. "Why, sir, I liked the first best; and Beattie liked the first best. Sir, there is a subtlety of disquisition in the first that is worth all the fire of the second".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell
Kenneth Macaulay : History of St Kilda
He had said in the morning that "Macaulay's 'History of St. Kilda' was very well written, except some foppery about liberty and slavery. I mentioned to him that Macaulay told me, he was advised to leave out of his book the wonderful story that upon the approach of a stranger all the inhabitants catch cold; but that it had been so well authenticated, he determined to retain it. Johnson. "Sir, to leave things out of a book merely because people tell you they will not be believed is meanness. Macaulay acted with more magnanimity".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
[unknown] : [legal case papers]
'I then reminded him of the schoolmaster's cause [a legal case on corporal punisment that Boswell was defending], and proposed to read to him the printed papers concerning it. "No, sir (said he), I can read quicker than I can hear." So he read them to himself.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
[unknown] : [legal case papers]
'The Swede [Mr Kristrom] went away, and Mr. Johnson continued his reading of the papers. I said, "I am afraid, Sir, it is troublesome to you." "Why, Sir (said he), I do not take much delight in it; but I'll go through it".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Henry More : [theological works]
'What philosophy suggests to us on this topick [the possibility of life after death] is probable: what Scripture tells us is certain. Dr. Henry More has carried it as far as philosophy can. You may buy both his theological and philosophical works in two volumes folio, for about eight shillings'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Charles Drelincourt : Christians Defense against the Fears of Death
'Boswell. "I do not know whether there are any well attested stories of the appearance of ghosts. You know there is a famous story of the appearance of Mrs. Veal, prefixed to 'Drelincourt on Death.'" Johnson. " I believe, Sir, that is given up. I believe the woman declared upon her deathbed that it was a lie".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Charles Drelincourt : Christians Defense against the Fears of Death
'Boswell. "I do not know whether there are any well attested stories of the appearance of ghosts. You know there is a famous story of the appearance of Mrs. Veal, prefixed to 'Drelincourt on Death.'" Johnson. " I believe, Sir, that is given up. I believe the woman declared upon her deathbed that it was a lie".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Mark Akenside : Pleasures of Imagination, The
'[Johnson said] "I see they have published a splendid edition of Akenside's works. One bad ode may be suffered; but a number of them together makes one sick." Boswell. "Akenside's distinguished poem is his 'Pleasures of Imagination': but, for my part, I never could admire it so much as most people do." Johnson. "Sir, I could not read it through." Boswell. "I have read it through; but I do not find any great power in it".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Mark Akenside : Pleasures of Imagination, The
'[Johnson said] "I see they have published a splendid edition of Akenside's works. One bad ode may be suffered; but a number of them together makes one sick." Boswell. "Akenside's distinguished poem is his 'Pleasures of Imagination': but, for my part, I never could admire it so much as most people do." Johnson. "Sir, I could not read it through." Boswell. "I have read it through; but I do not find any great power in it".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
[unknown] : [legal trial papers]
'I mentioned Elwal the heretick, whose trial Sir John Pringle had given me to read.'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell
Oliver Goldsmith : Life of Parnell
'He [Dr Johnson] said, "Goldsmith's 'Life of Parnell' is poor; not that it is poorly written, but that he had poor materials; for nobody can write the life of a man but those who have eat and drunk and lived in social intercourse with him".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Owen Ruffhead : Life of Alexander Pope
'He censured Ruffhead's "Life of Pope"; -and said, "he knew nothing of Pope, and nothing of poetry." He praised Dr. Joseph Warton's "Essay on Pope"; but said, he supposed we should have no more of it, as the author had not been able to persuade the world to think of Pope as he did. Boswell. "Why, sir, should that prevent him from continuing his work? He is an ingenious counsel who has made the most of his cause: he is not obliged to gain it." Johnson. "But, sir, there is a difference when the cause is of a man's own making".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Joseph Warton : Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope
'He censured Ruffhead's "Life of Pope"; -and said, "he knew nothing of Pope, and nothing of poetry." He praised Dr. Joseph Warton's "Essay on Pope"; but said, he supposed we should have no more of it, as the author had not been able to persuade the world to think of Pope as he did. Boswell. "Why, sir, should that prevent him from continuing his work? He is an ingenious counsel who has made the most of his cause: he is not obliged to gain it." Johnson. "But, sir, there is a difference when the cause is of a man's own making".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Joseph Warton : Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope
'He censured Ruffhead's "Life of Pope"; -and said, "he knew nothing of Pope, and nothing of poetry." He praised Dr. Joseph Warton's "Essay on Pope"; but said, he supposed we should have no more of it, as the author had not been able to persuade the world to think of Pope as he did. Boswell. "Why, sir, should that prevent him from continuing his work? He is an ingenious counsel who has made the most of his cause: he is not obliged to gain it." Johnson. "But, sir, there is a difference when the cause is of a man's own making".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
George Villiers, Second Duke of Buckingham : Rehearsal, The
'The conversation now turned on critical subjects. Johnson. "Bayes, in 'The Rehearsal', is a mighty silly character. If it was intended to be like a particular man, it could only be diverting while that man was remembered. But I question whether it was meant for Dryden, as has been reported; for we know some of the passages said to be ridiculed were written since 'The Rehearsal'; at least a passage mentioned in the Preface is of a later date." I maintained that it had merit as a general satire on the self-importance of dramatick authours. But even in this light he held it very cheap.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
George Villiers, Second Duke of Buckingham : Rehearsal, The
'The conversation now turned on critical subjects. Johnson. "Bayes, in 'The Rehearsal', is a mighty silly character. If it was intended to be like a particular man, it could only be diverting while that man was remembered. But I question whether it was meant for Dryden, as has been reported; for we know some of the passages said to be ridiculed were written since 'The Rehearsal'; at least a passage mentioned in the Preface is of a later date." I maintained that it had merit as a general satire on the self-importance of dramatick authours. But even in this light he held it very cheap.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Henry Fielding : Tom Jones
'Fielding being mentioned, Johnson exclaimed, "he was a blockhead :" and upon my expressing my astonishment at so strange an assertion, he said, "What I mean by his being a blockhead is, that he was a barren rascal." Boswell. "Will you not allow, sir, that he draws very natural pictures of human life?" Johnson. "Why, sir, it is of very low life. Richardson used to say, that had he not known who Fielding was, he should have believed he was an ostler. Sir, there is more knowledge of the heart in one letter of Richardson's than in all 'Tom Jones'. I indeed, never read 'Joseph Andrews.'" Erskine. "Surely, sir, Richardson is very tedious." Johnson. "Why, sir, if you were to read Richardson for the story, your impatience would be so much fretted that you would hang yourself. But you must read him for the sentiment, and consider the story as only giving occasion to the sentiment." I have already given my opinion of Fielding ; but I cannot refrain from repeating here my wonder at Johnson's excessive and unaccountable depreciation of one of the best writers that England has produced. "Tom Jones" has stood the test of publick opinion with such success as to have established its great merit, both for the story, the sentiments, and the manners, and also the varieties of diction, so as to leave no doubt of its having an animated truth of execution throughout.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : [novels]
'Fielding being mentioned, Johnson exclaimed, "he was a blockhead :" and upon my expressing my astonishment at so strange an assertion, he said, "What I mean by his being a blockhead is, that he was a barren rascal." Boswell. "Will you not allow, sir, that he draws very natural pictures of human life?" Johnson. "Why, sir, it is of very low life. Richardson used to say, that had he not known who Fielding was, he should have believed he was an ostler. Sir, there is more knowledge of the heart in one letter of Richardson's than in all 'Tom Jones'. I indeed, never read 'Joseph Andrews.'" Erskine. "Surely, sir, Richardson is very tedious." Johnson. "Why, sir, if you were to read Richardson for the story, your impatience would be so much fretted that you would hang yourself. But you must read him for the sentiment, and consider the story as only giving occasion to the sentiment." I have already given my opinion of Fielding ; but I cannot refrain from repeating here my wonder at Johnson's excessive and unaccountable depreciation of one of the best writers that England has produced. "Tom Jones" has stood the test of publick opinion with such success as to have established its great merit, both for the story, the sentiments, and the manners, and also the varieties of diction, so as to leave no doubt of its having an animated truth of execution throughout.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Henry Fielding : Tom Jones
'Fielding being mentioned, Johnson exclaimed, "he was a blockhead :" and upon my expressing my astonishment at so strange an assertion, he said, "What I mean by his being a blockhead is, that he was a barren rascal." Boswell. "Will you not allow, sir, that he draws very natural pictures of human life?" Johnson. "Why, sir, it is of very low life. Richardson used to say, that had he not known who Fielding was, he should have believed he was an ostler. Sir, there is more knowledge of the heart in one letter of Richardson's than in all 'Tom Jones'. I indeed, never read 'Joseph Andrews.'" Erskine. "Surely, sir, Richardson is very tedious." Johnson. "Why, sir, if you were to read Richardson for the story, your impatience would be so much fretted that you would hang yourself. But you must read him for the sentiment, and consider the story as only giving occasion to the sentiment." I have already given my opinion of Fielding ; but I cannot refrain from repeating here my wonder at Johnson's excessive and unaccountable depreciation of one of the best writers that England has produced. "Tom Jones" has stood the test of publick opinion with such success as to have established its great merit, both for the story, the sentiments, and the manners, and also the varieties of diction, so as to leave no doubt of its having an animated truth of execution throughout.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : [novels]
'Fielding being mentioned, Johnson exclaimed, "he was a blockhead :" and upon my expressing my astonishment at so strange an assertion, he said, "What I mean by his being a blockhead is, that he was a barren rascal." Boswell. "Will you not allow, sir, that he draws very natural pictures of human life?" Johnson. "Why, sir, it is of very low life. Richardson used to say, that had he not known who Fielding was, he should have believed he was an ostler. Sir, there is more knowledge of the heart in one letter of Richardson's than in all 'Tom Jones'. I indeed, never read 'Joseph Andrews.'" Erskine. "Surely, sir, Richardson is very tedious." Johnson. "Why, sir, if you were to read Richardson for the story, your impatience would be so much fretted that you would hang yourself. But you must read him for the sentiment, and consider the story as only giving occasion to the sentiment." I have already given my opinion of Fielding ; but I cannot refrain from repeating here my wonder at Johnson's excessive and unaccountable depreciation of one of the best writers that England has produced. "Tom Jones" has stood the test of publick opinion with such success as to have established its great merit, both for the story, the sentiments, and the manners, and also the varieties of diction, so as to leave no doubt of its having an animated truth of execution throughout.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Erskine Print: Book
Samuel Paterson : Another Traveller: or Cursory Remarks and Critical Observations made upon a Journey through Part of the Netherlands
'A book of travels, lately published under the title of [italics] Coriat Junior [end italics], and written by Mr. Paterson, was mentioned. Johnson said, this book was in imitation of Sterne, and not of Coriat, whose name Paterson had chosen as a whimsical one. "Tom Coriat (said he) was a humourist about the court of James the First. He had a mixture of learning, of wit, and of buffoonery. He first travelled through Europe, and published his travels. He afterwards travelled on foot through Asia, and had made many remarks; but he died at Mandoa, and his remarks were lost".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Laurence Sterne : Sentimental Journey, A
'A book of travels, lately published under the title of [italics] Coriat Junior [end italics], and written by Mr. Paterson, was mentioned. Johnson said, this book was in imitation of Sterne, and not of Coriat, whose name Paterson had chosen as a whimsical one. "Tom Coriat (said he) was a humourist about the court of James the First. He had a mixture of learning, of wit, and of buffoonery. He first travelled through Europe, and published his travels. He afterwards travelled on foot through Asia, and had made many remarks; but he died at Mandoa, and his remarks were lost".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas Coryat : Coryat's Crudities: Hastily gobled up in Five Moneth's Travels
'A book of travels, lately published under the title of [italics] Coriat Junior [end italics], and written by Mr. Paterson, was mentioned. Johnson said, this book was in imitation of Sterne, and not of Coriat, whose name Paterson had chosen as a whimsical one. "Tom Coriat (said he) was a humourist about the court of James the First. He had a mixture of learning, of wit, and of buffoonery. He first travelled through Europe, and published his travels. He afterwards travelled on foot through Asia, and had made many remarks; but he died at Mandoa, and his remarks were lost".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Tacitus : Histories
'We talked of Tacitus, and I hazarded an opinion that with all his merit for penetration, shrewdness of judgment, and terseness of expression, he was too compact, too much broken into hints as it were, and therefore too difficult to be understood. To my great satisfaction Dr. Johnson sanctioned this opinion. "Tacitus, sir, seems to me rather to have made notes for an historical work than to have written a history".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Tacitus : Histories
'We talked of Tacitus, and I hazarded an opinion that with all his merit for penetration, shrewdness of judgment, and terseness of expression, he was too compact, too much broken into hints as it were, and therefore too difficult to be understood. To my great satisfaction Dr. Johnson sanctioned this opinion. "Tacitus, sir, seems to me rather to have made notes for an historical work than to have written a history".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Prayers and Meditations
'At this time it appears from his "Prayers and Meditations," that he had been more than commonly diligent in religious duties, particularly in reading the Holy Scriptures'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
[n/a] : Bible
'At this time it appears from his "Prayers and Meditations," that he had been more than commonly diligent in religious duties, particularly in reading the Holy Scriptures'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Francis Osborne : [unknown]
'I expressed a liking for Mr. Francis Osborne's works, and asked him what he thought of that writer. He answered, "A conceited fellow. Were a man to write so now, the boys would throw stones at him." He, however, did not alter my opinion of a favourite authour, to whom I was first directed by his being quoted in "The Spectator," and in whom I have found much shrewd and lively sense, expressed indeed in a style somewhat quaint, which, however, I do not dislike. His book has an air of originality. We figure to ourselves an ancient gentleman talking to us.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Francis Osborne : [unknown]
'I expressed a liking for Mr. Francis Osborne's works, and asked him what he thought of that writer. He answered, "A conceited fellow. Were a man to write so now, the boys would throw stones at him." He, however, did not alter my opinion of a favourite authour, to whom I was first directed by his being quoted in "The Spectator," and in whom I have found much shrewd and lively sense, expressed indeed in a style somewhat quaint, which, however, I do not dislike. His book has an air of originality. We figure to ourselves an ancient gentleman talking to us.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Joseph Addison : Spectator, The
'I expressed a liking for Mr. Francis Osborne's works, and asked him what he thought of that writer. He answered, "A conceited fellow. Were a man to write so now, the boys would throw stones at him." He, however, did not alter my opinion of a favourite authour, to whom I was first directed by his being quoted in "The Spectator," and in whom I have found much shrewd and lively sense, expressed indeed in a style somewhat quaint, which, however, I do not dislike. His book has an air of originality. We figure to ourselves an ancient gentleman talking to us.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
James Beattie : Minstrel, The; or, The Progress of Genius
'Beattie's book is, I believe, every day more liked; at least, I like it more as I look more upon it.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Pindar : [poems]
'I have read your kind letter much more than the elegant Pindar which it accompanied'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: London Chronicle
'On Saturday, April 3, the day after my arrival in London this year, I went to his house late in the evening, and sat with Mrs. Williams till he came home. I found in the "London Chronicle" Dr. Goldsmith's apology to the publick for beating Evans, a bookseller, on account of a paragraph 5 in a newspaper published by him, which Goldsmith thought impertinent to him and to a lady of his acquaintance. The apology was written so much in Dr. Johnson's manner that both Mrs. Williams and I supposed it to be his; but when he came home, he soon undeceived us. When he said to Mrs. Williams, "Well, Dr. Goldsmith's manifesto has got into your paper;" I asked him if Dr. Goldsmith had written it, with an air that made him see I suspected it was his, though subscribed by Goldsmith. Johnson. "Sir, Dr. Goldsmith would no more have asked me to write such a thing as that for him than he would have asked me to feed him with a spoon, or to do any thing else that denoted his imbecility. I as much believe that he wrote it as if I had seen him do it".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : London Chronicle
'On Saturday, April 3, the day after my arrival in London this year, I went to his house late in the evening, and sat with Mrs. Williams till he came home. I found in the "London Chronicle" Dr. Goldsmith's apology to the publick for beating Evans, a bookseller, on account of a paragraph 5 in a newspaper published by him, which Goldsmith thought impertinent to him and to a lady of his acquaintance. The apology was written so much in Dr. Johnson's manner that both Mrs. Williams and I supposed it to be his; but when he came home, he soon undeceived us. When he said to Mrs. Williams, "Well, Dr. Goldsmith's manifesto has got into your paper;" I asked him if Dr. Goldsmith had written it, with an air that made him see I suspected it was his, though subscribed by Goldsmith. Johnson. "Sir, Dr. Goldsmith would no more have asked me to write such a thing as that for him than he would have asked me to feed him with a spoon, or to do any thing else that denoted his imbecility. I as much believe that he wrote it as if I had seen him do it".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Williams Print: Newspaper
Oliver Goldsmith : [apology for beating a bookseller]
'On Saturday, April 3, the day after my arrival in London this year, I went to his house late in the evening, and sat with Mrs. Williams till he came home. I found in the "London Chronicle" Dr. Goldsmith's apology to the publick for beating Evans, a bookseller, on account of a paragraph 5 in a newspaper published by him, which Goldsmith thought impertinent to him and to a lady of his acquaintance. The apology was written so much in Dr. Johnson's manner that both Mrs. Williams and I supposed it to be his; but when he came home, he soon undeceived us. When he said to Mrs. Williams, "Well, Dr. Goldsmith's manifesto has got into your paper;" I asked him if Dr. Goldsmith had written it, with an air that made him see I suspected it was his, though subscribed by Goldsmith. Johnson. "Sir, Dr. Goldsmith would no more have asked me to write such a thing as that for him than he would have asked me to feed him with a spoon, or to do any thing else that denoted his imbecility. I as much believe that he wrote it as if I had seen him do it".'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson
John Dalrymple : Memoirs of Great Britain and Ireland
'I mentioned Sir John Dalrymple's "Memoirs of Great Britain and Ireland", and his discoveries to the prejudice of Lord Russel and Algernon Sydney. Johnson. " Why, Sir, every body who had just notions of government thought them rascals before. It is well that all mankind now see them to be rascals." Boswell. "But, Sir, may not those discoveries be true without their being rascals?" Johnson. "Consider, Sir, would any of them have been willing to have had it known that they intrigued with France? Depend upon it, Sir, he who does what he is afraid should be known has something rotten about him. This Dalrymple seems to be an honest fellow; for he tells equally what makes against both sides. But nothing can be poorer than his mode of writing, it is the mere bouncing of a school boy: Great He! but greater She! and such stuff." I could not agree with him in this criticism; for though Sir John Dalrymple's style is not regularly formed in any respect, and one cannot help smiling sometimes at his affected grandiloquence, there is in his writing a pointed vivacity, and much of a gentlemanly spirit.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Dalrymple : Memoirs of Great Britain and Ireland
'I mentioned Sir John Dalrymple's "Memoirs of Great Britain and Ireland", and his discoveries to the prejudice of Lord Russel and Algernon Sydney. Johnson. " Why, Sir, every body who had just notions of government thought them rascals before. It is well that all mankind now see them to be rascals." Boswell. "But, Sir, may not those discoveries be true without their being rascals?" Johnson. "Consider, Sir, would any of them have been willing to have had it known that they intrigued with France? Depend upon it, Sir, he who does what he is afraid should be known has something rotten about him. This Dalrymple seems to be an honest fellow; for he tells equally what makes against both sides. But nothing can be poorer than his mode of writing, it is the mere bouncing of a school boy: Great He! but greater She! and such stuff." I could not agree with him in this criticism; for though Sir John Dalrymple's style is not regularly formed in any respect, and one cannot help smiling sometimes at his affected grandiloquence, there is in his writing a pointed vivacity, and much of a gentlemanly spirit.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Joseph Addison : Spectator, The
'He talked with approbation of an intended edition of "The Spectator," with notes; two volumes of which had been prepared by a gentleman eminent in the literary world, and the materials which he had collected for the remainder had been transferred to another hand. He observed, that all works which describe manners require notes in sixty or seventy years, or less; and told us he had communicated all he knew that could throw light upon "The Spectator." He said, "Addison had made his Sir Andrew Freeport a true Whig, arguing against giving charity to beggars, and throwing out other such ungracious sentiments; but that he had thought better, and made amends by making him found an hospital for decayed farmers." He called for the volume of "The Spectator," in which that account is contained, and read it aloud to us. He read so well that every thing acquired additional weight and grace from his utterance.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book, Serial / periodical
Joseph Addison : Spectator, The
'He talked with approbation of an intended edition of "The Spectator," with notes; two volumes of which had been prepared by a gentleman eminent in the literary world, and the materials which he had collected for the remainder had been transferred to another hand. He observed, that all works which describe manners require notes in sixty or seventy years, or less; and told us he had communicated all he knew that could throw light upon "The Spectator." He said, "Addison had made his Sir Andrew Freeport a true Whig, arguing against giving charity to beggars, and throwing out other such ungracious sentiments; but that he had thought better, and made amends by making him found an hospital for decayed farmers." He called for the volume of "The Spectator," in which that account is contained, and read it aloud to us. He read so well that every thing acquired additional weight and grace from his utterance.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Gilbert Burnet : History of My Own Time
'On Thursday, April 8, I sat a good part of the evening with him, but he was very silent. He said, "Burnet's 'History of his own Times' is very entertaining. The style, indeed, is mere chit-chat. I do not believe that Burnet intentionally lyed; but he was so much prejudiced that he took no pains to find out the truth. He was like a man who resolves to regulate his time by a certain watch; but will not inquire whether the watch is right or not".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
[n/a] : Greek New Testament
'[on Good Friday] We went to church both in the morning and evening. In the interval between the two services we did not dine; but he read in the Greek New Testament, and I turned over several of his books.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
[unknown] : [books belonging to Johnson]
'[on Good Friday] We went to church both in the morning and evening. In the interval between the two services we did not dine; but he read in the Greek New Testament, and I turned over several of his books.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
William Laud : [diary]
'In Archbishop Laud's Diary I found the following passage, which I read to Dr. Johnson: "1623. February 1, Sunday. I stood by the most illustrious Prince Charles, at dinner. He was then very merry, and talked occasionally of many things with his attendants. Among other things, he said, that if he were necessitated to take any particular profession of life, he could not be a lawyer, adding his reasons: 'I cannot (saith he) defend a bad, nor yield in a good cause.'" Johnson. "Sir, this is false reasoning; because every cause has a bad side: and a lawyer is not overcome, though the cause which he has endeavoured to support be determined against him".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Allan Ramsay : Gentle Shepherd, The
'I spoke of Allan Ramsay's "Gentle Shepherd," in the Scottish dialect, as the best pastoral that had ever been written; not only abounding with beautiful rural imagery, and just and pleasing sentiments, but being a real picture of manners; and I offered to teach Dr. Johnson to understand it. "No, sir (said he), I won't learn it. You shall retain your superiority by my not knowing it".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
George Lyttelton, 1st Baron Lyttelton : History of the Life of Henry the Second
'Boswell. "I rather think, Sir, that Toryism prevails in this reign." Johnson. "I know not why you should think so, Sir. You see your friend Lord Lyttelton, a nobleman, is obliged, in his "History", to write the most vulgar Whiggism".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
[unknown] : [a recently published book]
'Mr. Elphinston talked of a new book that was much admired, and asked Dr. Johnson if he had read it. Johnson. "I have looked into it." "What (said Elphinston), have you not read it through?" Johnson, offended at being thus pressed, and so obliged to own his cursory mode of reading, answered tartly, "No, sir; do [italics] you [end italics] read books [italics] through [end italics]?"'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Elphinstone Print: Book
[unknown] : [a recently published book]
'Mr. Elphinston talked of a new book that was much admired, and asked Dr. Johnson if he had read it. Johnson. "I have looked into it." "What (said Elphinston), have you not read it through?" Johnson, offended at being thus pressed, and so obliged to own his cursory mode of reading, answered tartly, "No, sir; do [italics] you [end italics] read books [italics] through [end italics]?"'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [tale in Mrs Williams's 'Miscellanies']
'Johnson, though remarkable for his great variety of composition, never exercised his talents in fable, except we allow his beautiful tale published in Mrs. Williams's "Miscellanies" to be of that species. I have, however, found among his manuscript collections the following sketch of one: " Glowworm lying in the garden saw a candle in a neighbouring palace,—and complained of the littleness of his own light;—another observed wait a little ;—soon dark,—have outlasted [many] of these glaring lights which are only brighter as they haste to nothing".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [manuscript plan for a fable]
'Johnson, though remarkable for his great variety of composition, never exercised his talents in fable, except we allow his beautiful tale published in Mrs. Williams's "Miscellanies" to be of that species. I have, however, found among his manuscript collections the following sketch of one: " Glowworm lying in the garden saw a candle in a neighbouring palace,—and complained of the littleness of his own light;—another observed wait a little ;—soon dark,—have outlasted [many] of these glaring lights which are only brighter as they haste to nothing".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
Oliver Goldsmith : Traveller, The
' [Johnson said of Goldsmith] "Take him as a poet, his 'Traveller' is a very fine performance; ay, and so is his 'Deserted Village,' were it not sometimes too much the echo of his 'Traveller.' Whether, indeed, we take him as a poet,—as a comick writer,—or as an historian, he stands in the first class." Boswell. "An historian! My dear sir, you surely will not rank his compilation of the Roman History with the works of other historians of this age ?" Johnson. "Why, who are before him?" Boswell. "Hume, —Robertson,—Lord Lyttelton." Johnson. (His antipathy to the Scotch beginning to rise). "I have not read Hume; but, doubtless, Goldsmith's 'History' is better than the [italics] verbiage [end italics] of Robertson, or the foppery of Dalrymple." Boswell. "Will you not admit the superiority of Robertson, in whose 'History' we find such penetration—such painting?" Johnson. "Sir, you must consider how that penetration and that painting are employed. It is not history, it is imagination. He who describes what he never saw draws from fancy. Robertson paints minds as Sir Joshua paints faces in a history piece: he imagines an heroick countenance. You must look upon Robertson's work as romance, and try it by that standard. History it is not. Besides, sir, it is the great excellence of a writer to put into his book as much as his book will hold. Goldsmith has done this in his 'History'. Now Robertson might have put twice as much into his book. Robertson is like a man who has packed gold in wool: the wool takes up more room than the gold. No, sir; I always thought Robertson would be crushed by his own weight,—would be buried under his own ornaments. Goldsmith tells you shortly all you want to know: Robertson detains you a great deal too long. No man will read Robertson's cumbrous detail a second time; but Goldsmith's plain narrative will please again and again. I would say to Robertson what an old tutor of a college said to one of his pupils: 'Read over your compositions, and wherever you meet with a passage which you think is particularly fine, strike it out.' Goldsmith's abridgement is better than that of Lucius Florus or Eutropius; and I will venture to say, that if you compare him with Vertot, in the same places of the Roman History, you will find that he excels Vertot."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : Deserted Village, The
' [Johnson said of Goldsmith] "Take him as a poet, his 'Traveller' is a very fine performance; ay, and so is his 'Deserted Village,' were it not sometimes too much the echo of his 'Traveller.' Whether, indeed, we take him as a poet,—as a comick writer,—or as an historian, he stands in the first class." Boswell. "An historian! My dear sir, you surely will not rank his compilation of the Roman History with the works of other historians of this age ?" Johnson. "Why, who are before him?" Boswell. "Hume, —Robertson,—Lord Lyttelton." Johnson. (His antipathy to the Scotch beginning to rise). "I have not read Hume; but, doubtless, Goldsmith's 'History' is better than the [italics] verbiage [end italics] of Robertson, or the foppery of Dalrymple." Boswell. "Will you not admit the superiority of Robertson, in whose 'History' we find such penetration—such painting?" Johnson. "Sir, you must consider how that penetration and that painting are employed. It is not history, it is imagination. He who describes what he never saw draws from fancy. Robertson paints minds as Sir Joshua paints faces in a history piece: he imagines an heroick countenance. You must look upon Robertson's work as romance, and try it by that standard. History it is not. Besides, sir, it is the great excellence of a writer to put into his book as much as his book will hold. Goldsmith has done this in his 'History'. Now Robertson might have put twice as much into his book. Robertson is like a man who has packed gold in wool: the wool takes up more room than the gold. No, sir; I always thought Robertson would be crushed by his own weight,—would be buried under his own ornaments. Goldsmith tells you shortly all you want to know: Robertson detains you a great deal too long. No man will read Robertson's cumbrous detail a second time; but Goldsmith's plain narrative will please again and again. I would say to Robertson what an old tutor of a college said to one of his pupils: 'Read over your compositions, and wherever you meet with a passage which you think is particularly fine, strike it out.' Goldsmith's abridgement is better than that of Lucius Florus or Eutropius; and I will venture to say, that if you compare him with Vertot, in the same places of the Roman History, you will find that he excels Vertot."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : Roman History From The Foundation of The City of Rom
' [Johnson said of Goldsmith] "Take him as a poet, his 'Traveller' is a very fine performance; ay, and so is his 'Deserted Village,' were it not sometimes too much the echo of his 'Traveller.' Whether, indeed, we take him as a poet,—as a comick writer,—or as an historian, he stands in the first class." Boswell. "An historian! My dear sir, you surely will not rank his compilation of the Roman History with the works of other historians of this age ?" Johnson. "Why, who are before him?" Boswell. "Hume, —Robertson,—Lord Lyttelton." Johnson. (His antipathy to the Scotch beginning to rise). "I have not read Hume; but, doubtless, Goldsmith's 'History' is better than the [italics] verbiage [end italics] of Robertson, or the foppery of Dalrymple." Boswell. "Will you not admit the superiority of Robertson, in whose 'History' we find such penetration—such painting?" Johnson. "Sir, you must consider how that penetration and that painting are employed. It is not history, it is imagination. He who describes what he never saw draws from fancy. Robertson paints minds as Sir Joshua paints faces in a history piece: he imagines an heroick countenance. You must look upon Robertson's work as romance, and try it by that standard. History it is not. Besides, sir, it is the great excellence of a writer to put into his book as much as his book will hold. Goldsmith has done this in his 'History'. Now Robertson might have put twice as much into his book. Robertson is like a man who has packed gold in wool: the wool takes up more room than the gold. No, sir; I always thought Robertson would be crushed by his own weight,—would be buried under his own ornaments. Goldsmith tells you shortly all you want to know: Robertson detains you a great deal too long. No man will read Robertson's cumbrous detail a second time; but Goldsmith's plain narrative will please again and again. I would say to Robertson what an old tutor of a college said to one of his pupils: 'Read over your compositions, and wherever you meet with a passage which you think is particularly fine, strike it out.' Goldsmith's abridgement is better than that of Lucius Florus or Eutropius; and I will venture to say, that if you compare him with Vertot, in the same places of the Roman History, you will find that he excels Vertot."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Robertson : History of Scotland 1542 - 1603
' [Johnson said of Goldsmith] "Take him as a poet, his 'Traveller' is a very fine performance; ay, and so is his 'Deserted Village,' were it not sometimes too much the echo of his 'Traveller.' Whether, indeed, we take him as a poet,—as a comick writer,—or as an historian, he stands in the first class." Boswell. "An historian! My dear sir, you surely will not rank his compilation of the Roman History with the works of other historians of this age ?" Johnson. "Why, who are before him?" Boswell. "Hume, —Robertson,—Lord Lyttelton." Johnson. (His antipathy to the Scotch beginning to rise). "I have not read Hume; but, doubtless, Goldsmith's 'History' is better than the [italics] verbiage [end italics] of Robertson, or the foppery of Dalrymple." Boswell. "Will you not admit the superiority of Robertson, in whose 'History' we find such penetration—such painting?" Johnson. "Sir, you must consider how that penetration and that painting are employed. It is not history, it is imagination. He who describes what he never saw draws from fancy. Robertson paints minds as Sir Joshua paints faces in a history piece: he imagines an heroick countenance. You must look upon Robertson's work as romance, and try it by that standard. History it is not. Besides, sir, it is the great excellence of a writer to put into his book as much as his book will hold. Goldsmith has done this in his 'History'. Now Robertson might have put twice as much into his book. Robertson is like a man who has packed gold in wool: the wool takes up more room than the gold. No, sir; I always thought Robertson would be crushed by his own weight,—would be buried under his own ornaments. Goldsmith tells you shortly all you want to know: Robertson detains you a great deal too long. No man will read Robertson's cumbrous detail a second time; but Goldsmith's plain narrative will please again and again. I would say to Robertson what an old tutor of a college said to one of his pupils: 'Read over your compositions, and wherever you meet with a passage which you think is particularly fine, strike it out.' Goldsmith's abridgement is better than that of Lucius Florus or Eutropius; and I will venture to say, that if you compare him with Vertot, in the same places of the Roman History, you will find that he excels Vertot."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : History of England in a Series of Letters from a Nobleman to His Son
' [Johnson said of Goldsmith] "Take him as a poet, his 'Traveller' is a very fine performance; ay, and so is his 'Deserted Village,' were it not sometimes too much the echo of his 'Traveller.' Whether, indeed, we take him as a poet,—as a comick writer,—or as an historian, he stands in the first class." Boswell. "An historian! My dear sir, you surely will not rank his compilation of the Roman History with the works of other historians of this age ?" Johnson. "Why, who are before him?" Boswell. "Hume, —Robertson,—Lord Lyttelton." Johnson. (His antipathy to the Scotch beginning to rise). "I have not read Hume; but, doubtless, Goldsmith's 'History' is better than the [italics] verbiage [end italics] of Robertson, or the foppery of Dalrymple." Boswell. "Will you not admit the superiority of Robertson, in whose 'History' we find such penetration—such painting?" Johnson. "Sir, you must consider how that penetration and that painting are employed. It is not history, it is imagination. He who describes what he never saw draws from fancy. Robertson paints minds as Sir Joshua paints faces in a history piece: he imagines an heroick countenance. You must look upon Robertson's work as romance, and try it by that standard. History it is not. Besides, sir, it is the great excellence of a writer to put into his book as much as his book will hold. Goldsmith has done this in his 'History'. Now Robertson might have put twice as much into his book. Robertson is like a man who has packed gold in wool: the wool takes up more room than the gold. No, sir; I always thought Robertson would be crushed by his own weight,—would be buried under his own ornaments. Goldsmith tells you shortly all you want to know: Robertson detains you a great deal too long. No man will read Robertson's cumbrous detail a second time; but Goldsmith's plain narrative will please again and again. I would say to Robertson what an old tutor of a college said to one of his pupils: 'Read over your compositions, and wherever you meet with a passage which you think is particularly fine, strike it out.' Goldsmith's abridgement is better than that of Lucius Florus or Eutropius; and I will venture to say, that if you compare him with Vertot, in the same places of the Roman History, you will find that he excels Vertot."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Rene Aubert Vertot : Révolutions romains
' [Johnson said of Goldsmith] "Take him as a poet, his 'Traveller' is a very fine performance; ay, and so is his 'Deserted Village,' were it not sometimes too much the echo of his 'Traveller.' Whether, indeed, we take him as a poet,—as a comick writer,—or as an historian, he stands in the first class." Boswell. "An historian! My dear sir, you surely will not rank his compilation of the Roman History with the works of other historians of this age ?" Johnson. "Why, who are before him?" Boswell. "Hume, —Robertson,—Lord Lyttelton." Johnson. (His antipathy to the Scotch beginning to rise). "I have not read Hume; but, doubtless, Goldsmith's 'History' is better than the [italics] verbiage [end italics] of Robertson, or the foppery of Dalrymple." Boswell. "Will you not admit the superiority of Robertson, in whose 'History' we find such penetration—such painting?" Johnson. "Sir, you must consider how that penetration and that painting are employed. It is not history, it is imagination. He who describes what he never saw draws from fancy. Robertson paints minds as Sir Joshua paints faces in a history piece: he imagines an heroick countenance. You must look upon Robertson's work as romance, and try it by that standard. History it is not. Besides, sir, it is the great excellence of a writer to put into his book as much as his book will hold. Goldsmith has done this in his 'History'. Now Robertson might have put twice as much into his book. Robertson is like a man who has packed gold in wool: the wool takes up more room than the gold. No, sir; I always thought Robertson would be crushed by his own weight,—would be buried under his own ornaments. Goldsmith tells you shortly all you want to know: Robertson detains you a great deal too long. No man will read Robertson's cumbrous detail a second time; but Goldsmith's plain narrative will please again and again. I would say to Robertson what an old tutor of a college said to one of his pupils: 'Read over your compositions, and wherever you meet with a passage which you think is particularly fine, strike it out.' Goldsmith's abridgement is better than that of Lucius Florus or Eutropius; and I will venture to say, that if you compare him with Vertot, in the same places of the Roman History, you will find that he excels Vertot."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
David Dalrymple : [books of history]
' [Johnson said of Goldsmith] "Take him as a poet, his 'Traveller' is a very fine performance; ay, and so is his 'Deserted Village,' were it not sometimes too much the echo of his 'Traveller.' Whether, indeed, we take him as a poet,—as a comick writer,—or as an historian, he stands in the first class." Boswell. "An historian! My dear sir, you surely will not rank his compilation of the Roman History with the works of other historians of this age ?" Johnson. "Why, who are before him?" Boswell. "Hume, —Robertson,—Lord Lyttelton." Johnson. (His antipathy to the Scotch beginning to rise). "I have not read Hume; but, doubtless, Goldsmith's 'History' is better than the [italics] verbiage [end italics] of Robertson, or the foppery of Dalrymple." Boswell. "Will you not admit the superiority of Robertson, in whose 'History' we find such penetration—such painting?" Johnson. "Sir, you must consider how that penetration and that painting are employed. It is not history, it is imagination. He who describes what he never saw draws from fancy. Robertson paints minds as Sir Joshua paints faces in a history piece: he imagines an heroick countenance. You must look upon Robertson's work as romance, and try it by that standard. History it is not. Besides, sir, it is the great excellence of a writer to put into his book as much as his book will hold. Goldsmith has done this in his 'History'. Now Robertson might have put twice as much into his book. Robertson is like a man who has packed gold in wool: the wool takes up more room than the gold. No, sir; I always thought Robertson would be crushed by his own weight,—would be buried under his own ornaments. Goldsmith tells you shortly all you want to know: Robertson detains you a great deal too long. No man will read Robertson's cumbrous detail a second time; but Goldsmith's plain narrative will please again and again. I would say to Robertson what an old tutor of a college said to one of his pupils: 'Read over your compositions, and wherever you meet with a passage which you think is particularly fine, strike it out.' Goldsmith's abridgement is better than that of Lucius Florus or Eutropius; and I will venture to say, that if you compare him with Vertot, in the same places of the Roman History, you will find that he excels Vertot."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Robertson : History of Scotland 1542 - 1603
' [Johnson said of Goldsmith] "Take him as a poet, his 'Traveller' is a very fine performance; ay, and so is his 'Deserted Village,' were it not sometimes too much the echo of his 'Traveller.' Whether, indeed, we take him as a poet,—as a comick writer,—or as an historian, he stands in the first class." Boswell. "An historian! My dear sir, you surely will not rank his compilation of the Roman History with the works of other historians of this age ?" Johnson. "Why, who are before him?" Boswell. "Hume, —Robertson,—Lord Lyttelton." Johnson. (His antipathy to the Scotch beginning to rise). "I have not read Hume; but, doubtless, Goldsmith's 'History' is better than the [italics] verbiage [end italics] of Robertson, or the foppery of Dalrymple." Boswell. "Will you not admit the superiority of Robertson, in whose 'History' we find such penetration—such painting?" Johnson. "Sir, you must consider how that penetration and that painting are employed. It is not history, it is imagination. He who describes what he never saw draws from fancy. Robertson paints minds as Sir Joshua paints faces in a history piece: he imagines an heroick countenance. You must look upon Robertson's work as romance, and try it by that standard. History it is not. Besides, sir, it is the great excellence of a writer to put into his book as much as his book will hold. Goldsmith has done this in his 'History'. Now Robertson might have put twice as much into his book. Robertson is like a man who has packed gold in wool: the wool takes up more room than the gold. No, sir; I always thought Robertson would be crushed by his own weight,—would be buried under his own ornaments. Goldsmith tells you shortly all you want to know: Robertson detains you a great deal too long. No man will read Robertson's cumbrous detail a second time; but Goldsmith's plain narrative will please again and again. I would say to Robertson what an old tutor of a college said to one of his pupils: 'Read over your compositions, and wherever you meet with a passage which you think is particularly fine, strike it out.' Goldsmith's abridgement is better than that of Lucius Florus or Eutropius; and I will venture to say, that if you compare him with Vertot, in the same places of the Roman History, you will find that he excels Vertot."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress, The
'Johnson praised John Bunyan highly. "His 'Pilgrim's Progress' has great merit, both for invention, imagination, and the conduct of the story; and it has had the best evidence of its merit, the general and continued approbation of mankind. Few books, I believe, have had a more extensive sale. It is remarkable, that it begins very much like the poem of Dante; yet there was no translation of Dante when Bunyan wrote. There is reason to think that he had read Spenser".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Dante Alighieri : Divine Comedy
'Johnson praised John Bunyan highly. "His 'Pilgrim's Progress' has great merit, both for invention, imagination, and the conduct of the story; and it has had the best evidence of its merit, the general and continued approbation of mankind. Few books, I believe, have had a more extensive sale. It is remarkable, that it begins very much like the poem of Dante; yet there was no translation of Dante when Bunyan wrote. There is reason to think that he had read Spenser".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Monsieur Menage : Menagiana Ou Les Bons Mots
'Talking of puns, Johnson, who had a great contempt for that species of wit, deigned to allow that there was one good pun in "Menagiana," I think on the word corps'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : Poems, Chiefly Lyrical
S. T. Coleridge on Tennyson's Poems. Chiefly Lyrical (1830): '"I have not read through all Mr Tennyson's poems, which have been sent to me; but I think there are some things of a good deal of beauty in what I have seen. The misfortune is, that he has begun to write verses without very well understanding what metre is."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
William Paley : View of the Evidences of Christianity
'The first entire work that I read in defence of revealed religion, was Archdeacon Paley's View of the Evidences of Christianity. This very excellent work I perhaps never should have read, had I not met with a pirated edition of it, (the whole being printed in one volume duodecimo, on decent paper) which I bought bound, for three and sixpence.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : 'The Lotos-Eaters'
'Charles Merivale [...] wrote to [W. H.] Thompson [...]: '"Though the least eminent of the Tennysonian Rhapsodists, I have converted by my readings both my brother and your friend (or enemy?) Richardson to faith in the "Lotos-Eaters."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Merivale Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : sonnets
'[W. H.] Brookfield writes [to Tennyson] from Sheffield: '"You and Rob Montgomery are our only brewers now! A propos to the latter, Jingling James, his namesake, dined with us last week [...] I sent him copies of both you and Charles [Tennyson] yesterday, and met him in the street this morning [...] 'I read,' he said, 'twelve of the sonnets last night, which if I had not liked them better than other sonnets I could not have done. There are great outbreaks of poetry in them.' Omitting my own interjectional queries, etc., which leave to Jemmy's remarks an over-pompous connectedness which they had not viva voce, I give you his words as nearly as I remember."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Montgomery Print: Book
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : Wilhelm Meister
The Hon. Stephen Spring Rice to Alfred Tennyson, 27 November 1833: 'I have read Wilhelm Meister for the first time, with which I find as many faults and beauties as every one does.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: The Hon. Stephen Spring Rice Print: Book
anon [Religious Tract Society] : tracts
'Last summer, being in Taunton, at the house of Mr J Smith, brother to my first wife, his son brought in a parcel of those religious tracts which are published by the Religious Tract Society, and sold cheap by T. Williams, Stationer's-court, Ludgate-street, London. . . I was much pleased with an opportunity of procuring some of them. I took one of each of more than thirty sorts; and when I got home, Mrs L and I read them over together, in order to know if they were proper to be dispersed abroad, and whether they were calculated to do good to such as should read them.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: tracts
John Whitehead : The Life of the Rev John Wesley
'Not long ater this he brought from Bristol Dr Whitehead's Life of Mr Wesley, 2 vols. 8vo. I having expressed a wish to see in what state of mind Mr Wesley died. After having satisfied myself on that head, I returned the set of books, as I had no intention to read any more of the work, but the account of his death.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Lackington Print: Book
John Whitehead : The Life of the Rev John Wesley
'I again took up Dr Whitehead's Life of Mr Wesley, and as I saw by the title-page that it contained an account of Mr Wesley's ancestors and relations, the life of Mr Charles Wesley, (whom I had often heard preach) and a history of Methodism, I requested Mrs L to help me in reading it through. // To describe the conflict, and the difference commotions which passed in my mind while we were reading this excellent work is impossible. I have been instructed, delighted, much confounded, and troubled.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James and Mary Lackington Print: Book
Henry Wharton : Defence of Pluralities, A
'Johnson said, I might see the subject [a controversy about the Church of Scotland] well treated in the "Defence of Pluralities".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Daines Barrington : [Essay on bird migration]
'Talking of birds, I mentioned Mr. Daines Barrington's ingenions Essay against the received notion of their migration'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Unknown
James Burnett, Lord Monboddo : Of the Origin and Progress of Language
'He [Johnson] attacked Lord Monboddo's strange speculation on the primitive state of human nature; observing, "Sir, it is all conjecture about a thing useless, even were it known to be true. Knowledge of all kinds is good. Conjecture, as to things useful, is good; but conjecture as to what it would be useless to know, such as whether men went upon all four [sic], is very idle." '
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Joachim Neander : [unknown]
'[Letter to George Steevens] I thank you for "Neander", but wish he were not so fine. I will take care of him'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Alexander Webster : [census of Scotland]
'[Letter to Boswell] Dr. Webster's informations were much less exact and much less determinate than I expected: they are, indeed, much less positive than, if he can trust his own book, which he laid before me, he is able to give'. [A footnote says] 'A manuscript account drawn by Dr. Webster of all the parishes in Scotland, ascertaining their length, breadth, number of inhabitants, and distinguishing Protestants and Roman Catholicks. This book had been transmitted to government, and Dr. Johnson saw a copy of it in Dr. Webster's possession'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Codex
David Dalrymple, Lord Hailes : Annals of Scotland
' [Letter from Boswell to Johnson] Your critical notes on the specimen of Lord Hailes's "Annals of Scotland" are excellent. I agreed with you on every one of them. He himself objected only to the alteration of [italics] free [end italics] to [italics] brave [end italics], in the passage where he says that Edward "departed with the glory dne to the conqueror of a free people". He says to call the Scots brave would only add to the glory of their conqueror. You will make allowance for the national zeal of our annalist. I now send a few more leaves of the "Annals", which I hope you will peruse, and return with observations, as you did upon the former occasion. Lord Hailes writes to me thus: "Mr. Boswell will be pleased to express the grateful sense which Sir David Dalrymple has of Dr. Johnson's attention to his little specimen".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
David Dalrymple, Lord Hailes : Annals of Scotland
' [Letter from Boswell to Johnson] Your critical notes on the specimen of Lord Hailes's "Annals of Scotland" are excellent. I agreed with you on every one of them. He himself objected only to the alteration of [italics] free [end italics] to [italics] brave [end italics], in the passage where he says that Edward "departed with the glory dne to the conqueror of a free people". He says to call the Scots brave would only add to the glory of their conqueror. You will make allowance for the national zeal of our annalist. I now send a few more leaves of the "Annals", which I hope you will peruse, and return with observations, as you did upon the former occasion. Lord Hailes writes to me thus: "Mr. Boswell will be pleased to express the grateful sense which Sir David Dalrymple has of Dr. Johnson's attention to his little specimen".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
Robert Louis Stevenson : When the Devil Was Well.
'My discouragement is from many causes: among others the re-reading of my Italian story. Forgive me, Colvin, but I cannot agree with you; it seems green fruit to me, if not really unwholesome; it is profoundly feeble, damn its weak knees!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Unknown
Pierre-Jean Beranger : unknown
I am very busy with Beranger for the "Britannica".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Unknown
:
'O when we woke in London docks, the first steamer I saw go past was the "Charles", and the next the "Cygnet": I was afraid to look any more, I felt so eerie; but of course I [italics]know[end italics] the third was the "Baxter".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter, Painted (or stencilled?) on ships' sides.
Izaak Walton : Lives of Dr John Donne, Sir Henry Wotton, Mr Richard Hooker, Mr George Herbert and Dr Robert Sanderson
'[letter from Boswell, to Johnson] It gives me much pleasure to hear that a republication of "Isaac Walton's Lives" is intended. You have been in a mistake in thinking that Lord Hailes had it in view. I remember one morning, while he sat with you in my house, he said, that there should be a new edition of "Walton's Lives"; and you said that "they should be benoted a little." This was all that passed on that subject. You must, therefore, inform Dr. Horne, that he may resume his plan. I enclose a note concerning it; and if Dr. Horne will write to me, all the attention that I can give shall be cheerfully bestowed, upon what I think a pious work, the preservation and elucidation of Walton, by whose writings I have been pleasingly edified'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Izaak Walton : Lives of Dr John Donne, Sir Henry Wotton, Mr Richard Hooker, Mr George Herbert and Dr Robert Sanderson
'[letter from Boswell, to Johnson] It gives me much pleasure to hear that a republication of "Isaac Walton's Lives" is intended. You have been in a mistake in thinking that Lord Hailes had it in view. I remember one morning, while he sat with you in my house, he said, that there should be a new edition of "Walton's Lives"; and you said that "they should be benoted a little." This was all that passed on that subject. You must, therefore, inform Dr. Horne, that he may resume his plan. I enclose a note concerning it; and if Dr. Horne will write to me, all the attention that I can give shall be cheerfully bestowed, upon what I think a pious work, the preservation and elucidation of Walton, by whose writings I have been pleasingly edified'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
[n/a] : [newspapers]
'[Letter from Johnson to Boswell] There has appeared lately in the papers an account of a boat overset between Mull and Ulva, in which many passengers were lost, and among them Maclean of Col. We, you know, were once drowned; I hope, therefore, that the story is either wantonly or erroneously told. Pray satisfy me by the next post.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Newspaper
Samuel Johnson : Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland.
' [Letter from Johnson to Boswell] Last night I corrected the last page of our "Journey to the Hebrides".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: proofs
[n/a] : [Greek Testaments]
'In his [Johnson's] manuscript diary of this year, there is the following entry: "Nov. 27. Advent Sunday. I considered that this day, being the beginning of the ecclesiastical year, was a proper time for a new course of life. I began to read the Greek Testament regularly at 160 verses every Sunday. This day I began the Acts. In this week I read Virgil's 'Pastorals'. I learned to repeat the 'Pollio' and 'Gallus'. I read carelessly the first 'Georgick'." Such evidences of his unceasing ardour, both for "divine and human lore," when advanced into his sixty-fifty year, and notwithstanding his many disturbances from disease, must make us at once honour his spirit, and lament that it should be so grievously clogged by its material tegument. It is remarkable, that he was very fond of the precision which calculation produces. Thus we find in one of his manuscript diaries, "12 pages in 4to Gr. Test, and 30 pages in Beza's folio, comprize the whole in 10 days".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Virgil : Eclogues
'In his [Johnson's] manuscript diary of this year, there is the following entry: "Nov. 27. Advent Sunday. I considered that this day, being the beginning of the ecclesiastical year, was a proper time for a new course of life. I began to read the Greek Testament regularly at 160 verses every Sunday. This day I began the Acts. In this week I read Virgil's 'Pastorals'. I learned to repeat the 'Pollio' and 'Gallus'. I read carelessly the first 'Georgick'." Such evidences of his unceasing ardour, both for "divine and human lore," when advanced into his sixty-fifty year, and notwithstanding his many disturbances from disease, must make us at once honour his spirit, and lament that it should be so grievously clogged by its material tegument. It is remarkable, that he was very fond of the precision which calculation produces. Thus we find in one of his manuscript diaries, "12 pages in 4to Gr. Test, and 30 pages in Beza's folio, comprize the whole in 10 days".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Virgil : 8th Eclogue
'In his [Johnson's] manuscript diary of this year, there is the following entry: "Nov. 27. Advent Sunday. I considered that this day, being the beginning of the ecclesiastical year, was a proper time for a new course of life. I began to read the Greek Testament regularly at 160 verses every Sunday. This day I began the Acts. In this week I read Virgil's 'Pastorals'. I learned to repeat the 'Pollio' and 'Gallus'. I read carelessly the first 'Georgick'." Such evidences of his unceasing ardour, both for "divine and human lore," when advanced into his sixty-fifty year, and notwithstanding his many disturbances from disease, must make us at once honour his spirit, and lament that it should be so grievously clogged by its material tegument. It is remarkable, that he was very fond of the precision which calculation produces. Thus we find in one of his manuscript diaries, "12 pages in 4to Gr. Test, and 30 pages in Beza's folio, comprize the whole in 10 days".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Virgil : 1st Georgic
'In his [Johnson's] manuscript diary of this year, there is the following entry: "Nov. 27. Advent Sunday. I considered that this day, being the beginning of the ecclesiastical year, was a proper time for a new course of life. I began to read the Greek Testament regularly at 160 verses every Sunday. This day I began the Acts. In this week I read Virgil's 'Pastorals'. I learned to repeat the 'Pollio' and 'Gallus'. I read carelessly the first 'Georgick'." Such evidences of his unceasing ardour, both for "divine and human lore," when advanced into his sixty-fifty year, and notwithstanding his many disturbances from disease, must make us at once honour his spirit, and lament that it should be so grievously clogged by its material tegument. It is remarkable, that he was very fond of the precision which calculation produces. Thus we find in one of his manuscript diaries, "12 pages in 4to Gr. Test, and 30 pages in Beza's folio, comprize the whole in 10 days".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [diary]
'In his [Johnson's] manuscript diary of this year, there is the following entry: "Nov. 27. Advent Sunday. I considered that this day, being the beginning of the ecclesiastical year, was a proper time for a new course of life. I began to read the Greek Testament regularly at 160 verses every Sunday. This day I began the Acts. In this week I read Virgil's 'Pastorals'. I learned to repeat the 'Pollio' and 'Gallus'. I read carelessly the first 'Georgick'." Such evidences of his unceasing ardour, both for "divine and human lore," when advanced into his sixty-fifty year, and notwithstanding his many disturbances from disease, must make us at once honour his spirit, and lament that it should be so grievously clogged by its material tegument. It is remarkable, that he was very fond of the precision which calculation produces. Thus we find in one of his manuscript diaries, "12 pages in 4to Gr. Test, and 30 pages in Beza's folio, comprize the whole in 10 days".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
John Hoole : Cleonice
'[Letter from Johnson to John Hoole] I have returned your play, which you will find underscored with red, where there was a word which I did not like. The red will be washed off with a little water. The plot is so well framed, the intricacy so artful, and the disentanglement so easy, the suspense so affecting, аnd the passionate parts so properly interposed, that I have no doubt of its success'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Johnson : Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland.
'[Letter from Boswell to Johnson] Be pleased to accept of my best thanks for your "Journey to the Hebrides", which came to me by last night's post. I did really ask the favour twice; but you have been even with me by granting it so speedily. [italics] Bis dat qui cito dat [end italics]. Though ill of a head cold, you kept me up the greatest part of last night: for I did not stop till I had read every word of your book. I looked back to our first talking of a visit to the Hebrides, which was many years ago, when sitting by ourselves in the Mitre tavern, in London, I think about [italics] witching time o'night [end italics]; and then exulted in contemplating our scheme fulfilled, and a [italics]monumentum perenne [end italics] of it erected by your superiour abilities. I shall only say, that your book has afforded me a high gratification. I shall afterwards give you my thoughts on particular passages. In the mean time, I hasten to tell you of your having mistaken two names, which you will correct in London, as I shall do here, that the gentlemen who deserve the valuable compliments which you have paid them, may enjoy their honours. In page 106, for [italics] Gordon [end italics], read [italics] Murchison [end italics]; and in page 357, for [italics] Maclean [end italics] read [italics] Macleod [end italics].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
David Dalrymple, Lord Hailes : Annals of Scotland
'[Letter from Johnson to Boswell] I have at last sent back Lord Hailes's sheets, I never think about returning them, because I alter nothing. You will see that I might as well have kept them. However, I am ashamed of my delay; and if I have the honour of receiving any more, promise punctually to return them by the next post'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Johnson : Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland
'His "Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland" is a most valuable performance. It abounds in extensive philosophical views of society, and in ingenious sentiment and lively description. A considerable part of it, indeed, consists of speculations which many years before he saw the wild regions which we visited together probably had employed his attention, though the actual sight of those scenes undoubtedly quickened and augmented them. Mr. Orme, the very able historian, agreed with me in this opinion, which he thus strongly expressed:— "There are in that book thoughts which, by long revolution in the great mind of Johnson, have been formed and polished like pebbles rolled in the ocean!"'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
James Macpherson : [Ossian poems, culminating in] Fingal, an Ancient Epic Poem in Six Books, together with Several Other Poems composed by Ossian, the Son of Fingal, translated from the Gaelic Language
'His disbelief of the authenticity of the poems ascribed to Ossian, a Highland bard, was confirmed in the course of his journey by a very strict examination of the evidence offered for it: and although their authenticity was made too much a national point by the Scotch, there were many respectable persons in that country who did not concur in this; so that his judgment upon the question ought not to be decried, even by those who differ from him. As to myself, I can only say, upon a subject now become very uninteresting, that when the fragments of Highland poetry first came out, I was much pleased with their wild peculiarity, and was one of those who subscribed to enable their editor, Mr. Macpherson, then a young man, to make a search in the Highlands and Hebrides for a long poem in the Erse language, which was reported to be preserved somewhere in those regions. But when there came forth an Epick Poem in six books, with all the common circumstances of former compositions of that nature; and when, upon an attentive examination of it, there was found a perpetual recurrence of the same images which appear in the fragments; and when no ancient manuscript to authenticate the work was deposited in any publick library, though that was insisted on as a reasonable proof, [italics] who [end italics] could forbear to doubt?'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Gustave Aimard : unidentified novels
'I have just made my will and am reading Aimard's novels.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Philip Gilbert Hamerton : Art Essays
'I find here (of all places in the world) your Essays on Art, which I have read with signal interest.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Edmund Gosse : New Poems
'My dear Weg, I received your book last night ... You know what a wooden hearted curmudgeon I am about contemporary verse .. Hence you will be kind enough to take this from me in a kindly spirit ... "To my daughter" is delicious.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
George Bancroft : History of the United States of America from the Discovery of the American Continent
'Bancroft's History of the United States, even in a centenary edition, is essentially heavy fare ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : Poems
[The Dean of Westminster writes] 'In a letter from Arthur Stanley, written from Hurstmonceux Rectory in the September of 1834, he says to his friend W. C. Lake (afterwards Dean of Durham), still at Rugby, that Julius Hare, with whom he was staying, "often reads to us in the evening things quite new to me, for instance [...] A. Tennyson's Poems," and he goes on to name some which had greatly pleased him, and to advise his friend to get the volume and read it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Julius Hare Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : Poems
Samuel Rogers to Alfred Tennyson, 17 August 1842: 'Every day I have resolved to write and tell you with what delight I have read and read again your two beautiful volumes [...] very few things, if any, have thrilled me so much.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Rogers Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : Poems
Thomas Carlyle to Alfred Tennyson, 7 December 1842: 'I have just been reading your Poems; I have read certain of them over again [goes on to praise Poems further, citing examples from volume]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : Poems
Elizabeth Gaskell to John Forster, on presentation of inscribed copy of Tennyson's poems to Samuel Bamford, 7 December 1849: 'I have not yet taken my bonnet off after hunting up Bamford. First of all we went to Blakeley to his little white-washed cottage. His wife was cleaning, and regretted her "master" was not at home. He had gone into Manchester [...] At last we pounced upon the great gray stalwart man coming out of a little old-fashioned public-house where Blakeley people put up. Whe I produced my book he said, "This is grand." I said, "Look at the title-page," for I saw he was fairly caught by something he liked in the middle of the book, and was standing reading it in the street. "Well, I am a proud man this day!" he exclaimed. Then he turned it up and down and read a bit (it was a very crowded street) and his gray face went quite brown-red with pleasure. Suddenly he stopped. "What must I do for him back again?" "Oh! you must write to him, and thank him." "I'd rather walk 20 mile than write a letter any day." "Well then, suppose you set off this Christmas, and walk and thank Tennyson." He looked up from his book, right in my face, quite indignant. "Woman! walking won't reach him. We're on the earth don't ye see, but he's there, up above. I can no more reach him by walking than if he were an eagle or a skylark high above my head." It came fresh, warm, straight from the heart, without a notion of making a figurative speech [...] Then he dipped down again into his book, and began reading aloud the "Sleeping Beauty," and in the middle stopped to look at the writing again. And we left him in a sort of sleep-walking state, and only trust he will not be run over.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : 'The Sleeping Beauty'
Elizabeth Gaskell to John Forster, on presentation of inscribed copy of Tennyson's poems to Samuel Bamford, 7 December 1849: 'I have not yet taken my bonnet off after hunting up Bamford. First of all we went to Blakeley to his little white-washed cottage. His wife was cleaning, and regretted her "master" was not at home. He had gone into Manchester [...] At last we pounced upon the great gray stalwart man coming out of a little old-fashioned public-house where Blakeley people put up. Whe I produced my book he said, "This is grand." I said, "Look at the title-page," for I saw he was fairly caught by something he liked in the middle of the book, and was standing reading it in the street. "Well, I am a proud man this day!" he exclaimed. Then he turned it up and down and read a bit (it was a very crowded street) and his gray face went quite brown-red with pleasure. Suddenly he stopped. "What must I do for him back again?" "Oh! you must write to him, and thank him." "I'd rather walk 20 mile than write a letter any day." "Well then, suppose you set off this Christmas, and walk and thank Tennyson." He looked up from his book, right in my face, quite indignant. "Woman! walking won't reach him. We're on the earth don't ye see, but he's there, up above. I can no more reach him by walking than if he were an eagle or a skylark high above my head." It came fresh, warm, straight from the heart, without a notion of making a figurative speech [...] Then he dipped down again into his book, and began reading aloud the "Sleeping Beauty," and in the middle stopped to look at the writing again. And we left him in a sort of sleep-walking state, and only trust he will not be run over.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Bamford Print: Book
Andrew Lang : [article on Montaigne]
'From time to time, Lang writes charming articles in the "Daily News": witness one, a week or so past, on Montaigne: it was a little gem.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Newspaper
Samuel Johnson : Taxation no Tyranny; an answer to the Resolutions and Address of the American Congress
Unfavourable as I am constrained to say my opinion of this pamphlet [Johnson's 'Taxation no Tyranny; an answer to the Resolutions and Address of the American Congress'] was, yet, since it was congenial with the sentiments of numbers at that time, and as every thing relating to the writings of Dr. Johnson is of importance in literary history, I shall therefore insert some passages which were struck out, it does not appear why, either by himself or those who revised it. They appear printed in a few proof leaves of it in my possession, marked with corrections in his own handwriting. I shall distinguish them by Italicks. [various passages are then reproduced]'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell
Samuel Johnson : Taxation no Tyranny; an answer to the Resolutions and Address of the American Congress
Unfavourable as I am constrained to say my opinion of this pamphlet [Johnson's 'Taxation no Tyranny; an answer to the Resolutions and Address of the American Congress'] was, yet, since it was congenial with the sentiments of numbers at that time, and as every thing relating to the writings of Dr. Johnson is of importance in literary history, I shall therefore insert some passages which were struck out, it does not appear why, either by himself or those who revised it. They appear printed in a few proof leaves of it in my possession, marked with corrections in his own handwriting. I shall distinguish them by Italicks. [various passages are then reproduced]'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: proof leaves of a pamphlet with handwritten corrections
Samuel Johnson : Rambler, The
'[quoting from the pamphlet "A Letter to Dr. Samuel Johnson, occasioned by his late Political Publications." by joseph Towers] "I would, however, wish you to remember, should you again address the publick under the character of a political writer, that luxuriance of imagination or energy of language will ill compensate for the want of candour, of justice, and of truth. And I shall only add, that should I hereafter be disposed to read, as I heretofore have done, the most excellent of all your performances, 'The Rambler,' the pleasure which I have been accustomed to find in it will be much diminished by the reflection that the writer of so moral, so elegant, and so valuable a work was capable of prostituting his talents in such productions as 'The False Alarm,' the 'Thoughts on the Transactions respecting Falkland's Islands,' and 'The Patriot.' "
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Towers Print: Serial / periodical
Samuel Johnson : False Alarm, The
'[quoting from the pamphlet "A Letter to Dr. Samuel Johnson, occasioned by his late Political Publications." by joseph Towers] "I would, however, wish you to remember, should you again address the publick under the character of a political writer, that luxuriance of imagination or energy of language will ill compensate for the want of candour, of justice, and of truth. And I shall only add, that should I hereafter be disposed to read, as I heretofore have done, the most excellent of all your performances, 'The Rambler,' the pleasure which I have been accustomed to find in it will be much diminished by the reflection that the writer of so moral, so elegant, and so valuable a work was capable of prostituting his talents in such productions as 'The False Alarm,' the 'Thoughts on the Transactions respecting Falkland's Islands,' and 'The Patriot.' "
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Towers
Samuel Johnson : Patriot, The
'[quoting from the pamphlet "A Letter to Dr. Samuel Johnson, occasioned by his late Political Publications." by joseph Towers] "I would, however, wish you to remember, should you again address the publick under the character of a political writer, that luxuriance of imagination or energy of language will ill compensate for the want of candour, of justice, and of truth. And I shall only add, that should I hereafter be disposed to read, as I heretofore have done, the most excellent of all your performances, 'The Rambler,' the pleasure which I have been accustomed to find in it will be much diminished by the reflection that the writer of so moral, so elegant, and so valuable a work was capable of prostituting his talents in such productions as 'The False Alarm,' the 'Thoughts on the Transactions respecting Falkland's Islands,' and 'The Patriot.' "
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Towers
Samuel Johnson : Thoughts On the Late Transactions Respecting Falkland's Islands
'[quoting from the pamphlet "A Letter to Dr. Samuel Johnson, occasioned by his late Political Publications." by Joseph Towers] "I would, however, wish you to remember, should you again address the publick under the character of a political writer, that luxuriance of imagination or energy of language will ill compensate for the want of candour, of justice, and of truth. And I shall only add, that should I hereafter be disposed to read, as I heretofore have done, the most excellent of all your performances, 'The Rambler,' the pleasure which I have been accustomed to find in it will be much diminished by the reflection that the writer of so moral, so elegant, and so valuable a work was capable of prostituting his talents in such productions as 'The False Alarm,' the 'Thoughts on the Transactions respecting Falkland's Islands,' and 'The Patriot.' "
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Towers
Samuel Johnson : Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland
'I found his " Journey" the common topick of conversation in London at this time, wherever I happened to be. At one of Lord Mansfield's formal Sunday evening conversations, strangely called [italics] Levees [end italics], his Lordship addressed me, "We have all been reading your travels, Mr. Boswell." I answered, "I was but the humble attendant of Dr. Johnson." The Chief Justice replied, with that air and manner which none who ever saw and heard him can forget, "He speaks ill of nobody but Ossian".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: William Murray, First Earl Mansfield Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : Tale of a Tub, A
'Johnson was in high spirits this evening at the club, and talked with great animation and success. He attacked Swift, as he used to do upon all occasions. "The 'Tale of a Tub' is so much superiour to his other writings that one can hardly believe he was the authour of it. There is in it such a vigour of mind, such a swarm of thoughts, so much of nature, and art, and life." I wondered to hear him say of "Gulliver's Travels", "When once you have thought of big men and little men, it is very easy to do all the rest." I endeavoured to make a stand for Swift, and tried to rouse those who were much more able to defend him; but in vain. Johnson at last, of his own accord, allowed very great merit to the inventory of articles found in the pocket of [italics] The Man Mountain [end italics], particularly the description of his watch, which, it was conjectured, was his God, as he consulted it upon all occasions. He observed, that "Swift put his name to but two things (after he had a name to put), 'The Plan of the Improvement of the English Language,' and the last 'Drapier's Letter'."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : Gulliver's Travels
'Johnson was in high spirits this evening at the club, and talked with great animation and success. He attacked Swift, as he used to do upon all occasions. "The 'Tale of a Tub' is so much superiour to his other writings that one can hardly believe he was the authour of it. There is in it such a vigour of mind, such a swarm of thoughts, so much of nature, and art, and life." I wondered to hear him say of "Gulliver's Travels", "When once you have thought of big men and little men, it is very easy to do all the rest." I endeavoured to make a stand for Swift, and tried to rouse those who were much more able to defend him; but in vain. Johnson at last, of his own accord, allowed very great merit to the inventory of articles found in the pocket of [italics] The Man Mountain [end italics], particularly the description of his watch, which, it was conjectured, was his God, as he consulted it upon all occasions. He observed, that "Swift put his name to but two things (after he had a name to put), 'The Plan of the Improvement of the English Language,' and the last 'Drapier's Letter'."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : Drapier's Letters, The
'Johnson was in high spirits this evening at the club, and talked with great animation and success. He attacked Swift, as he used to do upon all occasions. "The 'Tale of a Tub' is so much superiour to his other writings that one can hardly believe he was the authour of it. There is in it such a vigour of mind, such a swarm of thoughts, so much of nature, and art, and life." I wondered to hear him say of "Gulliver's Travels", "When once you have thought of big men and little men, it is very easy to do all the rest." I endeavoured to make a stand for Swift, and tried to rouse those who were much more able to defend him; but in vain. Johnson at last, of his own accord, allowed very great merit to the inventory of articles found in the pocket of [italics] The Man Mountain [end italics], particularly the description of his watch, which, it was conjectured, was his God, as he consulted it upon all occasions. He observed, that "Swift put his name to but two things (after he had a name to put), 'The Plan of the Improvement of the English Language,' and the last 'Drapier's Letter'."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : Plan for the Improvement of the English Language
'Johnson was in high spirits this evening at the club, and talked with great animation and success. He attacked Swift, as he used to do upon all occasions. "The 'Tale of a Tub' is so much superiour to his other writings that one can hardly believe he was the authour of it. There is in it such a vigour of mind, such a swarm of thoughts, so much of nature, and art, and life." I wondered to hear him say of "Gulliver's Travels", "When once you have thought of big men and little men, it is very easy to do all the rest." I endeavoured to make a stand for Swift, and tried to rouse those who were much more able to defend him; but in vain. Johnson at last, of his own accord, allowed very great merit to the inventory of articles found in the pocket of [italics] The Man Mountain [end italics], particularly the description of his watch, which, it was conjectured, was his God, as he consulted it upon all occasions. He observed, that "Swift put his name to but two things (after he had a name to put), 'The Plan of the Improvement of the English Language,' and the last 'Drapier's Letter'."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Home : Douglas, A tragedy
'Johnson. "Sheridan is a wonderful admirer of the tragedy of Douglas, and presented its author with a gold medal. Some years ago, at a coffee-house in Oxford, I called to him, 'Mr. Sheridan, Mr. Sheridan, how came you to give a gold medal to Home for writing that foolish play ?' This, you see, was wanton and insolent; but I meant to be wanton and insolent. A medal has no value but as a stamp of merit. And was Sheridan to assume to himself the right of giving that stamp?"'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Home : Douglas, A tragedy
'Johnson. "Sheridan is a wonderful admirer of the tragedy of Douglas, and presented its authour with a gold medal. Some years ago, at a coffee-house in Oxford, I called to him, 'Mr. Sheridan, Mr. Sheridan, how came you to give a gold medal to Home for writing that foolish play ?' This, you see, was wanton and insolent; but I meant to be wanton and insolent. A medal has no value but as a stamp of merit. And was Sheridan to assume to himself the right of giving that stamp?"'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Sheridan Print: Book
Thomas Gray : Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard
'Next day I dined with Johnson at Mr. Thrale's. He attacked Gray, calling him a "dull fellow." Boswell. "I understand he was reserved, and might appear dull in company; but surely he was not dull in poetry." Johnson. "Sir, he was dull in company, dull in his closet, dull every where. He was dull in a new way, and that made many people think him GREAT. He was a mechanical poet." He then repeated some ludicrous lines, which have escaped my memory, and said, "Is not that GREAT, like his Odes?" Mrs. Thrale maintained that his Odes were melodious; upon which he exclaimed, "Weave the warp, and weave the woof;" I added, in a solemn tone, "The winding sheet of Edward's race". "[italics] There [end italics] is a good line."—"Ay (said he), and the next line is a good one," (pronouncing it contemptuously;) "Give ample verge and room enough.—" "No, sir, there are but two good stanzas in Gray's poetry, which are in his 'Elegy in a Country Churchyard.'" He then repeated the stanza, "For who to dumb forgetfulness a prey," &c. mistaking one word; for instead of [italics] precincts [end italics] he said [italics] confines [end italics]. He added, "The other stanza I forget".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Thomas Gray : The Bard: A Pindaric Ode
'Next day I dined with Johnson at Mr. Thrale's. He attacked Gray, calling him a "dull fellow." Boswell. "I understand he was reserved, and might appear dull in company; but surely he was not dull in poetry." Johnson. "Sir, he was dull in company, dull in his closet, dull every where. He was dull in a new way, and that made many people think him GREAT. He was a mechanical poet." He then repeated some ludicrous lines, which have escaped my memory, and said, "Is not that GREAT, like his Odes?" Mrs. Thrale maintained that his Odes were melodious; upon which he exclaimed, "Weave the warp, and weave the woof;" I added, in a solemn tone, "The winding sheet of Edward's race". "[italics] There [end italics] is a good line."—"Ay (said he), and the next line is a good one," (pronouncing it contemptuously;) "Give ample verge and room enough.—" "No, sir, there are but two good stanzas in Gray's poetry, which are in his 'Elegy in a Country Churchyard.'" He then repeated the stanza, "For who to dumb forgetfulness a prey," &c. mistaking one word; for instead of [italics] precincts [end italics] he said [italics]confines [end italics]. He added, "The other stanza I forget".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Thomas Gray : The Bard: A Pindaric Ode
'Next day I dined with Johnson at Mr. Thrale's. He attacked Gray, calling him a "dull fellow." Boswell. "I understand he was reserved, and might appear dull in company; but surely he was not dull in poetry." Johnson. "Sir, he was dull in company, dull in his closet, dull every where. He was dull in a new way, and that made many people think him GREAT. He was a mechanical poet." He then repeated some ludicrous lines, which have escaped my memory, and said, "Is not that GREAT, like his Odes?" Mrs. Thrale maintained that his Odes were melodious; upon which he exclaimed, "Weave the warp, and weave the woof;" I added, in a solemn tone, "The winding sheet of Edward's race". "[italics] There [end italics] is a good line."—"Ay (said he), and the next line is a good one," (pronouncing it contemptuously;) "Give ample verge and room enough.—" "No, sir, there are but two good stanzas in Gray's poetry, which are in his 'Elegy in a Country Churchyard.'" He then repeated the stanza, "For who to dumb forgetfulness a prey," &c. mistaking one word; for instead of [italics] precincts [end italics] he said [italics]confines [end italics]. He added, "The other stanza I forget".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Unknown
Thomas Gray : Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard
'Next day I dined with Johnson at Mr. Thrale's. He attacked Gray, calling him a "dull fellow." Boswell. "I understand he was reserved, and might appear dull in company; but surely he was not dull in poetry." Johnson. "Sir, he was dull in company, dull in his closet, dull every where. He was dull in a new way, and that made many people think him GREAT. He was a mechanical poet." He then repeated some ludicrous lines, which have escaped my memory, and said, "Is not that GREAT, like his Odes?" Mrs. Thrale maintained that his Odes were melodious; upon which he exclaimed, "Weave the warp, and weave the woof;" I added, in a solemn tone, "The winding sheet of Edward's race". "[italics] There [end italics] is a good line."—"Ay (said he), and the next line is a good one," (pronouncing it contemptuously;) "Give ample verge and room enough.—" "No, sir, there are but two good stanzas in Gray's poetry, which are in his 'Elegy in a Country Churchyard.'" He then repeated the stanza, "For who to dumb forgetfulness a prey," &c. mistaking one word; for instead of [italics] precincts [end italics] he said [italics]confines [end italics]. He added, "The other stanza I forget".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Unknown
Thomas Gray : [Odes]
'Next day I dined with Johnson at Mr. Thrale's. He attacked Gray, calling him a "dull fellow." Boswell. "I understand he was reserved, and might appear dull in company; but surely he was not dull in poetry." Johnson. "Sir, he was dull in company, dull in his closet, dull every where. He was dull in a new way, and that made many people think him GREAT. He was a mechanical poet." He then repeated some ludicrous lines, which have escaped my memory, and said, "Is not that GREAT, like his Odes?" Mrs. Thrale maintained that his Odes were melodious; upon which he exclaimed, "Weave the warp, and weave the woof;" I added, in a solemn tone, "The winding sheet of Edward's race". "[italics] There [end italics] is a good line."—"Ay (said he), and the next line is a good one," (pronouncing it contemptuously;) "Give ample verge and room enough.—" "No, sir, there are but two good stanzas in Gray's poetry, which are in his 'Elegy in a Country Churchyard.'" He then repeated the stanza, "For who to dumb forgetfulness a prey," &c. mistaking one word; for instead of [italics] precincts [end italics] he said [italics]confines [end italics]. He added, "The other stanza I forget".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Unknown
Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield : Letters to his Son
'Lord Chesterfield's letters being mentioned, Johnson said, "It was not to be wondered at that they had so great a sale, considering that they were the letters of a statesman, a wit, one who had been so much in the mouths of mankind, one long accustomed [italics] virum volitare per ora [end italics]".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Man of Property
'The book ["The Man of Property"] is in parts marvellously done and in its whole a piece of art-undubitably [sic] a piece of art. I've read it 3 times. My respect for you increased with every reading.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: presumably copy of MS sent for publication, or the page proofs, since book was publsihed on 23 March 1906
Ford Madox Ford (Hueffer) : The Fifth Queen and how she came to court
'The blessed vol: ["The Fifth Queen"] arrived about 4 days ago - or is it a week? I've read it twice - thats all.[...] Here I'll add one more phrase bearing upon the most "sensible" general effect.[...] The pictorial impression of the whole is positively overwhelming.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford (Hueffer) : The Heart of the Country:A Survey of Modern Land
'[Ford's ] "The Heart of the Country" is out today and a very charming piece of writing it is.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : Wanted - Schooling in Fiction
'I've read Jack's article in the "Speaker". Hum! Hum! He had better be careful.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
H.(Herbert) G.(George) Wells : In the Days of the Comet
'The Comet appeared to my naked (and surprised) eye yesterday morning. By a great effort of will I stuck to my own task till lunchtime. I began my observations in the afternoon and continued at it far into the night. I've completed them this morning. It is indeed a phenomenon!' Hence follow 18 lines of preliminary commentary on the text.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
H.(Herbert) G.(George) Wells : The Future in America: A search after realities
'And on the subject of Wells, his book on the United States is quite smart.He has understood a heap of fundamentally unintelligible things. That's the purpose of an imagination like his, aided by an intelligence as sharp as acid.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edward Garnett : The Breaking Point
'I got the play ["The Breaking Point"] at 9 this morning. I've shut myself up with it at once and I won't come out of the room. I will see no one, will let no word or thing come between it and me till I've written to you.' Hence follow five pages of commentary and praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: unclear whether MS or printed playscript
Thomas Carlyle : Essay on Burns
'The best trumpet that I can suggest is to read Thomas Carlyle’s Essay on Burns. Sick as I am of reading anything in which so much as Burns’s name appears, I was really electrified (beg pardon for such a "Daily Telegraphism") by this. It is full of very fine criticism, expressed here and there in rather an old-fashioned academical style, full of beautiful humanity − see the noble passage about Burns having refused money for his songs − and full of wonderful wisdom. The whole conclusion is indeed admirable; as where he says that all fame, riches, fortune of all sorts is to true peace no more than “mounting to the house top to reach the stars”; and again about Byron: “the fire that was in him, was the mad fire of a volcano; and now we look sadly into the ashes of a crater which erelong[sic] will fill itself with snow.”. I subscribe to that essay. My own is quite unnecessary. Do read it; it will do you good; it would do the dead good. It has reminded me once again of the great mistake of my life − and of everybody else’s; that we are all trying to gain the whole world if you will, except what alone is worth keeping; our own soul. God bless T.Carlyle, say I. […] Read that essay, it is in volume two, […]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Théophile Gautier : Emaux et Camées
'I am sending you with my love a pretty edition of "Emaux et Camées" [of Théophile Gautier]. I don't think you have anything on your shelves of the bon poète. I haven't seen these poems since, since the days before the Deluge. How simple they were those great romantics!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
George Colman : Two Odes: To Obscurity and To Oblivion
'The "Odes to Obscurity and Oblivion," in ridicule of "cool Mason and warm Gray", being mentioned, Johnson said, "They are Colman's best things." [Boswell reports a conversation about their possible joint authorship] Johnson. "The first of these Odes is the best: but they are both good. They exposed a very bad kind of writing." Boswell. "Surely, sir, Mr. Mason's 'Elfrida' is a fine Poem: at least, you will allow there are some good passages in it." Johnson. "There are now and then some good imitations of Milton's bad manner".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Mason : Elfrida
'The "Odes to Obscurity and Oblivion," in ridicule of "cool Mason and warm Gray", being mentioned, Johnson said, "They are Colman's best things." [Boswell reports a conversation about their possible joint authorship] Johnson. "The first of these Odes is the best: but they are both good. They exposed a very bad kind of writing." Boswell. "Surely, sir, Mr. Mason's 'Elfrida' is a fine Poem: at least, you will allow there are some good passages in it." Johnson. "There are now and then some good imitations of Milton's bad manner".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Mason : Elfrida
'The "Odes to Obscurity and Oblivion," in ridicule of "cool Mason and warm Gray", being mentioned, Johnson said, "They are Colman's best things." [Boswell reports a conversation about their possible joint authorship] Johnson. "The first of these Odes is the best: but they are both good. They exposed a very bad kind of writing." Boswell. "Surely, sir, Mr. Mason's 'Elfrida' is a fine Poem: at least, you will allow there are some good passages in it." Johnson. "There are now and then some good imitations of Milton's bad manner".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
William Mason : Elfrida
'I often wondered at his [Johnson's] low estimation of the writings of Gray and Mason. Of Gray's poetry I have, in a former part of this work, expressed my high opinion; and for that of Mr. Mason I have ever entertained a warm admiration. His "Elfrida" is exquisite, both in poetical description and moral sentiment; and his "Caractacus" is a noble drama. Nor can I omit paying my tribute of praise to some of his smaller poems, which I have read with pleasure, and which no criticism shall persuade me not to like'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
William Mason : Caractacus: A Dramatic Poem
'I often wondered at his [Johnson's] low estimation of the writings of Gray and Mason. Of Gray's poetry I have, in a former part of this work, expressed my high opinion; and for that of Mr. Mason I have ever entertained a warm admiration. His "Elfrida" is exquisite, both in poetical description and moral sentiment; and his "Caractacus" is a noble drama. Nor can I omit paying my tribute of praise to some of his smaller poems, which I have read with pleasure, and which no criticism shall persuade me not to like'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
William Mason : [minor poems]
'I often wondered at his [Johnson's] low estimation of the writings of Gray and Mason. Of Gray's poetry I have, in a former part of this work, expressed my high opinion; and for that of Mr. Mason I have ever entertained a warm admiration. His "Elfrida" is exquisite, both in poetical description and moral sentiment; and his "Caractacus" is a noble drama. Nor can I omit paying my tribute of praise to some of his smaller poems, which I have read with pleasure, and which no criticism shall persuade me not to like'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
[unknown] : [verses deposited in Lady Miller's vase]
'Lady Miller's collection of verses by fashionable people, which were put into her Vase at Batheaston Villa, near Bath, in competition for honorary prizes, being mentioned, he held them very cheap: "[italics] Bouts rimes [end italics] (said he), is a mere conceit, and an [italics] old [end italics] conceit [italics] now [end italics]; I wonder how people were persuaded to write in that manner for this lady."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas Campbell : Philosophical Survey of the South of Ireland, in a series of letters
'[Dr Thomas Campbell, who dined with Johnson on 3 April 1775] has since published "A Philosophical Survey of the South of Ireland," a very entertaining book, which has, however, one fault:—that it assumes the fictitious character of an Englishman.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Colley Cibber : Careless Husband, The
'Dr. Johnson, as usual, spoke contemptuously of Colley Cibber. "It is wonderful that a man, who for forty years had lived with the great and the witty, should have acquired so ill the talents of conversation: and he had but half to furnish; for one half of what he said was oaths." He, however, allowed considerable merit to some of his comedies, and said there was no reason to believe that the "Careless Husband" was not written by himself.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Richard Twiss : Travels through Portugal and Spain
'Friday, April 7, I dined with him at a Tavern, with a numerous company. Johnson. "I have been reading Twiss's 'Travels in Spain', which are just come out. They are as good as the first book of travels that you will take up. They are as good as those of Keysler or Blainville: nay, as Addison's, if you except the learning. They are not so good as Brydone's, but they are better than Pococke's. I have not, indeed, cut the leaves yet; but I have read in them where the pages are open, and I do not suppose that what is in the pages which are closed is worse than what is in the open pages. It would seem (he added), that Addison had not acquired much Italian learning, for we do not find it introduced into his writings. The only instance that I recollect is his quoting '[italics] Stavo bene, per star meglio, sto qui' [end italics]".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John George Keysler : Travels through Germany, Bohemia, Hungary, Switzerland, Italy, and Lorrain
'Friday, April 7, I dined with him at a Tavern, with a numerous company. Johnson. "I have been reading Twiss's 'Travels in Spain', which are just come out. They are as good as the first book of travels that you will take up. They are as good as those of Keysler or Blainville: nay, as Addison's, if you except the learning. They are not so good as Brydone's, but they are better than Pococke's. I have not, indeed, cut the leaves yet; but I have read in them where the pages are open, and I do not suppose that what is in the pages which are closed is worse than what is in the open pages. It would seem (he added), that Addison had not acquired much Italian learning, for we do not find it introduced into his writings. The only instance that I recollect is his quoting '[italics] Stavo bene, per star meglio, sto qui' [end italics]".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville : Travels through Holland, Germany and Switzerland, but especially Italy, with maps
'Friday, April 7, I dined with him at a Tavern, with a numerous company. Johnson. "I have been reading Twiss's 'Travels in Spain', which are just come out. They are as good as the first book of travels that you will take up. They are as good as those of Keysler or Blainville: nay, as Addison's, if you except the learning. They are not so good as Brydone's, but they are better than Pococke's. I have not, indeed, cut the leaves yet; but I have read in them where the pages are open, and I do not suppose that what is in the pages which are closed is worse than what is in the open pages. It would seem (he added), that Addison had not acquired much Italian learning, for we do not find it introduced into his writings. The only instance that I recollect is his quoting '[italics] Stavo bene, per star meglio, sto qui' [end italics]".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Patrick Brydone : Tour Through Sicily and Malta: In a Series of Letters to William Beckford
'Friday, April 7, I dined with him at a Tavern, with a numerous company. Johnson. "I have been reading Twiss's 'Travels in Spain', which are just come out. They are as good as the first book of travels that you will take up. They are as good as those of Keysler or Blainville: nay, as Addison's, if you except the learning. They are not so good as Brydone's, but they are better than Pococke's. I have not, indeed, cut the leaves yet; but I have read in them where the pages are open, and I do not suppose that what is in the pages which are closed is worse than what is in the open pages. It would seem (he added), that Addison had not acquired much Italian learning, for we do not find it introduced into his writings. The only instance that I recollect is his quoting '[italics] Stavo bene, per star meglio, sto qui' [end italics]".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
R. (Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : His People
'I've read your book ["His People"] with the usual delight and more than the usual admiration.[...] Three times I've gone through your pages so vigorous, so personal and so exquisite. What a "Return of the Native" you have given us! "His People" is a wonderful piece of description and an amazing piece of analysis.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Joseph Addison : Remarks on Several Parts of Italy
'Friday, April 7, I dined with him at a Tavern, with a numerous company. Johnson. "I have been reading Twiss's 'Travels in Spain', which are just come out. They are as good as the first book of travels that you will take up. They are as good as those of Keysler or Blainville: nay, as Addison's, if you except the learning. They are not so good as Brydone's, but they are better than Pococke's. I have not, indeed, cut the leaves yet; but I have read in them where the pages are open, and I do not suppose that what is in the pages which are closed is worse than what is in the open pages. It would seem (he added), that Addison had not acquired much Italian learning, for we do not find it introduced into his writings. The only instance that I recollect is his quoting '[italics] Stavo bene, per star meglio, sto qui' [end italics]".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Richard Pococke : Description of the East and Some other Countries,
'Friday, April 7, I dined with him at a Tavern, with a numerous company. Johnson. "I have been reading Twiss's 'Travels in Spain', which are just come out. They are as good as the first book of travels that you will take up. They are as good as those of Keysler or Blainville: nay, as Addison's, if you except the learning. They are not so good as Brydone's, but they are better than Pococke's. I have not, indeed, cut the leaves yet; but I have read in them where the pages are open, and I do not suppose that what is in the pages which are closed is worse than what is in the open pages. It would seem (he added), that Addison had not acquired much Italian learning, for we do not find it introduced into his writings. The only instance that I recollect is his quoting '[italics] Stavo bene, per star meglio, sto qui' [end italics]".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Scott : [Elegies]
'Mr. Scott of Amwell's "Elegies" were lying in the room. Dr. Johnson observed "They are very well; but such as twenty people might write." Upon this I took occasion to controvert Horace's maxim, " [italics] mediocribus esse poetis Non Di, non homines non concessere columnae:" [end italics] For here, (I observed,) was a very middle rate poet, who pleased many readers, and therefore poetry of a middle sort was entitled to some esteem; nor could I see why poetry should not, like every thing else, have different gradations of excellence, and consequently of value. Johnson repeated the common remark, that "as there is no necessity for our having poetry at all, it being merely a luxury, an instrument of pleasure, it can have no value, unless when exquisite in its kind".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Scott : [Elegies]
'Mr. Scott of Amwell's "Elegies" were lying in the room. Dr. Johnson observed "They are very well; but such as twenty people might write." Upon this I took occasion to controvert Horace's maxim, " [italics] mediocribus esse poetis Non Di, non homines non concessere columnae:" [end italics] For here, (I observed,) was a very middle rate poet, who pleased many readers, and therefore poetry of a middle sort was entitled to some esteem; nor could I see why poetry should not, like every thing else, have different gradations of excellence, and consequently of value. Johnson repeated the common remark, that "as there is no necessity for our having poetry at all, it being merely a luxury, an instrument of pleasure, it can have no value, unless when exquisite in its kind".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
[n/a] : [various Scottish magazine reviews of Johnson's 'Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland']
'I had brought with me a great bundle of Scotch magazines and newspapers, in which his "Journey to the Western Islands" was attacked in every mode; and I read a great part of them to him, knowing they would afford him entertainment. I wish the writers of them had been present: they would have been sufficiently vexed. One ludicrous imitation of his style, by Mr. Maclaurin, now one of the Scotch Judges, with the title of Lord Dreghorn, was distinguished by him from the rude mass. "This (said he) is the best. But I could caricature my own style much better myself." He defended his remark upon the general insufficiency of education in Scotland; and confirmed to me the authenticity of his witty saying on the learning of the Scotch;—"Their learning is like bread in a besieged town : every man gets a little, but no man gets a full meal".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
Izaak Walton : Lives of Dr John Donne, Sir Henry Wotton, Mr Richard Hooker, Mr George Herbert and Dr Robert Sanderson
'He talked of Isaac Walton's "Lives", which was one of his most favourite books. Dr. Donne's "Life", he said, was the most perfect of them'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Herman Melville : Moby Dick or The Whale
Years ago I looked into "Typee" and "Omoo" but as I didn't find there what I am looking for when I open a book I did go no further. Lately I had in my hand "Moby Dick". It struck me as a rather strained rhapsody with whaling for a subject and not a single sincere line in the 3 vols of it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Paul Gruyer : Napoleon, roi de l'ile d'Elbe
'I have been a few times to the Town [Montpellier] Library- with an object. And the object is reading up all I can discover there about Napoleon in Elba.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Jessie Conrad : A handbook of Cookery for a Small House
'Jessie's cooking book is written and quite ready and corrected with several Remarks, 130 recipes and Prefaces by yours truly- all wanting to be retyped nice and clean.[...] My preface is a mock serious thing[...] but the little book is not bad. Its about 15,000 words or a little less.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet, final typescript and possibly earlier versions as well
John Galsworthy : The Country House
'My dearest Jack I read the "C[ountry H[ouse]" with perfectly unalloyed delight. [...] I can only say it came to me in book form with a freshness, with a force, with an authority which simply amazed me.' Hence follow four more lines of unqualified praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Gay : Beggar's Opera, The
'The late "worthy'' Duke of Queensberry, as Thomson, in his "Seasons," justly characterises him, told me that when Gay showed him "The Beggar's Opera," his Grace's observation was, "This is a very odd thing, Gay; I am satisfied that it is either a very good thing, or a very bad thing." It proved the former, beyond the warmest expectations of the authour or his friends'.
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Douglas, Third Duke of Queensberry
Samuel Butler : Hudibras
'[Johnson said] "Hudibras" affords a strong proof how much hold political principles had then upon the minds of men. There is in "Hudibras" a great deal of bullion which will always last. But to be sure the brightest strokes of his wit owed their force to the impression of the characters which was upon men's minds at the time; to their knowing them at table and in the street; in short, being familiar with them; and above all, to his satire being directed against those whom a little while before they had hated and feared.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Joseph Addison : Spectator, The [Roger de Coverley essays]
'Johnson praised "The Spectator," particularly the character of Sir Roger de Coverley. He said, "Sir Roger did not die a violent death, as has been generally fancied. He was not killed; he died only because others were to die, and because his death afforded an opportunity to Addison for some very fine writing. We have the example of Cervantes making Don Quixote die.— I never could see why Sir Roger is represented as a little cracked. It appears to me that the story of the widow was intended to have something superinduced upon it; but the superstructure did not come."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book, Serial / periodical
Miguel de Cervantes : Don Quixote
'Johnson praised "The Spectator," particularly the character of Sir Roger de Coverley. He said, "Sir Roger did not die a violent death, as has been generally fancied. He was not killed; he died only because others were to die, and because his death afforded an opportunity to Addison for some very fine writing. We have the example of Cervantes making Don Quixote die.— I never could see why Sir Roger is represented as a little cracked. It appears to me that the story of the widow was intended to have something superinduced upon it; but the superstructure did not come."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Galsworthy : Joy
' I didn't write before because I was finishing something. That does not mean that I did not read the play ["Joy"] at once. I've read it more than once the very first day, then many times since in whole of in parts[...]' Hence follows a page of praise with some mild negative criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: probably a playscript
David Dalrymple, Lord Hailes : Annals of Scotland
'[Letter from Johnson to Boswell] I have now three parcels of Lord Hailes's history, which I purpose to return all the next week: that his respect for my little observations should keep his work in suspense makes one of the evils of my journey. It is in our language, I think, a new mode of history which tells all that is wanted, and, I suppose, all that is known, without laboured splendour of language, or affected subtilty of conjecture. The exactness of his dates raises my wonder. He seems to have the closeness of Renault without his constraint. Mrs. Thrale was so entertained with your "Journal" that she almost read herself blind. She has a great regard for you'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Charles-Jean-François Henault : [history]
'[Letter from Johnson to Boswell] I have now three parcels of Lord Hailes's history, which I purpose to return all the next week: that his respect for my little observations should keep his work in suspense makes one of the evils of my journey. It is in our language, I think, a new mode of history which tells all that is wanted, and, I suppose, all that is known, without laboured splendour of language, or affected subtilty of conjecture. The exactness of his dates raises my wonder. He seems to have the closeness of Renault without his constraint. Mrs. Thrale was so entertained with your [italics] Journal [end italics] that she almost read herself blind. She has a great regard for you'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James Boswell : Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides
'[Letter from Johnson to Boswell] I have now three parcels of Lord Hailes's history, which I purpose to return all the next week: that his respect for my little observations should keep his work in suspense makes one of the evils of my journey. It is in our language, I think, a new mode of history which tells all that is wanted, and, I suppose, all that is known, without laboured splendour of language, or affected subtilty of conjecture. The exactness of his dates raises my wonder. He seems to have the closeness of Renault without his constraint. Mrs. Thrale was so entertained with your [italics] Journal [end italics] that she almost read herself blind. She has a great regard for you'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Ford Madox Ford (Hueffer) : [article on Galsworthy]
'I've read Hueffer's portrait of Mr John Galsworthy several times. It is interesting mostly as a portrait of Mr Hueffer himself. I have my own strong conception of J.G. I can't say I've been greatly edified. Looked upon abstractedly the thing is distinctly good.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
: Bible
'Oct. 24. Tuesday. We visited the King's library.—I saw the "Speculum humanae Salvationis", rudely printed with ink, sometimes pale, sometimes black; part supposed to be with wooden types, and part with pages cut in boards.—The Bible, supposed to be older than that of Mentz, in 62 [1462]; it has no date, it is supposed to have been printed with wooden types.—I am in doubt; the print is large and fair, in two folios.—Another book was shewn me, supposed to have been printed with wooden types;—I think, "Durandi Sanctuarium in 58 [1458]. This is inferred from the difference of form sometimes seen in the same letter, which might be struck with different puncheons.—The regular similitude of most letters proves better that they are metal.—I saw nothing but the "Speculum" which I had not seen, I think, before'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
anon. : Speculum humanae Salvationis
'Oct. 24. Tuesday. We visited the King's library.—I saw the "Speculum humanae Salvationis", rudely printed with ink, sometimes pale, sometimes black; part supposed to be with wooden types, and part with pages cut in boards.—The Bible, supposed to be older than that of Mentz, in 62 [1462]; it has no date, it is supposed to have been printed with wooden types.—I am in doubt; the print is large and fair, in two folios.—Another book was shewn me, supposed to have been printed with wooden types;—I think, "Durandi Sanctuarium in 58 [1458]. This is inferred from the difference of form sometimes seen in the same letter, which might be struck with different puncheons.—The regular similitude of most letters proves better that they are metal.—I saw nothing but the "Speculum" which I had not seen, I think, before'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
[n/a] : Durandi Sanctuarium
'Oct. 24. Tuesday. We visited the King's library.—I saw the "Speculum humanae Salvationis", rudely printed with ink, sometimes pale, sometimes black; part supposed to be with wooden types, and part with pages cut in boards.—The Bible, supposed to be older than that of Mentz, in 62 [1462]; it has no date, it is supposed to have been printed with wooden types.—I am in doubt; the print is large and fair, in two folios.—Another book was shewn me, supposed to have been printed with wooden types;—I think, "Durandi Sanctuarium" in 58 [1458]. This is inferred from the difference of form sometimes seen in the same letter, which might be struck with different puncheons.—The regular similitude of most letters proves better that they are metal.—I saw nothing but the "Speculum" which I had not seen, I think, before'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Giovanni Boccacio : [tales from the 'Decameron']
'Oct. 25. Wednesday. I went with the Prior to St. Cloud, to see Dr. Hooke.—We walked round the palace, and had some talk.—I dined with our whole company at the Monastery.—In the library, "Beroald",—"Cymon",—"Titus", from Boccace.—"Oratio Proverbialis" to the Virgin, from Petrarch; Falkland to Sandys;—Dryden's Preface to the third vol. of Miscellanies.' [Boswell's footnote: 'He means, I suppose, that he read those different pieces, while he remained in the library'.]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Petrarch : [unknown oration]
'Oct. 25. Wednesday. I went with the Prior to St. Cloud, to see Dr. Hooke.—We walked round the palace, and had some talk.—I dined with our whole company at the Monastery.—In the library, "Beroald",—"Cymon",—"Titus", from Boccace.—"Oratio Proverbialis" to the Virgin, from Petrarch; Falkland to Sandys;—Dryden's Preface to the third vol. of Miscellanies.' [Boswell's footnote: 'He means, I suppose, that he read those different pieces, while he remained in the library'.]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Lucius Cary, 2nd Viscount Falkland : [unknown text - letters?- presumably addressed to his associate George Sandys]
'Oct. 25. Wednesday. I went with the Prior to St. Cloud, to see Dr. Hooke.—We walked round the palace, and had some talk.—I dined with our whole company at the Monastery.—In the library, "Beroald",—"Cymon",—"Titus", from Boccace.—"Oratio Proverbialis" to the Virgin, from Petrarch; Falkland to Sandys;—Dryden's Preface to the third vol. of Miscellanies.' [Boswell's footnote: 'He means, I suppose, that he read those different pieces, while he remained in the library'.]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Dryden : [preface to his 'Poetical Miscellanies', vol. 3]
'Oct. 25. Wednesday. I went with the Prior to St. Cloud, to see Dr. Hooke.—We walked round the palace, and had some talk.—I dined with our whole company at the Monastery.—In the library, "Beroald",—"Cymon",—"Titus", from Boccace.—"Oratio Proverbialis" to the Virgin, from Petrarch; Falkland to Sandys;—Dryden's Preface to the third vol. of Miscellanies.' [Boswell's footnote: 'He means, I suppose, that he read those different pieces, while he remained in the library'.]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Abbot Barthelemu : Travels of Anacherbis the Younger in Greece during the middle of the fourth century before the Christian Era
Vol 7 On the Griphi and Impromptus (quotation) 'I was very large at my birth and likeways in old age; but very small when at maturity.' A Shadow. Such also is this 'There are two sisters who incessantly ... each other day and night.' both of which words are in Greek. Other Griphi turn on the resemblance of names as for example 'What is that which is at once found on the earth, in the sea and in the heavens' - The Dog, the Serpent and the Boar.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Hamilton Print: Book
David Dalrymple, Lord Hailes : Annals of Scotland
'[Letter to Boswell] I Have at last sent you all Lord Hailes's papers. While I was in France, I looked very often into Henault; but Lord Hailes, in my opinion, leaves him far and far behind'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Charles Jean François Henault : Abrege chronologique de l'histoire de France
'[Letter to Boswell] I Have at last sent you all Lord Hailes's papers. While I was in France, I looked very often into Henault; but Lord Hailes, in my opinion, leaves him far and far behind'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Dugald Stewart : Elements of the Philosophy of the Human Mind
'A book I have a high opinion of'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Hamilton Print: Book
D O'Bryan : The Government of the Country
'I read The Government of the Country by D. O'Bryan. N.B. a rebellious book.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Hamilton Print: Book
Robert Burton : Anatomy of Melancholy, The
'[Johnson opined that] Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy" is a valuable work. It is, perhaps, overloaded with quotation. But there is a great spirit and great power in what Burton says, when he writes from his own mind'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Jason de Nores : [edition of Horace with commentary]
'Boswell. "But, Sir, may there not be very good conversation without a contest for superiority." Johnson. "No animated conversation, Sir; for it cannot be but one or other will come off superior. I do not mean that the victor must have the better of the argument, for he may take the weak side; but his superiority of parts and knowledge will necessarily appear: and he to whom he thus shows himself superiour is lessened in the eyes of the young men. You know it was said, [italics] 'Mallem cum Scaligero errare quam cum Clavio recte sapere [end italics]' In the same manner take Bentley's and Jason de Nores' Comments upon Horace, you will admire Bentley more when wrong than Jason when right."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Richard Bentley : [edition of Horace with commentary]
'Boswell. "But, Sir, may there not be very good conversation without a contest for superiority." Johnson. "No animated conversation, Sir; for it cannot be but one or other will come off superior. I do not mean that the victor must have the better of the argument, for he may take the weak side; but his superiority of parts and knowledge will necessarily appear: and he to whom he thus shows himself superiour is lessened in the eyes of the young men. You know it was said, [italics] 'Mallem cum Scaligero errare quam cum Clavio recte sapere [end italics]' In the same manner take Bentley's and Jason de Nores' Comments upon Horace, you will admire Bentley more when wrong than Jason when right."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Campbell : Political Survey of Great Britain, A
' [Johnson said] "When Lord Lyttelton's 'Dialogues of the Dead' came out, one of which is between Apicius, an ancient epicure, and Dartineuf, a modern epicure, Dodsley said to me, 'I knew Dartineuf well, for I was once his footman.'" Biography led us to speak of Dr. John Campbell, who had written a considerable part of the "Biographia Britannica" Johnson, though he valued him highly, was of opinion that there was not so much in his great work, "A Political Survey of Great Britain," as the world had been taught to expect'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Laurence Sterne : Life and Opinions of Tristam Shandy
'I censured some ludicrous fantastick dialogues between two coach horses and other such stuff, which Baretti had lately published. He joined with me and said, "Nothing odd will do long. 'Tristram Shandy' did not last".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Giuseppe Baretti : [unidentified 'Dialogues']
'I censured some ludicrous fantastick dialogues between two coach horses and other such stuff, which Baretti had lately published. He joined with me and said, "Nothing odd will do long. 'Tristram Shandy' did not last".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
John Dyer : Fleece, The
'He spoke slightingly of Dyer's "Fleece".— "The subject, Sir, cannot be made poetical. How can a man write poetically of serges and druggets ? Yet you will hear many people talk to you gravely of that [italics] excellent [end italics] poem, "The Fleece." Having talked of Grainger's "Sugar-Cane", I mentioned to him Mr. Langton's having told me that this poem, when read in manuscript at Sir Joshua Reynolds's, had made all the assembled wits burst into a laugh, when, after much blank-verse pomp, the poet began a new paragraph thus: "Now, Muse, let's sing of [italics] rats [end italics]". And what increased the ridicule was, that one of the company, who slily overlooked the reader, perceived that the word had been originally [italics] mice [end italics], and had been altered to [italics] rats [end italics], as more dignified. This passage does not appear in the printed work. Dr. Grainger, or some of his friends, it should seem, having become sensible that introducing even [italics] Rats [end italics] in a grave poem might be liable to banter. He, however, could not bring himself to relinquish the idea; for they are thus, in a still more ludicrous manner, periphrastically exhibited in his poem as it now stands: "Nor with less waste the whisker'd vermin race, A countless clan, despoil the lowland cane." Johnson said, that Dr. Grainger was an agreeable man; a man who would do any good that was in his power. His translation of "Tibullus", he thought, was very well done; but "The Sugar Cane, a Poem," did not please him; for, he exclaimed, "What could he make of a sugar cane? One might as well write the 'Parsley Bed, a Poem ;' or ' The Cabbage Garden, a Poem'".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James Grainger : Sugar Cane, The
'He spoke slightingly of Dyer's "Fleece".— "The subject, Sir, cannot be made poetical. How can a man write poetically of serges and druggets ? Yet you will hear many people talk to you gravely of that [italics] excellent [end italics] poem, "The Fleece." Having talked of Grainger's "Sugar-Cane", I mentioned to him Mr. Langton's having told me that this poem, when read in manuscript at Sir Joshua Reynolds's, had made all the assembled wits burst into a laugh, when, after much blank-verse pomp, the poet began a new paragraph thus: "Now, Muse, let's sing of [italics] rats [end italics]". And what increased the ridicule was, that one of the company, who slily overlooked the reader, perceived that the word had been originally [italics] mice [end italics], and had been altered to [italics] rats [end italics], as more dignified. This passage does not appear in the printed work. Dr. Grainger, or some of his friends, it should seem, having become sensible that introducing even [italics] Rats [end italics] in a grave poem might be liable to banter. He, however, could not bring himself to relinquish the idea; for they are thus, in a still more ludicrous manner, periphrastically exhibited in his poem as it now stands: "Nor with less waste the whisker'd vermin race, A countless clan, despoil the lowland cane." Johnson said, that Dr. Grainger was an agreeable man; a man who would do any good that was in his power. His translation of "Tibullus", he thought, was very well done; but "The Sugar Cane, a Poem," did not please him; for, he exclaimed, "What could he make of a sugar cane? One might as well write the 'Parsley Bed, a Poem ;' or ' The Cabbage Garden, a Poem'".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James Grainger : Poetical translation of the elegies of Tibullus, A; and of the poems of Sulpicia
'He spoke slightingly of Dyer's "Fleece".— "The subject, Sir, cannot be made poetical. How can a man write poetically of serges and druggets ? Yet you will hear many people talk to you gravely of that [italics] excellent [end italics] poem, "The Fleece." Having talked of Grainger's "Sugar-Cane", I mentioned to him Mr. Langton's having told me that this poem, when read in manuscript at Sir Joshua Reynolds's, had made all the assembled wits burst into a laugh, when, after much blank-verse pomp, the poet began a new paragraph thus: "Now, Muse, let's sing of [italics] rats [end italics]". And what increased the ridicule was, that one of the company, who slily overlooked the reader, perceived that the word had been originally [italics] mice [end italics], and had been altered to [italics] rats [end italics], as more dignified. This passage does not appear in the printed work. Dr. Grainger, or some of his friends, it should seem, having become sensible that introducing even [italics] Rats [end italics] in a grave poem might be liable to banter. He, however, could not bring himself to relinquish the idea; for they are thus, in a still more ludicrous manner, periphrastically exhibited in his poem as it now stands: "Nor with less waste the whisker'd vermin race, A countless clan, despoil the lowland cane." Johnson said, that Dr. Grainger was an agreeable man; a man who would do any good that was in his power. His translation of "Tibullus", he thought, was very well done; but "The Sugar Cane, a Poem," did not please him; for, he exclaimed, "What could he make of a sugar cane? One might as well write the 'Parsley Bed, a Poem ;' or ' The Cabbage Garden, a Poem'".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James Grainger : Sugar Cane, The
'He spoke slightingly of Dyer's "Fleece".— "The subject, Sir, cannot be made poetical. How can a man write poetically of serges and druggets ? Yet you will hear many people talk to you gravely of that [italics] excellent [end italics] poem, "The Fleece." Having talked of Grainger's "Sugar-Cane", I mentioned to him Mr. Langton's having told me that this poem, when read in manuscript at Sir Joshua Reynolds's, had made all the assembled wits burst into a laugh, when, after much blank-verse pomp, the poet began a new paragraph thus: "Now, Muse, let's sing of [italics] rats [end italics]". And what increased the ridicule was, that one of the company, who slily overlooked the reader, perceived that the word had been originally [italics] mice [end italics], and had been altered to [italics] rats [end italics], as more dignified. This passage does not appear in the printed work. Dr. Grainger, or some of his friends, it should seem, having become sensible that introducing even [italics] Rats [end italics] in a grave poem might be liable to banter. He, however, could not bring himself to relinquish the idea; for they are thus, in a still more ludicrous manner, periphrastically exhibited in his poem as it now stands: "Nor with less waste the whisker'd vermin race, A countless clan, despoil the lowland cane." Johnson said, that Dr. Grainger was an agreeable man; a man who would do any good that was in his power. His translation of "Tibullus", he thought, was very well done; but "The Sugar Cane, a Poem," did not please him; for, he exclaimed, "What could he make of a sugar cane? One might as well write the 'Parsley Bed, a Poem ;' or ' The Cabbage Garden, a Poem'".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
James Grainger : Sugar Cane, The
'He spoke slightingly of Dyer's "Fleece".— "The subject, Sir, cannot be made poetical. How can a man write poetically of serges and druggets ? Yet you will hear many people talk to you gravely of that [italics] excellent [end italics] poem, "The Fleece." Having talked of Grainger's "Sugar-Cane", I mentioned to him Mr. Langton's having told me that this poem, when read in manuscript at Sir Joshua Reynolds's, had made all the assembled wits burst into a laugh, when, after much blank-verse pomp, the poet began a new paragraph thus: "Now, Muse, let's sing of [italics] rats [end italics]". And what increased the ridicule was, that one of the company, who slily overlooked the reader, perceived that the word had been originally [italics] mice [end italics], and had been altered to [italics] rats [end italics], as more dignified. This passage does not appear in the printed work. Dr. Grainger, or some of his friends, it should seem, having become sensible that introducing even [italics] Rats [end italics] in a grave poem might be liable to banter. He, however, could not bring himself to relinquish the idea; for they are thus, in a still more ludicrous manner, periphrastically exhibited in his poem as it now stands: "Nor with less waste the whisker'd vermin race, A countless clan, despoil the lowland cane." Johnson said, that Dr. Grainger was an agreeable man; a man who would do any good that was in his power. His translation of "Tibullus", he thought, was very well done; but "The Sugar Cane, a Poem," did not please him; for, he exclaimed, "What could he make of a sugar cane? One might as well write the 'Parsley Bed, a Poem ;' or ' The Cabbage Garden, a Poem'".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Grainger Manuscript: Unknown
Robert Barclay : Apology for the True Christian Divinity
'[At the home of the Quaker Mr Lloyd] I having asked to look at Baskerville's edition of "Barclay's Apology", Johnson laid hold of it; and the chapter on baptism happening to open, Johnson remarked, "He says there is neither precept nor practice for baptism in the scriptures; that is false." Here he was the aggressor, by no means in a gentle manner; and the good Quakers had the advantage of him; for he had read negligently, and had not observed that Barclay speaks of infant baptism; which they calmly made him perceive'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Robert Barclay : Apology for the True Christian Divinity
'[At the home of the Quaker Mr Lloyd] I having asked to look at Baskerville's edition of "Barclay's Apology", Johnson laid hold of it; and the chapter on baptism happening to open, Johnson remarked, "He says there is neither precept nor practice for baptism in the scriptures; that is false." Here he was the aggressor, by no means in a gentle manner; and the good Quakers had the advantage of him; for he had read negligently, and had not observed that Barclay speaks of infant baptism; which they calmly made him perceive'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Robert Nelson : Companion for the Festivals and Fasts of the Church of England, A
' [Johnson said] The excellent Mr. Nelson's "Festivals and Fasts," which has, I understand, the greatest sale of any book ever printed in England, except the Bible, is a most valuable help to devotion; and in addition to it I would recommend two sermons on the same subject [of Christian holidays] by Mr. Pott, Archdeacon of St. Albans, equally distinguished for piety and elegance'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Joseph Holden Pott : [sermons on church holidays]
' [Johnson said] The excellent Mr. Nelson's "Festivals and Fasts," which has, I understand, the greatest sale of any book ever printed in England, except the Bible, is a most valuable help to devotion; and in addition to it I would recommend two sermons on the same subject [of Christian holidays] by Mr. Pott, Archdeacon of St. Albans, equally distinguished for piety and elegance'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Patrick Brydone : Tour Through Sicily and Malta. In A Series of Letters to William Beckford Esq.
'Mr. Seward mentioned to us the observations which he had made upon the strata of earth in volcanoes, from which it appeared, that they were so very different in depth at different periods that no calculation whatever could be made as to the time required for their formation. This fully refuted an antimosaical remark introduced into Captain Brydone's entertaining tour, I hope heedlessly, from a kind of vanity which is too common in those who have not sufficiently studied the most important of all subjects. Dr. Johnson, indeed, had said before, independent of this observation, "Shall all the accumulated evidence of the history of the world;—shall the authority of what is unquestionably the most ancient writing be overturned by an uncertain remark such as this?"'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Patrick Brydone : Tour Through Sicily and Malta. In A Series of Letters to William Beckford Esq.
'Mr. Seward mentioned to us the observations which he had made upon the strata of earth in volcanoes, from which it appeared, that they were so very different in depth at different periods that no calculation whatever could be made as to the time required for their formation. This fully refuted an antimosaical remark introduced into Captain Brydone's entertaining tour, I hope heedlessly, from a kind of vanity which is too common in those who have not sufficiently studied the most important of all subjects. Dr. Johnson, indeed, had said before, independent of this observation, "Shall all the accumulated evidence of the history of the world;—shall the authority of what is unquestionably the most ancient writing be overturned by an uncertain remark such as this?"'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Francisco de Morais : Il Palmerino d'Inghilterra
'Johnson had with him upon this jaunt, "Il Palmerino d'Inghilterra", a romance praised by Cervantes; but did not like it much. He said, he read it for the language, by way of preparation for his Italian expedition'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Translation of Lobo's Account of Abyssinia
'On Sunday, March 31, I called on him, and shewed him as a curiosity which I had discovered, his "Translation of Lobo's Account of Abyssinia", which Sir John Pringle had lent me, it being then little known as one of his works. He said, "Take no notice of it" or "don't talk of it". He seemed to think it beneath him, though done at six-and-twenty. I said to him, "Your style, Sir, is much improved since you translated this".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
George Cheyne : English Malady, The: or, A Treatise of Nervous Diseases of all Kinds
'He recommended Dr. Cheyne's books. I said, I thought Cheyne had been reckoned whimsical. "So he was, (said he,) in some things; but there is no end of objections. There are few books to which some objection or other may not be made." He added, "I would not have you read anything else of Cheyne, but his book on Health, and his 'English Malady'".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
George Cheyne : Essay on Health and Long Life
'He recommended Dr. Cheyne's books. I said, I thought Cheyne had been reckoned whimsical. "So he was, (said he,) in some things; but there is no end of objections. There are few books to which some objection or other may not be made." He added, "I would not have you read anything else of Cheyne, but his book on Health, and his 'English Malady'".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Joseph Simpson : Patriot, The
'He [Joseph Simpson] wrote a tragedy on the story of Leonidas, entitled "The Patriot". He read it to a company of lawyers, who found so many faults, that he wrote it over again: so then there were two tragedies on the same subject and with the same title. Dr. Johnson told us, that one of them was still in his possession. This very piece was, after his death, published by some person who had been about him, and, for the sake of a little hasty profit, was fallaciously advertised, so as to make it be believed to have been written by Johnson himself'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Simpson Manuscript: Unknown
Abraham Cowley : Selected Works
'[Dr Johnson] expressed his disapprobation of Dr. Hurd, for having published a mutilated edition under the title of "Select Works of Abraham Cowley". Mr. Murphy thought it a bad precedent; observing that any authour might be used in the same manner; and that it was pleasing to see the variety of an authour's compositions, at different periods'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas Flatman : [Poems]
'We talked of Flatman's Poems; and Mrs. Thrale observed, that Pope had partly borrowed from him "The dying Christian to his Soul". Johnson repeated Rochester's verses upon Flatman, which I think by much too severe: "Nor that slow drudge in swift Pindarick strains, Flatman, who Cowley imitates with pains, And rides a jaded Muse, whipt with loose reins". I like to recollect all the passages that I heard Johnson repeat: it stamps a value on them.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas Flatman : [Poems]
'We talked of Flatman's Poems; and Mrs. Thrale observed, that Pope had partly borrowed from him "The dying Christian to his Soul". Johnson repeated Rochester's verses upon Flatman, which I think by much too severe: "Nor that slow drudge in swift Pindarick strains, Flatman, who Cowley imitates with pains, And rides a jaded Muse, whipt with loose reins". I like to recollect all the passages that I heard Johnson repeat: it stamps a value on them.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Alexander Pope : 'Dying Christian to his Soul, The'
'We talked of Flatman's Poems; and Mrs. Thrale observed, that Pope had partly borrowed from him "The dying Christian to his Soul". Johnson repeated Rochester's verses upon Flatman, which I think by much too severe: "Nor that slow drudge in swift Pindarick strains, Flatman, who Cowley imitates with pains, And rides a jaded Muse, whipt with loose reins". I like to recollect all the passages that I heard Johnson repeat: it stamps a value on them.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Unknown
Thomas Gray : [Memoirs]
'Mr. Murphy said, that "The Memoirs of Gray's Life" set him much higher in his estimation than his poems did; "for you there saw a man constantly at work in literature". Johnson acquiesced in this; but depreciated the book, I thought, very unreasonably. For he said, "I forced myself to read it, only because it was a common topick of conversation. I found it mighty dull; and, as to the style, it is fit for the second table". Why he thought so I was at a loss to conceive. He now gave it as his opinion, that "Akenside was a superiour poet both to Gray and Mason".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Mark Akenside : [Poems]
'Mr. Murphy said, that "The Memoirs of Gray's Life" set him much higher in his estimation than his poems did; "for you there saw a man constantly at work in literature". Johnson acquiesced in this; but depreciated the book, I thought, very unreasonably. For he said, "I forced myself to read it, only because it was a common topick of conversation. I found it mighty dull; and, as to the style, it is fit for the second table". Why he thought so I was at a loss to conceive. He now gave it as his opinion, that "Akenside was a superiour poet both to Gray and Mason".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Mason : [Poems]
'Mr. Murphy said, that "The Memoirs of Gray's Life" set him much higher in his estimation than his poems did; "for you there saw a man constantly at work in literature". Johnson acquiesced in this; but depreciated the book, I thought, very unreasonably. For he said, "I forced myself to read it, only because it was a common topick of conversation. I found it mighty dull; and, as to the style, it is fit for the second table". Why he thought so I was at a loss to conceive. He now gave it as his opinion, that "Akenside was a superiour poet both to Gray and Mason".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: Monthly Review
'Talking of the Reviews, Johnson said, "I think them very impartial: I do not know an instance of partiality". He mentioned what had passed upon the subject of the "Monthly" and "Critical Reviews", in the conversation with which his Majesty had honoured him. He expatiated a little more on them this evening. "The Monthly Reviewers (said he) are not Deists; but they are Christians with as little christianity as may be; and are for pulling down all establishments. The Critical Reviewers are for supporting the constitution both in church and state. The Critical Reviewers, I believe, often review without reading the books through; but lay hold of a topick, and write chiefly from their own minds. The Monthly Reviewers are duller men, and are glad to read the books through".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Serial / periodical
: Critical Review
'Talking of the Reviews, Johnson said, "I think them very impartial: I do not know an instance of partiality". He mentioned what had passed upon the subject of the "Monthly" and "Critical Reviews", in the conversation with which his Majesty had honoured him. He expatiated a little more on them this evening. "The Monthly Reviewers (said he) are not Deists; but they are Christians with as little christianity as may be; and are for pulling down all establishments. The Critical Reviewers are for supporting the constitution both in church and state. The Critical Reviewers, I believe, often review without reading the books through; but lay hold of a topick, and write chiefly from their own minds. The Monthly Reviewers are duller men, and are glad to read the books through".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Serial / periodical
Henry Grove : 'Novelty' [essay in The Spectator]
'Talking of "The Spectator", he said, "It is wonderful that there is such a proportion of bad papers, in the half of the work which was not written by Addison; for there was all the world to write that half, yet not a half of that half is good. One of the finest pieces in the English language is the paper on Novelty, yet we do not hear it talked of. It was written by Grove, a dissenting [italics] teacher [end italics]".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Serial / periodical
James Thomson : [Poems]
'Dr. Johnson said, "Thomson had a true poetical genius, the power of viewing every thing in a poetical light. His fault is such a cloud of words sometimes, that the sense can hardly peep through. Shiels, who compiled Cibber's "Lives of the Poets", was one day sitting with me. I took down Thomson, and read aloud a large portion of him, and then asked,-Is not this fine? Shiels having expressed the highest admiration. Well, Sir, (said I,) I have omitted every other line".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Ibbot : 'Fit of the Spleen, A'
' [Johnson said] You may find wit and humour in verse, and yet no poetry. "Hudibras" has a profusion of these; yet it is not to be reckoned a poem. 'The Spleen', in Dodsley's "Collection", on which you say he chiefly rested, is not poetry'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Othello
'I observed the great defect of the tragedy of "Othello" was, that it had not a moral; for that no man could resist the circumstances of suspicion which were artfully suggested to Othello's mind. JOHNSON. "In the first place, Sir, we learn from "Othello" this very useful moral, not to make an unequal match; in the second place, we learn not to yield too readily to suspicion. The handkerchief is merely a trick, though a very pretty trick; but there are no other circumstances of reasonable suspicion, except what is related by Iago of Cassio's warm expressions concerning Desdemona in his sleep; and that depended entirely upon the assertion of one man. No, Sir, I think "Othello" has more moral than almost any play".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Othello
'I observed the great defect of the tragedy of "Othello" was, that it had not a moral; for that no man could resist the circumstances of suspicion which were artfully suggested to Othello's mind. JOHNSON. "In the first place, Sir, we learn from "Othello" this very useful moral, not to make an unequal match; in the second place, we learn not to yield too readily to suspicion. The handkerchief is merely a trick, though a very pretty trick; but there are no other circumstances of reasonable suspicion, except what is related by Iago of Cassio's warm expressions concerning Desdemona in his sleep; and that depended entirely upon the assertion of one man. No, Sir, I think "Othello" has more moral than almost any play".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
John Dennis : [critical works]
'He said, he wished to see John Dennis's "Critical Works" collected. Davies said they would not sell. Dr. Johnson seemed to think otherwise.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Serial / periodical, presumably not in a book if Johnson wanted them to be collected
Henry Fielding : Amelia
'He told us, he read Fielding's "Amelia" through without stopping'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Richard Cumberland : [Odes]
'Sir Joshua [Reynolds] mentioned Mr. Cumberland's "Odes", which were just published. JOHNSON. "Why, Sir, they would have been thought as good as Odes commonly are, if Cumberland had not put his name to them; but a name immediately draws censure, unless it be a name that bears down everything before it. Nay, Cumberland has made his "Odes" subsidiary to the fame of another man. They might have run well enough by themselves; but he has not only loaded them with a name, but has made them carry double".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: [Monthly and Critical Reviews]
'We talked of the Reviews, and Dr. Johnson spoke of them as he did at Thrale's. Sir Joshua [Reynolds] said, what I have often thought, that he wondered to find so much good writing employed in them, when the authours were to remain unknown, and so could not have the motive of fame. JOHNSON. "Nay, Sir, those who write in them, write well, in order to be paid well".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
: [Monthly and Critical Reviews]
'We talked of the Reviews, and Dr. Johnson spoke of them as he did at Thrale's. Sir Joshua [Reynolds] said, what I have often thought, that he wondered to find so much good writing employed in them, when the authours were to remain unknown, and so could not have the motive of fame. JOHNSON. "Nay, Sir, those who write in them, write well, in order to be paid well".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joshua Reynolds Print: Serial / periodical
: The Spectator
'By the way, I have tried to read the Spectator, which they all say I imitate, and - it's very wrong of me I know - but I can't'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Sidney Colvin : 'Art and Criticism' in Appleton's Journal
[I have seen] 'Your "Art and Criticism", likewise there'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Pierre Alexis Ponson du Terrail : Les Exploits de Rocambole
'When last observed, he was studying with apparent zest the exploits of one Rocambole by the late Viscount Ponson of Terrail.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Robert Blair : 'The Grave, a Poem'
'He told me that "so long ago as 1748 he had read 'The Grave, a Poem', but did not like it much." I differed from him; for though it is not equal throughout, and is seldom elegantly correct, it abounds in solemn thought, and poetical imagery beyond the common reach. The world has differed from him; for the poem has passed through many editions, and is still much read by people of a serious cast of mind.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Robert Blair : 'The Grave, a Poem'
'He told me that "so long ago as 1748 he had read 'The Grave, a Poem', but did not like it much." I differed from him; for though it is not equal throughout, and is seldom elegantly correct, it abounds in solemn thought, and poetical imagery beyond the common reach. The world has differed from him; for the poem has passed through many editions, and is still much read by people of a serious cast of mind.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Unknown
Thomas Chatterton : [poems supposedly by Thomas Rowley]
'On Monday, April 29, he and I made an excursion to Bristol, where I was entertained with seeing him enquire upon the spot, into the authenticity of 'Rowley's Poetry,' as I had seen him enquire upon the spot into the authenticity of 'Ossian's Poetry.' George Catcot, the pewterer, who was as zealous for Rowley, as Dr. Hugh Blair was for Ossian, (I trust my Reverend friend will excuse the comparison,) attended us at our inn, and with a triumphant air of lively simplicity called out, "I'll make Dr. Johnson a convert". Dr. Johnson, at his desire, read aloud some of Chatterton's fabricated verses, while Catcot stood at the back of his chair, moving himself like a pendulum, and beating time with his feet, and now and then looking into Dr. Johnson's face, wondering that he was not yet convinced. We called on Mr. Barret, the surgeon, and saw some of the originals as they were called, which were executed very artificially; but from a careful inspection of them, and a consideration of the circumstances with which they were attended, we were quite satisfied of the imposture, which, indeed, has been clearly demonstrated from internal evidence, by several able criticks.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
Thomas Chatterton : [poems supposedly by Thomas Rowley]
'On Monday, April 29, he and I made an excursion to Bristol, where I was entertained with seeing him enquire upon the spot, into the authenticity of 'Rowley's Poetry,' as I had seen him enquire upon the spot into the authenticity of 'Ossian's Poetry.' George Catcot, the pewterer, who was as zealous for Rowley, as Dr. Hugh Blair was for Ossian, (I trust my Reverend friend will excuse the comparison,) attended us at our inn, and with a triumphant air of lively simplicity called out, "I'll make Dr. Johnson a convert". Dr. Johnson, at his desire, read aloud some of Chatterton's fabricated verses, while Catcot stood at the back of his chair, moving himself like a pendulum, and beating time with his feet, and now and then looking into Dr. Johnson's face, wondering that he was not yet convinced. We called on Mr. Barret, the surgeon, and saw some of the originals as they were called, which were executed very artificially; but from a careful inspection of them, and a consideration of the circumstances with which they were attended, we were quite satisfied of the imposture, which, indeed, has been clearly demonstrated from internal evidence, by several able criticks.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Thomas Chatterton : [poems supposedly by Thomas Rowley]
'Johnson said of Chatterton, "This is the most extraordinary young man that has encountered my knowledge. It is wonderful how the whelp has written such things".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
: Respublicae
' [Johnson said] The little volumes entitled "Respublicae", which are very well done, were a bookseller's work'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Francis Hutcheson : System of Moral Philosophy
' [Johnson said] "There is much talk of the misery which we cause to the brute creation; but they are recompensed by existence. If they were not useful to man, and therefore protected by him, they would not be nearly so numerous". This argument is to be found in the able and benignant Hutchinson's [sic] "Moral Philosophy".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield : Letters to his Son
' [Johnson said] Lord Chesterfield's "Letters to his Son", I think, might be made a very pretty book. Take out the immorality, and it should be put into the hands of every young gentleman.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Sharp : Letters from Italy, describing the Customs and Manners of that Country
'I read (said he [Johnson],) Sharpe's letters on Italy over again, when I was at Bath. There is a great deal of matter in them.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
David Dalrymple, Lord Hailes : Annals of Scotland
' [Johnson said] Lord Hailes's "Annals of Scotland" have not that painted form which is the taste of this age; but it is a book which will always sell, it has such a stability of dates, such a certainty of facts, and such a punctuality of citation. I never before read Scotch history with certainty.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Lowth : [biblical commentaries - old testament]
'I asked him whether he would advise me to read the Bible with a commentary, and what commentaries he would recommend. JOHNSON. "To be sure, Sir, I would have you read the Bible with a commentary; and I would recommend Lowth and Patrick on the Old Testament, and Hammond on the New".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Patrick : [biblical commentaries - old testament]
'I asked him whether he would advise me to read the Bible with a commentary, and what commentaries he would recommend. JOHNSON. "To be sure, Sir, I would have you read the Bible with a commentary; and I would recommend Lowth and Patrick on the Old Testament, and Hammond on the New".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Henry Hammond : A Paraphrase and Annotations Upon All the Books of the New Testament
'I asked him whether he would advise me to read the Bible with a commentary, and what commentaries he would recommend. JOHNSON. "To be sure, Sir, I would have you read the Bible with a commentary; and I would recommend Lowth and Patrick on the Old Testament, and Hammond on the New".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [a legal argument]
'When I read this [Johnson's argument regarding a legal case on the liberty of the pulpit in which Boswell was involved] to Mr. Burke, he was highly pleased, and exclaimed, "Well; he does his work in a workman-like manner".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
Colley Cibber : Apology for the Life of Mr. Colley Cibber
'BOSWELL. "Yet Cibber was a man of observation?" JOHNSON. "I think not." BOSWELL. "You will allow his 'Apology' to be well done". JOHNSON. "Very well done, to be sure, Sir. That book is a striking proof of the justice of Pope's remark: 'Each might his several province well command, Would all but stoop to what they understand' BOSWELL. "And his plays are good". JOHNSON. "Yes; but that was his trade; [italics] l'esprit du corps [end italics]; he had been all his life among players and play-writers".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Colley Cibber : [Plays]
'BOSWELL. "Yet Cibber was a man of observation?" JOHNSON. "I think not." BOSWELL. "You will allow his 'Apology' to be well done". JOHNSON. "Very well done, to be sure, Sir. That book is a striking proof of the justice of Pope's remark: 'Each might his several province well command, Would all but stoop to what they understand' BOSWELL. "And his plays are good". JOHNSON. "Yes; but that was his trade; [italics] l'esprit du corps [end italics]; he had been all his life among players and play-writers".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Colley Cibber : [Plays]
'BOSWELL. "Yet Cibber was a man of observation?" JOHNSON. "I think not." BOSWELL. "You will allow his 'Apology' to be well done". JOHNSON. "Very well done, to be sure, Sir. That book is a striking proof of the justice of Pope's remark: 'Each might his several province well command, Would all but stoop to what they understand' BOSWELL. "And his plays are good". JOHNSON. "Yes; but that was his trade; [italics] l'esprit du corps [end italics]; he had been all his life among players and play-writers".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Colley Cibber : An Apology for the Life of Mr. Colley Cibber
'BOSWELL. "Yet Cibber was a man of observation?" JOHNSON. "I think not." BOSWELL. "You will allow his 'Apology' to be well done". JOHNSON. "Very well done, to be sure, Sir. That book is a striking proof of the justice of Pope's remark: 'Each might his several province well command, Would all but stoop to what they understand' BOSWELL. "And his plays are good". JOHNSON. "Yes; but that was his trade; [italics] l'esprit du corps [end italics]; he had been all his life among players and play-writers".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Colley Cibber : [an Ode]
'[Johnson said] He [Colley Cibber] abused Pindar to me, and then shewed me an Ode of his own, with an absurd couplet, making a linnet soar on an eagle's wing. I told him that when the ancients made a simile, they always made it like something real.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Ford Madox Ford (Hueffer) : An English Girl
'In many respects and from an absolute point of judgement - the book ["An English Girl"] is simply magnificent.' Hence follows a page of almost unqualified praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Horace : Ars poetica
'Dr. Johnson and Mr. Wilkes talked of the contested passage in Horace's "Art of Poetry", "[italics] Difficile est proprie communia dicere.[end italics]' Mr. Wilkes according to my note, gave the interpretation thus; "It is difficult to speak with propriety of common things; as, if a poet had to speak of Queen Caroline drinking tea, he must endeavour to avoid the vulgarity of cups and saucers". But upon reading my note, he tells me that he meant to say, that "the word [italics]communia [end italics], being a Roman law term, signifies here things [italics]communis juris [end italics], that is to say, what have never yet been treated by any body; and this appears clearly from what followed, "[italics]--Tuque Rectius Iliacum carmen deducis in actus Quam si proferres ignota indictaque primus." [end italics] "You will easier make a tragedy out of the Iliad than on any subject not handled before".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Gabriela Cunninghame Graham : Santa Teresa: Her Life and Times
' I have had the new edition of Sta. Teresa sent down for a leisurely re-reading. It seems no end of years since I read first this wonderful book--the revelation for the profane of a unique saint and a unique writer.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
H.(Herbert) G.(George) Wells : The War in the Air
'The first instalment of your story in the PMM ["Pall Mall Magazine"] opens the year brilliantly. How good you are in presenting the human interest of a story in terms of jesting.' Hence follow about eight lines of praise and encouragement.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Joseph Mery : Monsieur Auguste
'I have read M. Auguste.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Joseph Mery : Un crime inconnu
'I have read M. Auguste and the Crime Inconnu, being now abonne to a library.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Joseph Mery : Les Damnes de Java
'The Damned Ones of the Hindies now occupy my attention.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Island Pharisees
'The new edition of the "Island Ph[arisee]" arrived during the crisis of horrors [severe gout and the debilitating effects of the then new colchicine treatment] and I tackled the preface with as much mind as I had then. It is thoroughly good I think.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
George Cheyne : English Malady, The
'[Boswell having complained that he was suffering from melancholy, Johnson wrote] 'Read Cheyne's "English Malady"; but do not let him teach you a foolish notion that melancholy is a proof of acuteness.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: [legal documents relating to Mr Maclaurin]
' [letter from Johnson to Boswell] Since I wrote, I have looked over Mr. Maclaurin's plea, and think it excellent. [ a legal case Boswell was involved in] How is the suit carried on? If by subscription, I commission you to contribute, in my name, what is proper.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
James Granger : Biographical History of England from Egbert the Great to the Revolution
'[letter from Boswell to Johnson] I have, since I saw you, read every word of Granger's "Biographical History". It has entertained me exceedingly, and I do not think him the [italics] Whig [end italics] that you supposed'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James Granger : Biographical History of England from Egbert the Great to the Revolution
'[letter from Boswell to Johnson] I have, since I saw you, read every word of Granger's "Biographical History". It has entertained me exceedingly, and I do not think him the [italics] Whig [end italics] that you supposed'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Xenophon : Oeconomicus
'[letter from Johnson to Boswell] Xenophon observes, in his "Treatise of Oeconomy", that if every thing be kept in a certain place, when any thing is worn out or consumed, the vacuity which it leaves will shew what is wanting; so if every part of time has its duty, the hour will call into remembrance its proper engagement.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Hugh Blair : [a sermon]
' [publisher Mr Strahan] received from Johnson on Christmas-eve, a note in which was the following paragraph: "I have read over Dr. Blair's first sermon with more than approbation; to say it is good, is to say too little".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Johnson : [paper on an aspect of Scottish law]
'[letter from Boswell to Johnson] Your paper on "Vicious Intromission" is a noble proof of what you can do even in Scotch law.'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell
Samuel Johnson : Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland
' [letter from Boswell to Johnson] I have not yet distributed all your books [presumably a new edition of the "Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland"]. Lord Hailes and Lord Monboddo have each received one, and return you thanks. Monboddo dined with me lately, and having drank tea, we were a good while by ourselves, and as I knew that he had read the "Journey superficially", as he did not talk of it as I wished, I brought it to him, and read aloud several passages; and then he talked so, that I told him he was to have a copy [italics] from the authour [end italics]. He begged [italics] that [end italics] might be marked on it'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland
' [letter from Boswell to Johnson] I have not yet distributed all your books [presumably a new edition of the "Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland"]. Lord Hailes and Lord Monboddo have each received one, and return you thanks. Monboddo dined with me lately, and having drank tea, we were a good while by ourselves, and as I knew that he had read the "Journey superficially", as he did not talk of it as I wished, I brought it to him, and read aloud several passages; and then he talked so, that I told him he was to have a copy [italics] from the authour [end italics]. He begged [italics] that [end italics] might be marked on it'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Burnett, Lord Monboddo Print: Book
Hugh Blair : [A Sermon]
' [letter from Johnson to Boswell] Dr. Blair is printing some sermons. If they are all like the first, which I have read, they are [italics] sermones aurei, ac auro magis aurei [end italics]. It is excellently written both as to doctrine and language.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Johnson : [proposals for the publication of William Shaw's 'Erse Grammar']
'[letter from Boswell to Johnson] You forget that Mr. Shaw's "Erse Grammar" was put into your hands by myself last year. Lord Eglintoune put it into mine. I am glad that Mr. Macbean approves of it. I have received Mr. Shaw's Proposals for its publication, which I can perceive are written [italics] by the hand of a MASTER [end italics]' [Master here refers to Johnson]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Unknown
: [newspapers]
'[letter from Boswell to Johnson] Our worthy friend Thrale's death having appeared in the newspapers, and been afterwards contradicted, I have been placed in a state of very uneasy uncertainty, from which I hoped to be relieved by you: but my hopes have as yet been vain.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Newspaper
Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield : Memoirs and Last Letters
' [letter from Boswell to Johnson] What do you say of Lord Chesterfield's "Memoirs and last Letters"?'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Hugh Blair : Sermons
' [letter from Johnson to Boswell] Please to return Dr. Blair thanks for his sermons. The Scotch write English wonderfully well.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas Leland : History of Ireland from the Invasion of Henry II, The
'[letter from Johnson to Charles O' Connor] Dr. Leland begins his history too late: the ages which deserve an exact enquiry are those times (for such there were) when Ireland was the school of the west, the quiet habitation of sanctity and literature.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Theophilus Cibber : Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland
'[ letter from Boswell to Johnson, responding to the latter's contention that there existed no adequate 'Life' of Thomson] Since I received your letter I have read his [Thomson's] "Life", published under the name of Cibber, but as you told me, really written by a Mr. Shiels; that written by Dr. Murdoch; one prefixed to an edition of the "Seasons", published at Edinburgh, which is compounded of both, with the addition of an anecdote of Quin's relieving Thomson from prison; the abridgement of Murdoch's account of him, in the "Biographia Britannica", and another abridgement of it in the "Biographical Dictionary", enriched with Dr. Joseph Warton's critical panegyrick on the "Seasons" in his "Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope": from all these it appears to me that we have a pretty full account of this poet.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Patrick Murdoch : [Life of Thomson, prefixed to an edition of 'The Seasons']
'[ letter from Boswell to Johnson, responding to the latter's contention that there existed no adequate 'Life' of Thomson] Since I received your letter I have read his [Thomson's] "Life", published under the name of Cibber, but as you told me, really written by a Mr. Shiels; that written by Dr. Murdoch; one prefixed to an edition of the "Seasons", published at Edinburgh, which is compounded of both, with the addition of an anecdote of Quin's relieving Thomson from prison; the abridgement of Murdoch's account of him, in the "Biographia Britannica", and another abridgement of it in the "Biographical Dictionary", enriched with Dr. Joseph Warton's critical panegyrick on the "Seasons" in his "Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope": from all these it appears to me that we have a pretty full account of this poet.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
anon. : [Life of Thomson, prefixed to an edition of 'The Seasons']
'[ letter from Boswell to Johnson, responding to the latter's contention that there existed no adequate 'Life' of Thomson] Since I received your letter I have read his [Thomson's] "Life", published under the name of Cibber, but as you told me, really written by a Mr. Shiels; that written by Dr. Murdoch; one prefixed to an edition of the "Seasons", published at Edinburgh, which is compounded of both, with the addition of an anecdote of Quin's relieving Thomson from prison; the abridgement of Murdoch's account of him, in the "Biographia Britannica", and another abridgement of it in the "Biographical Dictionary", enriched with Dr. Joseph Warton's critical panegyrick on the "Seasons" in his "Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope": from all these it appears to me that we have a pretty full account of this poet.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
: Biographia Britannica
'[ letter from Boswell to Johnson, responding to the latter's contention that there existed no adequate 'Life' of Thomson] Since I received your letter I have read his [Thomson's] "Life", published under the name of Cibber, but as you told me, really written by a Mr. Shiels; that written by Dr. Murdoch; one prefixed to an edition of the "Seasons", published at Edinburgh, which is compounded of both, with the addition of an anecdote of Quin's relieving Thomson from prison; the abridgement of Murdoch's account of him, in the "Biographia Britannica", and another abridgement of it in the "Biographical Dictionary", enriched with Dr. Joseph Warton's critical panegyrick on the "Seasons" in his "Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope": from all these it appears to me that we have a pretty full account of this poet.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
: Biographical Dictionary
'[ letter from Boswell to Johnson, responding to the latter's contention that there existed no adequate 'Life' of Thomson] Since I received your letter I have read his [Thomson's] "Life", published under the name of Cibber, but as you told me, really written by a Mr. Shiels; that written by Dr. Murdoch; one prefixed to an edition of the "Seasons", published at Edinburgh, which is compounded of both, with the addition of an anecdote of Quin's relieving Thomson from prison; the abridgement of Murdoch's account of him, in the "Biographia Britannica", and another abridgement of it in the "Biographical Dictionary", enriched with Dr. Joseph Warton's critical panegyrick on the "Seasons" in his "Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope": from all these it appears to me that we have a pretty full account of this poet.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Joseph Warton : Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope
'[ letter from Boswell to Johnson, responding to the latter's contention that there existed no adequate 'Life' of Thomson] Since I received your letter I have read his [Thomson's] "Life", published under the name of Cibber, but as you told me, really written by a Mr. Shiels; that written by Dr. Murdoch; one prefixed to an edition of the "Seasons", published at Edinburgh, which is compounded of both, with the addition of an anecdote of Quin's relieving Thomson from prison; the abridgement of Murdoch's account of him, in the "Biographia Britannica", and another abridgement of it in the "Biographical Dictionary", enriched with Dr. Joseph Warton's critical panegyrick on the "Seasons" in his "Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope": from all these it appears to me that we have a pretty full account of this poet.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
David Hume : My Own Life
' [letter from Boswell to Johnson] Without doubt you have read what is called "The Life of David Hume", written by himself, with the letter from Dr. Adam Smith subjoined to it. Is not this an age of daring effrontery?'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia , the
'[letter from Boswell to Johnson] I lately read Rasselas over again with great satisfaction'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [sermon written for Dr Dodd]
'He [Johnson] wrote also "The Convict's Address to his unhappy Brethren", a sermon delivered by Dr. Dodd [ a clergyman condemned to deatn for fraud], in the chapel of Newgate According to Johnson's manuscript it began thus after the text, What shall I do to be saved?-- "These were the words with which the keeper, to whose custody Paul and Silas were committed by their prosecutors, addressed his prisoners, when he saw them freed from their bonds by the perceptible agency of divine favour, and was, therefore, irresistibly convinced that they were not offenders against the laws, but martyrs to the truth". Dr. Johnson was so good as to mark for me with his own hand, on a copy of this sermon which is now in my possession, such passages as were added by Dr. Dodd. They are not many: whoever will take the trouble to look at the printed copy, and attend to what I mention, will be satisfied of this.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
William Dodd : [letter]
'This letter [printed above; from Dr Dodd, a clergyman condemned to death, asking Johnson to help him appeal for clemency to the King] was brought to Dr. Johnson when in church. He stooped down and read it, and wrote, when he went home, the following letter for Dr. Dodd to the King. [reproduced below]'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Letter
William Hamilton : 'Ah the poor shepherd's mournful fate'
'In the afternoon I tried to get Dr. Johnson to like the Poems of Mr. Hamilton of Bangour, which I had brought with me: I had been much pleased with them at a very early age; the impression still remained on my mind; it was confirmed by the opinion of my friend the Honourable Andrew Erskine, himself both a good poet and a good critick, who thought Hamilton as true a poet as ever wrote, and that his not having fame was unaccountable. Johnson, upon repeated occasions, while I was at Ashbourne, talked slightingly of Hamilton. He said there was no power of thinking in his verses, nothing that strikes one, nothing better than what you generally find in magazines; and that the highest praise they deserved was, that they were very well for a gentleman to hand about among his friends. He said the imitation of "Ne sit ancillae tibi amor", &c. was too solemn; he read part of it at the beginning. He read the beautiful pathetick song, 'Ah the poor shepherd's mournful fate', and did not seem to give attention to what I had been used to think tender elegant strains, but laughed at the rhyme, in Scotch pronunciation, [italics] wishes [end italics] and [italics] blushes [end italics], reading [italics] wushes [end italics]--and there he stopped. He owned that the epitaph on Lord Newhall was pretty well done. He read the 'Inscription in a Summer-house', and a little of the imitations of Horace's 'Epistles'; but said he found nothing to make him desire to read on. When I urged that there were some good poetical passages in the book. "Where (said he,) will you find so large a collection without some?" I thought the description of Winter might obtain his approbation: 'See Winter, from the frozen north Drives his iron chariot forth! His grisly hand in icy chains Fair Tweeda's silver flood constrains,' &c. He asked why an 'iron chariot'? and said 'icy chains' was an old image. I was struck with the uncertainty of taste, and somewhat sorry that a poet whom I had long read with fondness, was not approved by Dr. Johnson. I comforted myself with thinking that the beauties were too delicate for his robust perceptions'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Hamilton : [imitations of Horace]
'In the afternoon I tried to get Dr. Johnson to like the Poems of Mr. Hamilton of Bangour, which I had brought with me: I had been much pleased with them at a very early age; the impression still remained on my mind; it was confirmed by the opinion of my friend the Honourable Andrew Erskine, himself both a good poet and a good critick, who thought Hamilton as true a poet as ever wrote, and that his not having fame was unaccountable. Johnson, upon repeated occasions, while I was at Ashbourne, talked slightingly of Hamilton. He said there was no power of thinking in his verses, nothing that strikes one, nothing better than what you generally find in magazines; and that the highest praise they deserved was, that they were very well for a gentleman to hand about among his friends. He said the imitation of "Ne sit ancillae tibi amor", &c. was too solemn; he read part of it at the beginning. He read the beautiful pathetick song, 'Ah the poor shepherd's mournful fate', and did not seem to give attention to what I had been used to think tender elegant strains, but laughed at the rhyme, in Scotch pronunciation, [italics] wishes [end italics] and [italics] blushes [end italics], reading [italics] wushes [end italics]--and there he stopped. He owned that the epitaph on Lord Newhall was pretty well done. He read the 'Inscription in a Summer-house', and a little of the imitations of Horace's 'Epistles'; but said he found nothing to make him desire to read on. When I urged that there were some good poetical passages in the book. "Where (said he,) will you find so large a collection without some?" I thought the description of Winter might obtain his approbation: 'See Winter, from the frozen north Drives his iron chariot forth! His grisly hand in icy chains Fair Tweeda's silver flood constrains,' &c. He asked why an 'iron chariot'? and said 'icy chains' was an old image. I was struck with the uncertainty of taste, and somewhat sorry that a poet whom I had long read with fondness, was not approved by Dr. Johnson. I comforted myself with thinking that the beauties were too delicate for his robust perceptions'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Hamilton : 'Inscription in a Summer house'
'In the afternoon I tried to get Dr. Johnson to like the Poems of Mr. Hamilton of Bangour, which I had brought with me: I had been much pleased with them at a very early age; the impression still remained on my mind; it was confirmed by the opinion of my friend the Honourable Andrew Erskine, himself both a good poet and a good critick, who thought Hamilton as true a poet as ever wrote, and that his not having fame was unaccountable. Johnson, upon repeated occasions, while I was at Ashbourne, talked slightingly of Hamilton. He said there was no power of thinking in his verses, nothing that strikes one, nothing better than what you generally find in magazines; and that the highest praise they deserved was, that they were very well for a gentleman to hand about among his friends. He said the imitation of "Ne sit ancillae tibi amor", &c. was too solemn; he read part of it at the beginning. He read the beautiful pathetick song, 'Ah the poor shepherd's mournful fate', and did not seem to give attention to what I had been used to think tender elegant strains, but laughed at the rhyme, in Scotch pronunciation, [italics] wishes [end italics] and [italics] blushes [end italics], reading [italics] wushes [end italics]--and there he stopped. He owned that the epitaph on Lord Newhall was pretty well done. He read the 'Inscription in a Summer-house', and a little of the imitations of Horace's 'Epistles'; but said he found nothing to make him desire to read on. When I urged that there were some good poetical passages in the book. "Where (said he,) will you find so large a collection without some?" I thought the description of Winter might obtain his approbation: 'See Winter, from the frozen north Drives his iron chariot forth! His grisly hand in icy chains Fair Tweeda's silver flood constrains,' &c. He asked why an 'iron chariot'? and said 'icy chains' was an old image. I was struck with the uncertainty of taste, and somewhat sorry that a poet whom I had long read with fondness, was not approved by Dr. Johnson. I comforted myself with thinking that the beauties were too delicate for his robust perceptions'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Hamilton : [poem on Winter]
'In the afternoon I tried to get Dr. Johnson to like the Poems of Mr. Hamilton of Bangour, which I had brought with me: I had been much pleased with them at a very early age; the impression still remained on my mind; it was confirmed by the opinion of my friend the Honourable Andrew Erskine, himself both a good poet and a good critick, who thought Hamilton as true a poet as ever wrote, and that his not having fame was unaccountable. Johnson, upon repeated occasions, while I was at Ashbourne, talked slightingly of Hamilton. He said there was no power of thinking in his verses, nothing that strikes one, nothing better than what you generally find in magazines; and that the highest praise they deserved was, that they were very well for a gentleman to hand about among his friends. He said the imitation of "Ne sit ancillae tibi amor", &c. was too solemn; he read part of it at the beginning. He read the beautiful pathetick song, 'Ah the poor shepherd's mournful fate', and did not seem to give attention to what I had been used to think tender elegant strains, but laughed at the rhyme, in Scotch pronunciation, [italics] wishes [end italics] and [italics] blushes [end italics], reading [italics] wushes [end italics]--and there he stopped. He owned that the epitaph on Lord Newhall was pretty well done. He read the 'Inscription in a Summer-house', and a little of the imitations of Horace's 'Epistles'; but said he found nothing to make him desire to read on. When I urged that there were some good poetical passages in the book. "Where (said he,) will you find so large a collection without some?" I thought the description of Winter might obtain his approbation: 'See Winter, from the frozen north Drives his iron chariot forth! His grisly hand in icy chains Fair Tweeda's silver flood constrains,' &c. He asked why an 'iron chariot'? and said 'icy chains' was an old image. I was struck with the uncertainty of taste, and somewhat sorry that a poet whom I had long read with fondness, was not approved by Dr. Johnson. I comforted myself with thinking that the beauties were too delicate for his robust perceptions'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Hamilton : [poem on Winter]
'In the afternoon I tried to get Dr. Johnson to like the Poems of Mr. Hamilton of Bangour, which I had brought with me: I had been much pleased with them at a very early age; the impression still remained on my mind; it was confirmed by the opinion of my friend the Honourable Andrew Erskine, himself both a good poet and a good critick, who thought Hamilton as true a poet as ever wrote, and that his not having fame was unaccountable. Johnson, upon repeated occasions, while I was at Ashbourne, talked slightingly of Hamilton. He said there was no power of thinking in his verses, nothing that strikes one, nothing better than what you generally find in magazines; and that the highest praise they deserved was, that they were very well for a gentleman to hand about among his friends. He said the imitation of "Ne sit ancillae tibi amor", &c. was too solemn; he read part of it at the beginning. He read the beautiful pathetick song, 'Ah the poor shepherd's mournful fate', and did not seem to give attention to what I had been used to think tender elegant strains, but laughed at the rhyme, in Scotch pronunciation, [italics] wishes [end italics] and [italics] blushes [end italics], reading [italics] wushes [end italics]--and there he stopped. He owned that the epitaph on Lord Newhall was pretty well done. He read the 'Inscription in a Summer-house', and a little of the imitations of Horace's 'Epistles'; but said he found nothing to make him desire to read on. When I urged that there were some good poetical passages in the book. "Where (said he,) will you find so large a collection without some?" I thought the description of Winter might obtain his approbation: 'See Winter, from the frozen north Drives his iron chariot forth! His grisly hand in icy chains Fair Tweeda's silver flood constrains,' &c. He asked why an 'iron chariot'? and said 'icy chains' was an old image. I was struck with the uncertainty of taste, and somewhat sorry that a poet whom I had long read with fondness, was not approved by Dr. Johnson. I comforted myself with thinking that the beauties were too delicate for his robust perceptions'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
William Hamilton : [poems]
'In the afternoon I tried to get Dr. Johnson to like the Poems of Mr. Hamilton of Bangour, which I had brought with me: I had been much pleased with them at a very early age; the impression still remained on my mind; it was confirmed by the opinion of my friend the Honourable Andrew Erskine, himself both a good poet and a good critick, who thought Hamilton as true a poet as ever wrote, and that his not having fame was unaccountable. Johnson, upon repeated occasions, while I was at Ashbourne, talked slightingly of Hamilton. He said there was no power of thinking in his verses, nothing that strikes one, nothing better than what you generally find in magazines; and that the highest praise they deserved was, that they were very well for a gentleman to hand about among his friends. He said the imitation of "Ne sit ancillae tibi amor", &c. was too solemn; he read part of it at the beginning. He read the beautiful pathetick song, 'Ah the poor shepherd's mournful fate', and did not seem to give attention to what I had been used to think tender elegant strains, but laughed at the rhyme, in Scotch pronunciation, [italics] wishes [end italics] and [italics] blushes [end italics], reading [italics] wushes [end italics]--and there he stopped. He owned that the epitaph on Lord Newhall was pretty well done. He read the 'Inscription in a Summer-house', and a little of the imitations of Horace's 'Epistles'; but said he found nothing to make him desire to read on. When I urged that there were some good poetical passages in the book. "Where (said he,) will you find so large a collection without some?" I thought the description of Winter might obtain his approbation: 'See Winter, from the frozen north Drives his iron chariot forth! His grisly hand in icy chains Fair Tweeda's silver flood constrains,' &c. He asked why an 'iron chariot'? and said 'icy chains' was an old image. I was struck with the uncertainty of taste, and somewhat sorry that a poet whom I had long read with fondness, was not approved by Dr. Johnson. I comforted myself with thinking that the beauties were too delicate for his robust perceptions'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Thomas Warton : [poems]
'He [Johnson] observed, that a gentleman of eminence in literature [Thomas Warton] had got into a bad style of poetry of late. "He puts (said he) a very common thing in a strange dress till he does not know it himself, and thinks other people do not know it". BOSWELL. "That is owing to his being so much versant in old English poetry".JOHNSON. "What is the purpose, Sir? If I say a man is drunk, and you tell me it is owing to his taking much drink, the matter is not mended. No, Sir, ---- has taken to an odd mode. For example; he'd write thus: 'Hermit hoar, in solemn cell, Wearing out life's evening gray'. [italics] Gray evening [end italics] is common enough; but [italics] evening gray [end italics] he'd think fine".'[Johnson continues to critique Warton's style]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Hugh Blair : Sermons
' [Johnson] praised Blair's sermons: "Yet", said he, (willing to let us see he was aware that fashionable fame, however deserved, is not always the most lasting,) "perhaps, they may not be re-printed after seven years; at least not after Blair's death".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: Critical Review
'He [Johnson] was much diverted with an article which I shewed him in the "Critical Review" of this year, giving an account of a curious publication, entitled, "A Spiritual Diary and Soliloquies", by John Rutty, M.D. Dr. Rutty was one of the people called Quakers, a physician of some eminence in Dublin, and authour of several works. This Diary, which was kept from 1753 to 1775, the year in which he died, and was now published in two volumes octavo, exhibited, in the simplicity of his heart, a minute and honest register of the state of his mind; which, though frequently laughable enough, was not more so than the history of many men would be, if recorded with equal fairness.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Serial / periodical
: Critical Review
'He [Johnson] was much diverted with an article which I shewed him in the "Critical Review" of this year, giving an account of a curious publication, entitled, "A Spiritual Diary and Soliloquies", by John Rutty, M.D. Dr. Rutty was one of the people called Quakers, a physician of some eminence in Dublin, and authour of several works. This Diary, which was kept from 1753 to 1775, the year in which he died, and was now published in two volumes octavo, exhibited, in the simplicity of his heart, a minute and honest register of the state of his mind; which, though frequently laughable enough, was not more so than the history of many men would be, if recorded with equal fairness.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Arnold : Observations on Insanity
'Some of the ancient philosophers held, that all deviations from right reason were madness; and whoever wishes to see the opinions both of ancients and moderns upon this subject, collected and illustrated with a variety of curious facts, may read Dr. Arnold's very entertaining work'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
George Forster : Voyage Round the World in his Britannic Majesty's sloop, Resolution, A
'I talked to him [Johnson] of Forster's "Voyage to the South Seas", which pleased me; but I found he did not like it. "Sir, (said he,) there is a great affectation of fine writing in it". BOSWELL. "But he carries you along with him". JOHNSON, "No, Sir; he does not carry me along with him: he leaves me behind him: or rather, indeed, he sets me before him; for he makes me turn over many leaves at a time".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
George Forster : Voyage Round the World in his Britannic Majesty's sloop, Resolution, A
'I talked to him [Johnson] of Forster's "Voyage to the South Seas", which pleased me; but I found he did not like it. "Sir, (said he,) there is a great affectation of fine writing in it". BOSWELL. "But he carries you along with him". JOHNSON, "No, Sir; he does not carry me along with him: he leaves me behind him: or rather, indeed, he sets me before him; for he makes me turn over many leaves at a time".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [sermon written for John Taylor]
'I have no doubt that a good many sermons were composed for Taylor [with whom Johnson and Boswell were staying] by Johnson. At this time I found, upon his table, a part of one which he had newly begun to write: and [italics] Concio pro Tayloro [end italics] appears in one of his diaries. When to these circumstances we add the internal evidence from the power of thinking and style, in the collection which the Reverend Mr. Hayes has published, with the [italics] significant [end italics] title of "Sermons [italics] left for publication [end italics] by the Reverend John Taylor, LL.D.", our conviction will be complete. I, however, would not have it thought, that Dr. Taylor, though he could not write like Johnson, (as, indeed, who could?) did not sometimes compose sermons as good as those which we generally have from very respectable divines. He showed me one with notes on the margin in Johnson's hand-writing; and I was present when he read another to Johnson, that he might have his opinion of it, and Johnson said it was "very well". These, we may be sure, were not Johnson's; for he was above little arts, or tricks of deception.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
John Taylor : Sermons left for publication by the Reverend John Taylor LL.D.
'I have no doubt that a good many sermons were composed for Taylor [with whom Johnson and Boswell were staying] by Johnson. At this time I found, upon his table, a part of one which he had newly begun to write: and [italics] Concio pro Tayloro [end italics] appears in one of his diaries. When to these circumstances we add the internal evidence from the power of thinking and style, in the collection which the Reverend Mr. Hayes has published, with the [italics] significant [end italics] title of "Sermons [italics] left for publication [end italics] by the Reverend John Taylor, LL.D.", our conviction will be complete. I, however, would not have it thought, that Dr. Taylor, though he could not write like Johnson, (as, indeed, who could?) did not sometimes compose sermons as good as those which we generally have from very respectable divines. He showed me one with notes on the margin in Johnson's hand-writing; and I was present when he read another to Johnson, that he might have his opinion of it, and Johnson said it was "very well". These, we may be sure, were not Johnson's; for he was above little arts, or tricks of deception.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Edmund Burke : Letter To The Sheriffs Of Bristol
'Mr. Burke's "Letter to the Sheriffs of Bristol, on the affairs of America", being mentioned, Johnson censured the composition much, and he ridiculed the definition of a free government, viz. "For any practical purpose, it is what the people think so"--"I will let the King of France govern me on those conditions, (said he,) for it is to be governed just as I ".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Various : [Texts by or about 15th-century French literary and historical figures]
'I have fallen in love with the Charles of Orleans period and cannot get enough of it. I see six essays at least, on single characters: Charles, Rene of Anjou, Jacques Coeur, Villon, Louis XI, Joan of Arc. Would not that be a jolly book? I do not propose to write any of them just now; but study the period quietly. It suits me better than the Reformation , because − well, because it’s more romantic to begin with, and again because it is more manageable − not such a monstrous large order.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Probably books and articles.
Robert Plott : Natural History of Staffordshire
'We viewed a remarkable natural curiosity at Islam; two rivers bursting near each other from the rock, not from immediate springs, but after having run for many miles under ground. Plott, in his "History of Staffordshire", gives an account of this curiosity; but Johnson would not believe it, though we had the attestation of the gardener, who said, he had put in corks, where the river Manyfold sinks into the ground, and had catched them in a net, placed before one of the openings where the water bursts out. Indeed, such subterraneous courses of water are found in various parts of our globe.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Gilbert Burnet : Some passages of the life and death of the Right Honourable John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester
'Talking of Rochester's Poems, he said, he had given them to Mr. Steevens to castrate for the edition of the poets, to which he was to write Prefaces. Dr. Taylor (the only time I ever heard him say any thing witty) observed, that "if Rochester had been castrated himself, his exceptionable poems would not have been written". I asked if Burnet had not given a good Life of Rochester. JOHNSON. "We have a good [italics] Death [end italics]: there is not much [italics] Life[end italics]".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Gilbert Burnet : Some passages of the life and death of the Right Honourable John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester
'Talking of Rochester's Poems, he said, he had given them to Mr. Steevens to castrate for the edition of the poets, to which he was to write Prefaces. Dr. Taylor (the only time I ever heard him say any thing witty) observed, that "if Rochester had been castrated himself, his exceptionable poems would not have been written". I asked if Burnet had not given a good Life of Rochester. JOHNSON. "We have a good [italics] Death [end italics]: there is not much [italics] Life[end italics]".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Wilmot, Lord Rochester : [Poems]
'Talking of Rochester's Poems, he said, he had given them to Mr. Steevens to castrate for the edition of the poets, to which he was to write Prefaces. Dr. Taylor (the only time I ever heard him say any thing witty) observed, that "if Rochester had been castrated himself, his exceptionable poems would not have been written". I asked if Burnet had not given a good Life of Rochester. JOHNSON. "We have a good [italics] Death [end italics]: there is not much [italics] Life[end italics]".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Matthew Prior : [Poems]
'I asked whether Prior's Poems were to be printed entire: Johnson said they were. I mentioned Lord Hailes's censure of Prior, in his Preface to a collection of "Sacred Poems", by various hands, published by him at Edinburgh a great many years ago, where he mentions, "those impure tales which will be the eternal opprobrium of their ingenious authour". JOHNSON. "Sir, Lord Hailes has forgot. There is nothing in Prior that will excite to lewdness. If Lord Hailes thinks there is, he must be more combustible than other people". I instanced the tale of Paulo Purganti and his Wife. JOHNSON. "Sir, there is nothing there, but that his wife wanted to be kissed when poor Paulo was out of pocket. No, Sir, Prior is a lady's book. No lady is ashamed to have it standing in her library".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Sidney Colvin : At the Land's End of France.
'The Brittany game is simply “on it”. There are no two ways of that. [ref.to Note 1] Look here, my young and lovely friend, if you overwork like that, your numskull will cave in again.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodicalManuscript: Letter
Matthew Prior : [Poems]
'I asked whether Prior's Poems were to be printed entire: Johnson said they were. I mentioned Lord Hailes's censure of Prior, in his Preface to a collection of "Sacred Poems", by various hands, published by him at Edinburgh a great many years ago, where he mentions, "those impure tales which will be the eternal opprobrium of their ingenious authour". JOHNSON. "Sir, Lord Hailes has forgot. There is nothing in Prior that will excite to lewdness. If Lord Hailes thinks there is, he must be more combustible than other people". I instanced the tale of Paulo Purganti and his Wife. JOHNSON. "Sir, there is nothing there, but that his wife wanted to be kissed when poor Paulo was out of pocket. No, Sir, Prior is a lady's book. No lady is ashamed to have it standing in her library".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Horace : Odes
'He repeated a good many lines of Horace's "Odes", while we were in the chaise. I remember particularly the Ode [italics] Eheu fugaces [italics]. He said, the dispute as to the comparative excellence of Homer or Virgil was inaccurate. "We must consider (said he) whether Homer was not the greatest poet, though Virgil may have produced the finest poem. Virgil was indebted to Homer for the whole invention of the structure of an epick poem, and for many of his beauties".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Virgil : Aeneid
'He repeated a good many lines of Horace's "Odes", while we were in the chaise. I remember particularly the Ode [italics] Eheu fugaces [italics]. He said, the dispute as to the comparative excellence of Homer or Virgil was inaccurate. "We must consider (said he) whether Homer was not the greatest poet, though Virgil may have produced the finest poem. Virgil was indebted to Homer for the whole invention of the structure of an epick poem, and for many of his beauties".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Homer : Iliad and Odyssey
'He repeated a good many lines of Horace's "Odes", while we were in the chaise. I remember particularly the Ode [italics] Eheu fugaces [italics]. He said, the dispute as to the comparative excellence of Homer or Virgil was inaccurate. "We must consider (said he) whether Homer was not the greatest poet, though Virgil may have produced the finest poem. Virgil was indebted to Homer for the whole invention of the structure of an epick poem, and for many of his beauties".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Francis Bacon :
'He [Johnson] told me that Bacon was a favourite authour with him; but he had never read his works till he was compiling the "English Dictionary", in which, he said, I might see Bacon very often quoted.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
David Mallet : Life of Francis Bacon, The
'Mallet's "Life of Bacon" has no inconsiderable merit as an acute and elegant dissertation relative to its subject; but Mallet's mind was not comprehensive enough to embrace the vast extent of Lord Verulam's genius and research. Dr. Warburton therefore observed, with witty justness, "that Mallet, in his "Life of Bacon", had forgotten that he was a philosopher; and if he should write the Life of the Duke of Marlborough, which he had undertaken to do, he would probably forget that he was a general".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
James Grainger : 'Ode on Solitude'
'He praised Grainger's "Ode on Solitude", in Dodsley's "Collection", and repeated, with great energy, the exordium:- "O Solitude, romantick maid, Whether by nodding towers you tread; Or haunt the desart's trackless gloom, Or hover o'er the yawning tomb; Or climb the Andes' clifted side, Or by the Nile's coy source abide; Or, starting from your half-year's sleep, From Hecla view the thawing deep; Or, at the purple dawn of day, Tadnor's marble waste survey"; observing, "This, Sir, is very noble".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Ranby : Doubts on the Abolition of the Slave Trade
I have read, conversed, and thought much upon the subject, and would recommend to all who are capable of conviction, an excellent Tract by my learned and ingenious friend John Ranby, Esq. entitled "Doubts on the Abolition of the Slave Trade." To Mr. Ranby's "Doubts," I will apply Lord Chancellor Hardwicke's expression in praise of a Scotch Law Book, called "Dirleton's Doubts"; "HIS [italics] Doubts [end italics], (said his Lordship,) are better than most people's [italics] Certainties [end italics]."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell
James Steuart : Dirleton's Doubts and Questions in the Law of Scotland
I have read, conversed, and thought much upon the subject, and would recommend to all who are capable of conviction, an excellent Tract by my learned and ingenious friend John Ranby, Esq. entitled "Doubts on the Abolition of the Slave Trade." To Mr. Ranby's "Doubts," I will apply Lord Chancellor Hardwicke's expression in praise of a Scotch Law Book, called "Dirleton's Doubts"; "HIS [italics] Doubts [end italics], (said his Lordship,) are better than most people's [italics] Certainties [end italics]."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Philip Yorke, 1st Earl of Hardwicke Print: Book
Florentius Volusenus [pseud.] : De Animi Tranquillitate
'[letter from Boswell to Johnson] Did you ever look at a book written by Wilson, a Scotchman, under the Latin name of Volusenus, according to the custom of literary men at a certain period. It is entitled "De Animi Tranquillitate" I earnestly desire tranquillity'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
: London Chronicle
'[Letter from Boswell to Johnson] The alarm of your late illness distressed me but a few hours ; for on the evening of the day that it reached me, I found it contradicted in 'The London Chronicle,' which I could depend upon as authentick concerning you, Mr. Strahan being the printer of it'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Newspaper
Robert Sibbald : [manuscript Life]
'I mentioned that I had in my possession the Life of Sir Robert Sibbald, the celebrated Scottish antiquary, and founder of the Royal College of Physicians at Edinburgh, in the original manuscript in his own hand-writing ; and that it was, I believed, the most natural and candid account of himself that ever was given by any man'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
Francis Atterbury : [Funeral Sermon for Lady Cutts]
'[in a conversation about journals, Boswell said] "And as a lady adjusts her dress before a mirrour, a man adjusts his character by looking at his journal." I next year found the very same thought in Atterbury's "Funeral Sermon on Lady Cutts" where, having mentioned her diary, he says, " In this glass she every day dressed her mind." This is a proof of coincidence, and not of plagiarism ; for I had never read that sermon before'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Philip Thicknesse : Observations on the Customs and Manners of the French Nation
'Johnson. "I have been reading Thicknesse's Travels, which I think are entertaining." Boswell. "What, Sir, a good book?" Johnson. "Yes, Sir, to read once; I do not say you are to make a study of it, and digest it ; and I believe it to be a true book in his intention. All travellers generally mean to tell truth".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
:
'He [Johnson] was very silent this evening ; and read in a variety of books ; suddenly throwing down one, and taking up another.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Martin Martin : Description of the Western Isles of Scotland
'I had lent him "An Account of Scotland, in 1702," written by a man of various enquiry, an English chaplain to a regiment stationed there. JOHNSON. "It is sad stuff, Sir, miserably written, as books in general then were. There is now an elegance of style universally diffused. No man now writes so ill as Martin's "Account of the Hebrides" is written, A man could not write so ill, if he should try. Set a merchant's clerk now to write, and he'll do better".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas Morer : Short Account of Scotland
'I had lent him "An Account of Scotland, in 1702," written by a man of various enquiry, an English chaplain to a regiment stationed there. JOHNSON. "It is sad stuff, Sir, miserably written, as books in general then were. There is now an elegance of style universally diffused. No man now writes so ill as Martin's "Account of the Hebrides" is written, A man could not write so ill, if he should try. Set a merchant's clerk now to write, and he'll do better".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
abbe Trublet : Mémoires pour servir a l'histoire de la vie et des ouvrages de M. de Fontenelle
'He [Johnson] was for a considerable time occupied in reading "Memoires de Fontenelle" leaning and swinging upon the low gate into the court, without his hat.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Henry Home, Lord Kames : Sketches of the History of Man
'I looked into Lord Kaimes's "Sketches of the History of Man"; and mentioned to Dr. Johnson his censure of Charles the Fifth, for celebrating his funeral obsequies in his life-time'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Francis Atterbury : [Sermons]
'Sir John Pringle had expressed a wish that I would ask Dr. Johnson's opinion what were the best English sermons for style. I took an opportunity to-day of mentioning several to him. "Atterbury?" Johnson. "Yes, Sir, one of the best". Boswell. "Tillotson?". Johnson. "Why, not now. I should not advise a preacher at this day to imitate Tillotson's style: though I don't know; I should be cautious of objecting to what has been applauded by so many suffrages. — South is one of the best, if you except his peculiarities, and his violence, and sometimes coarseness of language. — Seed has a very fine style; but he is not very theological. — Jortin's sermons are very elegant. — Sherlock's style too is very elegant, though he has not made it his principal study. — And you may add Smallridge. All the latter preachers have a good style. Indeed, nobody now talks much of style: everybody composes pretty well. There are no such inharmonious periods as there were a hundred years ago. I should recommend Dr. Clarke's sermons, were he orthodox. However, it is very well known where he is not orthodox, which was upon the doctrine of the Trinity, as to which he is a condemned heretic: so one is aware of it." Boswell. "I like Ogden's "Sermons on Prayer" very much, both for neatness of style and subtilty of reasoning. "Johnson. "I should like to read all that Ogden has written." Boswell. "What I wish to know is, what sermons afford the best specimen of English pulpit eloquence." Johnson. "We have no sermons addressed to the passions, that are good for anything; if you mean that kind of eloquence".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
John Tillotson : [Sermons]
'Sir John Pringle had expressed a wish that I would ask Dr. Johnson's opinion what were the best English sermons for style. I took an opportunity to-day of mentioning several to him. "Atterbury?" Johnson. "Yes, Sir, one of the best". Boswell. "Tillotson?". Johnson. "Why, not now. I should not advise a preacher at this day to imitate Tillotson's style: though I don't know; I should be cautious of objecting to what has been applauded by so many suffrages. — South is one of the best, if you except his peculiarities, and his violence, and sometimes coarseness of language. — Seed has a very fine style; but he is not very theological. — Jortin's sermons are very elegant. — Sherlock's style too is very elegant, though he has not made it his principal study. — And you may add Smallridge. All the latter preachers have a good style. Indeed, nobody now talks much of style: everybody composes pretty well. There are no such inharmonious periods as there were a hundred years ago. I should recommend Dr. Clarke's sermons, were he orthodox. However, it is very well known where he is not orthodox, which was upon the doctrine of the Trinity, as to which he is a condemned heretic: so one is aware of it." Boswell. "I like Ogden's "Sermons on Prayer" very much, both for neatness of style and subtilty of reasoning. "Johnson. "I should like to read all that Ogden has written." Boswell. "What I wish to know is, what sermons afford the best specimen of English pulpit eloquence." Johnson. "We have no sermons addressed to the passions, that are good for anything; if you mean that kind of eloquence".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Robert South : [Sermons]
'Sir John Pringle had expressed a wish that I would ask Dr. Johnson's opinion what were the best English sermons for style. I took an opportunity to-day of mentioning several to him. "Atterbury?" Johnson. "Yes, Sir, one of the best". Boswell. "Tillotson?". Johnson. "Why, not now. I should not advise a preacher at this day to imitate Tillotson's style: though I don't know; I should be cautious of objecting to what has been applauded by so many suffrages. — South is one of the best, if you except his peculiarities, and his violence, and sometimes coarseness of language. — Seed has a very fine style; but he is not very theological. — Jortin's sermons are very elegant. — Sherlock's style too is very elegant, though he has not made it his principal study. — And you may add Smallridge. All the latter preachers have a good style. Indeed, nobody now talks much of style: everybody composes pretty well. There are no such inharmonious periods as there were a hundred years ago. I should recommend Dr. Clarke's sermons, were he orthodox. However, it is very well known where he is not orthodox, which was upon the doctrine of the Trinity, as to which he is a condemned heretic: so one is aware of it." Boswell. "I like Ogden's "Sermons on Prayer" very much, both for neatness of style and subtilty of reasoning. "Johnson. "I should like to read all that Ogden has written." Boswell. "What I wish to know is, what sermons afford the best specimen of English pulpit eloquence." Johnson. "We have no sermons addressed to the passions, that are good for anything; if you mean that kind of eloquence".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Seed : [Sermons]
'Sir John Pringle had expressed a wish that I would ask Dr. Johnson's opinion what were the best English sermons for style. I took an opportunity to-day of mentioning several to him. "Atterbury?" Johnson. "Yes, Sir, one of the best". Boswell. "Tillotson?". Johnson. "Why, not now. I should not advise a preacher at this day to imitate Tillotson's style: though I don't know; I should be cautious of objecting to what has been applauded by so many suffrages. — South is one of the best, if you except his peculiarities, and his violence, and sometimes coarseness of language. — Seed has a very fine style; but he is not very theological. — Jortin's sermons are very elegant. — Sherlock's style too is very elegant, though he has not made it his principal study. — And you may add Smallridge. All the latter preachers have a good style. Indeed, nobody now talks much of style: everybody composes pretty well. There are no such inharmonious periods as there were a hundred years ago. I should recommend Dr. Clarke's sermons, were he orthodox. However, it is very well known where he is not orthodox, which was upon the doctrine of the Trinity, as to which he is a condemned heretic: so one is aware of it." Boswell. "I like Ogden's "Sermons on Prayer" very much, both for neatness of style and subtilty of reasoning. "Johnson. "I should like to read all that Ogden has written." Boswell. "What I wish to know is, what sermons afford the best specimen of English pulpit eloquence." Johnson. "We have no sermons addressed to the passions, that are good for anything; if you mean that kind of eloquence".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
John Jortin : [Sermons]
'Sir John Pringle had expressed a wish that I would ask Dr. Johnson's opinion what were the best English sermons for style. I took an opportunity to-day of mentioning several to him. "Atterbury?" Johnson. "Yes, Sir, one of the best". Boswell. "Tillotson?". Johnson. "Why, not now. I should not advise a preacher at this day to imitate Tillotson's style: though I don't know; I should be cautious of objecting to what has been applauded by so many suffrages. — South is one of the best, if you except his peculiarities, and his violence, and sometimes coarseness of language. — Seed has a very fine style; but he is not very theological. — Jortin's sermons are very elegant. — Sherlock's style too is very elegant, though he has not made it his principal study. — And you may add Smallridge. All the latter preachers have a good style. Indeed, nobody now talks much of style: everybody composes pretty well. There are no such inharmonious periods as there were a hundred years ago. I should recommend Dr. Clarke's sermons, were he orthodox. However, it is very well known where he is not orthodox, which was upon the doctrine of the Trinity, as to which he is a condemned heretic: so one is aware of it." Boswell. "I like Ogden's "Sermons on Prayer" very much, both for neatness of style and subtilty of reasoning. "Johnson. "I should like to read all that Ogden has written." Boswell. "What I wish to know is, what sermons afford the best specimen of English pulpit eloquence." Johnson. "We have no sermons addressed to the passions, that are good for anything; if you mean that kind of eloquence".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
George Smallridge : [Sermons]
'Sir John Pringle had expressed a wish that I would ask Dr. Johnson's opinion what were the best English sermons for style. I took an opportunity to-day of mentioning several to him. "Atterbury?" Johnson. "Yes, Sir, one of the best". Boswell. "Tillotson?". Johnson. "Why, not now. I should not advise a preacher at this day to imitate Tillotson's style: though I don't know; I should be cautious of objecting to what has been applauded by so many suffrages. — South is one of the best, if you except his peculiarities, and his violence, and sometimes coarseness of language. — Seed has a very fine style; but he is not very theological. — Jortin's sermons are very elegant. — Sherlock's style too is very elegant, though he has not made it his principal study. — And you may add Smallridge. All the latter preachers have a good style. Indeed, nobody now talks much of style: everybody composes pretty well. There are no such inharmonious periods as there were a hundred years ago. I should recommend Dr. Clarke's sermons, were he orthodox. However, it is very well known where he is not orthodox, which was upon the doctrine of the Trinity, as to which he is a condemned heretic: so one is aware of it." Boswell. "I like Ogden's "Sermons on Prayer" very much, both for neatness of style and subtilty of reasoning. "Johnson. "I should like to read all that Ogden has written." Boswell. "What I wish to know is, what sermons afford the best specimen of English pulpit eloquence." Johnson. "We have no sermons addressed to the passions, that are good for anything; if you mean that kind of eloquence".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Samuel Clarke : [Sermons]
'Sir John Pringle had expressed a wish that I would ask Dr. Johnson's opinion what were the best English sermons for style. I took an opportunity to-day of mentioning several to him. "Atterbury?" Johnson. "Yes, Sir, one of the best". Boswell. "Tillotson?". Johnson. "Why, not now. I should not advise a preacher at this day to imitate Tillotson's style: though I don't know; I should be cautious of objecting to what has been applauded by so many suffrages. — South is one of the best, if you except his peculiarities, and his violence, and sometimes coarseness of language. — Seed has a very fine style; but he is not very theological. — Jortin's sermons are very elegant. — Sherlock's style too is very elegant, though he has not made it his principal study. — And you may add Smallridge. All the latter preachers have a good style. Indeed, nobody now talks much of style: everybody composes pretty well. There are no such inharmonious periods as there were a hundred years ago. I should recommend Dr. Clarke's sermons, were he orthodox. However, it is very well known where he is not orthodox, which was upon the doctrine of the Trinity, as to which he is a condemned heretic: so one is aware of it." Boswell. "I like Ogden's "Sermons on Prayer" very much, both for neatness of style and subtilty of reasoning. "Johnson. "I should like to read all that Ogden has written." Boswell. "What I wish to know is, what sermons afford the best specimen of English pulpit eloquence." Johnson. "We have no sermons addressed to the passions, that are good for anything; if you mean that kind of eloquence".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Samuel Ogden : [Sermons]
'Sir John Pringle had expressed a wish that I would ask Dr. Johnson's opinion what were the best English sermons for style. I took an opportunity to-day of mentioning several to him. "Atterbury?" Johnson. "Yes, Sir, one of the best". Boswell. "Tillotson?". Johnson. "Why, not now. I should not advise a preacher at this day to imitate Tillotson's style: though I don't know; I should be cautious of objecting to what has been applauded by so many suffrages. — South is one of the best, if you except his peculiarities, and his violence, and sometimes coarseness of language. — Seed has a very fine style; but he is not very theological. — Jortin's sermons are very elegant. — Sherlock's style too is very elegant, though he has not made it his principal study. — And you may add Smallridge. All the latter preachers have a good style. Indeed, nobody now talks much of style: everybody composes pretty well. There are no such inharmonious periods as there were a hundred years ago. I should recommend Dr. Clarke's sermons, were he orthodox. However, it is very well known where he is not orthodox, which was upon the doctrine of the Trinity, as to which he is a condemned heretic: so one is aware of it." Boswell. "I like Ogden's "Sermons on Prayer" very much, both for neatness of style and subtilty of reasoning. "Johnson. "I should like to read all that Ogden has written." Boswell. "What I wish to know is, what sermons afford the best specimen of English pulpit eloquence." Johnson. "We have no sermons addressed to the passions, that are good for anything; if you mean that kind of eloquence".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Samuel Ogden : [Sermons]
'Sir John Pringle had expressed a wish that I would ask Dr. Johnson's opinion what were the best English sermons for style. I took an opportunity to-day of mentioning several to him. "Atterbury?" Johnson. "Yes, Sir, one of the best". Boswell. "Tillotson?". Johnson. "Why, not now. I should not advise a preacher at this day to imitate Tillotson's style: though I don't know; I should be cautious of objecting to what has been applauded by so many suffrages. — South is one of the best, if you except his peculiarities, and his violence, and sometimes coarseness of language. — Seed has a very fine style; but he is not very theological. — Jortin's sermons are very elegant. — Sherlock's style too is very elegant, though he has not made it his principal study. — And you may add Smallridge. All the latter preachers have a good style. Indeed, nobody now talks much of style: everybody composes pretty well. There are no such inharmonious periods as there were a hundred years ago. I should recommend Dr. Clarke's sermons, were he orthodox. However, it is very well known where he is not orthodox, which was upon the doctrine of the Trinity, as to which he is a condemned heretic: so one is aware of it." Boswell. "I like Ogden's "Sermons on Prayer" very much, both for neatness of style and subtilty of reasoning. "Johnson. "I should like to read all that Ogden has written." Boswell. "What I wish to know is, what sermons afford the best specimen of English pulpit eloquence." Johnson. "We have no sermons addressed to the passions, that are good for anything; if you mean that kind of eloquence".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Unknown
Patrick Delany : Observations upon Lord Orrery's Remarks on the Life and Writings of Dr. Jonathan Swift
'I found him at home in the morning. He praised Delany's "Observations on Swift ;" said that his book and Lord Orrery's might both be true, though one viewed Swift more, and the other less favourably; and that, between both, we might have a complete notion of Swift.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Boyle, 5th earl of Orrery : Remarks on the life and writings of Dr. Jonathan Swift
'I found him at home in the morning. He praised Delany's "Observations on Swift ;" said that his book and Lord Orrery's might both be true, though one viewed Swift more, and the other less favourably; and that, between both, we might have a complete notion of Swift.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Edward Young :
'The Bishop said, it appeared from Horace's writings that he was a cheerful contented man. Johnson. "We have no reason to believe that, my Lord. Are we to think Pope was happy, because he says so in his writings? We see in his writings what he wished the state of his mind to appear. Dr. Young, who pined for preferment, talks with contempt of it in his writings, and affects to despise everything that he did not despise".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : Traveller, The
'Langton. "There is not one bad line in that poem [Goldsmith's 'The Traveller']— no one of Dryden's careless verses." Sir Joshua. "I was glad to hear Charles Fox say, it was one of the finest poems in the English language." Langton. "Why were you glad? You surely had no doubt of this before." Johnson. "No ; the merit of 'The Traveller' is so well established, that Mr. Fox's praise cannot augment it, nor his censure diminish it." Sir Joshua. "But his friends may suspect they had too great a partiality for him".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Oliver Goldsmith : Traveller, The
'Langton. "There is not one bad line in that poem [Goldsmith's 'The Traveller']— no one of Dryden's careless verses." Sir Joshua. "I was glad to hear Charles Fox say, it was one of the finest poems in the English language." Langton. "Why were you glad? You surely had no doubt of this before." Johnson. "No ; the merit of 'The Traveller' is so well established, that Mr. Fox's praise cannot augment it, nor his censure diminish it." Sir Joshua. "But his friends may suspect they had too great a partiality for him".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joshua Reynolds Print: Unknown
Oliver Goldsmith : Traveller, The
'Langton. "There is not one bad line in that poem [Goldsmith's 'The Traveller']— no one of Dryden's careless verses." Sir Joshua. "I was glad to hear Charles Fox say, it was one of the finest poems in the English language." Langton. "Why were you glad? You surely had no doubt of this before." Johnson. "No ; the merit of 'The Traveller' is so well established, that Mr. Fox's praise cannot augment it, nor his censure diminish it." Sir Joshua. "But his friends may suspect they had too great a partiality for him".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Fox Print: Unknown
Robert Burns : unknown
'No − my “Burns” is not done yet, it has led me so far afield that I cannot finish it ; every time I think I see my way to an end, some new game (or perhaps wild goose) starts up and away I go. And then again, to be plain, I shirk the work of the critical part, shirk it as a man shirks a long jump. It is awful to have to express and differentiate Burns, in a column or two. All the more as I’m going to write a book about it. "Ramsay, Fergusson and Burns: an Essay" (or "A Critical Essay" but then I’m going to give lives of the three gentlemen, only the gist of the book is the criticism) “by Robert Louis Stevenson, Advocate, MS., P.P.C., etc.” How’s that for cut and dry? And I [italics]could[end italics] write that book. Unless I deceive myself in a superior style, I could write it pretty adequately. I feel as if I was really in it, and knew the game thoroughly. You see what comes of trying to write an essay on Burns in ten columns.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book, Unknown
Allan Ramsay : The Gentle Shepherd
'No − my “Burns” is not done yet, it has led me so far afield that I cannot finish it ; every time I think I see my way to an end, some new game (or perhaps wild goose) starts up and away I go. And then again, to be plain, I shirk the work of the critical part, shirk it as a man shirks a long jump. It is awful to have to express and differentiate Burns, in a column or two. All the more as I’m going to write a book about it. "Ramsay, Fergusson and Burns: an Essay" (or "A Critical Essay" but then I’m going to give lives of the three gentlemen, only the gist of the book is the criticism) “by Robert Louis Stevenson, Advocate, MS., P.P.C., etc.” How’s that for cut and dry? And I [italics]could[end italics] write that book. Unless I deceive myself in a superior style, I could write it pretty adequately. I feel as if I was really in it, and knew the game thoroughly. You see what comes of trying to write an essay on Burns in ten columns.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book, Unknown
Robert Fergusson : Poems
'No − my “Burns” is not done yet, it has led me so far afield that I cannot finish it ; every time I think I see my way to an end, some new game (or perhaps wild goose) starts up and away I go. And then again, to be plain, I shirk the work of the critical part, shirk it as a man shirks a long jump. It is awful to have to express and differentiate Burns, in a column or two. All the more as I’m going to write a book about it. "Ramsay, Fergusson and Burns: an Essay" (or "A Critical Essay" but then I’m going to give lives of the three gentlemen, only the gist of the book is the criticism) “by Robert Louis Stevenson, Advocate, MS., P.P.C., etc.” How’s that for cut and dry? And I [italics]could[end italics] write that book. Unless I deceive myself in a superior style, I could write it pretty adequately. I feel as if I was really in it, and knew the game thoroughly'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Aeschylus :
'After wandering about in a kind of pleasing distraction for some time, I got into a corner, with Johnson, Garrick, and Harris. GARRICK: (to Harris.) "Pray, Sir, have you read Potter's Aeschylus?" HARRIS. "Yes; and think it pretty." GARRICK. (to Johnson.) "And what think you, Sir, of it?" JOHNSON. "I thought what I read of it verbiage: but upon Mr. Harris's recommendation, I will read a play. (To Mr. Harris.) Don't prescribe two." Mr. Harris suggested one, I do not remember which. JOHNSON. "We must try its effect as an English poem; that is the way to judge of the merit of a translation. Translations are, in general, for people who cannot read the original." I mentioned the vulgar saying, that Pope's Homer was not a good representation of the original. JOHNSON."Sir, it is the greatest work of the kind that has ever been produced" BOSWELL. "The truth is, it is impossible perfectly to translate poetry. In a different language it may be the same tune, but it has not the same tone. Homer plays it on a bassoon; Pope on a flagelet".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Homer : Iliad and Odyssey
'After wandering about in a kind of pleasing distraction for some time, I got into a corner, with Johnson, Garrick, and Harris. GARRICK: (to Harris.) "Pray, Sir, have you read Potter's Aeschylus?" HARRIS. "Yes; and think it pretty." GARRICK. (to Johnson.) "And what think you, Sir, of it?" JOHNSON. "I thought what I read of it verbiage: but upon Mr. Harris's recommendation, I will read a play. (To Mr. Harris.) Don't prescribe two." Mr. Harris suggested one, I do not remember which. JOHNSON. "We must try its effect as an English poem; that is the way to judge of the merit of a translation. Translations are, in general, for people who cannot read the original." I mentioned the vulgar saying, that Pope's Homer was not a good representation of the original. JOHNSON."Sir, it is the greatest work of the kind that has ever been produced" BOSWELL. "The truth is, it is impossible perfectly to translate poetry. In a different language it may be the same tune, but it has not the same tone. Homer plays it on a bassoon; Pope on a flagelet".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Homer : Iliad and Odyssey
'After wandering about in a kind of pleasing distraction for some time, I got into a corner, with Johnson, Garrick, and Harris. GARRICK: (to Harris.) "Pray, Sir, have you read Potter's Aeschylus?" HARRIS. "Yes; and think it pretty." GARRICK. (to Johnson.) "And what think you, Sir, of it?" JOHNSON. "I thought what I read of it verbiage: but upon Mr. Harris's recommendation, I will read a play. (To Mr. Harris.) Don't prescribe two." Mr. Harris suggested one, I do not remember which. JOHNSON. "We must try its effect as an English poem; that is the way to judge of the merit of a translation. Translations are, in general, for people who cannot read the original." I mentioned the vulgar saying, that Pope's Homer was not a good representation of the original. JOHNSON."Sir, it is the greatest work of the kind that has ever been produced" BOSWELL. "The truth is, it is impossible perfectly to translate poetry. In a different language it may be the same tune, but it has not the same tone. Homer plays it on a bassoon; Pope on a flagelet".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Homer : Iliad and Odyssey
'After wandering about in a kind of pleasing distraction for some time, I got into a corner, with Johnson, Garrick, and Harris. GARRICK: (to Harris.) "Pray, Sir, have you read Potter's Aeschylus?" HARRIS. "Yes; and think it pretty." GARRICK. (to Johnson.) "And what think you, Sir, of it?" JOHNSON. "I thought what I read of it verbiage: but upon Mr. Harris's recommendation, I will read a play. (To Mr. Harris.) Don't prescribe two." Mr. Harris suggested one, I do not remember which. JOHNSON. "We must try its effect as an English poem; that is the way to judge of the merit of a translation. Translations are, in general, for people who cannot read the original." I mentioned the vulgar saying, that Pope's Homer was not a good representation of the original. JOHNSON."Sir, it is the greatest work of the kind that has ever been produced" BOSWELL. "The truth is, it is impossible perfectly to translate poetry. In a different language it may be the same tune, but it has not the same tone. Homer plays it on a bassoon; Pope on a flagelet".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon :
'JOHNSON. "Sir William Temple was the first writer who gave cadence to English prose. Before his time they were careless of arrangement, and did not mind whether a sentence ended with an important word or an insignificant word, or with what part of speech it was concluded". Mr. Langton, who now had joined us, commended Clarendon. JOHNSON. "He is objected to for his parentheses, his involved clauses, and his want of harmony. But he is supported by his matter. It is, indeed, owing to a plethory of matter that his style is so faulty. Every [italics] substance [end italics], (smiling to Mr. Harris,) has so many [italics] accidents [end italics].--To be distinct, we must talk analytically. If we analyse language, we must speak of it grammatically; if we analyse argument, we must speak of it logically". GARRICK. "Of all the translations that ever were attempted, I think Elphinston's 'Martial' the most extraordinary. He consulted me upon it, who am a little of an epigrammatist myself, you know. I told him freely, 'You don't seem to have that turn.' I asked him if he was serious; and finding he was, I advised him against publishing. Why, his translation is more difficult to understand than the original. I thought him a man of some talents; but he seems crazy in this".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Temple :
'JOHNSON. "Sir William Temple was the first writer who gave cadence to English prose. Before his time they were careless of arrangement, and did not mind whether a sentence ended with an important word or an insignificant word, or with what part of speech it was concluded". Mr. Langton, who now had joined us, commended Clarendon. JOHNSON. "He is objected to for his parentheses, his involved clauses, and his want of harmony. But he is supported by his matter. It is, indeed, owing to a plethory of matter that his style is so faulty. Every [italics] substance [end italics], (smiling to Mr. Harris,) has so many [italics] accidents [end italics].--To be distinct, we must talk analytically. If we analyse language, we must speak of it grammatically; if we analyse argument, we must speak of it logically". GARRICK. "Of all the translations that ever were attempted, I think Elphinston's 'Martial' the most extraordinary. He consulted me upon it, who am a little of an epigrammatist myself, you know. I told him freely, 'You don't seem to have that turn.' I asked him if he was serious; and finding he was, I advised him against publishing. Why, his translation is more difficult to understand than the original. I thought him a man of some talents; but he seems crazy in this".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Daniel Defoe :
'He [Johnson] told us, that he had given Mrs. Montagu a catalogue of all Daniel Defoe's works of imagination; most, if not all of which, as well as of his other works, he now enumerated, allowing a considerable share of merit to a man, who, bred a tradesman, had written so variously and so well. Indeed, his "Robinson Crusoe" is enough of itself to establish his reputation'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : Robinson Crusoe
'He [Johnson] told us, that he had given Mrs. Montagu a catalogue of all Daniel Defoe's works of imagination; most, if not all of which, as well as of his other works, he now enumerated, allowing a considerable share of merit to a man, who, bred a tradesman, had written so variously and so well. Indeed, his "Robinson Crusoe" is enough of itself to establish his reputation'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Robert Dodsley : Collection of Poems by Several Hands
' [Johnson said] "Sir, you know the notion of confinement may be extended, as in the song, "Every island is a prison." There is, in Dodsley's 'Collection', a copy of verses to the authour of that song". Smith's Latin verses on Pococke, the great traveller, were mentioned. He repeated some of them, and said they were Smith's best verses.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Edmund Smith : 'Thales; a monody, sacred to the memory of Dr. Pococke. In imitation of Spenser'
' [Johnson said] "Sir, you know the notion of confinement may be extended, as in the song, "Every island is a prison." There is, in Dodsley's 'Collection', a copy of verses to the authour of that song". Smith's Latin verses on Pococke, the great traveller, were mentioned. He repeated some of them, and said they were Smith's best verses.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
William Robertson : History of America
'I this evening boasted, that although I did not write what is called stenography, or short-hand, in appropriated characters devised for the purpose, I had a method of my own of writing half words, and leaving out some altogether so as yet to keep the substance and language of any discourse which I had heard so much in view, that I could give it very completely soon after I had taken it down. He defied me, as he had once defied an actual short-hand writer, and he made the experiment by reading slowly and distinctly a part of Robertson's "History of America", while I endeavoured to write it in my way of taking notes. It was found that I had it very imperfectly; the conclusion from which was, that its excellence was principally owing to a studied arrangement of words, which could not be varied or abridged without an essential injury.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Dodd : Thoughts in Prison
'On Sunday, April 12, I found him at home before dinner; Dr. Dodd's poem entitled "Thoughts in Prison" was lying upon his table. This appearing to me an extraordinary effort by a man who was in Newgate for a capital crime, I was desirous to hear Johnson's opinion of it: to my surprize, he told me he had not read a line of it. I took up the book and read a passage to him. JOHNSON. "Pretty well, if you are previously disposed to like them". I read another passage, with which he was better pleased. He then took the book into his own hands, and having looked at the prayer at the end of it, he said, "What evidence is there that this was composed the night before he suffered? I do not believe it". He then read aloud where he prays for the King, &c. and observed, "Sir, do you think that a man the night before he is to be hanged cares for the succession of a royal family?--Though, he may have composed this prayer, then. A man who has been canting all his life, may cant to the last.--And yet a man who has been refused a pardon after so much petitioning, would hardly be praying thus fervently for the King".
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Dodd : Thoughts in Prison
'On Sunday, April 12, I found him at home before dinner; Dr. Dodd's poem entitled "Thoughts in Prison" was lying upon his table. This appearing to me an extraordinary effort by a man who was in Newgate for a capital crime, I was desirous to hear Johnson's opinion of it: to my surprize, he told me he had not read a line of it. I took up the book and read a passage to him. JOHNSON. "Pretty well, if you are previously disposed to like them". I read another passage, with which he was better pleased. He then took the book into his own hands, and having looked at the prayer at the end of it, he said, "What evidence is there that this was composed the night before he suffered? I do not believe it". He then read aloud where he prays for the King, &c. and observed, "Sir, do you think that a man the night before he is to be hanged cares for the succession of a royal family?--Though, he may have composed this prayer, then. A man who has been canting all his life, may cant to the last.--And yet a man who has been refused a pardon after so much petitioning, would hardly be praying thus fervently for the King".
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Thomas Pennant : Tour in Scotland in 1769, A
'Books of Travels having been mentioned, Johnson praised Pennant very highly, as he did at Dunvegan, in the Isle of Sky. Dr. Percy, knowing himself to be the heir male of the ancient Percies, and having the warmest and most dutiful attachment to the noble House of Northumberland, could not sit quietly and hear a man praised, who had spoken disrespectfully of Alnwick-Castle and the Duke's pleasure grounds, especially as he thought meanly of his travels. He therefore opposed Johnson eagerly. JOHNSON. "Pennant in what he has said of Alnwick, has done what he intended; he has made you very angry." PERCY. "He has said the garden is trim, which is representing it like a citizen's parterre, when the truth is, there is a very large extent of fine turf and gravel walks".' [the argument continues at length]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Percy Print: Book
Thomas Pennant : Tour in Scotland in 1769, A
'Books of Travels having been mentioned, Johnson praised Pennant very highly, as he did at Dunvegan, in the Isle of Sky. Dr. Percy, knowing himself to be the heir male of the ancient Percies, and having the warmest and most dutiful attachment to the noble House of Northumberland, could not sit quietly and hear a man praised, who had spoken disrespectfully of Alnwick-Castle and the Duke's pleasure grounds, especially as he thought meanly of his travels. He therefore opposed Johnson eagerly. JOHNSON. "Pennant in what he has said of Alnwick, has done what he intended; he has made you very angry." PERCY. "He has said the garden is trim, which is representing it like a citizen's parterre, when the truth is, there is a very large extent of fine turf and gravel walks".' [the argument continues at length]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas Pennant : Tour in Scotland in 1769
'JOHNSON. "He's [Pennant] a [italics] Whig [end italics], Sir; a [italics]sad dog [end italics]. (smiling at his own violent expressions, merely for [italics] political [end italics] difference of opinion.) But he's the best traveller I ever read; he observes more things than any one else does". I could not help thinking that this was too high praise of a writer who had traversed a wide extent of country in such haste, that he could put together only curt frittered fragments of his own, and afterwards procured supplemental intelligence from parochial ministers, and others not the best qualified or most impartial narrators, whose ungenerous prejudice against the house of Stuart glares in misrepresentation; a writer, who at best treats merely of superficial objects, and shews no philosophical investigation of character and manners, such as Johnson has exhibited in his masterly Journey, over part of the same ground; and who it should seem from a desire of ingratiating himself with the Scotch, has flattered the people of North-Britain so inordinately and with so little discrimination, that the judicious and candid amongst them must be disgusted, while they value more the plain, just, yet kindly report of Johnson.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Niels Horebow : Natural history of Iceland, The
'Johnson had said that he could repeat a complete chapter of "The Natural History of Iceland", from the Danish of Horrebow, the whole of which was exactly thus:-- "CHAP. LXXII. Concerning snakes. There are no snakes to be met with throughout the whole island".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Charles Sheridan : History of the late revolution in Sweden , A
'Before dinner Dr. Johnson seized upon Mr. Charles Sheridan's "Account of the late Revolution in Sweden", and seemed to read it ravenously, as if he devoured it, which was to all appearance his method of studying. "He knows how to read better than any one (said Mrs. Knowles;) he gets at the substance of a book directly; he tears out the heart of it". He kept it wrapt up in the tablecloth in his lap during the time of dinner, from an avidity to have one entertainment in readiness when he should have finished another; resembling (if I may use so coarse a simile) a dog who holds a bone in his paws in reserve, while he eats something else which has been thrown to him.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson :
'Mrs Vyner, a stranger,' to Alfred Tennyson, from River, New South Wales, 1855: 'I fancy a poet's heart must be so large and loving that he can feel for and forgive even folly. Folly it may be, and yet I [italics]must[end italics] write and thank you with a true and grateful heart for the happy moments your thoughts and your pen have given me. I am in the wildest bush of Australia, far away from all that makes life beautiful and endurable excepting the strong and stern sense of duty, the consciousness that where God has placed us is our lot to be, and that our most becoming posture is to accept our destiny with grateful humility. You must let me tell you how in a lonely home among the mountains, with my young children asleep, my husband absent, no sound to be heard but the cry of the wild dog or the wail of the curlew, no lock or bolt to guard our solitary hut [...] I have turned (next to God's book) to you as a friend, and read far into the night till my lot seemed light and a joy seemed cast around my very menial toils: then I have said, "God bless the poet and put still some beautiful words and thoughts into his heart," and the burthen of life becomes pleasant to me or at least easy.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Vyner Print: Book
: [light novels]
'His [Wilfred Owen's] literary interests must always have been a mystery to her, although she admired them, for her own reading scarcely extended beyond light novels and the pious, naive verse of John Oxenham'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Susan Owen Print: Book
John Oxenham [pseud.] : [light novels]
'His [Wilfred Owen's] literary interests must always have been a mystery to her, although she admired them, for her own reading scarcely extended beyond light novels and the pious, naive verse of John Oxenham'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Susan Owen Print: Book
James Boswell : Life of Samuel Johnson.
'I idle finely. I read Boswell’s "Life of Johnson"[…]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Henri Martin : History of France
'I read […] Martin’s "History of France"[…]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Allan Ramsay : unknown
'I read […] Allan Ramsay […]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Olivier Basselin : A Son Nez
'I read […] Olivier Basselin […] "On dit qu’il nuit aux yeux; mais seront-ils les maistres? Le vin est guarison De mes maux; J’aime mieux perdre les deux fenestres Que toute la maison" (That’s O. Basselin; [italics]c’est assez choite, n’est-ce pas?[end italics].'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Unknown
James Walter Ferrier : Forrester
'Many thanks for your letter and the instalment of Forrester which accompanied it, and which I read with amusement and pleasure.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter
Lope de Vega : unknown
'The family is all very shaky in health but our motto is now "Al Monte!" in the words of Don Lope, in the play the sister and I are just beating through with two bad dictionaries and an insane grammar.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Unknown
unknown : material about Burns
'I read […] all sorts of rubbish a proposof Burns […]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Unknown
Philippe de Commines : Memoires
'I read […] Comines […]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Jean Juvenal des Ursins : unknown
'I read […] Juvenal des Ursins, etc. [….]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Unknown
Thomas Hardy :
'the two poets [Owen and Sassoon] probably talked more about literature than anything else. Owen found that they had been "following parallel trenches all our lives" and "had more friends in common, authors I mean, than most people can boast of in a lifetime". By chance, Sassoon was reading a small volume of Keats which Lady Ottoline [Morrel] had sent him. He shared Owen's interest in the late-Victorian poets, including Housman, whose influence is often apparent in his war poems, but Owen was surprised to discover that he admired Hardy "more than anybody living". No doubt Sassoon persuaded him to start reading Hardy's poems. In return, Owen showed him Tailhade's book'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Siegfried Sassoon Print: Book
John Keats :
'the two poets [Owen and Sassoon] probably talked more about literature than anything else. Owen found that they had been "following parallel trenches all our lives" and "had more friends in common, authors I mean, than most people can boast of in a lifetime". By chance, Sassoon was reading a small volume of Keats which Lady Ottoline [Morrel] had sent him. He shared Owen's interest in the late-Victorian poets, including Housman, whose influence is often apparent in his war poems, but Owen was surprised to discover that he admired Hardy "more than anybody living". No doubt Sassoon persuaded him to start reading Hardy's poems. In return, Owen showed him Tailhade's book'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Siegfried Sassoon Print: Book
Alfred Edward Housman :
'the two poets [Owen and Sassoon] probably talked more about literature than anything else. Owen found that they had been "following parallel trenches all our lives" and "had more friends in common, authors I mean, than most people can boast of in a lifetime". By chance, Sassoon was reading a small volume of Keats which Lady Ottoline [Morrel] had sent him. He shared Owen's interest in the late-Victorian poets, including Housman, whose influence is often apparent in his war poems, but Owen was surprised to discover that he admired Hardy "more than anybody living". No doubt Sassoon persuaded him to start reading Hardy's poems. In return, Owen showed him Tailhade's book'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Siegfried Sassoon Print: Book
William Dean Howells : Undoscovered Country
'I believe I have not written to you since I saw the end of the Undiscovered Country.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
John Hill Burton : History of the Reign of Queen Anne
'An old idea, first started while I was reading your history of Scotland, has just been revived over your Queen Anne, which I am in the heart of, with sincere pleasure.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Arthur Hugh Clough : Amours de Voyage
'I was pleased to see your quotation from Clough. I used it myself in an approximate form, and with doubtful attribution to C., in another article ..'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Unknown
Henri Barbusse : Under Fire
'Nothing before "Le Feu" had given such an appallingly vivid description of trench warfare or combined it with such passionate political conviction. The English translation, "Under Fire", appeared in June 1917 and Sassoon was reading it by mid-August; he lent it to Owen, who seems to have read it at Craiglockhart and again in December'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Siegfried sassoon Print: Book
Edward Bruce Hamley : Operations of War
'Gen. Robertson called and presented me with Hamley's Operations of War in which I am now drowned a thousand fathoms deep.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Hannah Glass : Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy
'DILLY. "Mrs. Glasse's "Cookery", which is the best, was written by Dr. Hill. Half the trade know this.' JOHNSON. "Well, Sir. This shews how much better the subject of cookery may be treated by a philosopher. I doubt if the book be written by Dr. Hill; for, in Mrs. Glasse's "Cookery", which I have looked into, salt-petre and sal-prunella are spoken of as different substances, whereas sal-prunella is only salt-petre burnt on charcoal; and Hill could not be ignorant of this. However, as the greatest part of such a book is made by transcription, this mistake may have been carelessly adopted. But you shall see what a Book of Cookery I shall make! I shall agree with Mr. Dilly for the copy-right". Miss SEWARD. "That would be Hercules with the distaff indeed". JOHNSON. "No, Madam. Women can spin very well; but they cannot make a good book of Cookery".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James Fitzjames, 1st Duke of Berwick : Memoirs of the Marshall Duke of Berwick
'JOHNSON. "O! Mr. Dilly-you must know that an English Benedictine Monk at Paris has translated "The Duke of Berwick's Memoirs", from the original French, and has sent them to me to sell. I offered them to Strahan, who sent them back with this answer:--"That the first book he had published was the Duke of Berwick's Life, by which he had lost: and he hated the name."--Now I honestly tell you, that Strahan has refused them; but I also honestly tell you, that he did it upon no principle, for he never looked into them". DILLY. "Are they well translated, Sir?" JOHNSON. "Why, Sir, very well--in a style very current and very clear".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Soame Jenyns : View of the Internal Evidence of the Christian Religion
'Dr. Mayo having asked Johnson's opinion of Soame Jenyns's "View of the Internal Evidence of the Christian Religion";--JOHNSON. "I think it a pretty book; not very theological indeed; and there seems to be an affectation of ease and carelessness, as if it were not suitable to his character to be very serious about the matter". BOSWELL. "He may have intended this to introduce his book the better among genteel people, who might be unwilling to read too grave a treatise. There is a general levity in the age. We have physicians now with bag-wigs; may we not have airy divines, at least somewhat less solemn in their appearance than they used to be?" JOHNSON. "Jenyns might mean as you say". BOSWELL. "[italics]You[end italics] should like his book, Mrs. Knowles, as it maintains, as you [italics] friends [end italics] do, that courage is not a Christian virtue".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Soame Jenyns : View of the Internal Evidence of the Christian Religion
'Dr. Mayo having asked Johnson's opinion of Soame Jenyns's "View of the Internal Evidence of the Christian Religion";--JOHNSON. "I think it a pretty book; not very theological indeed; and there seems to be an affectation of ease and carelessness, as if it were not suitable to his character to be very serious about the matter". BOSWELL. "He may have intended this to introduce his book the better among genteel people, who might be unwilling to read too grave a treatise. There is a general levity in the age. We have physicians now with bag-wigs; may we not have airy divines, at least somewhat less solemn in their appearance than they used to be?" JOHNSON. "Jenyns might mean as you say". BOSWELL. "[italics]You[end italics] should like his book, Mrs. Knowles, as it maintains, as you [italics] friends [end italics] do, that courage is not a Christian virtue".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Jonathan Edwards : [on Grace]
'DR. MAYO (to Dr. Johnson). "Pray, Sir, have you read Edwards, of New England, on "Grace"?" JOHNSON. "No, Sir". BOSWELL. "It puzzled me so much as to the freedom of the human will, by stating, with wonderful acute ingenuity, our being actuated by a series of motives which we cannot resist, that the only relief I had was to forget it". MAYO. "But he makes the proper distinction between moral and physical necessity".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Bernard Mandeville : Fable of the Bees: or, Private Vices, Publick Benefits
'JOHNSON. "The fallacy of that book [Mandeville's "Fable of the Bees"] is, that Mandeville defines neither vices nor benefits. He reckons among vices everything that gives pleasure. He takes the narrowest system of morality, monastick morality, which holds pleasure itself to be a vice, such as eating salt with our fish, because it makes it eat better; and he reckons wealth as a publick benefit, which is by no means always true. Pleasure of itself is not a vice. Having a garden, which we all know to be perfectly innocent, is a great pleasure. [Johnson discusses Mandeville at length, concluding] I read Mandeville forty, or, I believe, fifty years ago. He did not puzzle me; he opened my views into real life very much".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Marshall : Minutes of Agriculture
'Mr. Allen, the printer, brought a book on agriculture, which was printed, and was soon to be published. It was a very strange performance, the authour having mixed in it his own thoughts upon various topicks, along with his remarks on ploughing, sowing, and other farming operations. He seemed to be an absurd profane fellow, and had introduced in his book many sneers at religion, with equal ignorance and conceit. Dr. Johnson permitted me to read some passages aloud.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Daines Barrington : Observations on the Statutes, chiefly the more ancient, from Magna Charta to 21st James I.
'Soon after the Honourable Daines Barrington had published his excellent "Observations on the Statutes", Johnson waited on that worthy and learned gentleman; and, having told him his name, courteously said, "I have read your book, Sir, with great pleasure, and wish to be better known to you". Thus began an acquaintance, which was continued with mutual regard as long as Johnson lived.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia
'I told him, that his "Rasselas" had often made me unhappy; for it represented the misery of human life so well, and so convincingly to a thinking mind, that if at any time the impression wore off, and I felt myself easy, I began to suspect some delusion.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Miss Lucan : [translation from Horace]
'We talked of a lady's verses on Ireland. MISS REYNOLDS. "Have you seen them, Sir?" JOHNSON. "No, Madam. I have seen a translation from Horace, by one of her daughters. She shewed it me". MISS REYNOLDS. "And how was it, Sir?" JOHNSON. "Why, very well for a young Miss's verses;--that is to say, compared with excellence, nothing; but, very well, for the person who wrote them. I am vexed at being shewn verses in that manner." MISS REYNOLDS. "But if they should be good, why not give them hearty praise?" JOHNSON. "Why, Madam, because I have not then got the better of my bad humour from having been shewn them".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
: [list of Johnson's works compiled by Mr Levett]
' [Boswell lamenting the dificulty of compiling a definitive Johnson bibliography] I once got from one of his friends a list, which there was pretty good reason to suppose was accurate, for it was written down in his presence by this friend, who enumerated each article aloud, and had some of them mentioned to him by Mr. Levett, in concert with whom it was made out; and Johnson, who heard all this, did not contradict it. But when I shewed a copy of this list to him, and mentioned the evidence for its exactness, he laughed, and said, "I was willing to let them go on as they pleased, and never interfered". Upon which I read it to him, article by article, and got him positively to own or refuse; and then, having obtained certainty so far, I got some other articles confirmed by him directly; and afterwards, from time to time, made additions under his sanction'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
Torquato Tasso : Gerusalemme Liberata
'He begged of General Paoli to repeat one of the introductory stanzas of the first book of Tasso's "Jerusalem", which he did, and then Johnson found fault with the simile of sweetening the edges of a cup for a child, being transferred from Lucretius into an epick poem. The General said he did not imagine Homer's poetry was so ancient as is supposed, because he ascribes to a Greek colony circumstances of refinement not found in Greece itself at a later period, when Thucydides wrote. JOHNSON. "I recollect but one passage quoted by Thucydides from Homer, which is not to be found in our copies of Homer's works; I am for the antiquity of Homer, and think that a Grecian colony, by being nearer Persia, might be more refined than the mother country.".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Filippo Antonio Pasquale di Paoli Print: Book
Thucydides : History of the Peloponnesian War,
'He begged of General Paoli to repeat one of the introductory stanzas of the first book of Tasso's "Jerusalem", which he did, and then Johnson found fault with the simile of sweetening the edges of a cup for a child, being transferred from Lucretius into an epick poem. The General said he did not imagine Homer's poetry was so ancient as is supposed, because he ascribes to a Greek colony circumstances of refinement not found in Greece itself at a later period, when Thucydides wrote. JOHNSON. "I recollect but one passage quoted by Thucydides from Homer, which is not to be found in our copies of Homer's works; I am for the antiquity of Homer, and think that a Grecian colony, by being nearer Persia, might be more refined than the mother country.".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Filippo Antonio Pasquale di Paoli Print: Book
Homer :
'He begged of General Paoli to repeat one of the introductory stanzas of the first book of Tasso's "Jerusalem", which he did, and then Johnson found fault with the simile of sweetening the edges of a cup for a child, being transferred from Lucretius into an epick poem. The General said he did not imagine Homer's poetry was so ancient as is supposed, because he ascribes to a Greek colony circumstances of refinement not found in Greece itself at a later period, when Thucydides wrote. JOHNSON. "I recollect but one passage quoted by Thucydides from Homer, which is not to be found in our copies of Homer's works; I am for the antiquity of Homer, and think that a Grecian colony, by being nearer Persia, might be more refined than the mother country.".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Filippo Antonio Pasquale di Paoli Print: Book
Lucretius :
'He begged of General Paoli to repeat one of the introductory stanzas of the first book of Tasso's "Jerusalem", which he did, and then Johnson found fault with the simile of sweetening the edges of a cup for a child, being transferred from Lucretius into an epick poem. The General said he did not imagine Homer's poetry was so ancient as is supposed, because he ascribes to a Greek colony circumstances of refinement not found in Greece itself at a later period, when Thucydides wrote. JOHNSON. "I recollect but one passage quoted by Thucydides from Homer, which is not to be found in our copies of Homer's works; I am for the antiquity of Homer, and think that a Grecian colony, by being nearer Persia, might be more refined than the mother country.".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Homer :
'He begged of General Paoli to repeat one of the introductory stanzas of the first book of Tasso's "Jerusalem", which he did, and then Johnson found fault with the simile of sweetening the edges of a cup for a child, being transferred from Lucretius into an epick poem. The General said he did not imagine Homer's poetry was so ancient as is supposed, because he ascribes to a Greek colony circumstances of refinement not found in Greece itself at a later period, when Thucydides wrote. JOHNSON. "I recollect but one passage quoted by Thucydides from Homer, which is not to be found in our copies of Homer's works; I am for the antiquity of Homer, and think that a Grecian colony, by being nearer Persia, might be more refined than the mother country.".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thucydides : History of the Peloponnesian War
'He begged of General Paoli to repeat one of the introductory stanzas of the first book of Tasso's "Jerusalem", which he did, and then Johnson found fault with the simile of sweetening the edges of a cup for a child, being transferred from Lucretius into an epick poem. The General said he did not imagine Homer's poetry was so ancient as is supposed, because he ascribes to a Greek colony circumstances of refinement not found in Greece itself at a later period, when Thucydides wrote. JOHNSON. "I recollect but one passage quoted by Thucydides from Homer, which is not to be found in our copies of Homer's works; I am for the antiquity of Homer, and think that a Grecian colony, by being nearer Persia, might be more refined than the mother country.".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Douglas Sutherland Campbell, Marquess of Lorne : Guido and Lita: A Tale of the Riviera.
'Figure to yourself, I wrote a review of Lord Lorne for "Vanity Fair" − a few pages of scurrility that I wrote laughing in an hour or two − and I got − guess! − I got five pounds for it and the price of the book! That was jolly, wasn’t it? Long live "Vanity Fair"!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Robert Browning : The Inn Album
'I have done rather an amusing paragraph or two for "Vanity Fair" on the "Inn Album". I have slated R.B. pretty handsomely.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book, Unknown
Theodore William Alois Buckley : unknown
'It is truly not for nothing that I have read my Buckley.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Unknown
David Stewart of Garth : Sketches of the Character, Manners, and Present State of the Highlands of Sctland, with Details of the Military Service of the Highland Regiments
'Since my books have come I have read every day ... 100 or thereby pp of Stewart's Highland Regiments.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
John Dryden :
Lord Dufferin to Alfred Tennyson [1858]: 'For the first 20 years of my life I not only did not care for poetry, but to the despair of my friends absolutely disliked it, at least so much of it as until that time had fallen in my way. In vain my mother read to me Dryden, Pope, Byron, Young, Cowper and all the standard classics of the day, each seemed to me as distasteful as I had from early infancy found Virgil, and I shall never forget her dismay when at a literary dinner I was cross-examined as to my tastes, and blushingly confessed before an Olympus of poets that I rather disliked poetry than otherwise. 'Soon afterwards I fell in with a volume of yours, and suddenly felt such a sensation of delight as I never experienced before. A new world seemed to open to me, and from that day, by a constant study of your works, I gradually worked my way to a gradual appreciation of what is good in all kinds of authors.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Helen Selina Sheridan Blackwood Print: Book
Alexander Pope :
Lord Dufferin to Alfred Tennyson [1858]: 'For the first 20 years of my life I not only did not care for poetry, but to the despair of my friends absolutely disliked it, at least so much of it as until that time had fallen in my way. In vain my mother read to me Dryden, Pope, Byron, Young, Cowper and all the standard classics of the day, each seemed to me as distasteful as I had from early infancy found Virgil, and I shall never forget her dismay when at a literary dinner I was cross-examined as to my tastes, and blushingly confessed before an Olympus of poets that I rather disliked poetry than otherwise. 'Soon afterwards I fell in with a volume of yours, and suddenly felt such a sensation of delight as I never experienced before. A new world seemed to open to me, and from that day, by a constant study of your works, I gradually worked my way to a gradual appreciation of what is good in all kinds of authors.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Helen Selina Sheridan Blackwood Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron :
Lord Dufferin to Alfred Tennyson [1858]: 'For the first 20 years of my life I not only did not care for poetry, but to the despair of my friends absolutely disliked it, at least so much of it as until that time had fallen in my way. In vain my mother read to me Dryden, Pope, Byron, Young, Cowper and all the standard classics of the day, each seemed to me as distasteful as I had from early infancy found Virgil, and I shall never forget her dismay when at a literary dinner I was cross-examined as to my tastes, and blushingly confessed before an Olympus of poets that I rather disliked poetry than otherwise. 'Soon afterwards I fell in with a volume of yours, and suddenly felt such a sensation of delight as I never experienced before. A new world seemed to open to me, and from that day, by a constant study of your works, I gradually worked my way to a gradual appreciation of what is good in all kinds of authors.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Helen Selina Sheridan Blackwood Print: Book
Edward Young :
Lord Dufferin to Alfred Tennyson [1858]: 'For the first 20 years of my life I not only did not care for poetry, but to the despair of my friends absolutely disliked it, at least so much of it as until that time had fallen in my way. In vain my mother read to me Dryden, Pope, Byron, Young, Cowper and all the standard classics of the day, each seemed to me as distasteful as I had from early infancy found Virgil, and I shall never forget her dismay when at a literary dinner I was cross-examined as to my tastes, and blushingly confessed before an Olympus of poets that I rather disliked poetry than otherwise. 'Soon afterwards I fell in with a volume of yours, and suddenly felt such a sensation of delight as I never experienced before. A new world seemed to open to me, and from that day, by a constant study of your works, I gradually worked my way to a gradual appreciation of what is good in all kinds of authors.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Helen Selina Sheridan Blackwood Print: Book
Cowper :
Lord Dufferin to Alfred Tennyson [1858]: 'For the first 20 years of my life I not only did not care for poetry, but to the despair of my friends absolutely disliked it, at least so much of it as until that time had fallen in my way. In vain my mother read to me Dryden, Pope, Byron, Young, Cowper and all the standard classics of the day, each seemed to me as distasteful as I had from early infancy found Virgil, and I shall never forget her dismay when at a literary dinner I was cross-examined as to my tastes, and blushingly confessed before an Olympus of poets that I rather disliked poetry than otherwise. 'Soon afterwards I fell in with a volume of yours, and suddenly felt such a sensation of delight as I never experienced before. A new world seemed to open to me, and from that day, by a constant study of your works, I gradually worked my way to a gradual appreciation of what is good in all kinds of authors.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Helen Selina Sheridan Blackwood Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : Guinevere
The Duke of Argyll to Alfred Tennyson, 14 July 1859: 'I think my prediction is coming true, that your "Idylls of the King" will be understood and admired by many who are incapable of understanding and appreciating many of your other works. 'Macaulay is certainly not a man incapable of [italics]understanding[end italics] anything but I knew that his tastes in poetry were so formed in another line that I gave him a good test, and three days ago I gave him "Guinevere." 'The result has been as I expected, that he has been [italics]delighted with it[end italics]. He told me that he has been greatly moved by it, and admired it exceedingly. Altho' by practice and disposition he is eminently a critic, he did not find one single fault. Yesterday I gave him the "Maid of Astolat" with which he was delighted also.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : The Maid of Astolat
The Duke of Argyll to Alfred Tennyson, 14 July 1859: 'I think my prediction is coming true, that your "Idylls of the King" will be understood and admired by many who are incapable of understanding and appreciating many of your other works. 'Macaulay is certainly not a man incapable of [italics]understanding[end italics] anything but I knew that his tastes in poetry were so formed in another line that I gave him a good test, and three days ago I gave him "Guinevere." 'The result has been as I expected, that he has been [italics]delighted with it[end italics]. He told me that he has been greatly moved by it, and admired it exceedingly. Altho' by practice and disposition he is eminently a critic, he did not find one single fault. Yesterday I gave him the "Maid of Astolat" with which he was delighted also.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Babington Macaulay Print: Book
Thomas Stevenson : Lighthouse Construction and Illumination
'I cannot think how I omitted to tell you that I was pleased extremely with the dedication; it seemed to me and Fanny quite right and, if you understand, not too literary for an engineer. I did not want to change a word.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Unknown, possibly proof copy
John Whitaker : History of Manchester
'We talked of antiquarian researches. JOHNSON. "All that is really known of the ancient state of Britain is contained in a few pages. We can know no more than what the old writers have told us; yet what large books have we upon it, the whole of which, excepting such parts as are taken from those old writers, is all a dream, such as Whitaker's "Manchester".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Hugh Blair : [Sermon on Devotion]
'He [Johnson] said, "I read yesterday Dr. Blair's sermon on Devotion, from the text 'Cornelius, a devout man.' His doctrine is the best limited, the best expressed: there is the most warmth without fanaticism, the most rational transport. There is one part of it which I disapprove, and I'd have him correct it; which is, that 'he who does not feel joy in religion is far from the kingdom of heaven!' There are many good men whose fear of GOD predominates over their love. It may discourage. It was rashly said. A noble sermon it is indeed. I wish Blair would come over to the Church of England".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Henry Home, Lord Kames : Sketches of the History of Man
'He [Johnson] said, "I have been reading Lord Kames's 'Sketches of the History of Man'. In treating of severity of punishment, he mentions that of Madame Lapouchin, in Russia, but he does not give it fairly; for I have looked at 'Chappe de l'Auteroche', from whom he has taken it. He stops where it is said that the spectators thought her innocent, and leaves out what follows; that she nevertheless was guilty".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Jean Chappe d'Auteroche :
'He [Johnson] said, "I have been reading Lord Kames's 'Sketches of the History of Man'. In treating of severity of punishment, he mentions that of Madame Lapouchin, in Russia, but he does not give it fairly; for I have looked at Chappe de l'Auteroche, from whom he has taken it. He stops where it is said that the spectators thought her innocent, and leaves out what follows; that she nevertheless was guilty".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [speeches attributed to Lord Chesterfield]
'Looking at Messrs. Dilly's splendid edition of Lord Chesterfield's miscellaneous works, he laughed, and said, "Here now are two speeches ascribed to him, both of which were written by me: and the best of it is, they have found out that one is like Demosthenes, and the other like Cicero". He censured Lord Kames's "Sketches of the History of Man" for misrepresenting Clarendon's account of the appearance of Sir George Villiers's ghost, as if Clarendon were weakly credulous; when the truth is, that Clarendon only says, that the story was upon a better foundation of credit, than usually such discourses are founded upon; nay, speaks thus of the person who was reported to have seen the vision, "the poor man, if he had been at all waking"; which Lord Kames has omitted.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Henry Home, Lord Kames : Sketches of the History of Man
'Looking at Messrs. Dilly's splendid edition of Lord Chesterfield's miscellaneous works, he laughed, and said, "Here now are two speeches ascribed to him, both of which were written by me: and the best of it is, they have found out that one is like Demosthenes, and the other like Cicero". He censured Lord Kames's "Sketches of the History of Man" for misrepresenting Clarendon's account of the appearance of Sir George Villiers's ghost, as if Clarendon were weakly credulous; when the truth is, that Clarendon only says, that the story was upon a better foundation of credit, than usually such discourses are founded upon; nay, speaks thus of the person who was reported to have seen the vision, "the poor man, if he had been at all waking"; which Lord Kames has omitted.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Edward Hyde, First Earl of Clarendon : History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England
'Looking at Messrs. Dilly's splendid edition of Lord Chesterfield's miscellaneous works, he laughed, and said, "Here now are two speeches ascribed to him, both of which were written by me: and the best of it is, they have found out that one is like Demosthenes, and the other like Cicero". He censured Lord Kames's "Sketches of the History of Man" for misrepresenting Clarendon's account of the appearance of Sir George Villiers's ghost, as if Clarendon were weakly credulous; when the truth is, that Clarendon only says, that the story was upon a better foundation of credit, than usually such discourses are founded upon; nay, speaks thus of the person who was reported to have seen the vision, "the poor man, if he had been at all waking"; which Lord Kames has omitted.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
George Horne : Letter to Mr Dunning on the English Particle
'This year the Reverend Mr. Horne published his "Letter to Mr. Dunning on the English Particle"; Johnson read it, and though not treated in it with sufficient respect, he had candour enough to say to Mr. Seward, "Were I to make a new edition of my Dictionary, I would adopt several of Mr. Horne's etymologies; I hope they did not put the dog in the pillory for his libel; he has too much literature for that".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Horace : [Odes]
'He [Johnson] said, "the lyrical part of Horace never can be perfectly translated; so much of the excellence is in the numbers and the expression. Francis has done it the best; I'll take his, five out of six, against them all".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Milton : Tractate: Of Education
'We had a quiet comfortable meeting at Mr. Dilly's; nobody there but ourselves. Mr. Dilly mentioned somebody having wished that Milton's "Tractate on Education" should be printed along with his Poems in the edition of "The English Poets" then going on. JOHNSON. "It would be breaking in upon the plan; but would be of no great consequence. So far as it would be any thing, it would be wrong. Education in England has been in danger of being hurt by two of its greatest men, Milton and Locke. Milton's plan is impracticable, and I suppose has never been tried. Locke's, I fancy, has been tried often enough, but is very imperfect; it gives too much to one side, and too little to the other; it gives too little to literature.--I shall do what I can for Dr. Watts; but my materials are very scanty. His poems are by no means his best works; I cannot praise his poetry itself highly; but I can praise its design".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson
John Locke : Some Thoughts Concerning Education
'We had a quiet comfortable meeting at Mr. Dilly's; nobody there but ourselves. Mr. Dilly mentioned somebody having wished that Milton's "Tractate on Education" should be printed along with his Poems in the edition of "The English Poets" then going on. JOHNSON. "It would be breaking in upon the plan; but would be of no great consequence. So far as it would be any thing, it would be wrong. Education in England has been in danger of being hurt by two of its greatest men, Milton and Locke. Milton's plan is impracticable, and I suppose has never been tried. Locke's, I fancy, has been tried often enough, but is very imperfect; it gives too much to one side, and too little to the other; it gives too little to literature.--I shall do what I can for Dr. Watts; but my materials are very scanty. His poems are by no means his best works; I cannot praise his poetry itself highly; but I can praise its design".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Isaac Watts : [Poems]
'We had a quiet comfortable meeting at Mr. Dilly's; nobody there but ourselves. Mr. Dilly mentioned somebody having wished that Milton's "Tractate on Education" should be printed along with his Poems in the edition of "The English Poets" then going on. JOHNSON. "It would be breaking in upon the plan; but would be of no great consequence. So far as it would be any thing, it would be wrong. Education in England has been in danger of being hurt by two of its greatest men, Milton and Locke. Milton's plan is impracticable, and I suppose has never been tried. Locke's, I fancy, has been tried often enough, but is very imperfect; it gives too much to one side, and too little to the other; it gives too little to literature.--I shall do what I can for Dr. Watts; but my materials are very scanty. His poems are by no means his best works; I cannot praise his poetry itself highly; but I can praise its design".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Lives of the Poets
'[letter from Boswell to Johnson] 'I am eager to see more of your Prefaces to the Poets; I solace myself with the few proof sheets which I have'.
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: proof sheets
Joshua Reynolds : Discourses Delivered at the Royal Academy
'Johnson this year expressed great satisfaction at the publication of the first volume of "Discourses to the Royal Academy", by Sir Joshua Reynolds, whom he always considered as one of his literary school. Much praise indeed is due to those excellent "Discourses", which are so universally admired, and for which the authour received from the Empress of Russia a gold snuff-box, adorned with her profile in bas relief, set in diamonds; and containing what is infinitely more valuable, a slip of paper, on which are written with her Imperial Majesty's own hand, the following words: "Pour le Chevalier Reynolds en temoignage du contentement que j'ai ressentie a la lecture de ses excellens discours sur la peinture".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Joshua Reynolds : Discourses Delivered at the Royal Academy
'Johnson this year expressed great satisfaction at the publication of the first volume of "Discourses to the Royal Academy", by Sir Joshua Reynolds, whom he always considered as one of his literary school. Much praise indeed is due to those excellent "Discourses", which are so universally admired, and for which the authour received from the Empress of Russia a gold snuff-box, adorned with her profile in bas relief, set in diamonds; and containing what is infinitely more valuable, a slip of paper, on which are written with her Imperial Majesty's own hand, the following words: "Pour le Chevalier Reynolds en temoignage du contentement que j'ai ressentie a la lecture de ses excellens discours sur la peinture".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Catherine II of Russia Print: Book
Joshua Reynolds : Discourses Delivered at the Royal Academy
'Johnson this year expressed great satisfaction at the publication of the first volume of "Discourses to the Royal Academy", by Sir Joshua Reynolds, whom he always considered as one of his literary school. Much praise indeed is due to those excellent "Discourses", which are so universally admired, and for which the authour received from the Empress of Russia a gold snuff-box, adorned with her profile in bas relief, set in diamonds; and containing what is infinitely more valuable, a slip of paper, on which are written with her Imperial Majesty's own hand, the following words: "Pour le Chevalier Reynolds en temoignage du contentement que j'ai ressentie a la lecture de ses excellens discours sur la peinture".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Tasker : Ode to the Warlike Genius of Britain
'My arrival interrupted for a little while the important business of this true representative of Bayes[a clergyman who wanted Johnson's opinions on his literary works]; upon its being resumed, I found that the subject under immediate consideration was a translation, yet in manuscript, of the "Carmen Seculare" of Horace, which had this year been set to musick, and performed as a publick entertainment in London, for the joint benefit of Monsieur Philidor and Signor Baretti. When Johnson had done reading, the authour asked him bluntly, "If upon the whole it was a good translation?" Johnson, whose regard for truth was uncommonly strict, seemed to be puzzled for a moment, what answer to make; as he certainly could not honestly commend the performance: with exquisite address he evaded the question thus, "Sir, I do not say that it may not be made a very good translation." Here nothing whatever in favour of the performance was affirmed, and yet the writer was not shocked. A printed "Ode to the Warlike Genius of Britain", came next in review; the bard was a lank bony figure, with short black hair; he was writhing himself in agitation, while Johnson read, and shewing his teeth in a grin of earnestness, exclaimed in broken sentences, and in a keen sharp tone, "Is that poetry, Sir?--Is it Pindar?" JOHNSON. "Why, Sir, there is here a great deal of what is called poetry".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Horace : Carmen Seculare
'My arrival interrupted for a little while the important business of this true representative of Bayes[a clergyman who wanted Johnson's opinions on his literary works]; upon its being resumed, I found that the subject under immediate consideration was a translation, yet in manuscript, of the "Carmen Seculare" of Horace, which had this year been set to musick, and performed as a publick entertainment in London, for the joint benefit of Monsieur Philidor and Signor Baretti. When Johnson had done reading, the authour asked him bluntly, "If upon the whole it was a good translation?" Johnson, whose regard for truth was uncommonly strict, seemed to be puzzled for a moment, what answer to make; as he certainly could not honestly commend the performance: with exquisite address he evaded the question thus, "Sir, I do not say that it may not be made a very good translation." Here nothing whatever in favour of the performance was affirmed, and yet the writer was not shocked. A printed "Ode to the Warlike Genius of Britain", came next in review; the bard was a lank bony figure, with short black hair; he was writhing himself in agitation, while Johnson read, and shewing his teeth in a grin of earnestness, exclaimed in broken sentences, and in a keen sharp tone, "Is that poetry, Sir?--Is it Pindar?" JOHNSON. "Why, Sir, there is here a great deal of what is called poetry".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Oliver Goldsmith : Vicar of Wakefield
'[Johnson said] "I remember a passage in Goldsmith's "Vicar of Wakefield", which he was afterwards fool enough to expunge: 'I do not love a man who is zealous for nothing'." BOSWELL. "That was a fine passage". JOHNSON. "Yes, Sir: there was another fine passage too, which he struck out: 'When I was a young man, being anxious to distinguish myself, I was perpetually starting new propositions. But I soon gave this over; for, I found that generally what was new was false'."'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Junius [pseud.] : Letters of Junius
'Talking of the wonderful concealment of the authour of the celebrated letters signed [italics] Junius [end italics]; he said, "I should have believed Burke to be Junius, because I know no man but Burke who is capable of writing these letters; but Burke spontaneously denied it to me. The case would have been different had I asked him if he was the authour; a man so questioned, as to an anonymous publication, may think he has a right to deny it".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Serial / periodical
Richard Allestree : Government of the Tongue, The
'On Friday, April 2, being Good-Friday, I visited him in the morning as usual; and finding that we insensibly fell into a train of ridicule upon the foibles of one of our friends, a very worthy man, I, by way of a check, quoted some good admonition from "The Government of the Tongue", that very pious book.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Blaise Pascal : Pensees
'In the interval between morning and evening service, he [Johnson] endeavoured to employ himself earnestly in devotional exercises; and as he has mentioned in his "Prayers and Meditations", gave me "Les Pensees de Pascal", that I might not interrupt him. I preserve the book with reverence. His presenting it to me is marked upon it with his own hand, and I have found in it a truly divine unction.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
King James I : Daemonology
'[Johnson said] "King James says in his 'Daemonology', 'Magicians command the devils: witches are their servants. The Italian magicians are elegant beings'."'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas Parnell : Hermit, The
'On Monday, May 3, I dined with him at Mr. Dilly's; I pressed him this day for his opinion on the passage in Parnell, concerning which I had in vain questioned him in several letters, and at length obtained it in [italics] due form of law [end italics]. CASE for Dr. JOHNSON'S Opinion; 3rd of May, 1779. "PARNELL, in his "Hermit", has the following passage: "To clear this doubt, to know the world by sight, To find if [italics] books [end italics] and [italics] swains [end italics] report it right: (For yet by [italics] swains alone [end italics]the world he knew, Whose feet came wand'ring o'er the nightly dew.)" "Is there not a contradiction in its being [italics] first [end italics] supposed that the [italics] Hermit [end italics] knew [italics] both [end italics] what books and swains reported of the world; yet afterwards said, that he knew it by swains [italics] alone? [end italics] [italics] I think it an inaccuracy.--He mentions two instructors in the first line, and says he had only one in the next.[end italics]".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas Parnell : Hermit, The
'On Monday, May 3, I dined with him at Mr. Dilly's; I pressed him this day for his opinion on the passage in Parnell, concerning which I had in vain questioned him in several letters, and at length obtained it in [italics] due form of law [end italics]. CASE for Dr. JOHNSON'S Opinion; 3rd of May, 1779. "PARNELL, in his "Hermit", has the following passage: "To clear this doubt, to know the world by sight, To find if [italics] books [end italics] and [italics] swains [end italics] report it right: ( For yet by [italics] swains alone [end italics]the world he knew, Whose feet came wand'ring o'er the nightly dew.)" "Is there not a contradiction in its being [italics] first [end italics] supposed that the [italics] Hermit [end italics] knew [italics] both [end italics] what books and swains reported of the world; yet afterwards said, that he knew it by swains [italics] alone? [end italics] [italics] I think it an inaccuracy.--He mentions two instructors in the first line, and says he had only one in the next.[end italics]".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Hugh Blair : [letter concerning Pope and Bolingbroke]
'shall insert as a literary curiosity. [The letter is given. It begins as follows] "TO JAMES BOSWELL, ESQ. DEAR SIR, In the year 1763, being at London, I was carried by Dr. John Blair, Prebendary of Westminster, to dine at old Lord Bathurst's; where we found the late Mr. Mallet, Sir James Porter, who had been Ambassadour at Constantinople, the late Dr. Macaulay, and two or three more. The conversation turning on Mr. Pope, Lord Bathurst told us, that "The Essay on Man" was originally composed by Lord Bolingbroke in prose, and that Mr. Pope did no more than put it into verse: that he had read Lord Bolingbroke's manuscript in his own hand-writing; and remembered well, that he was at a loss whether most to admire the elegance of Lord Bolingbroke's prose, or the beauty of Mr. Pope's verse..."'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Letter
Alexander Pope : Essay on Man
'shall insert as a literary curiosity. [The letter is given. It begins as follows] "TO JAMES BOSWELL, ESQ. DEAR SIR, In the year 1763, being at London, I was carried by Dr. John Blair, Prebendary of Westminster, to dine at old Lord Bathurst's; where we found the late Mr. Mallet, Sir James Porter, who had been Ambassadour at Constantinople, the late Dr. Macaulay, and two or three more. The conversation turning on Mr. Pope, Lord Bathurst told us, that "The Essay on Man" was originally composed by Lord Bolingbroke in prose, and that Mr. Pope did no more than put it into verse: that he had read Lord Bolingbroke's manuscript in his own hand-writing; and remembered well, that he was at a loss whether most to admire the elegance of Lord Bolingbroke's prose, or the beauty of Mr. Pope's verse..."'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Allen, 1st Earl Bathurst Print: Book
Henry St John, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke : [alleged MS prose version of Pope's 'Essay on Man']
'shall insert as a literary curiosity. [The letter is given. It begins as follows] "TO JAMES BOSWELL, ESQ. DEAR SIR, In the year 1763, being at London, I was carried by Dr. John Blair, Prebendary of Westminster, to dine at old Lord Bathurst's; where we found the late Mr. Mallet, Sir James Porter, who had been Ambassadour at Constantinople, the late Dr. Macaulay, and two or three more. The conversation turning on Mr. Pope, Lord Bathurst told us, that "The Essay on Man" was originally composed by Lord Bolingbroke in prose, and that Mr. Pope did no more than put it into verse: that he had read Lord Bolingbroke's manuscript in his own hand-writing; and remembered well, that he was at a loss whether most to admire the elegance of Lord Bolingbroke's prose, or the beauty of Mr. Pope's verse..."'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Allen, 1st Earl Bathurst Manuscript: Unknown
Sylvanus : First Book of the Iliad
'Having regretted to him that I had learnt little Greek, as is too generally the case in Scotland; that I had for a long time hardly applied at all to the study of that noble language, and that I was desirous of being told by him what method to follow; he recommended to me as easy helps, Sylvanus's "First Book of the Iliad"; Dawson's "Lexicon to the Greek New Testament"; and "Hesiod", with "Pasoris Lexicon" at the end of it.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Dawson : Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament
'Having regretted to him that I had learnt little Greek, as is too generally the case in Scotland; that I had for a long time hardly applied at all to the study of that noble language, and that I was desirous of being told by him what method to follow; he recommended to me as easy helps, Sylvanus's "First Book of the Iliad"; Dawson's "Lexicon to the Greek New Testament"; and "Hesiod", with "Pasoris Lexicon" at the end of it.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Georgii Pasoris : Lexicon Graeco-Latinum in Iesu Christi Domini Nostri N. Testamentum
'Having regretted to him that I had learnt little Greek, as is too generally the case in Scotland; that I had for a long time hardly applied at all to the study of that noble language, and that I was desirous of being told by him what method to follow; he recommended to me as easy helps, Sylvanus's "First Book of the Iliad"; Dawson's "Lexicon to the Greek New Testament"; and "Hesiod", with "Pasoris Lexicon" at the end of it.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Hesiod :
'Having regretted to him that I had learnt little Greek, as is too generally the case in Scotland; that I had for a long time hardly applied at all to the study of that noble language, and that I was desirous of being told by him what method to follow; he recommended to me as easy helps, Sylvanus's "First Book of the Iliad"; Dawson's "Lexicon to the Greek New Testament"; and "Hesiod", with "Pasoris Lexicon" at the end of it.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James Dunbar : Essays on the History of Mankind in Rude and Cultivated Ages
'[letter from Johnson to Boswell] 'The bearer of this is Dr. Dunbar, of Aberdeen, who has written and published a very ingenious book'.
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Theocritus :
'[from the 1780 Johnsoniana passed to boswell by Bennet Langton] Theocritus is not deserving of very high respect as a writer; as to the pastoral part, Virgil is very evidently superiour. He wrote when there had been a larger influx of knowledge into the world than when Theocritus lived. Theocritus does not abound in description, though living in a beautiful country: the manners painted are coarse and gross. Virgil has much more description, more sentiment, more of Nature, and more of art. Some of the most excellent parts of Theocritus are, where Castor and Pollux, going with the other Argonauts, land on the Bebrycian coast, and there fall into a dispute with Amycus, the King of that country; which is as well conducted as Euripides could have done it; and the battle is well related. Afterwards they carry off a woman, whose two brothers come to recover her, and expostulate with Castor and Pollux on their injustice; but they pay no regard to the brothers, and a battle ensues, where Castor and his brother are triumphant. Theocritus seems not to have seen that the brothers have the advantage in their argument over his Argonaut heroes. "The Sicilian Gossips" is a piece of merit.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Virgil : Eclogues
'[from the 1780 Johnsoniana passed to boswell by Bennet Langton] Theocritus is not deserving of very high respect as a writer; as to the pastoral part, Virgil is very evidently superiour. He wrote when there had been a larger influx of knowledge into the world than when Theocritus lived. Theocritus does not abound in description, though living in a beautiful country: the manners painted are coarse and gross. Virgil has much more description, more sentiment, more of Nature, and more of art. Some of the most excellent parts of Theocritus are, where Castor and Pollux, going with the other Argonauts, land on the Bebrycian coast, and there fall into a dispute with Amycus, the King of that country; which is as well conducted as Euripides could have done it; and the battle is well related. Afterwards they carry off a woman, whose two brothers come to recover her, and expostulate with Castor and Pollux on their injustice; but they pay no regard to the brothers, and a battle ensues, where Castor and his brother are triumphant. Theocritus seems not to have seen that the brothers have the advantage in their argument over his Argonaut heroes. "The Sicilian Gossips" is a piece of merit.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: Sicilian Gossips
'[from the 1780 Johnsoniana passed to boswell by Bennet Langton] Theocritus is not deserving of very high respect as a writer; as to the pastoral part, Virgil is very evidently superiour. He wrote when there had been a larger influx of knowledge into the world than when Theocritus lived. Theocritus does not abound in description, though living in a beautiful country: the manners painted are coarse and gross. Virgil has much more description, more sentiment, more of Nature, and more of art. Some of the most excellent parts of Theocritus are, where Castor and Pollux, going with the other Argonauts, land on the Bebrycian coast, and there fall into a dispute with Amycus, the King of that country; which is as well conducted as Euripides could have done it; and the battle is well related. Afterwards they carry off a woman, whose two brothers come to recover her, and expostulate with Castor and Pollux on their injustice; but they pay no regard to the brothers, and a battle ensues, where Castor and his brother are triumphant. Theocritus seems not to have seen that the brothers have the advantage in their argument over his Argonaut heroes. "The Sicilian Gossips" is a piece of merit.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Callimachus :
'[from the 1780 Johnsoniana passed to Boswell by Bennet Langton] 'Callimachus is a writer of little excellence. The chief thing to be learned from him is his account of Rites and Mythology; which, though desirable to be known for the sake of understanding other parts of ancient authours, is the least pleasing or valuable part of their writings.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Mattaire : [various works including Latin verses]
'[from the 1780 Johnsoniana passed to Boswell by Bennet Langton] 'Mattaire's account of the Stephani is a heavy book. He seems to have been a puzzle-headed man, with a large share of scholarship, but with little geometry or logick in his head, without method, and possessed of little genius. He wrote Latin verses from time to time, and published a set in his old age, which he called "Senilia"; in which he shews so little learning or taste in writing, as to make [italics] Carteret [end italics] a dactyl. In matters of genealogy it is necessary to give the bare names as they are; but in poetry, and in prose of any elegance in the writing, they require to have inflection given to them. His book of the Dialects is a sad heap of confusion; the only way to write on them is to tabulate them with Notes, added at the bottom of the page, and references'.
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Rambler, The
'[from the 1780 Johnsoniana passed to Boswell by Bennet Langton] 'When in good humour he would talk of his own writings with a wonderful frankness and candour, and would even criticise them with the closest severity. One day, having read over one of his "Ramblers", Mr. Langton asked him, how he liked that paper; he shook his head, and answered, "too wordy". At another time, when one was reading his tragedy of "Irene" to a company at a house in the country, he left the room; and somebody having asked him the reason of this, he replied, "Sir, I thought it had been better".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book, Serial / periodical
Capel : [Preface to edition of Shakespeare]
'[from Bennet Langton's collection of 1780 Johnsoniana, passed to Boswell] Of the Preface to Capel's "Shakspeare", he said, "If the man would have come to me, I would have endeavoured to endow his purposes with words; for as it is, he doth gabble monstrously".'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James Townley : High Life Below Stairs
'[from Bennet Langton's collection of 1780 Johnsoniana, passed to Boswell] 'Talking of the "Farce of High Life below Stairs", he said, "Here is a Farce, which is really very diverting when you see it acted; and yet one may read it, and not know that one has been reading any thing at all."'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Lord Elibank : [Epitaph on his Lady]
'[from Bennet Langton's collection of 1780 Johnsoniana, passed to Boswell] 'One night at The Club he produced a translation of an Epitaph which Lord Elibank had written in English, for his Lady, and requested of Johnson to turn into Latin for him. Having read "Domina de North et Gray", he said to Dyer, "You see, Sir, what barbarisms we are compelled to make use of, when modern titles are to be specifically mentioned in Latin inscriptions." When he had read it once aloud, and there had been a general approbation expressed by the company, he addressed himself to Mr. Dyer in particular, and said, "Sir, I beg to have your judgement, for I know your nicety." Dyer then very properly desired to read it over again; which having done, he pointed out an incongruity in one of the sentences.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Thomas Gray : Odes
'[from Bennet Langton's collection of 1780 Johnsoniana, passed to Boswell] Talking of Gray's "Odes", he said, "They are forced plants raised in a hot-bed; and they are poor plants; they are but cucumbers after all." A gentleman present, who had been running down Ode-writing in general, as a bad species of poetry, unluckily said, "Had they been literally cucumbers, they had been better things than Odes."--"Yes, Sir, (said Johnson,) for a [italics] hog [end italics]."'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: The Bible
'Whilst I was at home, I remember, my father would make mee read the Bible; which, through an eager desire of play, and that inbred corruption wherby I hated all things that were good, I cared not for; this unwillingness to read, and stammering when I did read did tire out his patience, so he would let mee leave of[f]'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
: The Bible
'When I was past the worst of my sicknes I would be almost continually reading the Bible or other books . . . I [would] studye hard to gett up what I had lost in the reading the Bible, stinting [i.e. limiting] my selfe to many chapters a day according to Mr Bifield's book [i.e. Nicholas Byfield, Directions for the Private Reading of the Scriptures (1618)], or in other studyes, that I might be equall to the rest of my yeare; though I thinke it was not very good for my eyesight.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
: The Bible
'I was diligent in reading the scriptures every day, and read them once through in a yeare for the 3 first yeares according to Mr Bifield's directions [i.e. Nicholas Byfield, Directions for the Private Reading of the Scripture (1618)]; yet gate I not much good for want of due meditation. I took notes also out of the Bible and putt it under such heads as might suit any state of life what so ever.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
John Wilkins : A Discourse Concerning the Gift of Prayer
'I read Dr Wilkins of prayer, and in reading the Bible observed and wrote downe in a book notes for matter, method and expression; and although by such industrious wayes I had a gift of prayer, I knew that except the spirit of God helped my infirmityes . . . I could not pray in such a manner as to pleas God. I found it much better to use scripture phrase, on all occasions, th[a]n to trust to parts, and pray at random'.
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
Jeremy Taylor : unknown
'I read also Dr Taylour of practical repentance, and Dr Preston of faith, and found good by them'.
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
John Preston : The Breast-Plate of Faith and Love
'I read also Dr Taylour of practical repentance, and Dr Preston of faith, and found good by them'.
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
William Whately : A Pithie, Short and Methodicall Opening of the Ten Commandments
'At Sturbridge faire last, having by chance loo[k]ed on Mr Whately, Bishop Andrewes, and Mr Perkins on the commandments (in which I owne a secret hand of God) I was clearly convinced that my former practise was sinfull, and deserved the stroak of God's vengeance'.
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
Lancelot Andrewes : The Moral Law Expounded
'At Sturbridge faire last, having by chance loo[k]ed on Mr Whately, Bishop Andrewes, and Mr Perkins on the commandments (in which I owne a secret hand of God) I was clearly convinced that my former practise was sinfull, and deserved the stroak of God's vengeance'.
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
William Perkins : Armilla Aurea, or The Golden Chain
'At Sturbridge faire last, having by chance loo[k]ed on Mr Whately, Bishop Andrewes, and Mr Perkins on the commandments (in which I owne a secret hand of God) I was clearly convinced that my former practise was sinfull, and deserved the stroak of God's vengeance'.
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
anon : The Historie of China
'My heart was inclined to love and honour my father, especially when, by reading the history of China, I found that they bore more respect to their parents than any nation in the world'.
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
Richard Rogers : Certain Sermons . . . to establish and settle all such as are converted in faith and repentance
'November 30. I was reading, and meditating upon what I read in Mr Rogers his book of faith, viz. that there must be legall preparations before faith is wrought in the soule; I examined my selfe, and could not find that orderly proceeding of God with my soule by humiliation, contrition, etc. as I desired . . . '
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
Richard Baxter : The Saints Everlasting Rest
'October 19. I was reading the preface to Baxter's Rest, where he writes that we should mind our inheritance, and that because God tossed and tumbled us about in this world to make us weary of it. And this have I often experienced . . . '
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
Richard Baxter : The Saints Everlasting Rest
'[I was] not constant in meditation, I was loath to begin, but if I once began I found it so sweet that I could scarce leave of[f]; I read Mr Baxter's Rest about meditation, and was much affected with his way; I perused Bishop Hall's book, and that pleased mee; but I found diversions, and I could not fixe my thoughts long upon one subject . . . '
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
Joseph Hall : The Art of Divine Meditation
'[I was] not constant in meditation, I was loath to begin, but if I once began I found it so sweet that I could scarce leave of[f]; I read Mr Baxter's Rest about meditation, and was much affected with his way; I perused Bishop Hall's book, and that pleased mee; but I found diversions, and I could not fixe my thoughts long upon one subject . . . '
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
John Preston : The Breast-plate of Faith and Love. A treatise wherein the ground and exercises of faith and love . . . is explained. Delivered in 18 Sermons
'May 6. I began seriously to read Dr Preston's sermons of faith; and that I might understand them the better, and that they might be fixed in my memory, I preached upon Ephesians 2:8 and made use of many of his notions . . .'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
James Ussher : A Body of Divinitie
'August 26. By reading of Bishop Usher's Body of Divinity, I was convinced of my sinning against the commandments of God in many cases'.
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
: The Bible
'April 3. On the day when [his daughter Mary had been] borne last year, Easter fell; I had made a sermon of Abraham's offering his only son etc., little thinking (as I told my neighbours) how neerly it concerned mee. Reading Exodus 12 I could not refraine tears at the words of v.30.'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
Nicholas Byfield : The Spiritual Touchstone: or, the Signes of a Godly Man
'February 26. Looking over Mr Bifield's book called The Spirituall Touchstone, I noted severall signes of a good man, according to which thus I find my selfe for present' [there follows a list of five 'signs', a couple keyed to page numbers in the book.]
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
Samuel Clarke : The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons
'May 11. I read the lives of some moderne divines, and I was ashamed to find how short I came of such examples for zeale, and diligence. In Mr Stockton's life, whom I knew, I found that being soberly brought up he found not that change, which others, who were wicked, found at their conversion . . . '
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
: [Commentary upon Ephesians: 3]
'December 25. I had somewhat before, by accident, chosen a booke to read, which I had long by mee, but never did read it. 'Twas upon Ephesians 3:19, which did much affect mee, and some short hints of it I used in my sermon before the sacrament, and then I was much moved with a sense of Christ's love, and could scarce forbeare weeping'.
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
Bishop Hall : Sermon on Ephesians 4:30
'September 2. I had bin grievously and causlessly defamed by one from whom I deserved it not; this day he came to quarrell with mee, and I used bitter expressions to him . . . but see a providence to humble mee! I had lent a booke which was newly come home; before I sett it up I opened it up by chance . . . and found the beginning of Bishop Hall's sermon upon Ephesians 4:30, who tooke notice that by the connexion of the text 'twas evident that sinns of the tongue did unkindly grieve God's spirit. This struck me with griefe, and shame, resolving to be more watchfull heerafter, which God grant!'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Archer Print: Book
: [Spanish Plays]
'[from the Johnsoniana imparted by Bennet Langton to Boswell in 1780] Spanish plays, being wildly and improbably farcical, would please children here, as children are entertained with stories full of prodigies; their experience not being sufficient to cause them to be so readily startled at deviations from the natural course of life. The machinery of the Pagans is uninteresting to us: when a Goddess appears in Homer or Virgil, we grow weary; still more so in the Grecian tragedies, as in that kind of composition a nearer approach to Nature is intended. Yet there are good reasons for reading romances; as--the fertility of invention, the beauty of style and expression, the curiosity of seeing with what kind of performances the age and country in which they were written was delighted: for it is to be apprehended, that at the time when very wild improbable tales were well received, the people were in a barbarous state, and so on the footing of children, as has been explained.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: [Greek tragedies]
'[from the Johnsoniana imparted by Bennet Langton to Boswell in 1780] Spanish plays, being wildly and improbably farcical, would please children here, as children are entertained with stories full of prodigies; their experience not being sufficient to cause them to be so readily startled at deviations from the natural course of life. The machinery of the Pagans is uninteresting to us: when a Goddess appears in Homer or Virgil, we grow weary; still more so in the Grecian tragedies, as in that kind of composition a nearer approach to Nature is intended. Yet there are good reasons for reading romances; as--the fertility of invention, the beauty of style and expression, the curiosity of seeing with what kind of performances the age and country in which they were written was delighted: for it is to be apprehended, that at the time when very wild improbable tales were well received, the people were in a barbarous state, and so on the footing of children, as has been explained.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Homer :
'[from the Johnsoniana imparted by Bennet Langton to Boswell in 1780] Spanish plays, being wildly and improbably farcical, would please children here, as children are entertained with stories full of prodigies; their experience not being sufficient to cause them to be so readily startled at deviations from the natural course of life. The machinery of the Pagans is uninteresting to us: when a Goddess appears in Homer or Virgil, we grow weary; still more so in the Grecian tragedies, as in that kind of composition a nearer approach to Nature is intended. Yet there are good reasons for reading romances; as--the fertility of invention, the beauty of style and expression, the curiosity of seeing with what kind of performances the age and country in which they were written was delighted: for it is to be apprehended, that at the time when very wild improbable tales were well received, the people were in a barbarous state, and so on the footing of children, as has been explained.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Virgil :
'[from the Johnsoniana imparted by Bennet Langton to Boswell in 1780] Spanish plays, being wildly and improbably farcical, would please children here, as children are entertained with stories full of prodigies; their experience not being sufficient to cause them to be so readily startled at deviations from the natural course of life. The machinery of the Pagans is uninteresting to us: when a Goddess appears in Homer or Virgil, we grow weary; still more so in the Grecian tragedies, as in that kind of composition a nearer approach to Nature is intended. Yet there are good reasons for reading romances; as--the fertility of invention, the beauty of style and expression, the curiosity of seeing with what kind of performances the age and country in which they were written was delighted: for it is to be apprehended, that at the time when very wild improbable tales were well received, the people were in a barbarous state, and so on the footing of children, as has been explained.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James Hammond : Love Elegies
'[from the Johnsoniana imparted by Bennet Langton to Boswell in 1780] As I recollect, Hammond introduces a hag or witch into one of his love elegies, where the effect is unmeaning and disgusting'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Clenardus : Greek Grammar
'[from the Johnsoniana imparted by Bennet Langton to Boswell in 1780] 'A gentleman, by no means deficient in literature, having discovered less acquaintance with one of the Classicks than Johnson expected, when the gentleman left the room, he observed, "You see, now, how little any body reads." Mr. Langton happening to mention his having read a good deal in Clenardus's Greek Grammar, "Why, Sir, (said he,) who is there in this town who knows any thing of Clenardus but you and I?" And upon Mr. Langton's mentioning that he had taken the pains to learn by heart the Epistle of St. Basil, which is given in that Grammar as a praxis, "Sir, (said he,) I never made such an effort to attain Greek."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Robert Dodsley : Publick Virtue, a Poem
'[from the Johnsoniana imparted by Bennet Langton to Boswell in 1780] 'Of Dodsley's "Publick Virtue, a Poem", he said, "It was fine blank (meaning to express his usual contempt for blank verse); however, this miserable poem did not sell, and my poor friend Doddy said, Publick Virtue was not a subject to interest the age."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Robert Dodsley : Cleone, a Tragedy
'[from the Johnsoniana imparted by Bennet Langton to Boswell in 1780] Mr. Langton, when a very young man, read Dodsley's "Cleone, a Tragedy", to him, not aware of his extreme impatience to be read to. As it went on he turned his face to the back of his chair, and put himself into various attitudes, which marked his uneasiness. At the end of an act, however, he said, "Come let's have some more, let's go into the slaughter-house again, Lanky. But I am afraid there is more blood than brains." Yet he afterwards said, "When I heard you read it, I thought higher of its power of language: when I read it myself, I was more sensible of its pathetick effect;" and then he paid it a compliment which many will think very extravagant. "Sir, (said he,) if Otway had written this play, no other of his pieces would have been remembered": Dodsley himself, upon this being repeated to him, said, "It was too much": it must be remembered, that Johnson always appeared not to be sufficiently sensible of the merit of Otway'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas Otway :
'[from the Johnsoniana imparted by Bennet Langton to Boswell in 1780] Mr. Langton, when a very young man, read Dodsley's "Cleone, a Tragedy", to him, not aware of his extreme impatience to be read to. As it went on he turned his face to the back of his chair, and put himself into various attitudes, which marked his uneasiness. At the end of an act, however, he said, "Come let's have some more, let's go into the slaughter-house again, Lanky. But I am afraid there is more blood than brains." Yet he afterwards said, "When I heard you read it, I thought higher of its power of language: when I read it myself, I was more sensible of its pathetick effect;" and then he paid it a compliment which many will think very extravagant. "Sir, (said he,) if Otway had written this play, no other of his pieces would have been remembered": Dodsley himself, upon this being repeated to him, said, "It was too much": it must be remembered, that Johnson always appeared not to be sufficiently sensible of the merit of Otway'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas a Kempis : Imitation of Christ
'[from the Johnsoniana imparted by Bennet Langton to Boswell in 1780] In the latter part of his life, in order to satisfy himself whether his mental faculties were impaired, he resolved that he would try to learn a new language, and fixed upon the Low Dutch, for that purpose, and this he continued till he had read about one half of "Thomas a Kempis"; and finding that there appeared no abatement of his power of acquisition, he then desisted, as thinking the experiment had been duly tried'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Richard Bentley :
'[from the Johnsoniana imparted by Bennet Langton to Boswell in 1780] Johnson one day gave high praise to Dr. Bentley's verses in Dodsley's "Collection", which he recited with his usual energy.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Pindar : Odes
'[from the Johnsoniana imparted by Bennet Langton to Boswell in 1780] As an instance of the niceness of his taste, though he praised West's translation of Pindar, he pointed out the following passage as faulty, by expressing a circumstance so minute as to detract from the general dignity which should prevail: "Down then from thy glittering nail, Take, O Muse, thy Dorian lyre.'"
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Xenophon : Anabasis
'[from the Johnsoniana imparted by Bennet Langton to Boswell in 1780] He apprehended that the delineation of characters in the end of the first Book of the "Retreat of the Ten Thousand" was the first instance of the kind that was known.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
various : [works on the fifteenth century]
'[…] I keep reading XVth Century […]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book, Unknown
Mr Grove : [articled in 'The Spectator']
[from Bennet Langton's collection of Johnsoniana passed to Boswell in 1780] 'He mentioned with an air of satisfaction what Baretti had told him; that, meeting, in the course of his studying English, with an excellent paper in the "Spectator", one of four that were written by the respectable Dissenting Minister, Mr. Grove of Taunton, and observing the genius and energy of mind that it exhibits, it greatly quickened his curiosity to visit our country; as he thought if such were the lighter periodical essays of our authours, their productions on more weighty occasions must be wonderful indeed!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Giuseppe Marc'Antonio Baretti Print: Serial / periodical
Samuel Johnson : Lives of the Poets
'So easy is his style in these "Lives", that I do not recollect more than three uncommon or learned words; one, when giving an account of the approach of Waller's mortal disease, he says, "he found his legs grow tumid"; by using the expression his legs swelled, he would have avoided this; and there would have been no impropriety in its being followed by the interesting question to his physician, 'What that swelling meant?' Another, when he mentions that Pope had emitted proposals; when published or issued would have been more readily understood; and a third, when he calls Orrery and Dr. Delany, writers both undoubtedly veracious, when true, honest, or faithful, might have been used. Yet, it must be owned, that none of these are hard or too big words; that custom would make them seem as easy as any others; and that a language is richer and capable of more beauty of expression, by having a greater variety of synonimes. His dissertation upon the unfitness of poetry for the aweful subjects of our holy religion, though I do not entirely agree with with him, has all the merit of originality, with uncommon force and reasoning.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Herbert Croft : Life of Young
'[Croft's 'Life of Young, adapted by Johnson for his 'Life'] has always appeared to me to have a considerable share of merit, and to display a pretty successful imitation of Johnson's style. When I mentioned this to a very eminent literary character [Edmund Burke], he opposed me vehemently, exclaiming, "No, no, it is not a good imitation of Johnson; it has all his pomp without his force; it has all the nodosities of the oak without its strength". This was an image so happy, that one might have thought he would have been satisfied with it; but he was not. And setting his mind again to work, he added, with exquisite felicity, "It has all the contortions of the Sybil, without the inspiration".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Edward Young : Night Thoughts
''It gives me much pleasure to observe, that however Johnson may have casually talked, yet when he sits, as "an ardent judge zealous to his trust, giving sentence" upon the excellent works of Young, he allows them the high praise to which they are justly entitled. "The 'Universal Passion' (says he) is indeed a very great performance,--his distichs have the weight of solid sentiment, and his points the sharpness of resistless truth." But I was most anxious concerning Johnson's decision upon "Night Thoughts", which I esteem as a mass of the grandest and richest poetry that human genius has ever produced; and was delighted to find this character of that work: "In his 'Night Thoughts', he has exhibited a very wide display of original poetry, variegated with deep reflections and striking allusions; a wilderness of thought, in which the fertility of fancy scatters flowers of every hue and of every odour. This is one of the few poems in which blank verse could not be changed for rhime but with disadvantage". And afterwards, "Particular lines are not to be regarded; the power is in the whole; and in the whole there is a magnificence like that ascribed to Chinese plantation, the magnificence of vast extent and endless diversity". But there is in this Poem not only all that Johnson so well brings in view, but a power of the [italics] Pathetick [end italics] beyond almost any example that I have seen. He who does not feel his nerves shaken, and his heart pierced by many passages in this extraordinary work, particularly by that most affecting one, which describes the gradual torment suffered by the contemplation of an object of affectionate attachment, visibly and certainly decaying into dissolution, must be of a hard and obstinate frame. To all the other excellencies of "Night Thoughts" let me add the great and peculiar one, that they contain not only the noblest sentiments of virtue, and contemplations on immortality, but the Christian Sacrifice, the Divine Propitiation, with all its interesting circumstances, and consolations to "a wounded spirit" solemnly and poetically displayed in such imagery and language, as cannot fail to exalt, animate, and soothe the truly pious. No book whatever can be recommended to young persons, with better hopes of seasoning their minds with [italics] vital religion [end italics], than Young's "Night Thoughts".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [Life of Young in 'Lives of the Poets']
''It gives me much pleasure to observe, that however Johnson may have casually talked, yet when he sits, as "an ardent judge zealous to his trust, giving sentence" upon the excellent works of Young, he allows them the high praise to which they are justly entitled. "The 'Universal Passion' (says he) is indeed a very great performance,--his distichs have the weight of solid sentiment, and his points the sharpness of resistless truth." But I was most anxious concerning Johnson's decision upon "Night Thoughts", which I esteem as a mass of the grandest and richest poetry that human genius has ever produced; and was delighted to find this character of that work: "In his 'Night Thoughts', he has exhibited a very wide display of original poetry, variegated with deep reflections and striking allusions; a wilderness of thought, in which the fertility of fancy scatters flowers of every hue and of every odour. This is one of the few poems in which blank verse could not be changed for rhime but with disadvantage". And afterwards, "Particular lines are not to be regarded; the power is in the whole; and in the whole there is a magnificence like that ascribed to Chinese plantation, the magnificence of vast extent and endless diversity". But there is in this Poem not only all that Johnson so well brings in view, but a power of the [italics] Pathetick [end italics] beyond almost any example that I have seen. He who does not feel his nerves shaken, and his heart pierced by many passages in this extraordinary work, particularly by that most affecting one, which describes the gradual torment suffered by the contemplation of an object of affectionate attachment, visibly and certainly decaying into dissolution, must be of a hard and obstinate frame. To all the other excellencies of "Night Thoughts" let me add the great and peculiar one, that they contain not only the noblest sentiments of virtue, and contemplations on immortality, but the Christian Sacrifice, the Divine Propitiation, with all its interesting circumstances, and consolations to "a wounded spirit" solemnly and poetically displayed in such imagery and language, as cannot fail to exalt, animate, and soothe the truly pious. No book whatever can be recommended to young persons, with better hopes of seasoning their minds with [italics] vital religion [end italics], than Young's "Night Thoughts".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Edward Young : Night Thoughts
''It gives me much pleasure to observe, that however Johnson may have casually talked, yet when he sits, as "an ardent judge zealous to his trust, giving sentence" upon the excellent works of Young, he allows them the high praise to which they are justly entitled. "The 'Universal Passion' (says he) is indeed a very great performance,--his distichs have the weight of solid sentiment, and his points the sharpness of resistless truth." But I was most anxious concerning Johnson's decision upon "Night Thoughts", which I esteem as a mass of the grandest and richest poetry that human genius has ever produced; and was delighted to find this character of that work: "In his 'Night Thoughts', he has exhibited a very wide display of original poetry, variegated with deep reflections and striking allusions; a wilderness of thought, in which the fertility of fancy scatters flowers of every hue and of every odour. This is one of the few poems in which blank verse could not be changed for rhime but with disadvantage". And afterwards, "Particular lines are not to be regarded; the power is in the whole; and in the whole there is a magnificence like that ascribed to Chinese plantation, the magnificence of vast extent and endless diversity". But there is in this Poem not only all that Johnson so well brings in view, but a power of the [italics] Pathetick [end italics] beyond almost any example that I have seen. He who does not feel his nerves shaken, and his heart pierced by many passages in this extraordinary work, particularly by that most affecting one, which describes the gradual torment suffered by the contemplation of an object of affectionate attachment, visibly and certainly decaying into dissolution, must be of a hard and obstinate frame. To all the other excellencies of "Night Thoughts" let me add the great and peculiar one, that they contain not only the noblest sentiments of virtue, and contemplations on immortality, but the Christian Sacrifice, the Divine Propitiation, with all its interesting circumstances, and consolations to "a wounded spirit" solemnly and poetically displayed in such imagery and language, as cannot fail to exalt, animate, and soothe the truly pious. No book whatever can be recommended to young persons, with better hopes of seasoning their minds with [italics] vital religion [end italics], than Young's "Night Thoughts".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Edward Young : Love of Fame, The Universal Passion
''It gives me much pleasure to observe, that however Johnson may have casually talked, yet when he sits, as "an ardent judge zealous to his trust, giving sentence" upon the excellent works of Young, he allows them the high praise to which they are justly entitled. "The 'Universal Passion' (says he) is indeed a very great performance,--his distichs have the weight of solid sentiment, and his points the sharpness of resistless truth." But I was most anxious concerning Johnson's decision upon "Night Thoughts", which I esteem as a mass of the grandest and richest poetry that human genius has ever produced; and was delighted to find this character of that work: "In his 'Night Thoughts', he has exhibited a very wide display of original poetry, variegated with deep reflections and striking allusions; a wilderness of thought, in which the fertility of fancy scatters flowers of every hue and of every odour. This is one of the few poems in which blank verse could not be changed for rhime but with disadvantage". And afterwards, "Particular lines are not to be regarded; the power is in the whole; and in the whole there is a magnificence like that ascribed to Chinese plantation, the magnificence of vast extent and endless diversity". But there is in this Poem not only all that Johnson so well brings in view, but a power of the [italics] Pathetick [end italics] beyond almost any example that I have seen. He who does not feel his nerves shaken, and his heart pierced by many passages in this extraordinary work, particularly by that most affecting one, which describes the gradual torment suffered by the contemplation of an object of affectionate attachment, visibly and certainly decaying into dissolution, must be of a hard and obstinate frame. To all the other excellencies of "Night Thoughts" let me add the great and peculiar one, that they contain not only the noblest sentiments of virtue, and contemplations on immortality, but the Christian Sacrifice, the Divine Propitiation, with all its interesting circumstances, and consolations to "a wounded spirit" solemnly and poetically displayed in such imagery and language, as cannot fail to exalt, animate, and soothe the truly pious. No book whatever can be recommended to young persons, with better hopes of seasoning their minds with [italics] vital religion [end italics], than Young's "Night Thoughts".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Zachariah Mudge : Sermons
'[Johnson said of Rev. Zacariah Mudge] The general course of his life was determined by his profession; he studied the sacred volumes in the original languages; with what diligence and success, his "Notes upon the Psalms" give sufficient evidence. He once endeavoured to add the knowledge of Arabick to that of Hebrew; but finding his thoughts too much diverted from other studies, after some time desisted from his purpose. His discharge of parochial duties was exemplary. How his "Sermons" were composed, may be learned from the excellent volume which he has given to the publick'. [article by Johnson in 'the London Chronicle', 2nd May 1769]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Zachariah Mudge : [notes on the Psalms]
'[Johnson said of Rev. Zacariah Mudge] The general course of his life was determined by his profession; he studied the sacred volumes in the original languages; with what diligence and success, his "Notes upon the Psalms" give sufficient evidence. He once endeavoured to add the knowledge of Arabick to that of Hebrew; but finding his thoughts too much diverted from other studies, after some time desisted from his purpose. His discharge of parochial duties was exemplary. How his "Sermons" were composed, may be learned from the excellent volume which he has given to the publick'. [article by Johnson in 'the London Chronicle', 2nd May 1769]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Zachariah Mudge : Sermons
'Sir Joshua Reynolds praised "Mudge's Sermons". JOHNSON. "'Mudge's Sermons' are good, but not practical. He grasps more sense than he can hold; he takes more corn than he can make into meal; he opens a wide prospect, but it is so distant, it is indistinct. I love "Blair's Sermons". Though the dog is a Scotchman, and a Presbyterian, and every thing he should not be, I was the first to praise them. Such was my candour." (smiling.)'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Joshua Reynolds Print: Book
Zachariah Mudge : Sermons
'Sir Joshua Reynolds praised "Mudge's Sermons". JOHNSON. "'Mudge's Sermons' are good, but not practical. He grasps more sense than he can hold; he takes more corn than he can make into meal; he opens a wide prospect, but it is so distant, it is indistinct. I love "Blair's Sermons". Though the dog is a Scotchman, and a Presbyterian, and every thing he should not be, I was the first to praise them. Such was my candour." (smiling.)'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Hugh Blair : Sermons
'Sir Joshua Reynolds praised "Mudge's Sermons". JOHNSON. "'Mudge's Sermons' are good, but not practical. He grasps more sense than he can hold; he takes more corn than he can make into meal; he opens a wide prospect, but it is so distant, it is indistinct. I love "Blair's Sermons". Though the dog is a Scotchman, and a Presbyterian, and every thing he should not be, I was the first to praise them. Such was my candour." (smiling.)'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Hannah More : Bas Bleu; or Conversation
'Miss Hannah More has admirably described a [italics] Blue-stocking Club [end italics], in her "Bas Bleu", a poem in which many of the persons who were most conspicuous there are mentioned.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Unknown
John Shebbeare : Letters on the English Nation
'that gentleman [Dr Shebbeare], whatever objections were made to him, had knowledge and abilities much above the class of ordinary writers, and deserves to be remembered as a respectable name in literature, were it only for his admirable "Letters on the English Nation", under the name of "Battista Angeloni, a Jesuit".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
William Mason : Heroick Epistle to Sir William Chambers
'Johnson and Shebbeare were frequently named together, as having in former reigns had no predilection for the family of Hanover. The authour of the celebrated "Heroick Epistle to Sir William Chambers", introduces them in one line, in a list of those "who tasted the sweets of his present Majesty's reign". Such was Johnson's candid relish of the merit of that satire, that he allowed Dr. Goldsmith, as he told me, to read it to him from beginning to end, and did not refuse his praise to its execution'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Unknown
William Whitehead : 'Elegy to Lord Villiers'
'Johnson praised the Earl of Carlisle's Poems, which his Lordship had published with his name, as not disdaining to be a candidate for literary fame. My friend was of opinion, that when a man of rank appeared in that character, he deserved to have his merit handsomely allowed. In this I think he was more liberal than Mr. William Whitehead, in his "Elegy to Lord Villiers", in which under the pretext of "superiour toils, demanding all their care," he discovers a jealousy of the great paying their court to the Muses:-- "------to the chosen few Who dare excel, thy fost'ring aid afford, Their arts, their magick powers, with honours due Exalt;--but be thyself what they record".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Unknown
Frederick Howard, 5th Earl of Carlisle : Tragedies and Poems
'Johnson praised the Earl of Carlisle's Poems, which his Lordship had published with his name, as not disdaining to be a candidate for literary fame. My friend was of opinion, that when a man of rank appeared in that character, he deserved to have his merit handsomely allowed. In this I think he was more liberal than Mr. William Whitehead, in his "Elegy to Lord Villiers", in which under the pretext of "superiour toils, demanding all their care," he discovers a jealousy of the great paying their court to the Muses:-- "------to the chosen few Who dare excel, thy fost'ring aid afford, Their arts, their magick powers, with honours due Exalt;--but be thyself what they record".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia
'He talked little to us in the carriage, being chiefly occupied in reading Dr. Watson's second volume of "Chemical Essays", which he liked very well, and his own "Prince of Abyssinia", on which he seemed to be intensely fixed; having told us, that he had not looked at it since it was first published. I happened to take it out of my pocket this day, and he seized upon it with avidity.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Richard Watson : Chemical Essays
'He talked little to us in the carriage, being chiefly occupied in reading Dr. Watson's second volume of "Chemical Essays", which he liked very well, and his own "Prince of Abyssinia", on which he seemed to be intensely fixed; having told us, that he had not looked at it since it was first published. I happened to take it out of my pocket this day, and he seized upon it with avidity.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas Astle : [notes on the will of King Alfred]
'[letter from Johnson to Thomas Astle] Your notes on Alfred appear to me very judicious and accurate, but they are too few. Many things familiar to you, are unknown to me, and to most others; and you must not think too favourably of your readers: by supposing them knowing, you will leave them ignorant. Measure of land, and value of money, it is of great importance to state with care. Had the Saxons any gold coin?'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
George Crabbe : Village, The
'Soon after this time I had an opportunity of seeing, by means of one of his friends, a proof that his talents, as well as his obliging service to authours, were ready as ever. He had revised "The Village", an admirable poem, by the Reverend Mr. Crabbe. Its sentiments as to the false notions of rustick happiness and rustick virtue were quite congenial with his own; and he had taken the trouble not only to suggest slight corrections and variations, but to furnish some lines, when he thought he could give the writer's meaning better than in the words of the manuscript'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
George Crabbe : Village, The
'Soon after this time I had an opportunity of seeing, by means of one of his friends, a proof that his talents, as well as his obliging service to authours, were ready as ever. He had revised "The Village", an admirable poem, by the Reverend Mr. Crabbe. Its sentiments as to the false notions of rustick happiness and rustick virtue were quite congenial with his own; and he had taken the trouble not only to suggest slight corrections and variations, but to furnish some lines, when he thought he could give the writer's meaning better than in the words of the manuscript'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
James Macpherson : [Ossian poems]
'Johnson thought the poems published as translations from Ossian had so little merit, that he said, 'Sir, a man might write such stuff for ever, if he would [italics]abandon [end italics] his mind to it'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Charles Burney : Continental Travels 1770-72
'He [Johnson] gave much praise to his friend, Dr. Burney's elegant and entertaining travels, and told Mr. Seward that he had them in his eye, when writing his "Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James Beattie : Hermit, The
'Such was his sensibility, and so much was he affected by pathetick poetry, that, when he was reading Dr. Beattie's "Hermit" in my presence, it brought tears into his eyes'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: Love and Madness
'He disapproved much of mingling real facts with fiction. On this account he censured a book entitled "Love and Madness"'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Leslie Stephen : Hours in a Library, No. XII. − Macaulay
Read Stephen’s “Macaulay”.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Andrew Lang : French Peasant Songs.
'Lang’s French ballads is neatly enough ticked off.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
John A. Carlyle : Thesis for medical degree "De Mentis Alientione" (On Diseases Of The Mind)
'I have read these leaves of your thesis; and really I find them very far beyond my expectation, which had satisfied itself with ranking your Latin (I now discover) far too little above the usual Grinder Latin. Some of these sentences are quite good. The sense too so far as it extends in these few lines is clear and flowing; and I have no doubt, if the rest in any way correspond to it, your Essay will be very far above the average.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Degree thesis
William Chambers : Designs of Chinese buildings, furniture, dresses, machines, and utensils : to which is annexed a description of their temples, houses, gardens, &c
'Sir William Chambers, that great Architect, whose works shew a sublimity of genius, and who is esteemed by all who know him for his social, hospitable, and generous qualities, submitted the manuscript of his "Chinese Architecture" to Dr. Johnson's perusal. Johnson was much pleased with it, and said, "It wants no addition nor correction, but a few lines of introduction"; which he furnished, and Sir William adopted'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Richard Hurd : Moral and Political Dialogues: being the substance of several conversations between divers eminent persons of the past and present age
'That learned and ingenious Prelate [Dr Hurd] it is well known published at one period of his life "Moral and Political Dialogues", with a woefully whiggish cast. Afterwards, his Lordship having thought better, came to see his errour, and republished the work with a more constitutional spirit.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Virgil : Aeneid
'Johnson asked Richard Owen Cambridge, Esq., if he had read the Spanish translation of Sallust, said to be written by a Prince of Spain, with the assistance of his tutor, who is professedly the authour of a treatise annexed, on the Phoenician language. Mr. Cambridge commended the work, particularly as he thought the Translator understood his authour better than is commonly the case with Translators: but said, he was disappointed in the purpose for which he borrowed the book; to see whether a Spaniard could be better furnished with inscriptions from monuments, coins, or other antiquities which he might more probably find on a coast, so immediately opposite to Carthage, than the Antiquaries of any other countries. JOHNSON. "I am very sorry you was not gratified in your expectations". CAMBRIDGE. "The language would have been of little use, as there is no history existing in that tongue to balance the partial accounts which the Roman writers have left us." JOHNSON. "No, Sir. They have not been [italics] partial [end italics], they have told their own story, without shame or regard to equitable treatment of their injured enemy; they had no compunction, no feeling for a Carthaginian. Why, Sir, they would never have borne Virgil's description of Aeneas's treatment of Dido, if she had not been a Carthaginian".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Delarivier Manley : Adventures of Rivella, or the History of the Author of The New Atalantis
'BOSWELL. "Pray, Sir, is the 'Turkish Spy' a genuine book?" JOHNSON. "No, Sir. Mrs. Manley, in her 'Life', says that her father wrote the first two volumes: and in another book, 'Dunton's Life and Errours', we find that the rest was written by one Sault, at two guineas a sheet, under the direction of Dr. Midgeley".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Dunton : Life and Errours of John Dunton
'BOSWELL. "Pray, Sir, is the 'Turkish Spy' a genuine book?" JOHNSON. "No, Sir. Mrs. Manley, in her 'Life', says that her father wrote the first two volumes: and in another book, 'Dunton's Life and Errours', we find that the rest was written by one Sault, at two guineas a sheet, under the direction of Dr. Midgeley".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Giovanni Paolo Marana : Letters written by a Turkish spy, who lived five and forty years undiscovered at Paris: giving an impartial account to the Divan at Constantinople, of the most remarkable transactions of Europe: and discovering several intrigues and secrets ...
'BOSWELL. "Pray, Sir, is the 'Turkish Spy' a genuine book?" JOHNSON. "No, Sir. Mrs. Manley, in her 'Life', says that her father wrote the first two volumes: and in another book, 'Dunton's Life and Errours', we find that the rest was written by one Sault, at two guineas a sheet, under the direction of Dr. Midgeley".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
William Camden : Remains Concerning Britain
'[Johnson said] There is in "Camden's Remains", an epitaph upon a very wicked man, who was killed by a fall from his horse, in which he is supposed to say, 'Between the stirrup and the ground, I mercy ask'd, I mercy found'."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Horace : [ode] 'Parcus deorum cultur et infrequens
'Horace having been mentioned; BOSWELL. "There is a great deal of thinking in his works. One finds there almost every thing but religion". SEWARD. "He speaks of his returning to it, in his Ode 'Parcus Deorum cultor et infrequens'" JOHNSON. "Sir, he was not in earnest: this was merely poetical".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Horace :
'Horace having been mentioned; BOSWELL. "There is a great deal of thinking in his works. One finds there almost every thing but religion". SEWARD. "He speaks of his returning to it, in his Ode 'Parcus Deorum cultor et infrequens'" JOHNSON. "Sir, he was not in earnest: this was merely poetical".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
David Mallet : [a poem about Aberdeen]
'Lord Hailes had sent him a present of a curious little printed poem, on repairing the University of Aberdeen, by David [italics] Malloch [end italics], which he thought would please Johnson, as affording clear evidence that Mallet had appeared even as a literary character by the name of Malloch; his changing which to one of softer sound, had given Johnson occasion to introduce him into his "Dictionary", under the article [italics] Alias[end italics]. This piece was, I suppose, one of Mallet's first essays. It is preserved in his works, with several variations. Johnson having read aloud, from the beginning of it, where there were some common-place assertions as to the superiority of ancient times;--"How false (said he) is all this, to say that in ancient times learning was not a disgrace to a Peer as it is now. In ancient times a Peer was as ignorant as any one else. He would have been angry to have it thought he could write his name. Men in ancient times dared to stand forth with a degree of ignorance with which nobody would dare now to stand forth".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Virgil : Aeneid
'[Johnson said] The books that we do read with pleasure are light compositions, which contain a quick succession of events. However, I have this year read all Virgil through. I read a book of the "Aeneid" every night, so it was done in twelve nights, and I had great delight in it. The "Georgicks" did not give me so much pleasure, except the fourth book. The "Eclogues" I have almost all by heart. I do not think the story of the "Aeneid" interesting. I like the story of the "Odyssey" much better; and this not on account of the wonderful things which it contains; for there are wonderful things enough in the "Aeneid";--the ships of the Trojans turned to sea-nymphs,--the tree at Polydorus's tomb dropping blood. The story of the "Odyssey" is interesting, as a great part of it is domestick.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Virgil : Eclogues
'[Johnson said] The books that we do read with pleasure are light compositions, which contain a quick succession of events. However, I have this year read all Virgil through. I read a book of the "Aeneid" every night, so it was done in twelve nights, and I had great delight in it. The "Georgicks" did not give me so much pleasure, except the fourth book. The "Eclogues" I have almost all by heart. I do not think the story of the "Aeneid" interesting. I like the story of the "Odyssey" much better; and this not on account of the wonderful things which it contains; for there are wonderful things enough in the "Aeneid";--the ships of the Trojans turned to sea-nymphs,--the tree at Polydorus's tomb dropping blood. The story of the "Odyssey" is interesting, as a great part of it is domestick.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Virgil : Georgics
'[Johnson said] The books that we do read with pleasure are light compositions, which contain a quick succession of events. However, I have this year read all Virgil through. I read a book of the "Aeneid" every night, so it was done in twelve nights, and I had great delight in it. The "Georgicks" did not give me so much pleasure, except the fourth book. The "Eclogues" I have almost all by heart. I do not think the story of the "Aeneid" interesting. I like the story of the "Odyssey" much better; and this not on account of the wonderful things which it contains; for there are wonderful things enough in the "Aeneid";--the ships of the Trojans turned to sea-nymphs,--the tree at Polydorus's tomb dropping blood. The story of the "Odyssey" is interesting, as a great part of it is domestick.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Homer : odyssey
'[Johnson said] The books that we do read with pleasure are light compositions, which contain a quick succession of events. However, I have this year read all Virgil through. I read a book of the "Aeneid" every night, so it was done in twelve nights, and I had great delight in it. The "Georgicks" did not give me so much pleasure, except the fourth book. The "Eclogues" I have almost all by heart. I do not think the story of the "Aeneid" interesting. I like the story of the "Odyssey" much better; and this not on account of the wonderful things which it contains; for there are wonderful things enough in the "Aeneid";--the ships of the Trojans turned to sea-nymphs,--the tree at Polydorus's tomb dropping blood. The story of the "Odyssey" is interesting, as a great part of it is domestick.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'After they all went I came and wrote my journal and sat with cousin Priscilla and we read till dinner'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Priscilla Hannah Gurney Print: Book
Richard Baxter :
'I asked him what works of Richard Baxter's I should read. He said, "Read any of them; they are all good".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: [French literature]
''He spoke often in praise of French literature. "The French are excellent in this, (he would say,) they have a book on every subject".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Richard Baxter : Reasons of the Christian Religion, The
'Baxter's "Reasons of the Christian Religion", he thought contained the best collection of the evidences of the divinity of the Christian system.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Anacreon :
'I wrote to him, begging to know the state of his health, and mentioned that Baxter's "Anacreon", "which is in the library at Auchinleck, was, I find, collated by my father in 1727, with the MS. belonging to the University of Leyden, and he has made a number of Notes upon it. Would you advise me to publish a new edition of it?".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Hester Lynch Thrale : Letters
'A pleasing instance of the generous attention of one of his [Dr Johnson's] friends has been discovered by the publication of Mrs. Thrale's collection of "Letters". In a letter to one of the Miss Thrales, he writes,-- "A friend, whose name I will tell when your mamma has tried to guess it, sent to my physician to enquire whether this long train of illness had brought me into difficulties for want of money, with an invitation to send to him for what occasion required. I shall write this night to thank him, having no need to borrow".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Frederick Howard, 5th Earl of Carlisle : Father's Revenge, The
'The Earl of Carlisle having written a tragedy, entitled "The Father's Revenge", some of his Lordship's friends applied to Mrs. Chapone to prevail on Dr. Johnson to read and give his opinion of it, which he accordingly did, in a letter to that lady. [the text of the letter is then given. The relevant parts of it follow:] "The construction of the play is not completely regular; the stage is too often vacant, and the scenes are not sufficiently connected. This, however, would be called by Dryden only a mechanical defect; which takes away little from the power of the poem, and which is seen rather than felt. A rigid examiner of the diction might, perhaps, wish some words changed, and some lines more vigorously terminated. But from such petty imperfections what writer was ever free? The general form and force of the dialogue is of more importance. It seems to want that quickness of reciprocation which characterises the English drama, and is not always sufficiently fervid or animated. Of the sentiments I remember not one that I wished omitted. In the imagery I cannot forbear to distinguish the comparison of joy succeeding grief to light rushing on the eye accustomed to darkness. It seems to have all that can be desired to make it please. It is new, just, and delightful. With the characters, either as conceived or preserved, I have no fault to find; but was much inclined to congratulate a writer, who, in defiance of prejudice and fashion, made the Archbishop a good man, and scorned all thoughtless applause, which a vicious churchman would have brought him".' 'The catastrophe is affecting. The Father and Daughter both culpable, both wretched, and both penitent, divide between them our pity and our sorrow.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Luis Vaz de Camoens : Lusiads
'In this letter [to Boswell from Mr Mickle] he relates his having, while engaged in translating the "Lusiad", had a dispute of considerable length with Johnson, who, as usual, declaimed upon the misery and corruption of a sea life, and used this expression:--"It had been happy for the world, Sir, if your hero Gama, Prince Henry of Portugal, and Columbus, had never been born, or that their schemes had never gone farther than their own imaginations". "This sentiment, (says Mr. Mickle,) which is to be found in his "Introduction to the World displayed", I, in my Dissertation prefixed to the "Lusiad", have controverted; and though authours are said to be bad judges of their own works, I am not ashamed to own to a friend, that that dissertation is my favourite above all that I ever attempted in prose. Next year, when the "Lusiad" was published, I waited on Dr. Johnson, who addressed me with one of his good-humoured smiles:--'Well, you have remembered our dispute about Prince Henry, and have cited me too. You have done your part very well indeed: you have made the best of your argument; but I am not convinced yet'."
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Luis Vaz de Camoens : Lusiads
'[william Mickle said] Dr. Johnson told me in 1772, that, about twenty years before that time, he himself had a design to translate the "Lusiad", of the merit of which he spoke highly, but had been prevented by a number of other engagements'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Richard Burton : Admirable Curiosities, Rarities, and Wonders in England
' [letter from Johnson to bookseller Mr Dilly] There is in the world a set of books which used to be sold by the booksellers on the bridge, and which I must entreat you to procure me. They are called "Burton's Books"; the title of one is "Admirable Curiosities, Rarities, and Wonders in England". I believe there are about five or six of them; they seem very proper to allure backward readers; be so kind as to get them for me, and send me them with the best printed edition of "Baxter's Call to the Unconverted".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Richard Baxter : Call to the Unconverted to Turn and Live
' [letter from Johnson to bookseller Mr Dilly] There is in the world a set of books which used to be sold by the booksellers on the bridge, and which I must entreat you to procure me. They are called "Burton's Books"; the title of one is "Admirable Curiosities, Rarities, and Wonders in England". I believe there are about five or six of them; they seem very proper to allure backward readers; be so kind as to get them for me, and send me them with the best printed edition of "Baxter's Call to the Unconverted".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
James Boswell : Letter to the People of Scotland on the Present State of the Nation
'[Letter from Johnson to Boswell] 'I have just advanced so far towards recovery as to read a pamphlet; and you may reasonably suppose that the first pamphlet which I read was yours. I am very much of your opinion, and, like you, feel great indignation at the indecency with which the King is every day treated. Your paper contains very considerable knowledge of history and of the constitution, very properly produced and applied. It will certainly raise your character, though perhaps it may not make you a Minister of State.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson
Thomas a Kempis : Imitation of Christ
'Johnson was very quiescent to-day [17th May 1784] . Perhaps too I was indolent. I find nothing more of him in my notes, but that when I mentioned that I had seen in the King's library sixty-three editions of my favourite "Thomas a Kempis", amongst which it was in eight languages, Latin, German, French, Italian, Spanish, English, Arabick, and Armenian, he said, he thought it unnecessary to collect many editions of a book, which were all the same, except as to the paper and print; he would have the original, and all the translations, and all the editions which had any variations in the text'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Helen Maria Williams : Ode on the Peace, An
'He had dined that day [30th May 1784] at Mr. Hoole's, and Miss Helen Maria Williams being expected in the evening, Mr. Hoole put into his hands her beautiful "Ode on the Peace": Johnson read it over, and when this elegant and accomplished young lady was presented to him, he took her by the hand in the most courteous manner, and repeated the finest stanza of her poem; this was the most delicate and pleasing compliment he could pay.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Thomas Newton : Dissertations on the Prophecies Which Have Remarkably Been Fulfilled, And Are Being Fulfilled
'Dr. Newton, the Bishop of Bristol, having been mentioned, Johnson, recollecting the manner in which he had been censured by that Prelate, thus retaliated:-"Tom knew he should be dead before what he has said of me would appear. He durst not have printed it while he was alive". DR. ADAMS. "I believe his 'Dissertations on the Prophecies' is his great work". JOHNSON. "Why, Sir, it is Tom's great work; but how far it is great, or how much of it is Tom's, are other questions. I fancy a considerable part of it was borrowed".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas Newton : Account of his Own Life
'Dr. Newton, the Bishop of Bristol, having been mentioned, Johnson, recollecting the manner in which he had been censured by that Prelate, thus retaliated:-"Tom knew he should be dead before what he has said of me would appear. He durst not have printed it while he was alive". DR. ADAMS. "I believe his 'Dissertations on the Prophecies' is his great work". JOHNSON. "Why, Sir, it is Tom's great work; but how far it is great, or how much of it is Tom's, are other questions. I fancy a considerable part of it was borrowed".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Richard Savage : Wanderer, The
'Next morning at breakfast, [10th June 1784] he pointed out a passage in Savage's "Wanderer", saying, "These are fine verses". "If (said he) I had written with hostility of Warburton in my "Shakspeare", I should have quoted this couplet:-- 'Here Learning, blinded first and then beguil'd, Looks dark as Ignorance, as Fancy wild'. You see they'd have fitted him to a T" (smiling.)'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Richard Hurd : Sermons
'I brought a volume of Dr. Hurd the Bishop of Worcester's "Sermons", and read to the company some passages from one of them, upon this text, "Resist the Devil, and he will fly from you". James, iv. 7. I was happy to produce so judicious and elegant a supporter of a doctrine, which, I know not why, should, in this world of imperfect knowledge, and, therefore, of wonder and mystery in a thousand instances, be contested by some with an unthinking assurance and flippancy.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
: Book of Common Prayer
'On Friday, June 11, we talked at breakfast, of forms of prayer. JOHNSON. "I know of no good prayers but those in the 'Book of Common Prayer'". DR. ADAMS, (in a very earnest manner): "I wish, Sir, you would compose some family prayers". JOHNSON. "I will not compose prayers for you, Sir, because you can do it for yourself. But I have thought of getting together all the books of prayers which I could, selecting those which should appear to me the best, putting out some, inserting others, adding some prayers of my own, and prefixing a discourse on prayer".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: [various books of prayer]
'On Friday, June 11, we talked at breakfast, of forms of prayer. JOHNSON. "I know of no good prayers but those in the 'Book of Common Prayer'". DR. ADAMS, (in a very earnest manner): "I wish, Sir, you would compose some family prayers". JOHNSON. "I will not compose prayers for you, Sir, because you can do it for yourself. But I have thought of getting together all the books of prayers which I could, selecting those which should appear to me the best, putting out some, inserting others, adding some prayers of my own, and prefixing a discourse on prayer".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Jeremy Taylor : Golden Grove; or a Manuall of daily prayers and litanies
'I mentioned Jeremy Taylor's using, in his forms of prayer, "I am the chief of sinners", and other such self-condemning expressions. "Now, (said I) this cannot be said with truth by every man, and therefore is improper for a general printed form. I myself cannot say that I am the worst of men; I will not say so".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Jeremy Taylor : Golden Grove; or a Manuall of daily prayers and litanies
'JOHNSON. "I do not approve of figurative expressions in addressing the Supreme Being; and I never use them. Taylor gives a very good advice: 'Never lie in your prayers; never confess more than you really believe; never promise more than you mean to perform'. I recollected this precept in his "Golden Grove"; but his [italics]example [end italics] for prayer contradicts his [italics] precept [end italics].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Herbert Croft : [Family Discourses]
'[present at tea on June 12th was] the Reverend Herbert Croft, who, I am afraid, was somewhat mortified by Dr. Johnson's not being highly pleased with some "Family Discourses", which he had printed; they were in too familiar a style to be approved of by so manly a mind'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Fulke Greville : Maxims, Characters, and Reflections, Critical, Satyrical, and Moral
'We may apply to him [Johnson] a sentence in Mr. Greville's "Maxims, Characters, and Reflections"; a book which is entitled to much more praise than it has received: "ARISTARCHUS is charming: how full of knowledge, of sense, of sentiment. You get him with difficulty to your supper; and after having delighted every body and himself for a few hours, he is obliged to return home;--he is finishing his treatise, to prove that unhappiness is the portion of man".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
John Milton :
'Mrs. Kennicot related, in his [Johnson's] presence, a lively saying of Dr. Johnson to Miss Hannah More, who had expressed a wonder that the poet who had written "Paradise Lost" should write such poor Sonnets:--"Milton, Madam, was a genius that could cut a Colossus from a rock; but could not carve heads upon cherry-stones".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Sidney Colvin : ‘A Greek Hymn’.
'Here I am, here. And very well too. And I read your hymn, which is a very good hymn. And I was delighted with how you patted Pater on the back and promised him some cake if he kept a good little boy till the holidays.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Hector Macneil : Harp, The
'[letter to Hector MacNeil - H.M.] [EH says she has received a note from 'Miss H.] along with your volume, of which she had begged the perusal. She is (as I am) pleased with the whole; but with the "Harp", and the "Waes o' War" , she is particularly charmed.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss H. Print: Book
Hector Macneil : The Waes of War or the Upshot of the History of Will and Jean
'[letter to Hector MacNeil - H.M.] [EH says she has received a note from 'Miss H'.] along with your volume, of which she had begged the perusal. She is (as I am) pleased with the whole; but with the "Harp", and the "Waes o' War" , she is particularly charmed.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss H. Print: Book
Robert Wodrow : The Correspondence of the Rev Robert Wodrow
'I have read one half (about 900 pages) of Wodrow's Correspondence, with some improvement but great fatigue.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Mr Lewis : [verses on Pope in notes to the 'Dunciad']
'[speaking of some verses in the notes to Pope's Dunciad, Boswell and Miss Seward wonder who they are by] He was prompt with his answer: "Why, Sir, they were written by one Lewis, who was either under-master or an usher of Westminster-school, and published a Miscellany, in which "Grongar Hill" first came out". Johnson praised them highly, and repeated them with a noble animation. In the twelfth line, instead of "one establish'd fame", he repeated "one unclouded flame", which he thought was the reading in former editions: but I believe was a flash of his own genius. It is much more poetical than the other.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: [books of Voyages to the South Seas]
'These Voyages, (pointing to the three large volumes of "Voyages to the South Sea", which were just come out) who will read them through? A man had better work his way before the mast, than read them through; they will be eaten by rats and mice, before they are read through. There can be little entertainment in such books; one set of Savages is like another." BOSWELL. "I do not think the people of Otaheite can be reckoned Savages". JOHNSON. "Don't cant in defence of Savages". BOSWELL. "They have the art of navigation". JOHNSON. "A dog or a cat can swim". BOSWELL. "They carve very ingeniously". JOHNSON. "A cat can scratch, and a child with a nail can scratch".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: [books of Voyages to the South Seas]
'These Voyages, (pointing to the three large volumes of "Voyages to the South Sea", which were just come out) who will read them through? A man had better work his way before the mast, than read them through; they will be eaten by rats and mice, before they are read through. There can be little entertainment in such books; one set of Savages is like another." BOSWELL. "I do not think the people of Otaheite can be reckoned Savages". JOHNSON. "Don't cant in defence of Savages". BOSWELL. "They have the art of navigation". JOHNSON. "A dog or a cat can swim". BOSWELL. "They carve very ingeniously". JOHNSON. "A cat can scratch, and a child with a nail can scratch".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Euripides :
'On Wednesday, June 19, Dr. Johnson and I returned to London; he was not well to-day, and said very little, employing himself chiefly in reading Euripides'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: [a newspaper]
'When I pointed out to him in the newspaper one of Mr. Grattan's animated and glowing speeches, in favour of the freedom of Ireland, in which this expression occurred (I know not if accurately taken): "We will persevere, till there is not one link of the English chain left to clank upon the rags of the meanest beggar in Ireland"; "Nay, Sir, (said Johnson,) don't you perceive that one link cannot clank?".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Newspaper
: [a newspaper]
'When I pointed out to him in the newspaper one of Mr. Grattan's animated and glowing speeches, in favour of the freedom of Ireland, in which this expression occurred (I know not if accurately taken): "We will persevere, till there is not one link of the English chain left to clank upon the rags of the meanest beggar in Ireland"; "Nay, Sir, (said Johnson,) don't you perceive that one link cannot clank?".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Newspaper
John Moore : [travels]
'He censured a writer of entertaining Travels for assuming a feigned character, saying, (in his sense of the word,) "He carries out one lye; we know not how many he brings back."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Joshua Reynolds : Seven Discourses Delivered in the Royal Academy
'Though he had no taste for painting, he admired much the manner in which Sir Joshua Reynolds treated of his art, in his "Discourses to the Royal Academy". He observed one day of a passage in them, "I think I might as well have said this myself": and once when Mr. Langton was sitting by him, he read one of them very eagerly, and expressed himself thus:- "Very well, Master Reynolds; very well, indeed. But it will not be understood".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Joshua Reynolds : Seven Discourses Delivered in the Royal Academy
'Though he had no taste for painting, he admired much the manner in which Sir Joshua Reynolds treated of his art, in his "Discourses to the Royal Academy". He observed one day of a passage in them, "I think I might as well have said this myself": and once when Mr. Langton was sitting by him, he read one of them very eagerly, and expressed himself thus:- "Very well, Master Reynolds; very well, indeed. But it will not be understood".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Anna Seward : [poem on Lichfield]
'I shewed him some verses on Lichfield by Miss Seward, which I had that day received from her, and had the pleasure to hear him approve of them. He confirmed to me the truth of a high compliment which I had been told he had paid to that lady, when she mentioned to him "The Colombiade", an epick poem, by Madame du Boccage:--"Madam, there is not any thing equal to your description of the sea round the North Pole, in your Ode on the death of Captain Cook".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Anna Seward : 'Elegy on Captain Cook'
'I shewed him some verses on Lichfield by Miss Seward, which I had that day received from her, and had the pleasure to hear him approve of them. He confirmed to me the truth of a high compliment which I had been told he had paid to that lady, when she mentioned to him "The Colombiade", an epick poem, by Madame du Boccage:--"Madam, there is not any thing equal to your description of the sea round the North Pole, in your Ode on the death of Captain Cook".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Anna Seward : [poem on Lichfield]
'I shewed him some verses on Lichfield by Miss Seward, which I had that day received from her, and had the pleasure to hear him approve of them. He confirmed to me the truth of a high compliment which I had been told he had paid to that lady, when she mentioned to him "The Colombiade", an epick poem, by Madame du Boccage:--"Madam, there is not any thing equal to your description of the sea round the North Pole, in your Ode on the death of Captain Cook".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: Unknown
Daniel Defoe : Memoirs of Captain George Carleton
' [Johnson having asked for details about Lord Peterborough] "But, (said his Lordship [Lord Eliot,) the best account of Lord Peterborough that I have happened to meet with, is in "Captain Carleton's Memoirs". Carleton was descended of an ancestor who had distinguished himself at the siege of Derry. He was an officer; and, what was rare at that time, had some knowledge of engineering". Johnson said, he had never heard of the book. Lord Eliot had it at Port Eliot; but, after a good deal of enquiry, procured a copy in London, and sent it to Johnson, who told Sir Joshua Reynolds that he was going to bed when it came, but was so much pleased with it, that he sat up till he had read it through, and found in it such an air of truth, that he could not doubt of its authenticity; adding, with a smile, (in allusion to Lord Eliot's having recently been raised to the peerage,) "I did not think a [italics] young Lord [end italics] could have mentioned to me a book in the English history that was not known to me".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Desiderius Erasmus : Ciceronianus
'[letter from Johnson to Dr Brocklesby] Tell Dr. Heberden, that in the coach I read "Ciceronianus" which I concluded as I entered Lichfield. My affection and understanding went along with Erasmus, except that once or twice he somewhat unskilfully entangles Cicero's civil or moral, with his rhetorical, character'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: [Mr Bowyer's Life]
'[Letter from Johnson to John Nichols] At Ashbourne, where I had very little company, I had the luck to borrow "Mr. Bowyer's Life"; a book so full of contemporary history, that a literary man must find some of his old friends.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: Universal history, from the earliest account of time. Compiled from original authors; and illustrated with maps, cuts, notes, &c. With a general index to the whole
'Still [in his last days] his love of literature did not fail. A very few days before his death he transmitted to his friend Mr. John Nichols, a list of the authours of the "Universal History", mentioning their several shares in that work.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: Anthologia Graeca
'During his sleepless nights he amused himself by translating into Latin verse, from the Greek, many of the epigrams in the "Anthologia"'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Robert Burrowes : [Essay on Johnson's style]
'I shall now fulfil my promise of exhibiting specimens of various sorts of imitation of Johnson's style. In the "Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy, 1787", there is an 'Essay on the Style of Dr. Samuel Johnson,' by the Reverend Robert Burrowes, whose respect for the great object of his criticism is thus evinced in the concluding paragraph:-- "I have singled him out from the whole body of English writers, because his universally-acknowledged beauties would be most apt to induce imitation; and I have treated rather on his faults than his perfections, because an essay might comprize all the observations I could make upon his faults, while volumes would not be sufficient for a treatise on his perfections". Mr. BURROWES has analysed the composition of Johnson, and pointed out its peculiarities with much acuteness; and I would recommend a careful perusal of his Essay to those, who being captivated by the union of perspicuity and splendour which the writings of Johnson contain, without having a sufficient portion of his vigour of mind, may be in danger of becoming bad copyists of his manner.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Henry Mackenzie : [imitation of Johnson]
'A distinguished authour in "The Mirror", a periodical paper, published at Edinburgh, has imitated Johnson very closely. Thus, in No. 16,-- "The effects of the return of spring have been frequently remarked as well in relation to the human mind as to the animal and vegetable world. The reviving power of this season has been traced from the fields to the herds that inhabit them, and from the lower classes of beings up to man. Gladness and joy are described as prevailing through universal Nature, animating the low of the cattle, the carol of the birds, and the pipe of the shepherd." The Reverend Dr. KNOX, master of Tunbridge school, appears to have the [italics]imitari aveo [end italics] of Johnson's style perpetually in his mind; and to his assiduous, though not servile, study of it, we may partly ascribe the extensive popularity of his writings. In his "Essays, Moral and Literary", No. 3, we find the following passage:-- "The polish of external grace may indeed be deferred till the approach of manhood. When solidity is obtained by pursuing the modes prescribed by our fore-fathers, then may the file be used. The firm substance will bear attrition, and the lustre then acquired will be durable." There is, however, one in No. 11, which is blown up into such tumidity, as to be truly ludicrous. The writer means to tell us, that Members of Parliament, who have run in debt by extravagance, will sell their votes to avoid an arrest, which he thus expresses:-- "They who build houses and collect costly pictures and furniture with the money of an honest artisan or mechanick, will be very glad of emancipation from the hands of a bailiff, by a sale of their senatorial suffrage". But I think the most perfect imitation of Johnson is a professed one, entitled "A Criticism on Gray's Elegy in a Country Church-Yard", said to be written by Mr. Young, Professor of Greek, at Glasgow, and of which let him have the credit, unless a better title can be shewn. It has not only the peculiarities of Johnson's style, but that very species of literary discussion and illustration for which he was eminent. Having already quoted so much from others, I shall refer the curious to this performance, with an assurance of much entertainment'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
Vicesimus Knox : Essays Moral and Literary
'A distinguished authour in "The Mirror", a periodical paper, published at Edinburgh, has imitated Johnson very closely. Thus, in No. 16,-- "The effects of the return of spring have been frequently remarked as well in relation to the human mind as to the animal and vegetable world. The reviving power of this season has been traced from the fields to the herds that inhabit them, and from the lower classes of beings up to man. Gladness and joy are described as prevailing through universal Nature, animating the low of the cattle, the carol of the birds, and the pipe of the shepherd." The Reverend Dr. KNOX, master of Tunbridge school, appears to have the [italics]imitari aveo [end italics] of Johnson's style perpetually in his mind; and to his assiduous, though not servile, study of it, we may partly ascribe the extensive popularity of his writings. In his "Essays, Moral and Literary", No. 3, we find the following passage:-- "The polish of external grace may indeed be deferred till the approach of manhood. When solidity is obtained by pursuing the modes prescribed by our fore-fathers, then may the file be used. The firm substance will bear attrition, and the lustre then acquired will be durable." There is, however, one in No. 11, which is blown up into such tumidity, as to be truly ludicrous. The writer means to tell us, that Members of Parliament, who have run in debt by extravagance, will sell their votes to avoid an arrest, which he thus expresses:-- "They who build houses and collect costly pictures and furniture with the money of an honest artisan or mechanick, will be very glad of emancipation from the hands of a bailiff, by a sale of their senatorial suffrage". But I think the most perfect imitation of Johnson is a professed one, entitled "A Criticism on Gray's Elegy in a Country Church-Yard", said to be written by Mr. Young, Professor of Greek, at Glasgow, and of which let him have the credit, unless a better title can be shewn. It has not only the peculiarities of Johnson's style, but that very species of literary discussion and illustration for which he was eminent. Having already quoted so much from others, I shall refer the curious to this performance, with an assurance of much entertainment'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
John Young : Criticism on Gray's Elegy in a Country Churchyard
'A distinguished authour in "The Mirror", a periodical paper, published at Edinburgh, has imitated Johnson very closely. Thus, in No. 16,-- "The effects of the return of spring have been frequently remarked as well in relation to the human mind as to the animal and vegetable world. The reviving power of this season has been traced from the fields to the herds that inhabit them, and from the lower classes of beings up to man. Gladness and joy are described as prevailing through universal Nature, animating the low of the cattle, the carol of the birds, and the pipe of the shepherd." The Reverend Dr. KNOX, master of Tunbridge school, appears to have the [italics]imitari aveo [end italics] of Johnson's style perpetually in his mind; and to his assiduous, though not servile, study of it, we may partly ascribe the extensive popularity of his writings. In his "Essays, Moral and Literary", No. 3, we find the following passage:-- "The polish of external grace may indeed be deferred till the approach of manhood. When solidity is obtained by pursuing the modes prescribed by our fore-fathers, then may the file be used. The firm substance will bear attrition, and the lustre then acquired will be durable." There is, however, one in No. 11, which is blown up into such tumidity, as to be truly ludicrous. The writer means to tell us, that Members of Parliament, who have run in debt by extravagance, will sell their votes to avoid an arrest, which he thus expresses:-- "They who build houses and collect costly pictures and furniture with the money of an honest artisan or mechanick, will be very glad of emancipation from the hands of a bailiff, by a sale of their senatorial suffrage". But I think the most perfect imitation of Johnson is a professed one, entitled "A Criticism on Gray's Elegy in a Country Church-Yard", said to be written by Mr. Young, Professor of Greek, at Glasgow, and of which let him have the credit, unless a better title can be shewn. It has not only the peculiarities of Johnson's style, but that very species of literary discussion and illustration for which he was eminent. Having already quoted so much from others, I shall refer the curious to this performance, with an assurance of much entertainment'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Unknown
Juvenal : Tenth Satire
'when talking on the subject of prayer [to Johnson on his deathbed], Dr. Brocklesby repeated from Juvenal,-- "Orandum est, ut sit mens sana in corpore sano", and so on to the end of the tenth satire; but in running it quickly over, he happened, in the line, "Qui spatium vitae; extremum inter munera ponat", to pronounce supremum for extremum; at which Johnson's critical ear instantly took offence, and discoursing vehemently on the unmetrical effect of such a lapse, he shewed himself as full as ever of the spirit of the grammarian'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Unknown
Samuel Johnson : [MS Autobiography]
'Two very valuable articles, I am sure, we have lost [when Johnson, dying, burnt many of his papers] , which were two quarto volumes, containing a full, fair, and most particular account of his own life, from his earliest recollection. I owned to him, that having accidentally seen them, I had read a great deal in them; and apologizing for the liberty I had taken, asked him if I could help it. He placidly answered, "Why, Sir, I do not think you could have helped it". I said that I had, for once in my life, felt half an inclination to commit theft. It had come into my mind to carry off those two volumes, and never see him more. Upon my inquiring how this would have affected him, "Sir, (said he,) I believe I should have gone mad".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Manuscript: quarto volumes
Jacques-Auguste de Thou :
'He seriously entertained the thought of translating "Thuanus". He often talked to me on the subject; and once, in particular, when I was rather wishing that he would favour the world, and gratify his sovereign, by a Life of Spenser (which he said that he would readily have done, had he been able to obtain any new materials for the purpose,) he added, "I have been thinking again, Sir, of "Thuanus": it would not be the laborious task which you have supposed it. I should have no trouble but that of dictation, which would be performed as speedily as an amanuensis could write'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Clarke : Sermons
'He pressed me to study Dr. Clarke and to read his Sermons. I asked him why he pressed Dr. Clarke, an Arian. "Because, (said he) he is fullest on the propitiatory sacrifice."'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Jean Jacques Rousseau : La Nouvelle Heloise
'Rousseau says that the Man who finding his Affairs embarrassed - puts an end to his own Life; is like one who finding his House in Disorder sets it on Fire in stead of setting it to rights.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
: Life of Cervantes
'My Father had made me translate the Life of Cervantes prefixed to Don Quixote from the Spanish by way of exercise when I was learning that Language in December 1756 or January 1757 I forget which'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Salusbury Print: Book
Moses Franks : [verses on Mrs Pitt bathing]
'Some body shewed my Mother the Verses written by Moses Franks upon Mrs Pitt bathing at Brighthelmstone - These says She were written by Moses [italics] uninspired [end italics]'.
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Maria Salusbury
: [French epitaphs]
'With regard to little French Epitaphs I have always had an Itch to translate them, & some times have fancied that I could do them successfully' [she gives an example of her efforts]
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale
: [French epitaph translated by Mrs Thrale and Bennet Langton]
'[Mrs Thrale gives an epitaph translated from French by Bennet Langton, and her own translation] 'I remember Johnson preferred mine at the Time it was fresh among us'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'Doctor Collier used to say that although Milton was so violent a Whig himself, he was obliged to write his poem upon the purest Tory principles - it is very observable and very true'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Dr Parker : 'To Miss Salusbury'
'[having given the text of Parker's poem 'To Miss Salusbury', Mrs Thrale writes] For a long Time I believed this Conceit original; but it is not - There is an old Greek Epigram on Dercylis only of two Lines which the Doctor has here spun into Length. Vide Anthol: Lib: 7.2 & there is some account of it too in Bouhours'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Salusbury Manuscript: Unknown
: Greek Anthology
'[having given the text of Parker's poem 'To Miss Salusbury', Mrs Thrale writes] For a long Time I believed this Conceit original; but it is not - There is an old Greek Epigram on Dercylis only of two Lines which the Doctor has here spun into Length. Vide Anthol: Lib: 7.2 & there is some account of it too in Bouhours'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Dominique Bouhours : La manière de bien penser dans les ouvrages d'esprit
'[having given the text of Parker's poem 'To Miss Salusbury', Mrs Thrale writes] For a long Time I believed this Conceit original; but it is not - There is an old Greek Epigram on Dercylis only of two Lines which the Doctor has here sopun into Length. Vide Anthol: Lib: 7.2 & there is some account of it too in Bouhours'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Anon. : ife and Memoirs of Mr Ephraim Tristram Bates, commonly called Corporal Bates, a broken-hearted Soldier
'the famous Tristram Shandy itself is not absolutely original: for when I was at Derby in the Summer of 1774 I strolled by mere chance into a Bookseller's Shop, where however I could find nothing to tempt Curiosity but a strange Book about Corporal Bates, which I bought & read for want of better Sport, and found it to be the very Novel from which Sterne took his first Idea: the Character of Uncle Toby, the Behaviour of Coporal Trim, even the name of Tristram itself seems to be borrowed from this stupid History of Corporal Bates forsooth'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Laurence Sterne : ife and Opinions of Tristram Shandy
'the famous Tristram Shandy itself is not absolutely original: for when I was at Derby in the Summer of 1774 I strolled by mere chance into a Bookseller's Shop, where however I could find nothing to tempt Curiosity but a strange Book about Corporal Bates, which I bought & read for want of better Sport, and found it to be the very Novel from which Sterne took his first Idea: the Character of Uncle Toby, the Behaviour of Coporal Trim, even the name of Tristram itself seems to be borrowed from this stupid History of Corporal Bates forsooth'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Robert Dodsley : Collection of Poems by Various Hands
'the Verses written by Bentley upon Learning & publish'd in Dodsley's Miscellanies - how like they are to Evelyn's Verses on Virtue published in Dryden's Miscellanies! yet I do not suppose them a Plagiarisme; old Bentley would have scorned such Tricks, besides what passed once between myself and Mr Johnson should cure me of Suspicion in these Cases. We had then some thoughts of giving a Translation of Boethius, and I used now & then to shew him the Verses I had made towards the Work: in the Ode with the Story of Orpheus in it - beginning "felix qui potuit &c" he altered some of my Verses to these which he [italics] thought [end italics] his own. "Fondly viewed his following Bride Viewing lost, and losing died." Two Years after this, I resolved to go through all th Plays of Beaumont and Fletcher, and in one of them - Bonduca, I found two Lines so like these of Johnson's that one would have sworn he had imitated them: that very Afternoon he came, & says I, did you ever delight much in Reading Beaumont & Fletcher's Plays - I never read any of them at all replied he, but I intend some Time to go over them, here in your fine Edition'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
John Dryden : Miscellanies
'the Verses written by Bentley upon Learning & publish'd in Dodsley's Miscellanies - how like they are to Evelyn's Verses on Virtue published in Dryden's Miscellanies! yet I do not suppose them a Plagiarisme; old Bentley would have scorned such Tricks, besides what passed once between myself and Mr Johnson should cure me of Suspicion in these Cases. We had then some thoughts of giving a Translation of Boethius, and I used now & then to shew him the Verses I had made towards the Work: in the Ode with the Story of Orpheus in it - beginning "felix qui potuit &c" he altered some of my Verses to these which he [italics] thought [end italics] his own. "Fondly viewed his following Bride Viewing lost, and losing died." Two Years after this, I resolved to go through all th Plays of Beaumont and Fletcher, and in one of them - Bonduca, I found two Lines so like these of Johnson's that one would have sworn he had imitated them: that very Afternoon he came, & says I, did you ever delight much in Reading Beaumont & Fletcher's Plays - I never read any of them at all replied he, but I intend some Time to go over them, here in your fine Edition'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Boethius : Consolation of Philosophy
'the Verses written by Bentley upon Learning & publish'd in Dodsley's Miscellanies - how like they are to Evelyn's Verses on Virtue published in Dryden's Miscellanies! yet I do not suppose them a Plagiarisme; old Bentley would have scorned such Tricks, besides what passed once between myself and Mr Johnson should cure me of Suspicion in these Cases. We had then some thoughts of giving a Translation of Boethius, and I used now & then to shew him the Verses I had made towards the Work: in the Ode with the Story of Orpheus in it - beginning "felix qui potuit &c" he altered some of my Verses to these which he [italics] thought [end italics] his own. "Fondly viewed his following Bride Viewing lost, and losing died." Two Years after this, I resolved to go through all th Plays of Beaumont and Fletcher, and in one of them - Bonduca, I found two Lines so like these of Johnson's that one would have sworn he had imitated them: that very Afternoon he came, & says I, did you ever delight much in Reading Beaumont & Fletcher's Plays - I never read any of them at all replied he, but I intend some Time to go over them, here in your fine Edition'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Francis Beaumont : Bonduca
'the Verses written by Bentley upon Learning & publish'd in Dodsley's Miscellanies - how like they are to Evelyn's Verses on Virtue published in Dryden's Miscellanies! yet I do not suppose them a Plagiarisme; old Bentley would have scorned such Tricks, besides what passed once between myself and Mr Johnson should cure me of Suspicion in these Cases. We had then some thoughts of giving a Translation of Boethius, and I used now & then to shew him the Verses I had made towards the Work: in the Ode with the Story of Orpheus in it - beginning "felix qui potuit &c" he altered some of my Verses to these which he [italics] thought [end italics] his own. "Fondly viewed his following Bride Viewing lost, and losing died." Two Years after this, I resolved to go through all the Plays of Beaumont and Fletcher, and in one of them - Bonduca, I found two Lines so like these of Johnson's that one would have sworn he had imitated them: that very Afternoon he came, & says I, did you ever delight much in Reading Beaumont & Fletcher's Plays - I never read any of them at all replied he, but I intend some Time to go over them, here in your fine Edition'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Francis Beaumont : [Plays]
'the Verses written by Bentley upon Learning & publish'd in Dodsley's Miscellanies - how like they are to Evelyn's Verses on Virtue published in Dryden's Miscellanies! yet I do not suppose them a Plagiarisme; old Bentley would have scorned such Tricks, besides what passed once between myself and Mr Johnson should cure me of Suspicion in these Cases. We had then some thoughts of giving a Translation of Boethius, and I used now & then to shew him the Verses I had made towards the Work: in the Ode with the Story of Orpheus in it - beginning "felix qui potuit &c" he altered some of my Verses to these which he [italics] thought [end italics] his own. "Fondly viewed his following Bride Viewing lost, and losing died." Two Years after this, I resolved to go through all the Plays of Beaumont and Fletcher, and in one of them - Bonduca, I found two Lines so like these of Johnson's that one would have sworn he had imitated them: that very Afternoon he came, & says I, did you ever delight much in Reading Beaumont & Fletcher's Plays - I never read any of them at all replied he, but I intend some Time to go over them, here in your fine Edition'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Boethius : Consolation of Philosophy
'the Verses written by Bentley upon Learning & publish'd in Dodsley's Miscellanies - how like they are to Evelyn's Verses on Virtue published in Dryden's Miscellanies! yet I do not suppose them a Plagiarisme; old Bentley would have scorned such Tricks, besides what passed once between myself and Mr Johnson should cure me of Suspicion in these Cases. We had then some thoughts of giving a Translation of Boethius, and I used now & then to shew him the Verses I had made towards the Work: in the Ode with the Story of Orpheus in it - beginning "felix qui potuit &c" he altered some of my Verses to these which he [italics] thought [end italics] his own. "Fondly viewed his following Bride Viewing lost, and losing died." Two Years after this, I resolved to go through all the Plays of Beaumont and Fletcher, and in one of them - Bonduca, I found two Lines so like these of Johnson's that one would have sworn he had imitated them: that very Afternoon he came, & says I, did you ever delight much in Reading Beaumont & Fletcher's Plays - I never read any of them at all replied he, but I intend some Time to go over them, here in your fine Edition'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Edwin Hodder : Cities of the World
'…I got it the same year as I got “The Cities of the World” the most remarkable point about which, I have always thought, is the fact that it omits to mention London, tho generally considered greatest city of this world. The author cannot shield the omission under the plea that he thought London too great to be reckoned of this world, for if ever there were a city of the earth, earthy, it is the English metropolis.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Richard [Dick] Kharsedji Sorabji Print: Book
Theodore Leighton Pennell :
'My dear Miss Sorabji My husband & I were so distressed at the sad news contained in our paper today that I cannot refrain from sending you a few lines of sincere sympathy with you & yours in this great loss. I remember reading your brother in law’s book with much interest. Truly her & his wonderful influence will be most widely missed. Was your sister with him at the end? With my kind love Yours very sincerely Sibyl W Roffes'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sybill Roffes Print: Book
: [a Spanish play]
'[Mrs Thrale gives the Spanish quotation] "Quien la ve no la e; quien no la ve, la ve". I think the Jeu de Mots in this last quite perfect of its kind 'tis on the town of [italics] Nola [end italics]. I read it in a Spanish play.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Dr Marriott : [French poems]
'Doctor Marriott wrote the prettiest Verses in French of any Englishman I know'.[she then gives lengthy examples]
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale
Alexander Pope : Odyssey
'How difficult it is to come at petty Literature! the long Note at the end of Pope's Odyssey is it seems written purposely to mislead one; Pope translated but two of the books as Doctor Warburton himself told Mr Johnson, when they met at Mrs French's Rout'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Joseph Addison : Cato
'The Tag at the close of the last Act of Cato is written by Mr Pope, and is apparently the worst Tag in the whole Play, cold spiritless & dull - did Pope write them ill on purpose?'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
James Harris : Philosophical Arrangements
'Doctor Burney said prettily of James Harris's Book that it was the pourquoi de Pourquoi'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Burney Print: Book
Lord Corke : [Letters]
'A Tutor was reading Lectures of Morality to his pupil at Oxford; one of the Lectures ended thus - Ubi desenit ethicus, incipit I:C:T:U:S. which is an Abbreviation though not the commonest of [italics] Juris Consultus [end italics]; the Tutour however not aware read it thus - ubi desenet Ethicus, incipit [italics] Ictus [end italics]; and begun explaining away accordingly - Where Morality ends - Strife begins &c in Lord Corke's Letters there is much such a Mistake as this; he had picked up an Epitaph he thought remarkable - it has these Letters in it I:V: Doctor et Eques - the meaning is obviously this Juris, Vtriusque Doctor et Eques: my Lord however being a true Hibernian, translates it thus: an [italics] honest man [end italics] Doctor and Knight: mistaking the I:V: for an Abbreviation of [italics] Iustus Vir [end italics] I suppose'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Maurice Morgan : Essay on the Dramatic Character of Sir John Falstaff
'Here is an odd Book come out to prove Falstaff was no Coward, when says Dr Johnson will one come forth to prove Iago an honest Man?'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
:
'Baretti used to read here with vast Avidity - do you remember all you read said I one day - Scarce a word replyed Baretti but it produces a general Effect: if you dip your Hand into the Tub at the Door, you gather up no Water but your Hand remains wet.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Giuseppe Marc'Antonio Baretti Print: Book
Mr Pepys : [verses on Mrs Greville and Mrs Crewe]
'[Mr Pepys] is admirably described by the same Words with which Menage describes Mr de Costar; C'est (dit il), le Galant le plus Pedant, et le Pedant le plus galant qu'on puisse voir. His verses on Mrs Greville and Mrs Crewe I think are very [italics] smart [end italics] ones, and have a Turn remarkably elegant at the End'. [she gives the verses]
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale
Gilles Menage : Menagiana
'[Mr Pepys] is admirably described by the same Words with which Menage describes Mr de Costar; C'est (dit il), le Galant le plus Pedant, et le Pedant le plus galant qu'on puisse voir. His verses on Mrs Greville and Mrs Crewe I think are very [italics] smart [end italics] ones, and have a Turn remarkably elegant at the End'. [she gives the verses]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Henry Wooton : 'Ye meaner beauties of the night'
'The Famous Sonnet of Sir H: Wooton beginning. Ye meaner Beauties of the Night is likewise exquisitely pretty, and I shall never forget Baretti's Critique upon it as I think it was a capital one - and for a Foreigner - astonishing. The last Stanza says he ought to be the first, for it is now A Climax Down Stairs, beginning with the Stars; and ending with the Roses'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Unknown
Henry Wooton : 'Ye meaner beauties of the night'
'The Famous Sonnet of Sir H: Wooton beginning. Ye meaner Beauties of the Night is likewise exquisitely pretty, and I shall never forget Baretti's Critique upon it as I think it was a capital one - and for a Foreigner - astonishing. The last Stanza says he ought to be the first, for it is now A Climax Down Stairs, beginning with the Stars; and ending with the Roses'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Giuseppe Marc'Antonio Baretti Print: Unknown
Hester Lynch Salusbury : 'Irregular Ode on the English Poets'
'[Mrs Thrale is about to give 'an Ode written when I was between sixteen and seventeen Years old'] As I read it over this Moment I resolved once to burn it, but recollecting that my poor Father had in his foolish Fondness given Copies to a Friend or two, I thought it might as well have a place here'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Leslie Stephen : 'George Eliot' in Cornhill Magazine
'Read Stephen's admirable, arch-admirable, 'George Eliot', in that Cornhill.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Frances Trollope : The ward of Thorpe-Combe
"Read June 19 1947".
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Philips Trevelyan Print: Book
Robert Louis Stevenson : Treasure Island
'It was at this time, too, in the 'silent' reading periods at school, that - conventionally enough, I suppose, for a bookish child - I came upon Stevenson's "Treasure Island", "Don Quixote", "David Copperfield", all in abridged versions'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Charles Dickens : David Copperfield
'It was at this time, too, in the 'silent' reading periods at school, that - conventionally enough, I suppose, for a bookish child - I came upon Stevenson's "Treasure Island", "Don Quixote", "David Copperfield", all in abridged versions'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Miguel de Cervantes : Don Quixote
'It was at this time, too, in the 'silent' reading periods at school, that - conventionally enough, I suppose, for a bookish child - I came upon Stevenson's "Treasure Island", "Don Quixote", "David Copperfield", all in abridged versions'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Florence L. Barclay : Following of the Star, The
'amongst all else she [Causley's mother] found a little time for reading from a two-penny library: novels by the Cornish writers Silas and Joseph Hocking ("Rosemary Carew", by the latter, was a tremendous favourite) and "Stella Dallas" by the American Olive Higgins Prouty. She also had a few books of her own: "The Following of the Star" by Florence L. Barclay, "The Sorrows of Satan" by Marie Corelli, and the like. I tried them all, and enjoyed most: especially "Stella Dallas", which exercised a peculiar fascination over me. I re-read it constantly and with such devotion that she forbade me ever to read it again. I couldn't think why; and not until years later did it occur to me that the central character was a prostitute'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Marie Corelli : Sorrows of Satan, The
'amongst all else she [Causley's mother] found a little time for reading from a two-penny library: novels by the Cornish writers Silas and Joseph Hocking ("Rosemary Carew", by the latter, was a tremendous favourite) and "Stella Dallas" by the American Olive Higgins Prouty. She also had a few books of her own: "The Following of the Star" by Florence L. Barclay, "The Sorrows of Satan" by Marie Corelli, and the like. I tried them all, and enjoyed most: especially "Stella Dallas", which exercised a peculiar fascination over me. I re-read it constantly and with such devotion that she forbade me ever to read it again. I couldn't think why; and not until years later did it occur to me that the central character was a prostitute'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Olive Higgins Prouty : Stella Dallas
'amongst all else she [Causley's mother] found a little time for reading from a two-penny library: novels by the Cornish writers Silas and Joseph Hocking ("Rosemary Carew", by the latter, was a tremendous favourite) and "Stella Dallas" by the American Olive Higgins Prouty. She also had a few books of her own: "The Following of the Star" by Florence L. Barclay, "The Sorrows of Satan" by Marie Corelli, and the like. I tried them all, and enjoyed most: especially "Stella Dallas", which exercised a peculiar fascination over me. I re-read it constantly and with such devotion that she forbade me ever to read it again. I couldn't think why; and not until years later did it occur to me that the central character was a prostitute'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Joseph Hocking : [novels]
'amongst all else she [Causley's mother] found a little time for reading from a two-penny library: novels by the Cornish writers Silas and Joseph Hocking ("Rosemary Carew", by the latter, was a tremendous favourite) and "Stella Dallas" by the American Olive Higgins Prouty. She also had a few books of her own: "The Following of the Star" by Florence L. Barclay, "The Sorrows of Satan" by Marie Corelli, and the like. I tried them all, and enjoyed most: especially "Stella Dallas", which exercised a peculiar fascination over me. I re-read it constantly and with such devotion that she forbade me ever to read it again. I couldn't think why; and not until years later did it occur to me that the central character was a prostitute'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Joseph Hocking : [novels]
'amongst all else she [Causley's mother] found a little time for reading from a two-penny library: novels by the Cornish writers Silas and Joseph Hocking ("Rosemary Carew", by the latter, was a tremendous favourite) and "Stella Dallas" by the American Olive Higgins Prouty. She also had a few books of her own: "The Following of the Star" by Florence L. Barclay, "The Sorrows of Satan" by Marie Corelli, and the like. I tried them all, and enjoyed most: especially "Stella Dallas", which exercised a peculiar fascination over me. I re-read it constantly and with such devotion that she forbade me ever to read it again. I couldn't think why; and not until years later did it occur to me that the central character was a prostitute'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Causley Print: Book
Joseph Hocking : Rosemary Carew
'amongst all else she [Causley's mother] found a little time for reading from a two-penny library: novels by the Cornish writers Silas and Joseph Hocking ("Rosemary Carew", by the latter, was a tremendous favourite) and "Stella Dallas" by the American Olive Higgins Prouty. She also had a few books of her own: "The Following of the Star" by Florence L. Barclay, "The Sorrows of Satan" by Marie Corelli, and the like. I tried them all, and enjoyed most: especially "Stella Dallas", which exercised a peculiar fascination over me. I re-read it constantly and with such devotion that she forbade me ever to read it again. I couldn't think why; and not until years later did it occur to me that the central character was a prostitute'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Causley Print: Book
Silas Hocking : [novels]
'amongst all else she [Causley's mother] found a little time for reading from a two-penny library: novels by the Cornish writers Silas and Joseph Hocking ("Rosemary Carew", by the latter, was a tremendous favourite) and "Stella Dallas" by the American Olive Higgins Prouty. She also had a few books of her own: "The Following of the Star" by Florence L. Barclay, "The Sorrows of Satan" by Marie Corelli, and the like. I tried them all, and enjoyed most: especially "Stella Dallas", which exercised a peculiar fascination over me. I re-read it constantly and with such devotion that she forbade me ever to read it again. I couldn't think why; and not until years later did it occur to me that the central character was a prostitute'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Causley Print: Book
Olive Higgins Prouty : Stella Dallas
'amongst all else she [Causley's mother] found a little time for reading from a two-penny library: novels by the Cornish writers Silas and Joseph Hocking ("Rosemary Carew", by the latter, was a tremendous favourite) and "Stella Dallas" by the American Olive Higgins Prouty. She also had a few books of her own: "The Following of the Star" by Florence L. Barclay, "The Sorrows of Satan" by Marie Corelli, and the like. I tried them all, and enjoyed most: especially "Stella Dallas", which exercised a peculiar fascination over me. I re-read it constantly and with such devotion that she forbade me ever to read it again. I couldn't think why; and not until years later did it occur to me that the central character was a prostitute'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Causley Print: Book
Marie Corelli : Sorrows of Satan, The
'amongst all else she [Causley's mother] found a little time for reading from a two-penny library: novels by the Cornish writers Silas and Joseph Hocking ("Rosemary Carew", by the latter, was a tremendous favourite) and "Stella Dallas" by the American Olive Higgins Prouty. She also had a few books of her own: "The Following of the Star" by Florence L. Barclay, "The Sorrows of Satan" by Marie Corelli, and the like. I tried them all, and enjoyed most: especially "Stella Dallas", which exercised a peculiar fascination over me. I re-read it constantly and with such devotion that she forbade me ever to read it again. I couldn't think why; and not until years later did it occur to me that the central character was a prostitute'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Causley Print: Book
Florence L. Barclay : Following of the Star, The
'amongst all else she [Causley's mother] found a little time for reading from a two-penny library: novels by the Cornish writers Silas and Joseph Hocking ("Rosemary Carew", by the latter, was a tremendous favourite) and "Stella Dallas" by the American Olive Higgins Prouty. She also had a few books of her own: "The Following of the Star" by Florence L. Barclay, "The Sorrows of Satan" by Marie Corelli, and the like. I tried them all, and enjoyed most: especially "Stella Dallas", which exercised a peculiar fascination over me. I re-read it constantly and with such devotion that she forbade me ever to read it again. I couldn't think why; and not until years later did it occur to me that the central character was a prostitute'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Causley Print: Book
Emma Orczy : [Scarlet Pimpernel novels]
'Inspired by the novels of Baroness Orczy about the Scarlet Pimpernel, I wrote a piece about Robespierre. O Robespierre, thou sea-green immobile, Thy soul, deep-stained, was ice and did not feel...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Siegfried Sassoon : War Poems
'Later in my teens, on a first visit to London, I bought for one-and-six in the Charing Cross Road, a red-covered copy of "The War Poems of Siegfried Sassoon". it was my first clear view of my father's world of 1914-18, and I went on to read Graves, Blunden, Owen'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Robert Graves : [war poetry]
'Later in my teens, on a first visit to London, I bought for one-and-six in the Charing Cross Road, a red-covered copy of "The War Poems of Siegfried Sassoon". it was my first clear view of my father's world of 1914-18, and I went on to read Graves, Blunden, Owen'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Edmund Blunden : [war poetry]
'Later in my teens, on a first visit to London, I bought for one-and-six in the Charing Cross Road, a red-covered copy of "The War Poems of Siegfried Sassoon". it was my first clear view of my father's world of 1914-18, and I went on to read Graves, Blunden, Owen'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Wilfred Owen : [war poetry]
'Later in my teens, on a first visit to London, I bought for one-and-six in the Charing Cross Road, a red-covered copy of "The War Poems of Siegfried Sassoon". it was my first clear view of my father's world of 1914-18, and I went on to read Graves, Blunden, Owen'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
George Orwell : Road to Wigan Pier, The
'I had by this time [his mid-teens] also struck up a friendship with a young, unemployed, linotype operator, six or seven years older than myself. He lived in a street at the back of the Lodging House, was a member of the Left book Club, and lent me (among much else) his copy of Orwell's "The Road to Wigan Pier". Somehow, too, I came upon the poems of Auden, Spender, Day-Lewis, MacNeice; Isherwood's "Goodbye to Berlin".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Wystan Hugh Auden :
'I had by this time [his mid-teens] also struck up a friendship with a young, unemployed, linotype operator, six or seven years older than myself. He lived in a street at the back of the Lodging House, was a member of the Left book Club, and lent me (among much else) his copy of Orwell's "The Road to Wigan Pier". Somehow, too, I came upon the poems of Auden, Spender, Day-Lewis, MacNeice; Isherwood's "Goodbye to Berlin".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Stephen Spender :
'I had by this time [his mid-teens] also struck up a friendship with a young, unemployed, linotype operator, six or seven years older than myself. He lived in a street at the back of the Lodging House, was a member of the Left book Club, and lent me (among much else) his copy of Orwell's "The Road to Wigan Pier". Somehow, too, I came upon the poems of Auden, Spender, Day-Lewis, MacNeice; Isherwood's "Goodbye to Berlin".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Cecil Day-Lewis :
'I had by this time [his mid-teens] also struck up a friendship with a young, unemployed, linotype operator, six or seven years older than myself. He lived in a street at the back of the Lodging House, was a member of the Left book Club, and lent me (among much else) his copy of Orwell's "The Road to Wigan Pier". Somehow, too, I came upon the poems of Auden, Spender, Day-Lewis, MacNeice; Isherwood's "Goodbye to Berlin".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Louis MacNeice :
'I had by this time [his mid-teens] also struck up a friendship with a young, unemployed, linotype operator, six or seven years older than myself. He lived in a street at the back of the Lodging House, was a member of the Left book Club, and lent me (among much else) his copy of Orwell's "The Road to Wigan Pier". Somehow, too, I came upon the poems of Auden, Spender, Day-Lewis, MacNeice; Isherwood's "Goodbye to Berlin".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Christopher Isherwood : Goodbye to Berlin
'I had by this time [his mid-teens] also struck up a friendship with a young, unemployed, linotype operator, six or seven years older than myself. He lived in a street at the back of the Lodging House, was a member of the Left book Club, and lent me (among much else) his copy of Orwell's "The Road to Wigan Pier". Somehow, too, I came upon the poems of Auden, Spender, Day-Lewis, MacNeice; Isherwood's "Goodbye to Berlin".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Causley Print: Book
Hester Lynch Salusbury : 'Verses on the Fall of the Great Ash Tree in Offley Park'
'[Mrs Thrale gives her 'Verses on the Fall of the Great Ash Tree in Offley Park'] This trifling performance brought Tears into my Uncle's Eyes, and Money into my Pocket for having celebrated so artfully I will own the virtues of a Woman he rememberd with Gratitude and Esteem. He read 'em to every body he saw I believe'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Salusbury Manuscript: Unknown
Sarah Fielding : 'To Miss Salusbury'
'[Having given some verses 'To Miss Salusbury', thought to be by Sarah Fielding] These verses are nothing extraordinary God knows, but I dare say they are hers; though there seems to be no great attention to Grammar in them considering she was an able Scholar both in the Latin Language and the Greek'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Virgil :
'[Dr Johnson] used to mention Harry Fielding's behaviour to her [his sister Sarah] as a melancholy instance of narrowness; while she read only English Books, and made English Verses it seems, he fondled her Fancy, & encourag'd her Genius, but as soon [as] he perceived She once read Virgil, Farewell to Fondness...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Fielding Print: Book
Hester Lynch Salusbury : 'Offley Park'
'[Mrs Thrale gives her long poem entitled 'Offley Park'] This little poem will be easily seen to have been written by way of Flattery to Sir Thomas Salusbury with whom I then lived - he was I well remember exceedingly pleased with it, and made me a handsome present'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Salusbury Manuscript: Unknown
William Hale : [translation of one of Martial's 'Epigrams']
'he [Mr Hale] was a clever man enough too, valued himself on his Literature, and made some pretty verses. as for Example he translated the Arria Pateo well enough'. [a sample is given]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
James Fordyce : Sermons to Young Women
'I heard an odd Anecdote to Day of Fordyce the Dissenter, who wrote a few pretty little Essays lately call'd Sermons to young Women'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
: [pamphlet on benefits of children]
'there came out a Pamphlet setting forth the Felicity & Benefit of a numerous Offspring; some Arch Body of his acquaintance sent it to Dr Stonehouse in a Joke; he read it, and profess'd himself so changed in his Opinion, & so convinced by the Arguments of the Writer that he was now perfectly delighted to see his Wife with Child every Year after he had so complained of his nine Young ones. - The Characteristick of this Man's Mind seems to be ductility'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Stonhouse
Xenophon : Anabasis
"CPT read this aloud to PJD December 1957, the last book we read before his death in Jan 1958. He had not read it since Harrow days, (at school) aged 16!" Written by Pauline Dower about her father Charles Philips Trevelyan.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Philips Trevelyan Print: Book
: Fortnightly Review
'By Swinburne's conversion, I meant no reference to his divagations about 'Rizpah', which I did not honour with perusal, but to other matter in that article which I shall not mention now, since you had not nous enough to twig its significance for yourself.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Carlyle : Reminiscences
'You are right about that adorable book; F. and I are in a world, not ours; but pardon me, as far as sending on goes, we take another view; the first vol. a la bonne heure! but not - never - the second.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
: Illustrated London News
'In "Illustrated London News" and "Graphic", both for August 12th, are notices of ”Virginibus Puerique”. In the latter I am once more taken for my editor! I think I have pleased the public this time!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Joshua Sylvester : 'The Woodman's Beare'
The Rev. Charles Cockin to Alfred Tennyson, November 1868: 'In reading an old translation of Du Bartas I was struck with the following verse from the "Woodman's Beare," Stanza 55: '"But her slender virgin waste Made me beare her girdle spight, Which the same day imbraste Though it were cast off at night: That I wisht, I dare not say, To be girdle, night and day."' 'May I be pardoned for my curiosity in wishing to know whether these lines suggested the two last stanzas in the song in the "Miller's Daughter"?'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Cockin Print: Book
Samuel Rogers :
From Frederick Locker-Lampson's recollections of Tennyson: 'Rogers used often to read to him passages of his writings, and to consult him about the notes to his Italy. "He liked me," Tennyson said, "and thought that perhaps I might be the coming poet, and might help to hand his name down to future ages."'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Rogers
: The Academy: A Monthly Record of Literature, Learning, Science and Art
'I have just seen the Academy of April 9.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Edmund Gosse : 'Timasetheos' in The Cornhill Magazine
'Your last poem in the Cornhill was first class.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
John Addington Symonds : unknown
'The other day I borrowed a volume of Symonds's poems from himself and returned it to him without a word of comment.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Edmund Gosse : English Odes
'I have just been reading your Odes; a lovely little book.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
: [verses on Garrick's Lear]
'I used to like following Verses vastly upon Garrick and Barry's playing King Lear a l'envie till I heard from good authority That Garrick wrote them himself: The Town has taken different Ways T'applaud their different Lears; To Barry they give loud Huzzaes To Garrick only Tears.'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale
Giuseppe Pecio : [sonnet to Voltaire]
'Here follows a Sonnet written by Giuseppe Pecio to call Voltaire into Italy; Lord Sandys read it here as excellent in its kind, & I took a Copy more to please him however than myself, - I do not see much in it'. [the sonnet follows]
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale
: [verses to a wife, about a penknife]
'I saw there [at Hampton] likewise a sweet pretty little Copy of Verses from a Gentleman to his Wife on the Subject of his giving her an elegant Penknife as a Present. I was not permitted to write it out, & can remember the two first Lines only'. [these are given]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Herbert Lawrence : [poems]
'he [Herbert Lawrence] wrote some pretty Verses and said some clever Things and I have a Loss of his Acquaintance. The following Song he wrote in my Praise forsooth is not a bad one.' [the Song is given]
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale
Thomas Gray : [Odes]
'Cumberland had written two Odes, what says Mrs Montagu to me do you think of them? I think said I they are as like Gray's Odes as he can make them, Ay, replied She, as like as a little Thing can be to a big Thing, Why to be sure Madam said I he is not the great Mr Gray - he is only the [italics] Petit Gris [end italics].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Frances Greville : Ode to Indifference
'the Ode to Indifference is a most superior Piece of elegant Writing The Occasion of it was however dreadfully unhappy'. [Mrs Thrale then tells of Mrs Greville's son's death]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Unknown
Richard Cumberland : [Odes]
'Cumberland had written two Odes, what says Mrs Montagu to me do you think of them? I think said I they are as like Gray's Odes as he can make them, Ay, replied She, as like as a little Thing can be to a big Thing, Why to be sure Madam said I he is not the great Mr Gray - he is only the [italics] Petit Gris [end italics].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
: Bible
'In a Conversation the King of Prussia had once with Marshal Keith the latter quoted Scripture: why Keith have you been reading the Bible lately; Yes, Sir, replies the Marshal, & whatever our Majesty may think of the book in general, one must allow that Joshua understood a Line of Battle special well'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Francis Edward Keith Print: Book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'I was told to-day that Joshua and Jesus are the very same Name. I never heard it before, and suppose it not commonly known among Christians - 'tis a Shame however not to have known it always - Milton mentions it in the last Book of Paradise Lost'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Every Man in his Humour
'Cob was once the general name the general English Word I mean for a Spider, Cobweb is still left from this Root, & I believe when Ben Jonson wrote Every Man in his Humour the Word was not quite gone because of all the company meeting at [italics] Cob's [end italics] House which is described to be very dirty & full of Spiders'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : Faerie Queene, The
'[James Mathias was on summer vacation and] when he came back my Father asked him what Books he had read - I read says he a strange Account of a Beast which however is dead, & I believe there are no more of them in England, it was a horrible one though with a long Tail, & was of the Serpent kind I think; he eat people up and [italics] churned [end italics] them into [italics] Gobbets [end italics] the Book says, - what the Devil Beast could this be says my Father? what was its name Jemmy? The [italics] Blatant Beast [end italics]. as I remember replied Mathias - he had been reading Spenser's Fairy Queen'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Mathias Print: Book
Fortune Hippolyte Auguste Castille (Boisgobey) : L'Equipage du Diable (Equipage of the Devil)
'Fortune has written another book, the Equipage of the Devil, which is fully worse than words can describe.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Camille Debans : Le Baron Jean (Baron John)
'Debans, the Dead Man's Shoes fellow has also disgraced himself in a work entitled Baron John.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Gustave Flaubert : Bouvard et Pecuchet
'Symonds has gone off to Italy with your Bouvard et Pecuchet, a most loathsome work.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
A J Butler : Review in Athenaeum
'Who did the Athenaeum I know not, but it is very kind.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
: Revised Version of New Testament
'The swollen, childish and pedantic vanity that moved the said revisers to put 'bring' for 'lead', is a sort of literary fault that calls for an eternal hell ..'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Andrew Lang : The Library
'Lang's Library is very pleasant reading.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Charles Grant Robertson : Kurum, Kabul and Kandahar: being a Brief Record of Impressions in Three Campaigns under General Roberts
'I have not finished re-reading your book, so I cannot say whether all is improved; but much is.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Hugo Grotius : De veritate religionis Christianae
'[having been searching for evidence of the truth of Christianity, Johnson] recollecting a Book he had once picked up in the Shop, & again thrown by, entitled De Veritate Relig: & c. he began to think himself highly culpable for neglecting such a means of Information and took himself severely to task for this Sin. The first Opportunity he had of Course he examined the Book with avidity, but finding his Scholarship insufficient for the perusal of it he set his heart at rest it sees, and considered his Conscience as lightened of a Crime'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Hamlet
'He [Johnson] was just nine Years old when having got the play of Hamlet to read in his Father's Kitchen, he read on very qu[i]etly till he came to the Ghost scene, when he hurried up to the Shop Door that he might see folks about him'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [verses printed in the Gentleman's Magazine]
'one Day in the Year 1768 I saw some Verses with his name in a Magazine these are they [the poem follows] I thought they were not his so I asked him; A young fellow replied he about forty Years ago, had a Sprig of Myrtle given him by a Girl he courted, and asked me to write him some Verses upon it - I promised but forgot; & when the Lad came a Week after for them, I said I'll go fetch them so ran away for five Minutes, & wrote the nonsense you are so troubled about; & which these Blockheads are printing now so pompously with their L.L.:D'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Serial / periodical
Richard Steele : [Essays]
'It was on the 18: day of July 1773 that we were sitting in the blue Room at Streatham and were talking of Writers - Steele's Essays were mentioned - but they are too thin said Mr Johnson; being mere Observations on Life and Manners without a sufficiency of solid Learning acquired from Books, they have the flavour, like the light French wines you so often hear commended; but having no Body, they cannot keep. Speaking of Mason Gray &c. he said The Poems they write must I should suppose greatly delight the Authors; they seem to have attained that which themselves consider as the Summit of Excellence, and Man can do no more: yet surely such unmeaning & verbose Language if in the Morning it appears to be in bloom, must fade before Sunset like Cloe's Wreath.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book, Serial / periodical
Thomas Gray :
'It was on the 18: day of July 1773 that we were sitting in the blue Room at Streatham and were talking of Writers - Steele's Essays were mentioned - but they are too thin said Mr Johnson; being mere Observations on Life and Manners without a sufficiency of solid Learning acquired from Books, they have the flavour, like the light French wines you so often hear commended; but having no Body, they cannot keep. Speaking of Mason Gray &c. he said The Poems they write must I should suppose greatly delight the Authors; they seem to have attained that which themselves consider as the Summit of Excellence, and Man can do no more: yet surely such unmeaning & verbose Language if in the Morning it appears to be in bloom, must fade before Sunset like Cloe's Wreath.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Mason :
'It was on the 18: day of July 1773 that we were sitting in the blue Room at Streatham and were talking of Writers - Steele's Essays were mentioned - but they are too thin said Mr Johnson; being mere Observations on Life and Manners without a sufficiency of solid Learning acquired from Books, they have the flavour, like the light French wines you so often hear commended; but having no Body, they cannot keep. Speaking of Mason Gray &c. he said The Poems they write must I should suppose greatly delight the Authors; they seem to have attained that which themselves consider as the Summit of Excellence, and Man can do no more: yet surely such unmeaning & verbose Language if in the Morning it appears to be in bloom, must fade before Sunset like Cloe's Wreath.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Jonathan Swift :
'Of Swift's Style which I praised as beautiful he observed; that it had only the Beauty of a Bubble, The Colour says he is gay, but the substance slight.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Jonathan Swift :
'Of Swift's Style which I praised as beautiful he observed; that it had only the Beauty of a Bubble, The Colour says he is gay, but the substance slight.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham : Rehearsal, The
'We talked of Dryden - Buckingham's Play said I has hurt the Reputation of the Poet, great as he was; such is the force of Ridicule! - on the contrary my dearest replies Doctor Johnson The greatness of Dryden's Character is even now the only principle of Vitality which preserves that play from a State of Putrefaction'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham : Rehearsal, The
'We talked of Dryden - Buckingham's Play said I has hurt the Reputation of the Poet, great as he was; such is the force of Ridicule! - on the contrary my dearest replies Doctor Johnson The greatness of Dryden's Character is even now the only principle of Vitality which preserves that play from a State of Putrefaction'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Richardson :
'To Richardson as a Writer he gave the highest Praises, but mentioning his unquenchable Thirst after Applause That Man said he could not be content to sail gently down the Stream of Fame unless the Foam was continually dashing in his Face, that he might taste it at Every Stroke of the Oar'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Edward Young :
'We were speaking of Young as a Poet; Young's works cried Johnson are like a miry Road, with here & there a Stepping Stone or so; but you must always so dirty your Feet before another clean Place appears, that nobody will often walk that way. in this however said I as well as in his general Manner of writing he resembles your favourite Dryden - & to this no Answer was made: The next Morning we were drawing Spirits over a Lamp, and the Liquor bubbled in the Glass Retort; there says Mr Johnson - Young bubbles and froths in his Descriptions like this Spirit; but Dryden foams like the Sea we saw in a Storm the other day at Brighthelmstone'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Dryden :
'We were speaking of Young as a Poet; Young's works cried Johnson are like a miry Road, with here & there a Stepping Stone or so; but you must always so dirty your Feet before another clean Place appears, that nobody will often walk that way. in this however said I as well as in his general Manner of writing he resembles your favourite Dryden - & to this no Answer was made: The next Morning we were drawing Spirits over a Lamp, and the Liquor bubbled in the Glass Retort; there says Mr Johnson - Young bubbles and froths in his Descriptions like this Spirit; but Dryden foams like the Sea we saw in a Storm the other day at Brighthelmstone'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
John Dryden :
'We were speaking of Young as a Poet; Young's works cried Johnson are like a miry Road, with here & there a Stepping Stone or so; but you must always so dirty your Feet before another clean Place appears, that nobody will often walk that way. in this however said I as well as in his general Manner of writing he resembles your favourite Dryden - & to this no Answer was made: The next Morning we were drawing Spirits over a Lamp, and the Liquor bubbled in the Glass Retort; there says Mr Johnson - Young bubbles and froths in his Descriptions like this Spirit; but Dryden foams like the Sea we saw in a Storm the other day at Brighthelmstone'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Edward Young :
'We were speaking of Young as a Poet; Young's works cried Johnson are like a miry Road, with here & there a Stepping Stone or so; but you must always so dirty your Feet before another clean Place appears, that nobody will often walk that way. in this however said I as well as in his general Manner of writing he resembles your favourite Dryden - & to this no Answer was made: The next Morning we were drawing Spirits over a Lamp, and the Liquor bubbled in the Glass Retort; there says Mr Johnson - Young bubbles and froths in his Descriptions like this Spirit; but Dryden foams like the Sea we saw in a Storm the other day at Brighthelmstone'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Charles Burney : History of Music
'Burney likewise has experienced his [Johnson's] sportive Humour; when he shewed him his Book about Musick and enquired his Opinion concerning it; the Words are well arranged Sir replies Johnson but I don't understand one of them'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Bernard Mandeville :
'He had in his Youth been a great Reader of Mandeville, and was very watchful for the Stains of original corruption both in himself & others'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Thomas Gray :
'He had however no Taste for Modern Poetry - Gray Mason &c - Modern Poetry says he one day at our house, is like Modern Gardening, every thing now is raised by a hot bed; every thing therefore is forced, & everything tasteless'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Mason :
'He had however no Taste for Modern Poetry - Gray Mason &c - Modern Poetry says he one day at our house, is like Modern Gardening, every thing now is raised by a hot bed; every thing therefore is forced, & everything tasteless'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: [book on gardening]
'A propos to Gardening he once advised me to buy myself some famous Book upon the Subject, and read it says he attentively, but do not believe it'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : History Of the Four last years Of the Queen
'Rose [in a debate about the relative worth of Scottish and English writers] to make sure of the Victory - named Ferguson on Civil Society: I do not says Johnson perceive the Value of [italics] this new [end italics] Manner, it is only, like Buckinger, who had no hands - & so wrote with his Toes. - Doctor Delap praised Swift's Style; Mr Johnson was not in the humour to subscribe to its Excellence; the Doctor was beat from one of Swift's Performances to another - but says he you must allow that there are [italics] strong Facts [end italics] in the Account of the four last Years of Queen Anne; Yes sure Sir returns Mr Johnson and so there are in the ordinary of Newgates Account'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Adam Ferguson : Essay on the History of Civil Society
'Rose [in a debate about the relative worth of Scottish and English writers] to make sure of the Victory - named Ferguson on Civil Society: I do not says Johnson perceive the Value of [italics] this new [end italics] Manner, it is only, like Buckinger, who had no hands - & so wrote with his Toes. - Doctor Delap praised Swift's Style; Mr Johnson was not in the humour to subscribe to its Excellence; the Doctor was beat from one of Swift's Performances to another - but says he you must allow that there are [italics] strong Facts [end italics] in the Account of the four last Years of Queen Anne; Yes sure Sir returns Mr Johnson and so there are in the ordinary of Newgates Account'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: Huetania
'As my Peace has never been disturbed by the [italics] soft Passion [end italics], so it seldom comes into my head to talk of it. - one day however after reading the odd Dissertation upon it in the Huetania, I was led to ask Johnson his general Opinion concerning that which has been thought the Spring of so many strange Actions good & bad'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Charles Churchill : Prophecy of Famine, a Scots Pastoral
'He was however very much nettled by Churchill's Satire that's certain; for he rejected him from among the Poets when the Booksellers begged him a Place in the Edition they are now giving in small volumes - this was I think the only unjust or resentful Thing I ever knew him do, for as to despising Churchill as a Writer - no Man has Pretensions to do it - and Johnson had more Wit to be sure than not to taste the "Prophecy of Famine".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Charles Churchill : Ghost, The
'He was however very much nettled by Churchill's Satire that's certain; for he rejected him from among the Poets when the Booksellers begged him a Place in the Edition they are now giving in small volumes - this was I think the only unjust or resentful Thing I ever knew him do, for as to despising Churchill as a Writer - no Man has Pretensions to do it - and Johnson had more Wit to be sure than not to taste the "Prophecy of Famine".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Charles Churchill : Ghost, The
'He was however very much nettled by Churchill's Satire that's certain; for he rejected him from among the Poets when the Booksellers begged him a Place in the Edition they are now giving in small volumes - this was I think the only unjust or resentful Thing I ever knew him do, for as to despising Churchill as a Writer - no Man has Pretensions to do it - and Johnson had more Wit to be sure than not to taste the "Prophecy of Famine".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Rambler, The
'that Piety which dictated the serious Papers in the Rambler will be for ever remembred [sic], for ever I think - revered. That ample Repository of religious Truth, moral Wisdom & accurate Criticism breathes indeed the genuine Emanations of its Author's Mind; express'd too in a Style so natural to him, & so much like his common Mode of conversing, that I was myself not much astonished when he told me, that he had scarcely read over one of thesed inimitable Essays before they were sent to the Press'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Serial / periodical
James Martineau : 'Is there any Axiom of Causation?'
James Martineau to Hallam Tennyson (1893), recalling meetings of the Metaphysical Society: 'I remember a special interest shown by your father in a paper contributed by the Rev. F. D. Maurice on the meaning of the words "Nature," "Natural," "Supernatural," November 21st, 1871 [...] 'The other subjects on which papers were read in your father's presence were the following: 'July 14, 1869. The commonsense philosophy of causation: Dr W. B. Carpenter. 'June 15, 1870. Is there any Axiom of Causation? Myself. (Mr Tennyson in the chair.) 'July 13. The relativity of Knowledge: Mr Fred. Harrison. 'Dec. 13. The emotion of Conviction: Mr Walter Bagehot. 'July 11, 1871. What is Death? Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol. 'July 9, 1872. The supposed necessity for seeking a solution of ultimate Metaphysical Problems: Mr F. Harrison. Nov. 12. The five idols of the Theatre: Mr Shadworth H. Hodgson. Dec. 16, 1873. Utilitarianism: Professor Henry Sidgwick. Feb. 12, 1878. Double truth: Rev. M. Pattison, Rector of Lincoln College, Oxford.'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: James Martineau
Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol : 'What is Death?'
James Martineau to Hallam Tennyson (1893), recalling meetings of the Metaphysical Society: 'I remember a special interest shown by your father in a paper contributed by the Rev. F. D. Maurice on the meaning of the words "Nature," "Natural," "Supernatural," November 21st, 1871 [...] 'The other subjects on which papers were read in your father's presence were the following: 'July 14, 1869. The commonsense philosophy of causation: Dr W. B. Carpenter. 'June 15, 1870. Is there any Axiom of Causation? Myself. (Mr Tennyson in the chair.) 'July 13. The relativity of Knowledge: Mr Fred. Harrison. 'Dec. 13. The emotion of Conviction: Mr Walter Bagehot. 'July 11, 1871. What is Death? Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol. 'July 9, 1872. The supposed necessity for seeking a solution of ultimate Metaphysical Problems: Mr F. Harrison. Nov. 12. The five idols of the Theatre: Mr Shadworth H. Hodgson. Dec. 16, 1873. Utilitarianism: Professor Henry Sidgwick. Feb. 12, 1878. Double truth: Rev. M. Pattison, Rector of Lincoln College, Oxford.'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol
Alfred Tennyson : Queen Mary
Sir Henry Bedingfield, Bart., to Alfred Tennyson, 20 August 1875: 'As a great admirer of your genius, I eagerly read your drama "Queen Mary," but was so surprised and pained at the ignoble part which is allotted to Sir Henry Bedingfield, that I cannot refrain from addressing you on the subject. I feel justified in so doing, for I am the direct descendant of Sir Henry [...] The millions who will read "Mary Tudor," or witness the play on the stage, will carry away the impresson that my ancestor was a vulgar yeoman in some way connected with the stables, whereas he was a man of ancient lineage, a trusted friend and servant of the Queen, who confided to him in time of danger the Lieutenancy of the Tower, and the custody of the Princess Elizabeth [continues] [...] I trust therefore to your high feeling of justice, that you will, if possible, strike out Sir Henry's name from future editions, or allott him a more dignified part on the stage, and one which will convey a more correct view of his character and position.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Henry Bedingfield, Bart. Print: Book
Catullus :
'Miss Ritchie was staying at Farringford when we came back from our foreign [Italian] travels. To her he [Tennyson] dwelt with more pleasure on the row to Desenzano than on almost anything else, and on the associations of Sirmione with Catullus. The long July twlight had at last died away whilst he talked of all he had been seeing, and lights were brought, and I fetched him a volume of Catullus. 'He made Miss Ritchie, who was no Latin scholar, follow the words as he read through some of his favourite poems. His finger moved from word to word, and he dwelt with intense satisfaction on the adequacy of the expression and of the sounds, on the mastery of the proper handling of quantity, and on the perfection of the art.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Ritchie Print: Book
Hester Lynch Thrale : [MS 'character' of Johnson]
'When I shewed him [Johnson] his Character next day - for he would see it; he said it was a very fine Piece of Writing; and that I had improved upon [italics] Young [end italics] who he saw was my [italics] Model[end italics] he said; for my Flattery was still stronger than [italics] his [end italics], & yet somehow or other less [italics] hyperbolical [end italics].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
James Harris : [Dedication in] Hermes: or, a Philosophical Inquiry concerning Language and Universal Grammar
'of James Harris Dedication to his Hermes he said that tho' but 14 Lines long, there were 6 Grammatical faults in it'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Martial : Epigrams
'of Elphinstone's specimen of Martial he [Johnson] said, there was too much Folly in them for Madness, and too much Madness for Folly'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Metastasio [pseud.] : Adriano
'Another favourite Passage too in the same Author [Metastasio's Adriano]; which Baretti made his Pupil - my eldest Daughter get by heart - Johnson translated into Blank Verse - [italics] sur le Champ [end italics]: Baretti wrote it down from his Lips, and I write it now from Baretti's Copy, which is almost worne out with lying by in the folds'. [the verses are given in Italian and English]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Maria Thrale Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [translation of lines from Metastasio's 'Adriano']
'Another favourite Passage too in the same Author [Metastasio's Adriano]; which Baretti made his Pupil - my eldest Daughter get by heart - Johnson translated into Blank Verse - [italics] sur le Champ [end italics]: Baretti wrote it down from his Lips, and I write it now from Baretti's Copy, which is almost worne out with lying by in the folds'. [the verses are given in Italian and English]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Charles Burney : [poem about Mrs Thrale]
'I shall transcribe some Verses of Doctor Burney's on the same unworthy Subject [herself]; on which Verses Johnson made this remark when he saw them. These says he are some of the few Verses which have as much Truth as Wit, and as much Wit as Truth' [the verses are given]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Charles Burney : [verses modelled on 'The Dunciad']
'[Dr Burney] could write admirable Verses had he Leisure and Inclination so to do. He has shewn me in Confidence a little Poem partly on the Plan & in the Spirit of the Dunciad in which are some exquisite Strokes of Satire well express'd, with great fertility of Allusion too, & his personified Characters of Science, Wit, and Taste, are as happily finished as 'tis possible'. [some speciumens of the verse are given]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
: [a story book]
'[italics] My [end italics] Daughter Susan a Girl of seven Years old - said to me yesterday when we had done reading - I like this Book prodigiously Ma'am; the story of the Earthquake was very dismal, and that of the Dwarf very comical; 'tis better Sport to hear of such Things than to read that stupid Book about [italics] Sympathy & Poetical Language [end italics] written by the Man there with a [italics] Woman's [end italics][ Name - Doctor [italics] Betty [end italics] as you call him - She meant Dr [italics] Beattie [end italics] whose book Mrs Cumyns - her Governess had been foolish enough to put into her hands'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Susan Thrale Print: Book
James Beattie : Essays on Poetry and Music
'[italics] My [end italics] Daughter Susan a Girl of seven Years old - said to me yesterday when we had done reading - I like this Book prodigiously Ma'am; the story of the Earthquake was very dismal, and that of the Dwarf very comical; 'tis better Sport to hear of such Things than to read that stupid Book about [italics] Sympathy & Poetical Language [end italics] written by the Man there with a [italics] Woman's [end italics][ Name - Doctor [italics] Betty [end italics] as you call him - She meant Dr [italics] Beattie [end italics] whose book Mrs Cumyns - her Governess had been foolish enough to put into her hands'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Susan Thrale Print: Book
Anacreon : Dove
''15:Jan: 1778 Mr Johnson told me today that he had translated Anacreon's Dove, & as they were the first Greek Verses that had struck him when a Boy; so says he they continue to please me as well as any Greek Verses now I am Three score'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Jones : [MS Ode on St Cecilia's Day]
'Mr Seward has just brought me a very great Curiosity a Copy of English Verses written by Jones the Orientalist when only 13 Years old. Both the Authour & his Friend swear to their Authenticity or I would not take the Trouble to transcribe them here - it is an Ode in honour of St Caecilia's day Descriptive of the Effects of Musick'. [the poem is given]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
: [a New York newspaper]
'it was but last Week I read a new [sic] York Advertisement of Perfumery for the Ladies, Anodyne Necklaces for Teething Children, & some new fashioned Sweet meats fit says the confectioner for a very elegant Table. Now does not all this prove to a Demonstration that Publick Occurrences affect not private Felicity?'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Newspaper
James Grainger : 'Solitude: An Ode'
'Doctor Grainger, Author of the fine Ode to Solitude printed in Dodsley's Miscellanies wrote a poem while he was in the West Indies and called it the Sugar Cane; it was sent over hither of Course, & when Dr Johnson first laid hold of it he put it in his Pocket without Examination, & carrying it to a place where he was to meet some Literary Friends, told them he had something about him that might in the reading afford them some Amusement: & according begun at the opening of the Poem thus Where shall the Muse her arduous Task begin? where breathless end? Say shall [italics] we sing of Rats? [end italics] Thus does an Author differ from himself, & a great Mind deviate into Absurdity merely for want of friends to look over their Performance.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
James Grainger : Sugar Cane, The
'Doctor Grainger, Author of the fine Ode to Solitude printed in Dodsley's Miscellanies wrote a poem while he was in the West Indies and called it the Sugar Cane; it was sent over hither of Course, & when Dr Johnson first laid hold of it he put it in his Pocket without Examination, & carrying it to a place where he was to meet some Literary Friends, told them he had something about him that might in the reading afford them some Amusement: & according begun at the opening of the Poem thus Where shall the Muse her arduous Task begin? where breathless end? Say shall [italics] we sing of Rats? [end italics] Thus does an Author differ from himself, & a great Mind deviate into Absurdity merely for want of friends to look over their Performance.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Tobias Smollett :
'I myself like Smollet's Novels better than Fielding's; the perpetual Parody teizes one; - there is more Rapidity and Spirit in the Scotsman: though both of them knew the Husk of Life perfectly well - & for the Kernel - you must go to either Richardson or Rousseau'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Henry Fielding :
'I myself like Smollet's Novels better than Fielding's; the perpetual Parody teizes one; - there is more Rapidity and Spirit in the Scotsman: though both of them knew the Husk of Life perfectly well - & for the Kernel - you must go to either Richardson or Rousseau'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Samuel Richardson :
'I myself like Smollet's Novels better than Fielding's; the perpetual Parody teizes one; - there is more Rapidity and Spirit in the Scotsman: though both of them knew the Husk of Life perfectly well - & for the Kernel - you must go to either Richardson or Rousseau'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Jean Jacques Rousseau :
'I myself like Smollet's Novels better than Fielding's; the perpetual Parody teizes one; - there is more Rapidity and Spirit in the Scotsman: though both of them knew the Husk of Life perfectly well - & for the Kernel - you must go to either Richardson or Rousseau'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Edward Hyde, 1st earl of Clarendon : Continuation of the Life of Edward Earl of Clarendon
'For Sublimity & at the same time Familiarity with Life Nothing strikes one more than Clarendon's Account of the Fire of London - De Foe's Plague is still stronger but that is a Romance'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Daniel Defoe : Journal of the Plague Year
'For Sublimity & at the same time Familiarity with Life Nothing strikes one more than Clarendon's Account of the Fire of London - De Foe's Plague is still stronger but that is a Romance'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Arthur Murphy : Grecian Daughter, the: A tragedy
'Mr Murphy's Grecian Daughter is I think unquestionably the best of all our modern Tragedies, & all its Merit is the Power it has over our Passions too; for nobody I believe ever dreamed of repeating a line on't: Now though to move Terror & Pity those two throbbing Pulses of the Drama, be the first Thing required in a Tragedy; there are others which are necessary to make it complete, as Sentiment Diction &c. 'tis entertaining enough to observe the effect of each style separately - & we shall have Cato and Irene at one End; the Earl of Essex and George Barnwell at the other'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Irene: A Historical Tragedy
'Mr Murphy's Grecian Daughter is I think unquestionably the best of all our modern Tragedies, & all its Merit is the Power it has over our Passions too; for nobody I believe ever dreamed of repeating a line on't: Now though to move Terror & Pity those two throbbing Pulses of the Drama, be the first Thing required in a Tragedy; there are others which are necessary to make it complete, as Sentiment Diction &c. 'tis entertaining enough to observe the effect of each style separately - & we shall have Cato and Irene at one End; the Earl of Essex and George Barnwell at the other'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Joseph Addison : Cato
'Mr Murphy's Grecian Daughter is I think unquestionably the best of all our modern Tragedies, & all its Merit is the Power it has over our Passions too; for nobody I believe ever dreamed of repeating a line on't: Now though to move Terror & Pity those two throbbing Pulses of the Drama, be the first Thing required in a Tragedy; there are others which are necessary to make it complete, as Sentiment Diction &c. 'tis entertaining enough to observe the effect of each style separately - & we shall have Cato and Irene at one End; the Earl of Essex and George Barnwell at the other'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
George Lillo : London Merchant, or the History of George Barnwell
'Mr Murphy's Grecian Daughter is I think unquestionably the best of all our modern Tragedies, & all its Merit is the Power it has over our Passions too; for nobody I believe ever dreamed of repeating a line on't: Now though to move Terror & Pity those two throbbing Pulses of the Drama, be the first Thing required in a Tragedy; there are others which are necessary to make it complete, as Sentiment Diction &c. 'tis entertaining enough to observe the effect of each style separately - & we shall have Cato and Irene at one End; the Earl of Essex and George Barnwell at the other'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Henry Jones : Earl of Essex, The, a tragedy
'Mr Murphy's Grecian Daughter is I think unquestionably the best of all our modern Tragedies, & all its Merit is the Power it has over our Passions too; for nobody I believe ever dreamed of repeating a line on't: Now though to move Terror & Pity those two throbbing Pulses of the Drama, be the first Thing required in a Tragedy; there are others which are necessary to make it complete, as Sentiment Diction &c. 'tis entertaining enough to observe the effect of each style separately - & we shall have Cato and Irene at one End; the Earl of Essex and George Barnwell at the other'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
William Congreve : Mourning Bride, The
'I have heard Johnson say that there was no Series of Verses in any English Tragedy so sublime & striking as the passage in Congreve's Mourning Bride: beginning thus How reverend is the face of Yon tall Pile!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
William Darrell : Gentleman Instructed, In the Conduct of a Virtuous and Happy Life
'One could not bear to read a Page of the Gentleman Instructed now, & yet what a favourite Book it was - can that ever be the fate of the Rambler? - perhaps so.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
: [verses written to Dr Parker by a clergyman]
'[Dr Parker] shewed me a little Poem written to himself by an old Clergyman of sixty nine Years old just upon the Accession of the present King, or about the time of his marriage, in the Year 1761 however; about a Six Pence wch Parker had lent him or some such stuff - the Curiosity of it consists merely in the Age of the Writer, & in an Allusion to an Anecdote now almost forgotten of the famous Doctor Wilson'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
John Milton :
'[when Mrs Thrale was a child] The Duchess of Leeds likewise took an odd Delight in my excellent company, used to send her chair for me & set me to read Milton I remember sometimes to Lord Godolphin sometimes to Mr Garrick who used often to be there & Mr Quin'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Salusbury Print: Book
Thomas Parnell :
'having shewed her [Sophia Streatfield] the other day three Translations of a few Verses written by Voltaire She immediately guessed one of them to be mine, and pitched upon the right. The Verses are very like some in Parnell, but rather better in my Opinion' [the translation of 'A Madame de Chatelet' follows]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Hester Lynch Thrale : [translation of Voltaire's 'A Madame de Chatelet']
'having shewed her [Sophia Streatfield] the other day three Translations of a few Verses written by Voltaire She immediately guessed one of them to be mine, and pitched upon the right. The Verses are very like some in Parnell, but rather better in my Opinion' [the translation of 'A Madame de Chatelet' follows]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sophia Streatfield Print: Book
John Hawkesworth : Rival, The
'Doctor Hawkesworth has left a Tragedy in manuscript, which I have had the reading of, that I think capital; if want of Probability in the Story be excusable, for that seems to me its only Defect: but Hawkesworth doubtless was one of the few, both as a Man & a Writer; his ode on Life in Some of the latter Vols of Dodsley's Collection has more of an original Poem about it than one often meets with, & his Story of Sultan Amurath in the Adventurer excels any Eastern Tale either by Addison or Johnson: there is another Number of the Adventurer particularly happy in showing off the Foibles in common Life; I mean the Story of Mr Friendly & his Nephew John'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
John Hawkesworth : [Ode on life]
'Doctor Hawkesworth has left a Tragedy in manuscript, which I have had the reading of, that I think capital; if want of Probability in the Story be excusable, for that seems to me its only Defect: but Hawkesworth doubtless was one of the few, both as a Man & a Writer; his ode on Life in Some of the latter Vols of Dodsley's Collection has more of an original Poem about it than one often meets with, & his Story of Sultan Amurath in the Adventurer excels any Eastern Tale either by Addison or Johnson: there is another Number of the Adventurer particularly happy in showing off the Foibles in common Life; I mean the Story of Mr Friendly & his Nephew John'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
John Hawkesworth : Amurath
'Doctor Hawkesworth has left a Tragedy in manuscript, which I have had the reading of, that I think capital; if want of Probability in the Story be excusable, for that seems to me its only Defect: but Hawkesworth doubtless was one of the few, both as a Man & a Writer; his ode on Life in Some of the latter Vols of Dodsley's Collection has more of an original Poem about it than one often meets with, & his Story of Sultan Amurath in the Adventurer excels any Eastern Tale either by Addison or Johnson: there is another Number of the Adventurer particularly happy in showing off the Foibles in common Life; I mean the Story of Mr Friendly & his Nephew John'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Serial / periodical
John Hawkesworth : Adventurer, The
'Doctor Hawkesworth has left a Tragedy in manuscript, which I have had the reading of, that I think capital; if want of Probability in the Story be excusable, for that seems to me its only Defect: but Hawkesworth doubtless was one of the few, both as a Man & a Writer; his ode on Life in Some of the latter Vols of Dodsley's Collection has more of an original Poem about it than one often meets with, & his Story of Sultan Amurath in the Adventurer excels any Eastern Tale either by Addison or Johnson: there is another Number of the Adventurer particularly happy in showing off the Foibles in common Life; I mean the Story of Mr Friendly & his Nephew John'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Serial / periodical
Samuel Richardson :
'Was I to make a Scale of Novel Writers I should put Richardson first, then Rousseau; after them, but at an immeasurable Distance Charlotte Lenox, Smollet & Fielding. The Female Quixote & Count Fathom I think far before Tom Jones or Joseph Andrews with regard to Body of Story, Height of Colouring, or General Powers of Thinking. Fielding however knew the Shell of Life - and the Kernel is but for a few.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Jean Jacques Rousseau :
'Was I to make a Scale of Novel Writers I should put Richardson first, then Rousseau; after them, but at an immeasurable Distance Charlotte Lenox, Smollet & Fielding. The Female Quixote & Count Fathom I think far before Tom Jones or Joseph Andrews with regard to Body of Story, Height of Colouring, or General Powers of Thinking. Fielding however knew the Shell of Life - and the Kernel is but for a few.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Tobias Smollett : Ferdinand Count Fathom
'Was I to make a Scale of Novel Writers I should put Richardson first, then Rousseau; after them, but at an immeasurable Distance Charlotte Lenox, Smollet & Fielding. The Female Quixote & Count Fathom I think far before Tom Jones or Joseph Andrews with regard to Body of Story, Height of Colouring, or General Powers of Thinking. Fielding however knew the Shell of Life - and the Kernel is but for a few.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Charlotte Lennox : Female Quixote, The
'Was I to make a Scale of Novel Writers I should put Richardson first, then Rousseau; after them, but at an immeasurable Distance Charlotte Lenox [sic], Smollet & Fielding. The Female Quixote & Count Fathom I think far before Tom Jones or Joseph Andrews with regard to Body of Story, Height of Colouring, or General Powers of Thinking. Fielding however knew the Shell of Life - and the Kernel is but for a few.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Henry Fielding : Tom Jones
'Was I to make a Scale of Novel Writers I should put Richardson first, then Rousseau; after them, but at an immeasurable Distance Charlotte Lenox [sic], Smollet & Fielding. The Female Quixote & Count Fathom I think far before Tom Jones or Joseph Andrews with regard to Body of Story, Height of Colouring, or General Powers of Thinking. Fielding however knew the Shell of Life - and the Kernel is but for a few.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Henry Fielding : Joseph Andrews
'Was I to make a Scale of Novel Writers I should put Richardson first, then Rousseau; after them, but at an immeasurable Distance Charlotte Lenox [sic], Smollet & Fielding. The Female Quixote & Count Fathom I think far before Tom Jones or Joseph Andrews with regard to Body of Story, Height of Colouring, or General Powers of Thinking. Fielding however knew the Shell of Life - and the Kernel is but for a few.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Frances Burney : Evelina
'I was shewed a little Novel t'other Day which I thought pretty enough & set Burney to read it, little dreaming it was by his second Daughter Fanny, who certainly must be a Girl of good Parts & some Knowledge of the World too, or She could not be the Author of Evelina - flimzy as it is compar'd with the Books I've just mentioned. [by Fielding, Lennox, Richardson and Smollet] Johnson said Harry Fielding never did anything equal to the 2d Vol: of Evelina'. [this remark is added later - Johnson borrowed the book from her around 22nd July so her opinion must date from before that]
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Burney Print: Book
Frances Burney : Evelina
'I was shewed a little Novel t'other Day which I thought pretty enough & set Burney to read it, little dreaming it was by his second Daughter Fanny, who certainly must be a Girl of good Parts & some Knowledge of the World too, or She could not be the Author of Evelina - flimzy as it is compar'd with the Books I've just mentioned. [by Fielding, Lennox, Richardson and Smollet] Johnson said Harry Fielding never did anything equal to the 2d Vol: of Evelina'. [this remark is added later - Johnson borrowed the book from her around 22nd July so her opinion must date from before that]
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Frances Burney : Evelina
'I was shewed a little Novel t'other Day which I thought pretty enough & set Burney to read it, little dreaming it was by his second Daughter Fanny, who certainly must be a Girl of good Parts & some Knowledge of the World too, or She could not be the Author of Evelina - flimzy as it is compar'd with the Books I've just mentioned. [by Fielding, Lennox, Richardson and Smollet] Johnson said Harry Fielding never did anything equal to the 2d Vol: of Evelina'. [this remark is added later - Johnson borrowed the book from her around 22nd July so her opinion must date from before that]
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Gilles Menage : Menagiana
'I was reading today where Menage tells a story of a notable fellow in his native town Angers, who was such a bustler that they called him sport Monsieur Tracas.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Charles Burney : [verses on death]
'Johnson says the following 8 lines of Burney are actually sublime - they are the End of a dull copy of Verses enough, but the Lines themselves are most excellent' [the lines follow]
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Charles Burney : [verses on death]
'Johnson says the following 8 lines of Burney are actually sublime - they are the End of a dull copy of Verses enough, but the Lines themselves are most excellent' [the lines follow]
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Henry Home, Lord Kames : Sketches of the History of Man
'Lord Kaimes again tells us a wild Story of Savages who eat all their own children & have done so for six Hundred Years backward - he then begins gravely to argue about parental Affection, never reflecting that if the children were eaten the Race could not be continued'.
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : History of the Earth and Animated Nature
'Goldsmith talks of cows shedding their Horns, & Thompson makes his Hens and Chicks to be Fed & defended by the fearless Cock. whereas the Cock hates the Chickens, & takes all their Meat from them. [Thrale continues to critique Goldsmith's knowledge of natural history] Pennant speaks most rationally about Natural History of any of our Countrymen, and among the Foreigners, Buffon makes amends to [italics] most [end italics] readers by his elegant Style & profound Ratiocination for his frequent Mistakes in the Facts.- Johnson in his Irene frequently mentions singing Birds though I believe the Birds about Constantinople are nearly mute: Thompson observes that in hot Climates the Birds scarce ever sing'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
James Thomson : Seasons, The - 'Spring'
'Goldsmith talks of cows shedding their Horns, & Thompson makes his Hens and Chicks to be Fed & defended by the fearless Cock. whereas the Cock hates the Chickens, & takes all their Meat from them. [Thrale continues to critique Goldsmith's knowledge of natural history] Pennant speaks most rationally about Natural History of any of our Countrymen, and among the Foreigners, Buffon makes amends to [italics] most [end italics] readers by his elegant Style & profound Ratiocination for his frequent Mistakes in the Facts.- Johnson in his Irene frequently mentions singing Birds though I believe the Birds about Constantinople are nearly mute: Thompson observes that in hot Climates the Birds scarce ever sing'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
James Thomson : Seasons, The - 'Summer'
'Goldsmith talks of cows shedding their Horns, & Thompson makes his Hens and Chicks to be Fed & defended by the fearless Cock. whereas the Cock hates the Chickens, & takes all their Meat from them. [Thrale continues to critique Goldsmith's knowledge of natural history] Pennant speaks most rationally about Natural History of any of our Countrymen, and among the Foreigners, Buffon makes amends to [italics] most [end italics] readers by his elegant Style & profound Ratiocination for his frequent Mistakes in the Facts.- Johnson in his Irene frequently mentions singing Birds though I believe the Birds about Constantinople are nearly mute: Thompson observes that in hot Climates the Birds scarce ever sing'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Irene: A Historical Tragedy
'Goldsmith talks of cows shedding their Horns, & Thompson makes his Hens and Chicks to be Fed & defended by the fearless Cock. whereas the Cock hates the Chickens, & takes all their Meat from them. [Thrale continues to critique Goldsmith's knowledge of natural history] Pennant speaks most rationally about Natural History of any of our Countrymen, and among the Foreigners, Buffon makes amends to [italics] most [end italics] readers by his elegant Style & profound Ratiocination for his frequent Mistakes in the Facts.- Johnson in his Irene frequently mentions singing Birds though I believe the Birds about Constantinople are nearly mute: Thompson observes that in hot Climates the Birds scarce ever sing'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon : Histoire Naturelle
'Goldsmith talks of cows shedding their Horns, & Thompson makes his Hens and Chicks to be Fed & defended by the fearless Cock. whereas the Cock hates the Chickens, & takes all their Meat from them. [Thrale continues to critique Goldsmith's knowledge of natural history] Pennant speaks most rationally about Natural History of any of our Countrymen, and among the Foreigners, Buffon makes amends to [italics] most [end italics] readers by his elegant Style & profound Ratiocination for his frequent Mistakes in the Facts.- Johnson in his Irene frequently mentions singing Birds though I believe the Birds about Constantinople are nearly mute: Thompson observes that in hot Climates the Birds scarce ever sing'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Thomas Pennant : History of Quadrupeds.
'Goldsmith talks of cows shedding their Horns, & Thompson makes his Hens and Chicks to be Fed & defended by the fearless Cock. whereas the Cock hates the Chickens, & takes all their Meat from them. [Thrale continues to critique Goldsmith's knowledge of natural history] Pennant speaks most rationally about Natural History of any of our Countrymen, and among the Foreigners, Buffon makes amends to [italics] most [end italics] readers by his elegant Style & profound Ratiocination for his frequent Mistakes in the Facts.- Johnson in his Irene frequently mentions singing Birds though I believe the Birds about Constantinople are nearly mute: Thompson observes that in hot Climates the Birds scarce ever sing'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
John Vanbrugh : Esop; a comedy
'[Having given her verses 'A Tale for the Times'] This wild irregular Measure is a sort of Favourite with me, I learnt it in Vanbrugh's Esop - a sweet Comedy though impracticable upon the Stage'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Martial : Epigrams
'I could not help thinking the other Day as I read the Epigram of Martial ending thus Iam dic Posthume de tribus Capellis. that it would have a good effect enough in English adapted to the present Times - Dec: 1778.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Edward Young : Conjectures on Original Composition. In a Letter to the Author of Sir Charles Grandison
'The two [italics] wittiest [end italics] things in our Language in Verse & Prose are Dr Young's Conjectures on Original Composition I think, and Dr Swift's Ballad on the South Sea. The two Tragedies which go nearest one's Heart I think - in our Language I mean - are Southern's Fatal Marriage and Lillo's Fatal Curiosity. The two best Comic Scenes in our Language according to my Taste are the Scene between Squire Richard & Myrtilla in the Provoked Husband, and that between Sir Joseph Wittol, Nol Bluff and Sharper in the Old Batchelor - not the kicking scene but the friendly one. The two best [italics] Declamatory [end italics] Scenes where the Sentiments and Language are most perfect, seem to be the Scene between Juba and Syphax in Addison's Cato, & that between the two Ladies in Johnson's Irene. I know that both are unDramatic, the latter more peculiarly so, than ever was, or ever ought to have been hazarded - but for Language & Sentiment it is most Superb. - Superieure as the French say. Johnson says the finest Tragic Scene in our Language, for Drama sentiment, Language, Power over the Heart, & every Requisite for Theatre or Closet, is the Tomb Scene in the Mourning Bride. [italics] I [end italics] think, that trying to be [italics] every [end italics] thing it escapes being [italics] anything [end italics]'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : The Bubble: A Poem; aka, The South Sea Project
'The two [italics] wittiest [end italics] things in our Language in Verse & Prose are Dr Young's Conjectures on Original Composition I think, and Dr Swift's Ballad on the South Sea. The two Tragedies which go nearest one's Heart I think - in our Language I mean - are Southern's Fatal Marriage and Lillo's Fatal Curiosity. The two best Comic Scenes in our Language according to my Taste are the Scene between Squire Richard & Myrtilla in the Provoked Husband, and that between Sir Joseph Wittol, Nol Bluff and Sharper in the Old Batchelor - not the kicking scene but the friendly one. The two best [italics] Declamatory [end italics] Scenes where the Sentiments and Language are most perfect, seem to be the Scene between Juba and Syphax in Addison's Cato, & that between the two Ladies in Johnson's Irene. I know that both are unDramatic, the latter more peculiarly so, than ever was, or ever ought to have been hazarded - but for Language & Sentiment it is most Superb. - Superieure as the French say. Johnson says the finest Tragic Scene in our Language, for Drama sentiment, Language, Power over the Heart, & every Requisite for Theatre or Closet, is the Tomb Scene in the Mourning Bride. [italics] I [end italics] think, that trying to be [italics] every [end italics] thing it escapes being [italics] anything [end italics]'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Southern : Fatal marriage, The; or, the innocent adultery
'The two [italics] wittiest [end italics] things in our Language in Verse & Prose are Dr Young's Conjectures on Original Composition I think, and Dr Swift's Ballad on the South Sea. The two Tragedies which go nearest one's Heart I think - in our Language I mean - are Southern's Fatal Marriage and Lillo's Fatal Curiosity. The two best Comic Scenes in our Language according to my Taste are the Scene between Squire Richard & Myrtilla in the Provoked Husband, and that between Sir Joseph Wittol, Nol Bluff and Sharper in the Old Batchelor - not the kicking scene but the friendly one. The two best [italics] Declamatory [end italics] Scenes where the Sentiments and Language are most perfect, seem to be the Scene between Juba and Syphax in Addison's Cato, & that between the two Ladies in Johnson's Irene. I know that both are unDramatic, the latter more peculiarly so, than ever was, or ever ought to have been hazarded - but for Language & Sentiment it is most Superb. - Superieure as the French say. Johnson says the finest Tragic Scene in our Language, for Drama sentiment, Language, Power over the Heart, & every Requisite for Theatre or Closet, is the Tomb Scene in the Mourning Bride. [italics] I [end italics] think, that trying to be [italics] every [end italics] thing it escapes being [italics] anything [end italics]'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
George Lillo : Fatal Curiosity: A True Tragedy of Three Acts
'The two [italics] wittiest [end italics] things in our Language in Verse & Prose are Dr Young's Conjectures on Original Composition I think, and Dr Swift's Ballad on the South Sea. The two Tragedies which go nearest one's Heart I think - in our Language I mean - are Southern's Fatal Marriage and Lillo's Fatal Curiosity. The two best Comic Scenes in our Language according to my Taste are the Scene between Squire Richard & Myrtilla in the Provoked Husband, and that between Sir Joseph Wittol, Nol Bluff and Sharper in the Old Batchelor - not the kicking scene but the friendly one. The two best [italics] Declamatory [end italics] Scenes where the Sentiments and Language are most perfect, seem to be the Scene between Juba and Syphax in Addison's Cato, & that between the two Ladies in Johnson's Irene. I know that both are unDramatic, the latter more peculiarly so, than ever was, or ever ought to have been hazarded - but for Language & Sentiment it is most Superb. - Superieure as the French say. Johnson says the finest Tragic Scene in our Language, for Drama sentiment, Language, Power over the Heart, & every Requisite for Theatre or Closet, is the Tomb Scene in the Mourning Bride. [italics] I [end italics] think, that trying to be [italics] every [end italics] thing it escapes being [italics] anything [end italics]'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
John Vanbrugh : Provoked Husband, The
'The two [italics] wittiest [end italics] things in our Language in Verse & Prose are Dr Young's Conjectures on Original Composition I think, and Dr Swift's Ballad on the South Sea. The two Tragedies which go nearest one's Heart I think - in our Language I mean - are Southern's Fatal Marriage and Lillo's Fatal Curiosity. The two best Comic Scenes in our Language according to my Taste are the Scene between Squire Richard & Myrtilla in the Provoked Husband, and that between Sir Joseph Wittol, Nol Bluff and Sharper in the Old Batchelor - not the kicking scene but the friendly one. The two best [italics] Declamatory [end italics] Scenes where the Sentiments and Language are most perfect, seem to be the Scene between Juba and Syphax in Addison's Cato, & that between the two Ladies in Johnson's Irene. I know that both are unDramatic, the latter more peculiarly so, than ever was, or ever ought to have been hazarded - but for Language & Sentiment it is most Superb. - Superieure as the French say. Johnson says the finest Tragic Scene in our Language, for Drama sentiment, Language, Power over the Heart, & every Requisite for Theatre or Closet, is the Tomb Scene in the Mourning Bride. [italics] I [end italics] think, that trying to be [italics] every [end italics] thing it escapes being [italics] anything [end italics]'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
William Congreve : Old Batchelor, The
'The two [italics] wittiest [end italics] things in our Language in Verse & Prose are Dr Young's Conjectures on Original Composition I think, and Dr Swift's Ballad on the South Sea. The two Tragedies which go nearest one's Heart I think - in our Language I mean - are Southern's Fatal Marriage and Lillo's Fatal Curiosity. The two best Comic Scenes in our Language according to my Taste are the Scene between Squire Richard & Myrtilla in the Provoked Husband, and that between Sir Joseph Wittol, Nol Bluff and Sharper in the Old Batchelor - not the kicking scene but the friendly one. The two best [italics] Declamatory [end italics] Scenes where the Sentiments and Language are most perfect, seem to be the Scene between Juba and Syphax in Addison's Cato, & that between the two Ladies in Johnson's Irene. I know that both are unDramatic, the latter more peculiarly so, than ever was, or ever ought to have been hazarded - but for Language & Sentiment it is most Superb. - Superieure as the French say. Johnson says the finest Tragic Scene in our Language, for Drama sentiment, Language, Power over the Heart, & every Requisite for Theatre or Closet, is the Tomb Scene in the Mourning Bride. [italics] I [end italics] think, that trying to be [italics] every [end italics] thing it escapes being [italics] anything [end italics]'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Joseph Addison : Cato
'The two [italics] wittiest [end italics] things in our Language in Verse & Prose are Dr Young's Conjectures on Original Composition I think, and Dr Swift's Ballad on the South Sea. The two Tragedies which go nearest one's Heart I think - in our Language I mean - are Southern's Fatal Marriage and Lillo's Fatal Curiosity. The two best Comic Scenes in our Language according to my Taste are the Scene between Squire Richard & Myrtilla in the Provoked Husband, and that between Sir Joseph Wittol, Nol Bluff and Sharper in the Old Batchelor - not the kicking scene but the friendly one. The two best [italics] Declamatory [end italics] Scenes where the Sentiments and Language are most perfect, seem to be the Scene between Juba and Syphax in Addison's Cato, & that between the two Ladies in Johnson's Irene. I know that both are unDramatic, the latter more peculiarly so, than ever was, or ever ought to have been hazarded - but for Language & Sentiment it is most Superb. - Superieure as the French say. Johnson says the finest Tragic Scene in our Language, for Drama sentiment, Language, Power over the Heart, & every Requisite for Theatre or Closet, is the Tomb Scene in the Mourning Bride. [italics] I [end italics] think, that trying to be [italics] every [end italics] thing it escapes being [italics] anything [end italics]'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Irene: a Historical Tragedy
'The two [italics] wittiest [end italics] things in our Language in Verse & Prose are Dr Young's Conjectures on Original Composition I think, and Dr Swift's Ballad on the South Sea. The two Tragedies which go nearest one's Heart I think - in our Language I mean - are Southern's Fatal Marriage and Lillo's Fatal Curiosity. The two best Comic Scenes in our Language according to my Taste are the Scene between Squire Richard & Myrtilla in the Provoked Husband, and that between Sir Joseph Wittol, Nol Bluff and Sharper in the Old Batchelor - not the kicking scene but the friendly one. The two best [italics] Declamatory [end italics] Scenes where the Sentiments and Language are most perfect, seem to be the Scene between Juba and Syphax in Addison's Cato, & that between the two Ladies in Johnson's Irene. I know that both are unDramatic, the latter more peculiarly so, than ever was, or ever ought to have been hazarded - but for Language & Sentiment it is most Superb. - Superieure as the French say. Johnson says the finest Tragic Scene in our Language, for Drama sentiment, Language, Power over the Heart, & every Requisite for Theatre or Closet, is the Tomb Scene in the Mourning Bride. [italics] I [end italics] think, that trying to be [italics] every [end italics] thing it escapes being [italics] anything [end italics]'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
William Congreve : Mourning Bride, The
'The two [italics] wittiest [end italics] things in our Language in Verse & Prose are Dr Young's Conjectures on Original Composition I think, and Dr Swift's Ballad on the South Sea. The two Tragedies which go nearest one's Heart I think - in our Language I mean - are Southern's Fatal Marriage and Lillo's Fatal Curiosity. The two best Comic Scenes in our Language according to my Taste are the Scene between Squire Richard & Myrtilla in the Provoked Husband, and that between Sir Joseph Wittol, Nol Bluff and Sharper in the Old Batchelor - not the kicking scene but the friendly one. The two best [italics] Declamatory [end italics] Scenes where the Sentiments and Language are most perfect, seem to be the Scene between Juba and Syphax in Addison's Cato, & that between the two Ladies in Johnson's Irene. I know that both are unDramatic, the latter more peculiarly so, than ever was, or ever ought to have been hazarded - but for Language & Sentiment it is most Superb. - Superieure as the French say. Johnson says the finest Tragic Scene in our Language, for Drama sentiment, Language, Power over the Heart, & every Requisite for Theatre or Closet, is the Tomb Scene in the Mourning Bride. [italics] I [end italics] think, that trying to be [italics] every [end italics] thing it escapes being [italics] anything [end italics]'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
William Congreve : Mourning Bride, The
'The two [italics] wittiest [end italics] things in our Language in Verse & Prose are Dr Young's Conjectures on Original Composition I think, and Dr Swift's Ballad on the South Sea. The two Tragedies which go nearest one's Heart I think - in our Language I mean - are Southern's Fatal Marriage and Lillo's Fatal Curiosity. The two best Comic Scenes in our Language according to my Taste are the Scene between Squire Richard & Myrtilla in the Provoked Husband, and that between Sir Joseph Wittol, Nol Bluff and Sharper in the Old Batchelor - not the kicking scene but the friendly one. The two best [italics] Declamatory [end italics] Scenes where the Sentiments and Language are most perfect, seem to be the Scene between Juba and Syphax in Addison's Cato, & that between the two Ladies in Johnson's Irene. I know that both are unDramatic, the latter more peculiarly so, than ever was, or ever ought to have been hazarded - but for Language & Sentiment it is most Superb. - Superieure as the French say. Johnson says the finest Tragic Scene in our Language, for Drama sentiment, Language, Power over the Heart, & every Requisite for Theatre or Closet, is the Tomb Scene in the Mourning Bride. [italics] I [end italics] think, that trying to be [italics] every [end italics] thing it escapes being [italics] anything [end italics]'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: 'Love Letter from Captain Roach to Mrs Rudd'
'There was a very pleasant Copy of Verses ran about the Town that Year [1776], but I forgot to lay them up, & now I have lost Sight of them: they celebrated Mr Rudd's Fame very comically, & ended with a Parody upon Young's Tag to the 4th Act of the Revenge.[some of the parody is given] I have a Notion these Verses were written by Mason, who would not to be sure think it worth while to own them; his being found out to be the Authour of the heroick Epistle shews he has under that appearance of Coldness - a large portion of Fire and pungent Satire'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
William Mason : 'Heroic Epistle to Sir William Chambers'
'There was a very pleasant Copy of Verses ran about the Town that Year [1776], but I forgot to lay them up, & now I have lost Sight of them: they celebrated Mr Rudd's Fame very comically, & ended with a Parody upon Young's Tag to the 4th Act of the Revenge.[some of the parody is given] I have a Notion these Verses were written by Mason, who would not to be sure think it worth while to own them; his being found out to be the Authour of the heroick Epistle shews he has under that appearance of Coldness - a large portion of Fire and pungent Satire'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Unknown
Moliere [pseud.] : Le Bourgeois gentilhomme
'20: Jan: 1779.] My second Daughter Susanna Arabella who will not be nine Years old till next May, can at this Moment read a French Comedy to divert herself, and these very Holy days her Amusement has been to make Sophy & sometimes Hester help her to act the two or three 1st Scenes of Moliere's Bourgeois Gentilhomme: add to this she has a real Taste for English Poetry, and when Mr Johnson repeated Dryden's Musick Ode the other day, She said She had got the whole poem, & Pope's too upon the same Subject by Heart for her own Amusement'.
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Susanna Arabella Thrale Print: Book
John Dryden : Song for St. Cecilia's Day
'20: Jan: 1779.] My second Daughter Susanna Arabella who will not be nine Years old till next May, can at this Moment read a French Comedy to divert herself, and these very Holy days her Amusement has been to make Sophy & sometimes Hester help her to act the two or three 1st Scenes of Moliere's Bourgeois Gentilhomme: add to this she has a real Taste for English Poetry, and when Mr Johnson repeated Dryden's Musick Ode the other day, She said She had got the whole poem, & Pope's too upon the same Subject by Heart for her own Amusement'.
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Susanna Arabella Thrale Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Ode for Music on St Cecilia's Day
'20: Jan: 1779.] My second Daughter Susanna Arabella who will not be nine Years old till next May, can at this Moment read a French Comedy to divert herself, and these very Holy days her Amusement has been to make Sophy & sometimes Hester help her to act the two or three 1st Scenes of Moliere's Bourgeois Gentilhomme: add to this she has a real Taste for English Poetry, and when Mr Johnson repeated Dryden's Musick Ode the other day, She said She had got the whole poem, & Pope's too upon the same Subject by Heart for her own Amusement'.
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Susanna Arabella Thrale Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Antiquary
'These brave words of Scott remind me of the song in The Antiquary, which I have just re-read ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Walter Scott : Ivanhoe
'The two middle verses of that song have haunted me ever since I was a child and used to go up into the dark drawing-room with a little wax taper in my hand ... a white towel over my head, intoning the dirge from Ivanhoe ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Thomas Carlyle : Proofs
I guessed what was detaining your letter: but I scarcely dared to expect it on Saturday. It came in company with a quarter of a volume of Proofs, or I should have answered it yesterday. But the villainous sheets kept me working till midnight; and now I am to be busy beyond all measure for a week or more.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Proofs
William Ernest Henley : Athenaeum, 'The Poetry of Byron'
'I like your "Byron" well ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
William Ernest Henley : Cornhill Magazine 'Hector Berlioz: a Biography'
'I liked your ... "Berlioz" better.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Bible (Psalms)
'After breakfast, I believed it better to propose reading in the Bible, but I felt doing it, particularly as my brother William was here; not liking the appearance of young people, like us, appearing to profess more than they who had lived here before us. However, I put off and put off till both William and Joseph went down; I then felt uneasy under it, and when Joseph came back, I told him, as I did before, what I wished; he at last sat down, having told George Dilwyn my desire. I began to read the 46th Psalm, but was so overcome that I could hardly read, and gave it to Joseph to finish.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Fry Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'I rather felt this morning it would have been right for me to read the Bible again, and stop George Dilwyn and Joseph reading something else. Now stopping G.D. was a difficult thing; for a person like me to remind him! however, I did not fully do as I thought right, for I did not openly tell G.D. we were going to read, but spoke to my husband, so as for him to hear; then he read, I knowing I had not done my best'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Fry Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible (New Testament)
ms journal of Sophia de C-, one of the ladies of the visiting Society for Newgate, entry dated 1 May 1817: '[school room] about twenty young women rose on our entrance and stood with their eyes cast to the ground. A young woman of respectable appearance, had offered herself as mistress, for keeping the young children in order; who were separated from their parents' words and placed in this room. I gave those who wished it permission to read to me, several could both read and write, some could say their letters, and others were in total ignorance, they wept as I asked them questions, and I read to them the parable of the prodigal son, as being particularly applicable to their present situation, they then resumed their needlework.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sophia de C Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible (New Testament)
ms journal of Sophia de C-, one of the ladies of the visiting Society for Newgate, entry dated 1 May 1817: 'We next proceeded to the sick ward (it was in good order) and took a list of additional clothes wanted there, and read a chapter from the New Testament, we then bade adieu to this dismal abode'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sophia de C Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
ms journal of Sophia de C-, one of the ladies of the visiting Society for Newgate, entry dated 24 May 1817: 'I read to Woodman, who is not in the state of mind we could wish for her, indeed, so unnatural is her situation, that one can hardly tell how or in what manner to meet her case'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sophia de C Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : Poems
John Tyndall to Hallam Tennyson (1893): 'You were not born when the influence [of Alfred Tennyson] in my case began. Fifty years ago, in the sixth chapter of Carlyle's Past and Present I found the line: "There dwells the great Achilles whom we knew"; 'to which was attached a footnote referring the line to Tennyson [...] This footnote assured me that Tennyson was a poet whose acquaintance must be made without delay. Not very long afterwards, two young men might have been seen eagerly engaged upon a volume, in the corner of a modest hotel in St Martin's Court, Covent Garden. The one read, the other listened. The one, after a life of usefulness and honour, was snatched from us last year by influenza, and now lies in Highgate Cemetery, the other remains to record the fact. The book in which my friend Hirst and I were then absorbed was entitled "Poems by Alfred Tennyson."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hirst Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible (Psalms)
Letter from brother-in-law, T.F. Buxton, to E. Fry, Northrepps, 1 Dec 1828: 'I very quiet day yesterday, and a long time spent over the 69th Psalm, from the 13th to the 17th verse, with peculiar reference to you, have given me more encouragement'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Fowell Buxton Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible (New Testament)
Journal of Miss Fraser, Newgate prison visitor, dated 29 Nov 1834: 'I spent an interesting time in Newgate, Mrs Fry and I went there together for several hours. She went with me to the cells and read to the men just sentenced to death. Amongst them, there were two brothers, convicted, I believe, for housebreaking. The youngest was drawn into the commission of the crime by the elder brother. James, the youngest, could not read; he was married to a very pleasing looking young woman, and had two children. I recollect Mrs Fry told the poor men who could not read that if they would try to learn while they were in Newgate, she would give those who succeeded, each a Bible. James took very great pains, and before he left the prison to be transported he could read tolerably. On the 7th of January following, Mrs Fry again went with me to the cells. James then read the 7th chapter of St Matthew's gospel, and received his Bible. He became a valuable servant to the gentleman to whom he was assigned in New South Wales'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : Shepheardes Calendar, The
'Nobody reads Spenser's Pastorals, and they are exquisitely pretty; the Story in his February of the Oak and the Breere, and the other in his May of the Fox and the Kid are admirable'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Edward Young : Night Thoughts
'I have heard that Miss Cooper hearing She was to lose her Sight, set about getting the Night Thoughts by heart - so much did She delight in the Poetry of Dr Young - She kept her Eyes however & all went well. The Description of Night by Dr Young is superior to that of either Dryden or Shakespear - & I made Johnson confess it so. [7 lines of Young are quoted]. Oh how excellent are these Lines - but as Granger sweetly says When you struck the tender String Darkness clapt her sable Wing; Aside their Harps ev'n Seraphs flung, To hear thy sweet Complaints oh Young!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
James Grainger : [unknown poem praising Young]
'I have heard that Miss Cooper hearing She was to lose her Sight, set about getting the Night Thoughts by heart - so much did She delight in the Poetry of Dr Young - She kept her Eyes however & all went well. The Description of Night by Dr Young is superior to that of either Dryden or Shakespear - & I made Johnson confess it so. [7 lines of Young are quoted]. Oh how excellent are these Lines - but as Granger sweetly says When you struck the tender String Darkness clapt her sable Wing; Aside their Harps ev'n Seraphs flung, To hear thy sweet Complaints oh Young!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Unknown
Edward Young : Night Thoughts
'I have heard that Miss Cooper hearing She was to lose her Sight, set about getting the Night Thoughts by heart - so much did She delight in the Poetry of Dr Young - She kept her Eyes however & all went well. The Description of Night by Dr Young is superior to that of either Dryden or Shakespear - & I made Johnson confess it so. [7 lines of Young are quoted]. Oh how excellent are these Lines - but as Granger sweetly says When you struck the tender String Darkness clapt her sable Wing; Aside their Harps ev'n Seraphs flung, To hear thy sweet Complaints oh Young!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Cooper Print: Book
Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire : The Sylph: a Novel
'her [Fanny Burney's] Scoundrel Bookseller having advertised the Sylph along with it [Evelina] lately, and endeavouring to make the World believe it [italics] hers [end italics]; Mrs Leveson runs about Town saying how clever Miss Burney must be! & what Knowledge of [italics] Mankind [end italics] She must have! Knowledge of Mankind! in good time; the Sylph is an obscene Novel, and more [italics] Knowledge of Mankind [end italics] is indeed wanting to't than any [italics] professed [end italics] Virgin should have.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Volpone
'[Mrs Thrale gives some verses of hers about bathing] these Lines are imitated from some Verses in Ben Jonson's Volpone, which are too obscene to be borne, otherwise very fine I think. What a prodigious Effort of human Genius is that Volpone! when one reads it one is tempted to say - this is Perfection, let us look no further.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Andrew Erskine : [a poem on a Geranium]
'I have this Moment put into my Hand a Poem concerning the Geranium Flower; tis not very long, and tis I think exceedingly Ingenious: but so obscene I will not pollute my Book with it. Though nobody sees the Thraliana but myself, I can not bear that our Father who seeth in Secret & is of purer Eyes than to behold uncleanness, should know my beastly privacies - though strongly tempted therefore to copy or get it by heart I have done neither, but returned it to Mrs Byron who lent it me - without any Comment. I cannot think of the Man's Name who wrote it but tis mightly clever in its way [italics] that it is [end italics].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
: [an inscription]
'I had an Uncle Cornelius Ford my Mother's Brother continued he [Johnson] who on a Journey stopt to read an Inscription on a Stone he saw - which was set up as he then found in honour of a Man who had leaped a certain Leap thereabouts, the extent of wch was specified on the inscription - why says my Uncle I can leap it in my Boots - & he did accordingly leap it in his Boots.'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Cornelius Ford
Frances Burney : The Witlings
'Fanny Burney has read me her new Comedy; nobody else has seen it except her Father, who will not suffer his Partiality to overbiass his Judgment I am sure, and he likes it vastly. - but one has no Guess what will do on a Stage, at least I have none; Murphy must read an Act tomorrow, I wonder what he'll say to't. I like it very well for my own part, though none of the scribbling Ladies have the Right to admire its general Tendency.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Burney Manuscript: Unknown
Frances Burney : The Witlings
'Fanny Burney has read me her new Comedy; nobody else has seen it except her Father, who will not suffer his Partiality to overbiass his Judgment I am sure, and he likes it vastly. - but one has no Guess what will do on a Stage, at least I have none; Murphy must read an Act tomorrow, I wonder what he'll say to't. I like it very well for my own part, though none of the scribbling Ladies have the Right to admire its general Tendency.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Burney Manuscript: Unknown
Thomas Burnet : Telluris Theoria Sacra
'There is no Reading that so changes the Scene upon one, and carries one so completely out of one's self I think, as Astronomical Speculation: unless indeed the Study of the Ancient prophecies and modern Calculations of this World's final Dissolution: when we read Burnet on the Conflagration, or Whiston on the expected Comet, how little seem to Common Objects of our Care!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
William Whiston : Astronomical Year, The: Or an Account of the Great Year MDCCXXXVI. Particularly of the Late Comet, Which was foretold by Sir Isaac Newton
'There is no Reading that so changes the Scene upon one, and carries one so completely out of one's self I think, as Astronomical Speculation: unless indeed the Study of the Ancient prophecies and modern Calculations of this World's final Dissolution: when we read Burnet on the Conflagration, or Whiston on the expected Comet, how little seem to Common Objects of our Care!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Philippe Nericault Destouches : L'Homme Singulier
'[Mrs Thrale proposes writing a comedy, but] as I have not a Spark of Originality about me, I must take a French Model - it shall be "L'Homme Singulier".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
: [ladies memorandum books]
'[Miss Sophia Pitches] died of a Disorder common enough to Young Women the desire of Beauty; She had I fancy taken Quack Med'cines to prevent growing fat, or perhaps to repress Appetite, I have seen strange Stuff advertised in Ladies Memorandum books for such vile purposes, & the Pitches Girls were mightly likely to be dabblers in 'em'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Serial / periodical
:
'In Page 153 of the 2d Volume of Thraliana [p252], I hazarded a Conjecture that the Worms were often in old Times, & even now perhaps in popish Countries, mistaken for Demoniacal Possession: I have now this Moment read a Story in Cornelius Gemma lib: 2: de nat: Mirac: C: 4 how a young Maiden named Katharine Gualters, a Coopers Daughter, was exorcised of the Devil; when after violent Convulsive Throes, She evacuated a [italics] live Eel [end italics], (A Worm no doubt) wch he himself measured a foot & a half long, and was well convinced it could be no other than a [italics] Devil [end italics] or [italics] Fiend [end italics].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [burlesque translation of Euripides in the manner of Potter]
'1: August 1779.] Johnson has been diverting himself with imitating Potter's Aeschylus in a translation of some verses of Euripides - he has translated them seriously besides, & given them to Burney for his history of Musick. here are the Burlesque ones - but they are a [italics] Caricatura [end italics] of Potter whose Verses are obscure enough too. [the verses are given] Poor Potter! he does write strange unintelligible Verses to be sure, but I think none as bad as these neither'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Aeschylus :
'1: August 1779.] Johnson has been diverting himself with imitating Potter's Aeschylus in a translation of some verses of Euripides - he has translated them seriously besides, & given them to Burney for his history of Musick. here are the Burlesque ones - but they are a [italics] Caricatura [end italics] of Potter whose Verses are obscure enough too. [the verses are given] Poor Potter! he does write strange unintelligible Verses to be sure, but I think none as bad as these neither'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Aeschylus :
'1: August 1779.] Johnson has been diverting himself with imitating Potter's Aeschylus in a translation of some verses of Euripides - he has translated them seriously besides, & given them to Burney for his history of Musick. here are the Burlesque ones - but they are a [italics] Caricatura [end italics] of Potter whose Verses are obscure enough too. [the verses are given] Poor Potter! he does write strange unintelligible Verses to be sure, but I think none as bad as these neither'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Euripides :
'1: August 1779.] Johnson has been diverting himself with imitating Potter's Aeschylus in a translation of some verses of Euripides - he has translated them seriously besides, & given them to Burney for his history of Musick. here are the Burlesque ones - but they are a [italics] Caricatura [end italics] of Potter whose Verses are obscure enough too. [the verses are given] Poor Potter! he does write strange unintelligible Verses to be sure, but I think none as bad as these neither'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Charles Burney : [translation of a provencale ballad]
'Burney has translated a provencale Ballad written by Thibout King of Navarre 500 Years ago, into the prettiest English Verses I ever read, but as they will be published in his 2d Vol: I shall not trouble myself to transcribe them here'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
William Law : Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life
'What a fine Book is "Law's Serious Call"! written with such force of Thinking, such purity of Style, & such penetration into human Nature; the Characters too so neatly, nay so highly finished: yet nobody reads it I think, from the Notion of its being a Religious work most probably. Johnson has however studied it hard I am sure, & many of the Ramblers apparently took their Rise from that little Volume, as the Nile flows majestically from a Source dificult to be discovered or even discerned.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Rambler, The
'What a fine Book is "Law's Serious Call"! written with such force of Thinking, such purity of Style, & such penetration into human Nature; the Characters too so neatly, nay so highly finished: yet nobody reads it I think, from the Notion of its being a Religious work most probably. Johnson has however studied it hard I am sure, & many of the Ramblers apparently took their Rise from that little Volume, as the Nile flows majestically from a Source dificult to be discovered or even discerned.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Serial / periodical
Joseph Spence : Anecdotes
'2 February 1780.] Here is Dr Pepys come with a Manuscript of Dr Spence's for Johnson's Use & Inspection now he is writing the Lives of the poets: It is an admirable [italics] Ana [end italics] to be sure, containing anecdotes of Pope, Prior, &c. &c. everybody who has a Name: poor Spence thought he had taken care to keep it from the public Eye, & now we are all reading it; well!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Joseph Spence : Anecdotes
'Lord Bolingbroke said he learned Spanish so as to read & write Letters in it with only three Weeks Application, - Baretti said the same of Miss Horneck - I suppose both are Lyes. I read it in Spence.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Joseph Spence : Anecdotes
'When I read the Character of Cambray in this Collection, I could not keep from falling on my Knees to give God thanks for having created such a Man: It is a common Trick with me to kiss a Book that particularly pleases me - Oh this dear Bishop of Cambray! how willingly could I kiss his Robe!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Joseph Spence : [Anecdotes]
'The two Stories of Marlboro's Avarice are very capital: Sr Godfrey's Dream is [a] good Thing too - they are all too long to transcribe'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
:
'What Pope says of desultory Reading in a Conversation recorded by Spence is very happily expressed: that he was like Boy gathering Flow'rs in the Woods & fieds just as they fell in his way. A nosegay so gather'd is always more brilliant in Colours though less elegant in Scent & Disposition than a Garden one. I read nothing scarcely myself, & what I do is all of that loose kind - My Bouquet has many a Weed in it - & not very large neither'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Eloisa to Abelard
'"Ye Grots & Caverns shagg'd with horrid Thorn!" This Verse from Pope's Eloisa was originally Milton's - 'tis in Comus, but I think very little remember'd'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
John Milton : Comus: A Masque
'"Ye Grots & Caverns shagg'd with horrid Thorn!" This Verse from Pope's Eloisa was originally Milton's - 'tis in Comus, but I think very little remember'd'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Matthew Prior : Alma; or, The Progress of the Mind
'The Simile to the rope Dancer in Prior's Alma is only a good Versification of Dryden's Thought in the preface to Fresnoy's Art of Painting. "Plac'd on the isthmus of a narrow State" that Thought, & almost the whole Line is taken from Cowley.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
John Dryden : 'Preface' to Fresnoy's 'Art of Painting'
'The Simile to the rope Dancer in Prior's Alma is only a good Versification of Dryden's Thought in the preface to Fresnoy's Art of Painting. "Plac'd on the isthmus of a narrow State" that Thought, & almost the whole Line is taken from Cowley.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Essay on Man
'The Simile to the rope Dancer in Prior's Alma is only a good Versification of Dryden's Thought in the preface to Fresnoy's Art of Painting. "Plac'd on the isthmus of a narrow State" that Thought, & almost the whole Line is taken from Cowley.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Abraham Cowley : Life and Fame
'The Simile to the rope Dancer in Prior's Alma is only a good Versification of Dryden's Thought in the preface to Fresnoy's Art of Painting. "Plac'd on the isthmus of a narrow State" that Thought, & almost the whole Line is taken from Cowley.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Samuel Johnson :
'such is my Tenderness for Johnson, when he is out of my Sight I always keep his Books about me, which I never think of reading at any other Time: but they remind me of [italics] him [end italics], & please me more than even his Letters; for in [italics] them [end italics] he is often scrupulous of opening his heart & has an Idea they will be seen sometime, perhaps published'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Richard Brinsley Sheridan : Critic, The
'The Characters in the modern Comedies of Puff, Snake & Spatter are quite new, & peculiar to this age I think; it is to Novels & Dramatic Representations that one owes the History of Manners certainly, yet those which give one nothing else are paltry performances: witness Tom Jones and the Clandestine Marriage, yet they are the best in their kind acording to my Notion'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Richard Brinsley Sheridan : School for Scandal, The
'The Characters in the modern Comedies of Puff, Snake & Spatter are quite new, & peculiar to this age I think; it is to Novels & Dramatic Representations that one owes the History of Manners certainly, yet those which give one nothing else are paltry performances: witness Tom Jones and the Clandestine Marriage, yet they are the best in their kind acording to my Notion'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Henry Fielding : Tom Jones
'The Characters in the modern Comedies of Puff, Snake & Spatter are quite new, & peculiar to this age I think; it is to Novels & Dramatic Representations that one owes the History of Manners certainly, yet those which give one nothing else are paltry performances: witness Tom Jones and the Clandestine Marriage, yet they are the best in their kind acording to my Notion'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
George Colman : Clandestine Marriage, The
'The Characters in the modern Comedies of Puff, Snake & Spatter are quite new, & peculiar to this age I think; it is to Novels & Dramatic Representations that one owes the History of Manners certainly, yet those which give one nothing else are paltry performances: witness Tom Jones and the Clandestine Marriage, yet they are the best in their kind acording to my Notion'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : Lives of the Poets
'Johnson's newly written Lives are delightful, but he is too hard on Prior's Alma: he will be keenly reproached for his Toryism, but what cares he? he calls himself a Tory, & glories in it. he should have been more sparing of Praise to the Fair Penitent I think, because the Characters are from Massinger - I care not how much good is said of the language; but Old Phil: has the Merit of that Contrast, more happy perhaps than any on our Stage, of the Gay Rake, and the virtuous dependent Gentleman'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: proof sheets
Matthew Prior : Alma
'Johnson's newly written Lives are delightful, but he is too hard on Prior's Alma: he will be keenly reproached for his Toryism, but what cares he? he calls himself a Tory, & glories in it. he should have been more sparing of Praise to the Fair Penitent I think, because the Characters are from Massinger - I care not how much good is said of the language; but Old Phil: has the Merit of that Contrast, more happy perhaps than any on our Stage, of the Gay Rake, and the virtuous dependent Gentleman'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Nicholas Rowe : Fair Penitent, The
'Johnson's newly written Lives are delightful, but he is too hard on Prior's Alma: he will be keenly reproached for his Toryism, but what cares he? he calls himself a Tory, & glories in it. he should have been more sparing of Praise to the Fair Penitent I think, because the Characters are from Massinger - I care not how much good is said of the language; but Old Phil: has the Merit of that Contrast, more happy perhaps than any on our Stage, of the Gay Rake, and the virtuous dependent Gentleman'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Philip Massinger : Fatal Dowry, The
'Johnson's newly written Lives are delightful, but he is too hard on Prior's Alma: he will be keenly reproached for his Toryism, but what cares he? he calls himself a Tory, & glories in it. he should have been more sparing of Praise to the Fair Penitent I think, because the Characters are from Massinger - I care not how much good is said of the language; but Old Phil: has the Merit of that Contrast, more happy perhaps than any on our Stage, of the Gay Rake, and the virtuous dependent Gentleman'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
: [a book of travels dealing with Abyssinia]
'Bruce of Abyssinia has been greatly ridiculed, particularly for trying to make the World believe that the people in Abyssinia eat cuts from the live Beast; yet Mr Coxe & I found the same thing in an old Book of Travels here at Brighthelmston the other day'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Rape of the Lock, The
'I see Mr Pope's skilful Adaptation of Names to his Spirits in the Rape of the Lock, and to his Mud-Nymphs in the Dunciad, are all borrowed from one of Ben Jonson's Masques, perform'd at Court in the Reign of King James the first.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Dunciad, The
'I see Mr Pope's skilful Adaptation of Names to his Spirits in the Rape of the Lock, and to his Mud-Nymphs in the Dunciad, are all borrowed from one of Ben Jonson's Masques, perform'd at Court in the Reign of King James the first.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Nicolas Vauquelin Des Yveteaux : [a sonnet]
'The Sonnet of Mr des Yveteaux the odd Man who shut himself up with a Wench, & played Shepherd & Shepherdess when he was past threescore; beginning Avoir peu de parens, moins de Train que de rente &c. resembles both in its Style & Measure our Ballad of the old Man's wish - without Gout or Stone in a gentle decay. I wonder which was written first, or whether one of the Writers ever heard of the other - most probably not.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Unknown
Walter Pope : Old Mans Wish, The
'The Sonnet of Mr des Yveteaux the odd Man who shut himself up with a Wench, & played Shepherd & Shepherdess when he was past threescore; beginning Avoir peu de parens, moins de Train que de rente &c. resembles both in its Style & Measure our Ballad of the old Man's wish - without Gout or Stone in a gentle decay. I wonder which was written first, or whether one of the Writers ever heard of the other - most probably not.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Unknown
George Lillo : Elmerick; Or Justice Triumphant
'the Story of Elmerick in Lillo's Play seems taken from the Conte d'Andre & Gertrude in the Chevreana, but perhaps Lillo never saw it there - the Charge of Plagiarism should be well supported'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
: Chevræana, ou Diverses Pensées
'the Story of Elmerick in Lillo's Play seems taken from the Conte d'Andre & Gertrude in the Chevreana, but perhaps Lillo never saw it there - the Charge of Plagiarism should be well supported'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Anacreon : Anacreon to himself
'I must ask Baretti who translated the Sonnet of Anacreon into such pretty Italian Verse.' [some lines are given]
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale
Lord Strafford : [letter to his daughter, 1641]
'I was shewed a curious Thing today - a Letter written by Lord Strafford to his Daughter three Weeks before his Execution - he apparently expected no such Sentence, but rather apprehended Diminution of Income; and in that Apprehension recommends Oeconomy to his Family.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Letter
Richard Fulke Greville : Maxims, Characters, and Reflections
'Greville draws Prose Characters incomparably well; that Man's book of Maxims &c. has not had credit enough in the World - Adrastus, Sicinius & Strabo are admirable in their kind; & shew a vast deal of thinking, besides perfect Knowledge of the gay World'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Charles Burney : [translation of a French Chanson]
'Doctr Burney has translated the famous old French Chanson Militaire - [italics] all about Roland [end italics]: how happy, how skilful, how elegant is that dear Creature's Pen!'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale
George Psalmanazar : [articles contributed to the 'Universal History']
'Psalmanazar wrote the Cosmogony, and the History of the Jews after his Conversion; how odd that he shold quote the Formosan Opinions therefore as corroborative of some Hypothesis; which he certainly does, and with a Touch of his old Effrontery too. see Page 84: Vol: I. Universal History.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Samuel Joseph Sorbiere : Sorberiana
'Man's Life being divided into five Acts like a Play - in the Sorberiana - what an Affinity it has to Shakespear's seven Ages of Man!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Alexander Pope : [MS of his translations of Homer]
'We have got a sort of literary Curiosity amongst us; the foul Copy of Pope's Homer, with all his old intended Verses, Sketches, emendations &c. strange that a Man shd keep such Things!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, marquise de Sevigne : Letters
'My second Daughter Susan has a surprising Turn for Letter-writing; her Compositions are really elegant, & She delights - odd enough - in reading Voiture and Sevigne.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Susanna Arabella Thrale Print: Book
Vincent de Voiture : Letters
'My second Daughter Susan has a surprising Turn for Letter-writing; her Compositions are really elegant, & She delights - odd enough - in reading Voiture and Sevigne.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Susanna Arabella Thrale Print: Book
: Gazette
'Mr Johnson believes nothing - the Hurricane which has torn Barbadoes to pieces, & is related so pathetically in the Gazette - "not true Madam depend on't - People so delight to fill their Mouths with big Words, and their Minds with a Wonder".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Newspaper
Samuel Johnson : [prose works]
'I love Johnson's Prose better than Addison's, I like the Dunciad beyond all Pope's Poems; I delight in Young's Satires & in Rubens's Painting, Cowley captivates my Heart; & when I read Bruyere, I often catch myself kissing the Book for fondness of the Author['s] strong-marked Characters, glowing Colours, striking Sentiments - to please - H:L: T.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Joseph Addison : [prose works]
'I love Johnson's Prose better than Addison's, I like the Dunciad beyond all Pope's Poems; I delight in Young's Satires & in Rubens's Painting, Cowley captivates my Heart; & when I read Bruyere, I often catch myself kissing the Book for fondness of the Author['s] strong-marked Characters, glowing Colours, striking Sentiments - to please - H:L: T.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Dunciad, The
'I love Johnson's Prose better than Addison's, I like the Dunciad beyond all Pope's Poems; I delight in Young's Satires & in Rubens's Painting, Cowley captivates my Heart; & when I read Bruyere, I often catch myself kissing the Book for fondness of the Author['s] strong-marked Characters, glowing Colours, striking Sentiments - to please - H:L: T.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Edward Young : Love of Fame, The Universal Passion
'I love Johnson's Prose better than Addison's, I like the Dunciad beyond all Pope's Poems; I delight in Young's Satires & in Rubens's Painting, Cowley captivates my Heart; & when I read Bruyere, I often catch myself kissing the Book for fondness of the Author['s] strong-marked Characters, glowing Colours, striking Sentiments - to please - H:L: T.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Abraham Cowley :
'I love Johnson's Prose better than Addison's, I like the Dunciad beyond all Pope's Poems; I delight in Young's Satires & in Rubens's Painting, Cowley captivates my Heart; & when I read Bruyere, I often catch myself kissing the Book for fondness of the Author['s] strong-marked Characters, glowing Colours, striking Sentiments - to please - H:L: T.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Jean de La Bruyere :
'I love Johnson's Prose better than Addison's, I like the Dunciad beyond all Pope's Poems; I delight in Young's Satires & in Rubens's Painting, Cowley captivates my Heart; & when I read Bruyere, I often catch myself kissing the Book for fondness of the Author['s] strong-marked Characters, glowing Colours, striking Sentiments - to please - H:L: T.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : Poems
From F. T. Palgrave's 'Personal Recollections' of Tennyson: 'On March 31st 1849, through the kindness of Henry Hallam, youngest son to the great historian [...] I was asked to meet Tennyson at the house of Hallam's cousin by marriage, W. H. Brookfield, in Portman Street [...] 'At that time the two green volumes of 1842, with "The Princess" in its first form (1847), had been to me, as to thousands more, Gateways into a new Paradise [...]I have preserved no memory of Tennyson during this evening. But at the close, discovering that our routes homeward began in the same direction [...] we set forth together [...] parting with an [Tennyson's] invitation to visit him in his lodgings [...] 'Two days after [...] I accordingly climbed to the upper floor of the lodgings, one of a few houses fronting the Hampstead Road, just south of Mornington Crescent, and found Tennyson in a somewhat dingy room, sitting close over the fire, with many short black pipes in front, and a stout jar of tobacco by his side [...] Tennyson offered to read me certain poems he had written about [Arthur] Hallam [...] He then brought forth a bundle of beautifully copied verse: the name "In Memoriam" I do not think he used; and read several pieces. One was No. CIII "On that last night...," [...] others from the early series describing the ship sailing "from the Italian shore" (No. IX): and that, I think, where parents or sweetheart await a son's or a lover's return. 'Poetry so rich and concentrated as this, and heard now for the first time from the lips of one who loved and mourned so deeply, I could but partly grasp, and knew not how to praise aright. But Tennyson's sweet-natured kindness, when he could give pleasure [...] I have never found exhaustible: and taking up one of those note-books [...] he went on to read certain songs which he thought he might do well to place between the sections of "The Princess." Thus "Sweet and low," "The splendour falls," "Ask me no more" [...] passed before me; giving the sense of some great and splendid procession slowly unrolling itself, and that to the sound of its own music.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Turner Palgrave Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : The Princess
From F. T. Palgrave's 'Personal Recollections' of Tennyson: 'On March 31st 1849, through the kindness of Henry Hallam, youngest son to the great historian [...] I was asked to meet Tennyson at the house of Hallam's cousin by marriage, W. H. Brookfield, in Portman Street [...] 'At that time the two green volumes of 1842, with "The Princess" in its first form (1847), had been to me, as to thousands more, Gateways into a new Paradise [...]I have preserved no memory of Tennyson during this evening. But at the close, discovering that our routes homeward began in the same direction [...] we set forth together [...] parting with an [Tennyson's] invitation to visit him in his lodgings [...] 'Two days after [...] I accordingly climbed to the upper floor of the lodgings, one of a few houses fronting the Hampstead Road, just south of Mornington Crescent, and found Tennyson in a somewhat dingy room, sitting close over the fire, with many short black pipes in front, and a stout jar of tobacco by his side [...] Tennyson offered to read me certain poems he had written about [Arthur] Hallam [...] He then brought forth a bundle of beautifully copied verse: the name "In Memoriam" I do not think he used; and read several pieces. One was No. CIII "On that last night...," [...] others from the early series describing the ship sailing "from the Italian shore" (No. IX): and that, I think, where parents or sweetheart await a son's or a lover's return. 'Poetry so rich and concentrated as this, and heard now for the first time from the lips of one who loved and mourned so deeply, I could but partly grasp, and knew not how to praise aright. But Tennyson's sweet-natured kindness, when he could give pleasure [...] I have never found exhaustible: and taking up one of those note-books [...] he went on to read certain songs which he thought he might do well to place between the sections of "The Princess." Thus "Sweet and low," "The splendour falls," "Ask me no more" [...] passed before me; giving the sense of some great and splendid procession slowly unrolling itself, and that to the sound of its own music.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Turner Palgrave Print: Book
Charles Johnson : A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the Most Notorious Pyrates
'A thousand thanks for Johnson who is a brick.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Francois Fenelon : [Letters]
'When one reads in Fenelon's last Letter to the Kings Confessor "Quand j'aurai l'honneur de voir Dieu, je lui demanderai cette Grace" - speaking of the Life & Health of Louis 14ze one thinks of the Fellow hanged for murder here some Years ago, on his Brother's Evidence: who sayd to the Clergyman that attended him - "When I see God Almighty I will not give my Brother Charles a good Character to him".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Charles Burney : 'St Peter and the Minstrel, a Tale'
'Doctor Burney has permitted me to write out this Imitation of an old French Tale written in the Year 1548. he has always had an astonishing Power of doing such Things. [the tale, of 'St Peterand the Minstrel' follows]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
William Congreve : Way of the World, The
'I was reading Congreve's Way of the World two Evenings ago, the character of Petulant is borrowed from Shakespear's Nym in Henry V: and the Expressions are in no few Passages literally copied. [italics] neither [end italics] Character strikes me much, Nym is so little known, he might safely be pilfer'd, but it seems not worth the while.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Henry V
'I was reading Congreve's Way of the World two Evenings ago, the character of Petulant is borrowed from Shakespear's Nym in Henry V: and the Expressions are in no few Passages literally copied. [italics] neither [end italics] Character strikes me much, Nym is so little known, he might safely be pilfer'd, but it seems not worth the while.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Marco Capello : [sonnet about Piozzi]
'[Piozzi] brought me an Italian sonnet written in his praise by Marco Capello, which I instantly translated of course: but He prudent Creature, insisted on my burning it, as he said it wd inevitably get about the Town how [italics] he [end italics] was Praised, & how [italics] Mrs Thrale [end italics] translated & echoed his Praises'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Jonathan Odell : [verses on Franklin's stove]
'Dr Franklyn, the famous Franklyn contrived a Stove in such a Manner as to make the Flame descend instead of rising upward. it was in the Form of an Urn: here are some pretty Verses on the Subject - I [italics] hope [end italics] they are Dr Burney's He Shewed them me once with the true Author's Manner; but Johnson not approving he would not own them'. [the verses on Franklin are given]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Jonathan Odell : [verses on Franklin's stove]
'Dr Franklyn, the famous Franklyn contrived a Stove in such a Manner as to make the Flame descend instead of rising upward. it was in the Form of an Urn: here are some pretty Verses on the Subject - I [italics] hope [end italics] they are Dr Burney's He Shewed them me once with the true Author's Manner; but Johnson not approving he would not own them'. [the verses on Franklin are given]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Manuscript: Unknown
Jonathan Swift :
'I was reading something of Swift one Day & commending him as a Writer - I cannot endure Swift replied my eldest Daughter; every thing of his seems to be [italics] Froth [end italics] I think, and that Froth is [italics] Dirty [end italics].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Maria Thrale Print: Book
Jonathan Swift :
'I was reading something of Swift one Day & commending him as a Writer - I cannot endure Swift replied my eldest Daughter; every thing of his seems to be [italics] Froth [end italics] I think, and that Froth is [italics] Dirty [end italics].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Horace : '8th Ode'
'I was however turning over Horace yesterday to look for the Expression [italics] tenui fronte [end italics] in Vindication of my Assertion to Johnson that low Foreheads were classical, when the 8th Ode of the 1st Book of Horace struck me so, I could not help Imitating it while the Scandal [of Pacchierotti and Lady Mary Duncan] was warm in my head.' [the verses follow]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Giovanni Povoleri : [a sonnet on love and friendship]
'Here's a pretty Sonnet of Povoleri's; I must translate it. [the verse is given in Italian and English] over the Page we shall see another Sonnet, written by the Abbate Buondelmonte: I live with the Italians till I run mad after their Literature, their Talents &c.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Abbate Buondelmonte : [a sonnet]
'Here's a pretty Sonnet of Povoleri's; I must translate it. [the verse is given in Italian and English] over the Page we shall see another Sonnet, written by the Abbate Buondelmonte: I live with the Italians till I run mad after their Literature, their Talents &c.'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale
Anne Hunter : 'North American Death Song'
'Mrs John Hunter, Wife to the famous Anatomist has made a Base to the Tune [reputed to be North American Indian]; & set these Words to it; I had no Notion She could write so well.' ['North American Death Song' follows]
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale
Dominique Bouhours : La maniere de bien penser dans les ouvrages d'esprit. Dialogues.
'as I looked in the Glass this Morning & kept Bouhours Maniere de bien penser in my Hand - like Swift's Vanessa Who we know - held Montagne and read- While Mrs Susan comb's her Head. I thought of the following enigmatical Verses: those which gave rise to them both in French & in Italian, may be found in the above mentioned little Volume' her verses are given]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : 'Cadenus and Vanessa'
'as I looked in the Glass this Morning & kept Bouhours Maniere de bien penser in my Hand - like Swift's Vanessa Who we know - held Montagne and read- While Mrs Susan comb's her Head. I thought of the following enigmatical Verses: those which gave rise to them both in French & in Italian, may be found in the above mentioned little Volume' her verses are given]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Pastorals
'I have had put into my Hand the First Copy of Pope's Pastorals, with the gradual Alterations and Emendations marked in the Margin: that he should Attain to Perfection by repeated Touches, & slow Degrees, is not at all strange tho' 'tis curious; it is however odd enough that a Man should be so [italics] imbued [end italics] with the classicks as to write Love Verses from one Shepherd to another, because Virgil wote his Corydon & Alexis; The Third Pastoral runs all thro' with the name Thyrsis instead of Delia in the Book before me'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: book
Alexander Pope : 'Third pastoral'
'I have had put into my Hand the First Copy of Pope's Pastorals, with the gradual Alterations and Emendations marked in the Margin: that he should Attain to Perfection by repeated Touches, & slow Degrees, is not at all strange tho' 'tis curious; it is however odd enough that a Man should be so [italics] imbued [end italics] with the classicks as to write Love Verses from one Shepherd to another, because Virgil wote his Corydon & Alexis; The Third Pastoral runs all thro' with the name Thyrsis instead of Delia in the Book before me'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Virgil : 'Second Eclogue'
'I have had put into my Hand the First Copy of Pope's Pastorals, with the gradual Alterations and Emendations marked in the Margin: that he should Attain to Perfection by repeated Touches, & slow Degrees, is not at all strange tho' 'tis curious; it is however odd enough that a Man should be so [italics] imbued [end italics] with the classicks as to write Love Verses from one Shepherd to another, because Virgil wote his Corydon & Alexis; The Third Pastoral runs all thro' with the name Thyrsis instead of Delia in the Book before me'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire : [a Song]
'Two days ago somebody shew'd me a Song written by the Duchess of Devonshire which began thus Boy! bring my Flow'rs and bind my Hair: I could but laugh to think how her Grace had been studying Translations from Horace till She adopted a Style wch [italics] to her [end italics] must appear strangely unnatural'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
Frances Burney : Cecilia
'[Fanny Burney's] new Novel called "Cecilia" is the Picture of Life such as the Author sees it: while therefore this Mode of Life lasts, her Book will be of Value, as the Representation is astonishingly perfect: but as nothing in the Book is derived from Study, so it can have no Principle of duration - Burney's Cecilia is to Richardson's Clarissa - what a Camera Obscura in the Window of a London parlour, - is to a view of Venice by the clear Pencil of Canaletti [sic.]'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Eloisa to Abelard
'I have heard that all the kept Mistresses read Pope's Eloisa with singular delight - 'tis a great Testimony to its Ingenuity; they are commonly very ignorant Women, & can only be pleased with it as it expresses strong Feelings of Nature & Passion'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Robert Burton : Anatomy of Melancholy, The
'What a strange Book is Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy"! & how it has been plunder'd! Milton took his Allegro and Penseroso from the Verses at the beginning, Savage his Speech of Suicide in the Wanderer from Page 216. Swift his Tale of the Woman that held water in her Mouth to regain her Husband's Love by Silence - 'tis printed in the Tatler; Johnson got his Story of the Magnet that detects unchaste Wives from the same Farrago, & even Shakespear I believe the Trick put on the Tinker Christopher Sly in the taming of the Shrew. See page 277 of Burton.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
John Milton : 'L'Allegro'
'What a strange Book is Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy"! & how it has been plunder'd! Milton took his Allegro and Penseroso from the Verses at the beginning, Savage his Speech of Suicide in the Wanderer from Page 216. Swift his Tale of the Woman that held water in her Mouth to regain her Husband's Love by Silence - 'tis printed in the Tatler; Johnson got his Story of the Magnet that detects unchaste Wives from the same Farrago, & even Shakespear I believe the Trick put on the Tinker Christopher Sly in the taming of the Shrew. See page 277 of Burton.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
John Milton : 'Il Penseroso'
'What a strange Book is Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy"! & how it has been plunder'd! Milton took his Allegro and Penseroso from the Verses at the beginning, Savage his Speech of Suicide in the Wanderer from Page 216. Swift his Tale of the Woman that held water in her Mouth to regain her Husband's Love by Silence - 'tis printed in the Tatler; Johnson got his Story of the Magnet that detects unchaste Wives from the same Farrago, & even Shakespear I believe the Trick put on the Tinker Christopher Sly in the taming of the Shrew. See page 277 of Burton.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Richard Savage : Wanderer, The
'What a strange Book is Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy"! & how it has been plunder'd! Milton took his Allegro and Penseroso from the Verses at the beginning, Savage his Speech of Suicide in the Wanderer from Page 216. Swift his Tale of the Woman that held water in her Mouth to regain her Husband's Love by Silence - 'tis printed in the Tatler; Johnson got his Story of the Magnet that detects unchaste Wives from the same Farrago, & even Shakespear I believe the Trick put on the Tinker Christopher Sly in the taming of the Shrew. See page 277 of Burton.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
William Harrison : 'The Medicine, A Tale - for the Ladies'
'What a strange Book is Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy"! & how it has been plunder'd! Milton took his Allegro and Penseroso from the Verses at the beginning, Savage his Speech of Suicide in the Wanderer from Page 216. Swift his Tale of the Woman that held water in her Mouth to regain her Husband's Love by Silence - 'tis printed in the Tatler; Johnson got his Story of the Magnet that detects unchaste Wives from the same Farrago, & even Shakespear I believe the Trick put on the Tinker Christopher Sly in the taming of the Shrew. See page 277 of Burton.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Serial / periodical
Samuel Johnson : [a story]
'What a strange Book is Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy"! & how it has been plunder'd! Milton took his Allegro and Penseroso from the Verses at the beginning, Savage his Speech of Suicide in the Wanderer from Page 216. Swift his Tale of the Woman that held water in her Mouth to regain her Husband's Love by Silence - 'tis printed in the Tatler; Johnson got his Story of the Magnet that detects unchaste Wives from the same Farrago, & even Shakespear I believe the Trick put on the Tinker Christopher Sly in the taming of the Shrew. See page 277 of Burton.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Serial / periodical
William Shakespeare : Taming of the Shrew, The
'What a strange Book is Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy"! & how it has been plunder'd! Milton took his Allegro and Penseroso from the Verses at the beginning, Savage his Speech of Suicide in the Wanderer from Page 216. Swift his Tale of the Woman that held water in her Mouth to regain her Husband's Love by Silence - 'tis printed in the Tatler; Johnson got his Story of the Magnet that detects unchaste Wives from the same Farrago, & even Shakespear I believe the Trick put on the Tinker Christopher Sly in the taming of the Shrew. See page 277 of Burton.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Frances Burney : Cecilia
'Wyndham and Johnson were talking of Miss Burney's new Novel - 'Tis far superior to Fielding's, says Mr Johnson; her Characters are nicer discriminated, and less prominent, Fielding could describe a Horse or an Ass, but he never reached to a Mule.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : In Memoriam
Bishop Westcott to Hallam Tennyson: 'When "In Memoriam" appeared, I felt (as I feel if possible more strongly now) that the hope of man lies in the historic realization of the Gospel. I rejoiced in the Introduction, which appeared to me to be the mature summing up after an interval of the many strains of thought in the "Elegies." Now the stress of controversy is over, I think so still. As I look at my original copy of "In Memoriam," I recognise that what impressed me most was your father's splendid faith (in the face of the frankest acknowledgement of every difficulty) in the growing purpose of the sum of life, and in the noble destiny of the individual man as he offers himself for the fulfilment of his little part (LIV., LXXXI., LXXXII. and the closing stanzas). This faith has now largely entered into our common life, and it seems to me to express a lesson of the Gospel which the circumstances of all time encourage us to master.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Brooke Foss Westcott Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : In Memoriam
Bishop Westcott to Hallam Tennyson: 'When "In Memoriam" appeared, I felt (as I feel if possible more strongly now) that the hope of man lies in the historic realization of the Gospel. I rejoiced in the Introduction, which appeared to me to be the mature summing up after an interval of the many strains of thought in the "Elegies." Now the stress of controversy is over, I think so still. As I look at my original copy of "In Memoriam," I recognise that what impressed me most was your father's splendid faith (in the face of the frankest acknowledgement of every difficulty) in the growing purpose of the sum of life, and in the noble destiny of the individual man as he offers himself for the fulfilment of his little part (LIV., LXXXI., LXXXII. and the closing stanzas). This faith has now largely entered into our common life, and it seems to me to express a lesson of the Gospel which the circumstances of all time encourage us to master.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Brooke Foss Westcott Print: Book
: The Graphic
'In "Illustrated London News" and "Graphic", both for August 12th, are notices of ”Virginibus Puerisque”. In the latter I am once more taken for my editor! I think I have pleased the public this time!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : [unknown]
'the youngsters spent a great deal of their time in the parlor & in the evening their mamma read them a number of stories out of some Sunday books. then Sissy, Dotty & Walter read a little. Surprised my by the improvement each had made [since I?] last heard them'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sissy Castieau Print: Unknown
Unknown : Unknown
'Dearest - I found not only a load of Books on Saturday, but eight proof sheets besides; the consideration and alteration of which, attended with other sorry enough drawbacks, has kept me occupied to the present hour. Henceforth nothing but fireman haste awaits me, for week after week! My spare hours filled with critical meditations, and ever and anon the thought of this solemn treaty intervening!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Thomas Carlyle : Title page and preface of 'German Romance'
'A pack of sheets came down on Monday morning, with a long letter from the Bibliophile requiring an alteration in the Title-page and Preface; then Jonathan on Wednesday morning; the management of all which things has occiped my whole disposable time till this morning.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Title page and prefaceManuscript: Letter
Frederick Marryat : The Pirate
'Don't read noble old Fred's Pirate anyhow; it is written in sand with a salt spoon: arid, feeble, vain, tottering production.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Immanuel Kant : The Critique of Pure Reason
'You will never in the world guess what sort of a pastime I have had resourse to in this windbound portion of my voyage. Nothing less than the reading of Kant's Transcendental Philosophy! So it is: I am at the hundred and fiftieth page of the Kritik der reinen verbubft; not only reading but partially understanding, and full of projects for instructing my benighted countrymen on the true merits of this sublime system at some more propitious season.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
JMH Doring : Jean Paul Richters Leben
'I was very much obliged by your copy of Doering's Jean Paul and the manuscript sent along with it; whch tho' too late for assisting my printed critical labours I perused with great interest. My curiosity indeed was rather excited than satisfied by the strange 'string of shreds and patches' which Doering calls a Life; but Richter is a subject of such attraction that any account of him however meagre was peculiarly welcome.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
N. A. : 'Young Rob Roy' in Stirling Observer
'In reference to 'N.A.'s' notes on young Rob Roy, I should like to ask the writer if he will kindly inform us what authority he has for understanding so much in his notes.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Newspaper
Virgil : Aeneid
'I walked into Robson's Shop the other day, and seeing a very fine Virgil was tempted to open it with something of Superstitious Intention by way of trying the "Sortes Virgilanae": the Book spontaneously open'd where Turnus welcomes Camilla, and fixing his fine Eyes upon her cries out with a mixture of Admiration & Gratitude Oh Decus Italiae &c. I thought it a good omen'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
John Moore : View of Society and Manners in France, Switzerland and Germany
'I was reading to the Girls to day More's Acct of The King of Prussia's Severity to his favourite Valet who unable to endure it, shot himself' [there follows a long account of her daughters' responses and evaluation of their characters]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : Tale of a Tub, A
'Doctor Harrington told Seward, who told me; that Swift had taken his Tale of a Tub from Pallavicini upon Divorces, I always thought it was borrowed from "les trois Anneaux de Fontenelle".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
Samuel Johnson : [translation into Latin of Pope's 'Messiah']
'I must write out Johnson's Latin Version of the Messiah from Pope, I obtained the Copy of a Clergyman here, one Mr Graves, who wrote the Spiritual Quixote'. [the Latin verses follow]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
William Derham : Physico-Theology, or, A Demonstration of the Being and Attributes of God, from His Works of Creation
'I was reading Derham's Astro, not his Astro, his Physico Theology; and can hardly help laughing when I see these simple Philosophers praising God Almighty for making the World so wisely - saying in what a [italics] Workman-like [end italics] Manner he has managed Things: how should he [italics] not [end italics] make the World wisely? and how should their Praises add any Thing to him?'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
: 'To Melancholy'
'Mr James brought me some pretty Verses about Melancholy written by a Boy; Mr James tasting Verses in praise of Melancholy seems odd enough, as he is a merry Mortal, and full of native Drollery. [the verses are given and Mrs Thrale says] the 6th Stanza is worth all the rest - [italics] I think it very fine [end italics].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
: [verses beginning 'Pass gentelle Thought to her whom I love best']
'[Mr Lysons] brought me these Old Verses one Day, I think they are to be found in a book called Paradise of dainty Devices - compiled in the Reign of Elizabethe' [the (unidentified) verses are given]
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Manuscript: Unknown
: [French Memoirs]
'The Story of Bond expiring in the character of Lusignan is prettily told in some of the French Memoires, but one had not a Notion it was worth while'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Lynch Thrale Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'Was very pleased this evening at hearing the children read. They sat round their mamma & read verse about a chapter of the bible. They have all a very good idea of reading, Harry especially, only unfortunately his stammering frequently spoils his efforts. Sissy & Dotty do not stammer but speak far from plainly. There are a great many words that Dotty cannot manage try she ever so hard'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sissy Castieau Print: Book, Serial / periodical
anon : Review article; and 'Husbands and Wives'.
'Look here, my fame is even more complete than I had dreamed of. Get the "Spectators" for August 5th and 12th; and you will see how the poor Spectatorists were puzzled and ("Scottice") affronted at my paper. It is charming.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Bible (New Testament)
'I had all the youngsters in my own charge. We got on however capitally for I found a nice story in Chatterbox which I read much to the edification of us all & after that at the girls' request after Walter & Godfrey had been put to bed Harry, Sissy, Dotty & I read a couple of chapters out of the New Testament taking each a verse in turn, when we had finished the youngsters were tired & ready for bed so I let them go & read away at the Weekly Papers till Polly came home which she did at a little after nine o'clock.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sissy Castieau Print: Book
: Le Courant
'I have found […] a "Courant" which was speedily dismembered and has been read eagerly down to the Theatre Advertisements.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Newspaper
Marcus Clarke : The Jolly Beggars
'In the Evening went again to the Club, found no one there but Marcus Clarke & Shillingham. Had a chat with them. Marcus read a portion of a comic Opera he was writing to be called "The Jolly beggars". It was very funny but I should think better adapted for the pages of Punch than for the Stage'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Marcus Clarke Manuscript: Unknown
Sydney Colvin : Review of George Eliot's "Daniel Deronda"
'Your "Daniel Deronda" is uncommonly jolly, and right. I don’t know that you’ve ever written anything which pleased me so much. You might have pitched it stronger about the time D.D. chose for proposing; it was simple caddish.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : [unknown]
'heard Harry & Sissy read'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sissy Castieau Print: Book
: Shorter Catechism
'The schoolhouse, however, being almost at our door, I had attended it for a short time, and had the honour of standing at the head of a juvenile class, who read the Shorter Catechism and the Proverbs of Solomon'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: Bible
'Next year my parents took me home during the winter quarter, and put me to school with a lad named Ker, who was teaching the children of a neighbouring farmer. Here I advanced so far as to get into the class who read in the Bible'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: Bible [Psalms]
'All this while [between the ages of 7 and 15] I neither read nor wrote; nor had I access to any book save the Bible. I was greatly taken with our version of the Psalms of David, learned the most of them by heart, and have a great partiality for them unto this day'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Allan Ramsay : Gentle Shepherd: A Pastoral Comedy
'It was while serving here [Willenslee at the farm of Mr Laidlaw] , in the eighteenth year of my age, that I first got a perusal of "The Life and Adventures of Sir William Wallace", and "The Gentle Shepherd"; and though immoderately fond of them, yet (which you will think remarkable in one who hath since dabbled so much in verse) I could not help regretting deeply that they were not in prose, that every body might have understood them; or, I thought if they had been in the same kind of metre with the Psalms, I could have borne with them. The truth is, I made exceedingly slow progress in reading them. The little reading that I had learned I had nearly lost, and the Scottish dialect quite confounded me; so that, before I got to the end of a line, I had commonly lost the rhyme of the preceding one; and if I came to a triplet, a thing of which I had no conception, I commonly read to the foot of the page without perceiving that I had lost the rhyme altogether. I thought the author had been straitened for rhymes, and had just made a part of it do as well as he could without them. Thus, after I got through both works, I found myself much in the same predicament with the man of Eskdalemuir, who had borrowed Bailey's Dictionary from his neighbour. On returning it, the lender asked him what he thought of it. "I dinna ken man", replied he: "I have read it all through, but canna say that I understand it; it is the most confused book that ever I saw in my life!".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Henry the Minstrel : Life and Adventures of Sir William Wallace
'It was while serving here [Willenslee at the farm of Mr Laidlaw] , in the eighteenth year of my age, that I first got a perusal of "The Life and Adventures of Sir William Wallace", and "The Gentle Shepherd"; and though immoderately fond of them, yet (which you will think remarkable in one who hath since dabbled so much in verse) I could not help regretting deeply that they were not in prose, that every body might have understood them; or, I thought if they had been in the same kind of metre with the Psalms, I could have borne with them. The truth is, I made exceedingly slow progress in reading them. The little reading that I had learned I had nearly lost, and the Scottish dialect quite confounded me; so that, before I got to the end of a line, I had commonly lost the rhyme of the preceding one; and if I came to a triplet, a thing of which I had no conception, I commonly read to the foot of the page without perceiving that I had lost the rhyme altogether. I thought the author had been straitened for rhymes, and had just made a part of it do as well as he could without them. Thus, after I got through both works, I found myself much in the same predicament with the man of Eskdalemuir, who had borrowed Bailey's Dictionary from his neighbour. On returning it, the lender asked him what he thought of it. "I dinna ken man", replied he: "I have read it all through, but canna say that I understand it; it is the most confused book that ever I saw in my life!".'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: Bible [Proverbs]
'The schoolhouse, however, being almost at our door, I had attended it for a short time, and had the honour of standing at the head of a juvenile class, who read the Shorter Catechism and the Proverbs of Solomon'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: [newspapers]
'The late Mrs Laidlaw of Willenslee took some notice of me, and frequently gave me books to read while tending the ewes; these were chiefly theological. The only one, that I remember any thing of, is "Bishop Burnet's Theory of the Conflagration of the Earth". Happy it was for me that I did not understand it! for the little of it that I did understand had nearly overturned my brain altogether. All the day I was pondering on the grand millennium, and the reign of the saints; and all the night dreaming of new heavens and a new earth - the stars in horror, and the world in flames! Mrs Laidlaw also gave me sometimes the newspapers, which I pored on with great earnestness - beginning at the date, and reading straight on, through advertisements of houses and lands, balm of Gilead, and every thing; and, after all, was often no wiser than when I began'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Newspaper
: [theological books]
'The late Mrs Laidlaw of Willenslee took some notice of me, and frequently gave me books to read while tending the ewes; these were chiefly theological. The only one, that I remember any thing of, is "Bishop Burnet's Theory of the Conflagration of the Earth". Happy it was for me that I did not understand it! for the little of it that I did understand had nearly overturned my brain altogether. All the day I was pondering on the grand millennium, and the reign of the saints; and all the night dreaming of new heavens and a new earth - the stars in horror, and the world in flames! Mrs Laidlaw also gave me sometimes the newspapers, which I pored on with great earnestness - beginning at the date, and reading straight on, through advertisements of houses and lands, balm of Gilead, and every thing; and, after all, was often no wiser than when I began'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Thomas Burnet : Sacred Theory of the Earth
'The late Mrs Laidlaw of Willenslee took some notice of me, and frequently gave me books to read while tending the ewes; these were chiefly theological. The only one, that I remember any thing of, is "Bishop Burnet's Theory of the Conflagration of the Earth". Happy it was for me that I did not understand it! for the little of it that I did understand had nearly overturned my brain altogether. All the day I was pondering on the grand millennium, and the reign of the saints; and all the night dreaming of new heavens and a new earth - the stars in horror, and the world in flames! Mrs Laidlaw also gave me sometimes the newspapers, which I pored on with great earnestness - beginning at the date, and reading straight on, through advertisements of houses and lands, balm of Gilead, and every thing; and, after all, was often no wiser than when I began'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: unknown
'Mr Laidlaw having a number of valuable books, which were all open to my perusal, I about this time began to read with considerable attention; - and no sooner did I begin to read so as to understand, than, rather prematurely, I began to write.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
William Hogg : 'Urania's Tour'
'[regarding a poetry contest with his brother William, himself and another, Hogg says of William's poem] it was far superior to either of the other two in the sublimity of the ideas; but, besides being in bad measure, it was often bombastical. The title of it was "Urania's Tour"'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Was at home all the evening. Heard Sissy & Harry read, read a little myself & went off to bed tolerably early'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sissy Castieau Print: Unknown
James Hogg : [a pamphlet of poems]
'[on receiving the first printed copies of his poems] no sooner did the first copy come to hand, than my eyes were open to the folly of my conduct; for, on comparing it with the MS. which I had at home, I found many of the stanzas omitted, others misplaced, and typographical errors abounding in every place'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg
James Hogg : 'The Queen's Wake'
'I was very anxious to read it ['The Queen's Wake'] to some person of taste; but no one would either read it, or listen to my reading it, save Grieve, who assured me it would do. As I lived at Deanhaugh then, I invited Mr and Mrs Gray to drink tea, and to read a part of it with me before offering it for publication, Unluckily, however, before I had read half a page, Mrs Gray objected to a word, which Grieve approved of and defended, and some high disputes arose; other authors were appealed to, and notwithstanding my giving several very broad hints, I could not procure a hearing for another line of my new poem. Indeed, I was sorely disappointed, and told my friends so on going away; on which another day was appointed, and I took my manuscript to Buccleugh Place. Mr Gray had not got through the third page when he was told that an itinerant bard had entered the lobby, and was repeating his poetry to the boarders. Mr Gray went out and joined them, leaving me alone with a young lady, to read, or not, as we liked'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
John Wilson : Isle of Palms, and Other Poems
'On the appearance of Mr Wilson's "Isle of Palms", I was so greatly taken with many of his fanciful and visionary scenes, descriptive of bliss and woe, that it had a tendency to divest me occasionally of all worldly feelings. I reviewed this poem, as well as many others, in a Scottish Review then going on in Edinburgh'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
:
'[on a visit to his publisher, Constable] I read the backs of some books on his shelves, then spoke of my poem; but he would not deign to lift his eyes, or regard me'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Walter Scott : Old Mortality
'I suffered unjustly in the eyes of the world with regard to that tale ['The Brownie of Bodsbeck'], which was looked on as an imitation of the tale of "Old Mortality", and a counterpart to that; whereas it was written long ere the tale of "Old Mortality" was heard of, and I well remember my chagrin on finding the ground, which I thought clear, pre-occupied before I could appear publicly on it, and that by such a redoubted champion.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
William Wordsworth : [poems]
'I admired many of his [Wordsworth's] pieces exceedingly, though I had not then seen his ponderous "Excursion"'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Unknown
William Wordsworth : [poems]
'There is nothing in nature that you may not get a quotation out of Wordsworth to suit, and a quotation too that breathes the very soul of poetry. There are only three books in the world that are worth the opening in search of mottos and quotations, and all of them are alike rich. These are, the Old Testament, Shakspeare, and the poetical works of Wordsworth, and, strange to say, the "Excursion" abounds most in them'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
William Wordsworth : Excursion, The
'There is nothing in nature that you may not get a quotation out of Wordsworth to suit, and a quotation too that breathes the very soul of poetry. There are only three books in the world that are worth the opening in search of mottos and quotations, and all of them are alike rich. These are, the Old Testament, Shakspeare, and the poetical works of Wordsworth, and, strange to say, the "Excursion" abounds most in them'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
William Shakespeare :
'There is nothing in nature that you may not get a quotation out of Wordsworth to suit, and a quotation too that breathes the very soul of poetry. There are only three books in the world that are worth the opening in search of mottos and quotations, and all of them are alike rich. These are, the Old Testament, Shakspeare, and the poetical works of Wordsworth, and, strange to say, the "Excursion" abounds most in them'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
: Old Testament
'There is nothing in nature that you may not get a quotation out of Wordsworth to suit, and a quotation too that breathes the very soul of poetry. There are only three books in the world that are worth the opening in search of mottos and quotations, and all of them are alike rich. These are, the Old Testament, Shakspeare, and the poetical works of Wordsworth, and, strange to say, the "Excursion" abounds most in them'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
Allan Cunningham :
'Young as he [Allan Cunnigham] was, I had heard of his name, although slightly, and, I think, seen one or two of his juvenile pieces. Of an elder brother of his, Thomas Mouncey, I had, previous to that, conceived a very high idea, and I always marvel how he could possibly put his poetical vein under lock and key, as he did all at once; for he certainly then bade fair to be the first of Scottish bards'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Unknown
Thomas Mouncey :
'Young as he [Allan Cunningham] was, I had heard of his name, although slightly, and, I think, seen one or two of his juvenile pieces. Of an elder brother of his, Thomas Mouncey, I had, previous to that, conceived a very high idea, and I always marvel how he could possibly put his poetical vein under lock and key, as he did all at once; for he certainly then bade fair to be the first of Scottish bards'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Unknown
Allan Cunningham : [imitations of Ossian]
'I was astonished at the luxuriousness of his [Allan Cunningham's] fancy. it was boundless; but it was the luxury of a rich garden overrun with rampant weeds. he was likewise then a great mannerist in expression, and no man could mistake his verses for those of any other man. I remember seeing some imitations of Ossian by him, which I thought exceedingly good; and it struck me that that style of composition was peculiarly fitted for his vast and fervent imagination. When Cromek's "Nithsdale and Galloway Relics" came to my hand, I at once discerned the strains of my friend, and I cannot describe with what sensations of delight I first heard Mr Morrison read the "Mermaid of Galloway", while at every verse I kept naming the author'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Manuscript: Unknown
R.H. Cromek : Remains Of Nithsdale And Galloway Song
'I was astonished at the luxuriousness of his [Allan Cunningham's] fancy. it was boundless; but it was the luxury of a rich garden overrun with rampant weeds. he was likewise then a great mannerist in expression, and no man could mistake his verses for those of any other man. I remember seeing some imitations of Ossian by him, which I thought exceedingly good; and it struck me that that style of composition was peculiarly fitted for his vast and fervent imagination. When Cromek's "Nithsdale and Galloway Relics" came to my hand, I at once discerned the strains of my friend, and I cannot describe with what sensations of delight I first heard Mr Morrison read the "Mermaid of Galloway", while at every verse I kept naming the author'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'Was much pleased with Sissy's Reading to-night. Dotty has a very good idea of Reading also but is not able to speak plainly & so makes a great hash of some of the hard words.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sissy Castieau Print: Book
John Gay : [unknown]
'I told him that from reading Gay's writings, I had taken an affection to his Grace's family from my earliest years.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
David Hume : History of England
'I have now one great satisfaction, which is reading Hume's "History". It entertains and instructs me. It elevates my mind and excites noble feelings of every kind.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
David Hume : History of England
'David Hume and John Dryden are at present my companions'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
John Dryden : [unknown]
'David Hume and John Dryden are at present my companions'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
[n/a] : The North Briton
'Some time ago I left off the pamphlet shop in the passage to the Temple Exchange Coffee-house, and took "The North Briton" from the publisher of it, Mr Kearsley in Ludgate Street, hard by Child's. I have it now sent to me regularly by the Penny Post, and I read it with vast relish. There is a poignant acrimony in it that is very relishing. Noble also sends me from time to time a fresh supply of novels from his circulating library, so that I am very well provided with entertainment'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : [novels]
'Some time ago I left off the pamphlet shop in the passage to the Temple Exchange Coffee-house, and took "The North Briton" from the publisher of it, Mr Kearsley in Ludgate Street, hard by Child's. I have it now sent to me regularly by the Penny Post, and I read it with vast relish. There is a poignant acrimony in it that is very relishing. Noble also sends me from time to time a fresh supply of novels from his circulating library, so that I am very well provided with entertainment'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
[n/a] : Bible
'This forenoon I read the history of Joseph and his brethren, which melted my heart and drew tears from my eyes. It is simply and beautifully told in the Sacred Writings. It is a strange thing that the Bible is so little read. I am reading it regularly at present.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
David Hume : History of England
'I employed the day in reading Hume's "History", which enlarged my views, filled me with great ideas, and rendered me happy'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
[n/a] : The North Briton
'I then got "The North Briton" and read it at Child's. I shall do so now every Saturday evening'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : [Church service]
'At night at home, I read the Church service by myself with great devotion'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Joseph Addison : The Spectator
'I returned to my friend's chambers and we read some of Mr Addison's papers in "The Spectator" with infinite relish'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Serial / periodical
[unknown] : Lives of the convicts
'In my younger years I had read in the "Lives of the Convicts" so much about Tyburn that I had a sort of horrid eagerness to be there'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: James Boswell Print: Book
Unknown : Unknown
'Directly after breakfast, the 'Goodwife' and the Doctor evacuate this apartment, and retire up stairs to the drawing-room, a little place all fitted up like a lady's work-box; where a 'spunk of fire' is lit for the forenoon; and I meanwhile sit scribbling and meditating, and wrestling with the powers of Dulness, till one or two o'clock; when I sally forth into city, or towards the sea-shore, taking care only to be home for the important purpose of consuming my mutton-chop at four. After dinner, we all read learned languages till coffee (which we now often take instead of tea), and so on till bed-time...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Mark Pattison : Memoirs
'[Mrs Ward's report of a conversation with Gladstone] 'I spoke of Pattison's autobiography as illustrating Newman's hold. He agreed, but said that Pattison's religious phase was so disagreeable and unattractive that it did small credit to Newman. He would much like to have seen more of the autobiography, but he understood that the personalities were too strong. I asked him if he had seen Pattison's last 'Confession of Faith', which Mrs Pattison decided not to print, in MS. He said no.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
Mark Pattison : 'Confession of Faith'
'[Mrs Ward's report of a conversation with Gladstone] 'I spoke of Pattison's autobiography as illustrating Newman's hold. He agreed, but said that Pattison's religious phase was so disagreeable and unattractive that it did small credit to Newman. He would much like to have seen more of the autobiography, but he understood that the personalities were too strong. I asked him if he had seen Pattison's last 'Confession of Faith', which Mrs Pattison decided not to print, in MS. He said no.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Manuscript: Unknown
William Gladstone : Gleanings Of Past Years
'[letter from Mrs Ward to Gladstone] Thank you very much for the volume of "Gleanings" with its gracious inscription. I have read the article you point out to me with the greatest interest, and shall do the same with the others. Does not the difference between us on the question of sin come very much to this - that to you the great fact of the world and in this history of man, is [italics] sin [end italics] - to me, [italics] progress [end italics]? I remember Amiel somewhere speaks of the distinction as marking off two classes of thought, two orders of temperament.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
Henri Frederic Amiel : Journal Intime
'[letter from Mrs Ward to Gladstone] Thank you very much for the volume of "Gleanings" with its gracious inscription. I have read the article you point out to me with the greatest interest, and shall do the same with the others. Does not the difference between us on the question of sin come very much to this - that to you the great fact of the world and in this history of man, is [italics] sin [end italics] - to me, [italics] progress [end italics]? I remember Amiel somewhere speaks of the distinction as marking off two classes of thought, two orders of temperament.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
T.H. Green : Witness of God and Faith, The: Two Lay Sermons
'[letter from Mrs Ward to Gladstone, regarding his projected article about "Robert Elsmere"] If you do speak of him [T.H. Green], will you look at his two Lay Sermons, of which I enclose my copy? - particularly the second one, which was written eight years after the first, and to my mind expresses his thought more clearly'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
: Gospels
'There, too, in the book-lined room which she had made her study, she would on Sunday evenings carry out in practice those ideas on the teaching of the Bible which she had striven to inculcate at University Hall. The audience sat on low stools or lay on the floor, while she read to them usually a part of the Gospels, making the scene live again, as only she could make it, not only by her intimate knowledge of the times, but by her gift of presentation. Systematically, making us use our minds to follow her, she would work through a section of St Mark or St Matthew, comparing each with the other, showing the touches of the "later hand", taking us deep into the fascinating intricacies of the Synoptic Problem. [the account continues at length, discussing Mrs Ward's attitudes to various parts of the Bible, later saying] it was impossible to listen to her reading the Walk to Emmaus, or the finding of the empty tomb, without coming under the spell of an emotion as deep as it was austere. For the fact that we in these latter days had outgrown our childhood and must distinguish truth from phantasy was no reason in her mind, why we should renounce the poetic value of scenes and pictures woven into the very fabric of our being'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
: [books on 18th century Lancashire life]
'[letter from Mrs Ward to her father] Read the books about Lancashire life a hundred years ago, and see if they have not improved - if they are not less brutal, less earthy, nearer altogether to the intelligent type of life.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
: [Paul's 1st Epistle to the Corinthians]
'[letter to from Mrs Ward to Mrs Leonard Huxley, her sister] After seeing those temples with their sacrificial altars and [italics] cellae [end italics], their priests' sleeping rooms and dining rooms [in Pompeii], I read this morning St Paul's directions to the Corinthians about meat offered to idols - in fact, the whole first letter - with quite different eyes'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
Mary Augusta Ward : David Grieve
'[letter from T.H. Huxley to Mrs Ward] You will think I have taken my time about thanking you for "David Grieve"; but a virtuous resolution to stick to a piece of work I have had on hand for a long time intefered with my finishing it before last night. The temptation was severe, and as I do not often stick to virtuous resolutions under these circumstances, I parade the fact. I think the account of the Parisian episode of David's life the strongest thing you have done yet. it is alive -every word of it - and without note or comment produces its ethical effect after the manner of that "gifted authoress", Dame Nature, who never moralizes'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Henry Huxley Print: Book
: [biblical criticism]
'[during a riddle game at Mrs Ward's home, Stocks] Lord Acton, who had that day devoured ten books of Biblical criticism that Mrs Ward had placed in his room, and would infinitely have preferred to go on talking about them, found himself confronted by the question: "Why is Lord Rothschild like a poker?".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: John Dalberg-Acton, 1st Baron Acton Print: Book
: [blue books of statistics]
'[Mrs Ward] regularly put herself to school to learn every detail of the system of sweated home work prevalent in the East End of London at that time; wading through piles of Blue-books.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
: [papers on Factory Law]
'[Mrs Ward writes to Mr Buxton about Sidney Webb's idea for a Factory Act for east London, and comments] I find the same thing foreshadowed in various other things on Factory Law I have been reading.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Unknown
Johannes Secundus : Liber Basiorum (Book of Kisses)
Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, 25 January - 8 February 1793: Charles Collins has been so busy with his Lent verses that I see little of him — he is my monitor be you his — I catch him frequently reading the Basia of Johannes Secundus — he pleads the elegance of the composition but that will not atone for the whole tenor of the work. He laughs at my admonitions...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Collins Print: Book
Virgil : Aeneid I
John Wilson Croker to Mr Justice Jackson, 4 December 1856: 'I am pretty sure that the first eclogue and the first book of the Aeneid were all of Virgil that I translated [while of school age]. Pope's Homer I had by heart. The old Lord Shannon had given me one when my father once took me (aet. 10) to Castle Martyr. I dare say I knew of no translation of Virgil, and, stimulated by the example of Mr. Pope, was resolved to fill up that chasm in English literature.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Virgil : Eclogues I
John Wilson Croker to Mr Justice Jackson, 4 December 1856: 'I am pretty sure that the first eclogue and the first book of the Aeneid were all of Virgil that I translated [while of school age]. Pope's Homer I had by heart. The old Lord Shannon had given me one when my father once took me (aet. 10) to Castle Martyr. I dare say I knew of no translation of Virgil, and, stimulated by the example of Mr. Pope, was resolved to fill up that chasm in English literature.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Alexander Pope : translations from Homer
John Wilson Croker to Mr Justice Jackson, 4 December 1856: 'I am pretty sure that the first eclogue and the first book of the Aeneid were all of Virgil that I translated [while of school age]. Pope's Homer I had by heart. The old Lord Shannon had given me one when my father once took me (aet. 10) to Castle Martyr. I dare say I knew of no translation of Virgil, and, stimulated by the example of Mr. Pope, was resolved to fill up that chasm in English literature.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Charles Long and Lord Mulgrave : letters to Lord Lonsdale
John Wilson Croker to his wife, 28 July 1850: 'After dinner I read some of the letters written by Charles Long and Lord Mulgrave to the late Lord Lonsdale about the time I came into political life, which of course amused me. Lord Mulgrave writes to Lord Lonsdale, in October, 1809, to say that he had written to offer the Secretary of the Admiralty "to Mr. Croker who was active, quick, and intelligent, and who might go off to Canning if he were not attended to." In this last point, at least, Lord Mulgrave was mistaken, for before the offer was made me, I had already answered Mr Canning that I could not take his view of the differences in the Cabinet.'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker
William Huskisson : 'The Question Concerning the Depreciation of our Currency Stated and Examined'
Spencer Perceval to John Wilson Croker, 11 November 1810: 'I thank you for the sight of H[uskisson]'s pamphlet. I have run through it, I cannot say [italics]read[end italics] it, for it requires much more [italics]reading[end italics] than I have had time yet to give it. It is in many parts very able -- in all very specious; in many, however, I presume to think very fallacious, and particularly unfair in keeping out of sight so much as it does the circumstance of interrupted commercial intercourse with the Continent, which in my opinion is sufficient, together with the causes which he mentions, to account for almost all these symptoms and phenomena which he ascribes solely to the supposed excess in our paper circulation [comments further].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Spencer Perceval
Napoleon Bonaparte : letter to the Prince Regent
John Wilson Croker to his wife, 20 July 1815: '[General] Becker showed us a copy of Buonaparte's letter to the Prince Regent, in which he says that driven out of home by internal factions and foreign enemies, he came, like Themistocles, to sit on the British hearth, and to claim the protection of our laws [...] In reading this, when I came to "[italics]Themistocle[end italics]" who certainly was the last person I expected to meet there, I could not help bursting out into a loud laugh, which astonished the French, who thought all beautiful, but "[italics]Themistocle[end italics]" sublime and pathetic. I called the whole letter a base flattery, and said Buonaparte should have died rather than have written such a one; the only proper answer would have been to have enclosed him a copy of one of his Moniteurs, in which he accused England of assassination and every other horror.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Manuscript: Unknown, Copied.
William Turner : New herball
'then I hard Mrs Brutnell Read of the Herball tell supper time'
Century: 1500-1599 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Brutnell Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Childe Harold III
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 18 September 1816: 'I have read with great pleasure the poem you lent me [Childe Harold III]. It is written with great vigour, and the descriptive part is peculiarly to my taste, for I am fond of realities, even to the extent of being fond of localities. A spot of ground a yard square, a rock, a hillock, on which some great achievement has been performed, or to which any recollections of interest attach, excite my feelings more than all the monuments of art [...] But I did not read with equal pleasure a note or two which reflects [sic] on the Bourbon family. What has a poet who writes for immortality, to do with the little temporary passions of political parties? [...] I wish you could persuade Lord Byron to leave out these two or three lines of prose, which will make thousands dissatisfied with his glorious poetry [comments further in defence of French royal family] [...] pray use your influence on this point. As to the poem itself, except a word or two suggested by Mr. Giffard, I do not think anything can be altered for the better.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker
George Gordon, Lord Byron :
John Wilson Croker to the Rev. George Croly, 28 November 1816: 'Though I have little time to read poetry,and notwithstanding all the charms of fashion, I read more of Pope and Dryden than I do of even Scott and Byron; that is to say, I do not return to Scott and Byron with the same regular appetite that I do to the others.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Walter Scott :
John Wilson Croker to the Rev. George Croly, 28 November 1816: 'Though I have little time to read poetry,and notwithstanding all the charms of fashion, I read more of Pope and Dryden than I do of even Scott and Byron; that is to say, I do not return to Scott and Byron with the same regular appetite that I do to the others.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
John Dryden :
John Wilson Croker to the Rev. George Croly, 28 November 1816: 'Though I have little time to read poetry,and notwithstanding all the charms of fashion, I read more of Pope and Dryden than I do of even Scott and Byron; that is to say, I do not return to Scott and Byron with the same regular appetite that I do to the others.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Alexander Pope :
John Wilson Croker to the Rev. George Croly, 28 November 1816: 'Though I have little time to read poetry,and notwithstanding all the charms of fashion, I read more of Pope and Dryden than I do of even Scott and Byron; that is to say, I do not return to Scott and Byron with the same regular appetite that I do to the others.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Jonathan Swift : works (including correspondence)
From John Wilson Croker's Journal of 1818: 'December 16th. -- Before dinner His Royal Highness told me he had been reading Walter Scott's edition of Swift, which, and particularly the correspondence, amused him; and above all he was surprised to find Dr. Sheridan's character to be so exactly that of poor Sheridan. He said he thought the best letters were Lord Bolingbroke's [...] I had shown H.R.H. in the morning, a copy of a letter written 40 years ago by Mrs. Delany (widow of the Dr. Swift's friend) giving an account of a visit of the Royal family to Bulstrode, in which H.R.H. was mentioned; he was pleased at this revival of early reflections, and assured me every word of the account was true.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: George Augustus Frederick Prince of Wales Print: Book
Mrs Delany : letter containing account of Royal visit
From John Wilson Croker's Journal of 1818: 'December 16th. -- Before dinner His Royal Highness told me he had been reading Walter Scott's edition of Swift, which, and particularly the correspondence, amused him; and above all he was surprised to find Dr. Sheridan's character to be so exactly that of poor Sheridan. He said he thought the best letters were Lord Bolingbroke's [...] I had shown H.R.H. in the morning, a copy of a letter written 40 years ago by Mrs. Delany (widow of the Dr. Swift's friend) giving an account of a visit of the Royal family to Bulstrode, in which H.R.H. was mentioned; he was pleased at this revival of early reflections, and assured me every word of the account was true.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: George Augustus Frederick Prince of Wales Manuscript: Letter, Copied.
: Blackwood's Magazine
John Wilson Croker to William Blackwood, 24 August 1819: 'I have received your last number [...] As a series of essays, critical and humorous, it is excellent; but in this part of the world we think there is too much criticism and humour for a magazine. In a work of this kind we expect curious facts and miscellaneous information [...] the personal and local pleasantry which is so abundant in your magazine, and which, I have no doubt, must be delightful in Edinburgh and Glasgow, is [italics]here[end italics] scarcely understood, and in Ireland I have some reason to know that it is a perfect puzzle.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Serial / periodical
George Gordon, Lord Byron : 'Letter to the Editor of My Grandmother's Review'
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 15 September 1819: 'Thank you for the perusal of the letter; it is not very good, but it will vex these old women of British critics, which is perhaps all the author intended. I told you from the first moment that I read "Don Juan," that your fears had exaggerated its danger. I say nothing about what might have been suppressed; but if you had published "Don Juan" without hesitation or asterisks, nobody would ever have thought worse of it than as a larger Beppo, gay and lively and a little loose. Some persons would have seen a strain of satire running beneath the gay surface, and might have been vexed or pleased according to their temper; but there would have been no outcry against the publisher or author.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Don Juan: cantos I-II
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 18 July 1819: 'I am agreeably disappointed by finding "Don Juan" very little offensive. It is by no means worse than "Childe Harold," which it resembles as comedy does tragedy. There is a prodigious power of versification in it, and a great deal of very good pleasantry. There is also some magnificent poetry, and the shipwreck, though too long, and in parts very disgusting, is on the whole finely described [...] on the score of morality, I confess it seems a more innocent production than "Childe Harold." What "Don Juan" may become by-and-bye I cannot foresee, but at present I had rather a son of mine were Don Juan than, I think, any other of Lord Byron's heroes. Heaven grant he may never resemble any of them.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Crabbe : Tales
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 18 July 1819: 'I had Crabbe's tales with me on shipboard, and they were a treasure. I never was so much taken with anything. The tales are in general so well conducted that, in prose, they would be interesting as mere stories; but to this are added such an admirable [italics]ease[end italics] and [italics]force[end italics] of diction, such good pleasantry, such high principles, such a strain of poetry, such a profundity of observation, and such a gaiety of illustration as I never before, I think, saw collected. He imagines his stories with the humour and truth of Chaucer, and tells them with the copious terseness of Dryden, and the tender and thoughtful simplicity of Cowper. There are sad exceptions here and there, which might easily be removed, but on the whole it is a delightful book.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
: Courier
John Wilson Croker to Robert Peel, 24 December 1821: 'I have seen in the Courier the accounts from the Irish papers of O'Connell's affair.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Newspaper
Horace Walpole : letters to Lord Hertford
Lord Liverpool to John Wilson Croker, 23 August 1824: 'I am very much obliged to you for the specimen which you have sent me of Horace Walpole's letters to Lord Hertford, which I return. I have been very much amused by it, but [...] I believe Horace Walpole to have been as bad a man as ever lived; I cannot call him a violent party man, he had not virtue enough to be so; he was the most sensuous and selfish of mortals [comments further].'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Banks Jenkinson, second Earl of Liverpool
Prior : Life of Burke
Lord Liverpool to John Wilson Croker, 23 August 1824: 'Who is Mr. Prior? I have read his "Life of Burke" with the greatest satisfaction [...] There are very few things in it which I should want to alter, and it is a most important addition to our literature.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Banks Jenkinson, second Earl of Liverpool
Rudyard Kipling :
'[At Mrs Ward's Passmore Edwards Settlement] One class, too, she kept as her very own - a weekly reading aloud for boys between eleven and fourteen, in the course of which she read them a great deal of Stevenson and Kipling'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
Camille Desmoulins : journal
From John Wilson Croker's Note Books, 24 October 1825: 'The first time I ever saw [Germaine de Stael] was at dinner at Lord Liverpool's in Combe Wood [...] During dinner she talked incessantly but admirably, but several of her apparently spontaneous mots were borrowed or prepared. For instance, speaking of the relative states of England and the Continent at that period, the high notion we had formed of the danger to the world from Buonaparte's despotism, and the high opinion the Continent had formed of the riches, strength and spirit of England; she insisted that these opinions were both just, and added with an elegant elan, "Les etrangers sont la posterite contemporaine." This expression I have since found in the journal of Camille Desmoulins.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker
Robert Louis Stevenson :
'[At Mrs Ward's Passmore Edwards Settlement] One class, too, she kept as her very own - a weekly reading aloud for boys between eleven and fourteen, in the course of which she read them a great deal of Stevenson and Kipling'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
: [Catholic literature]
'All through the winter of 1896-7 Mrs Ward was steeping herself in Catholic literature' [as research for her book "Helbeck of Bannisdale"].
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
: [Catholic literature]
'Many Catholic books, in which she browsed "with what thoughts", as Carlyle would say, followed her to Levens [a house she rented in Kent], giving her that grip of detail in matters of belief or ritual without which she could not have approached her subject [the novel "Helbeck of Bannisdale"], but which she had now learnt to absorb and re-fashion far more skilfully than in the days of "Robert Elsmere".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
: [Catholic literature]
'[letter from Mrs Ward to her father] One of the main impressions of this Catholic literature upon me is to make me perceive the enormous intellectual pre-eminence of Newman. Another impression - I know you will forgive me for saying quite frankly what I feel - has been to fill me with a perfect horror of asceticism, or rather of the austerities - or most of them - which are indispensable to the Catholic ideal of a saint. [she discusses this at length, concluding] Don't imagine, dearest, that I find myself in antagonism to all this literature. The truth in many respects is quite the other way. The deep personal piety of good Catholics, and the extent to which their religion enters into their lives, are extraordinarily attractive.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
: Civilta Cattolica
'[letter written by Mrs Ward from Italy] We read the "Tribuna" and the "Civilta Cattolica", which on opposite sides [of a controversy between Liberals and Clericals] breathe fire and flame'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Serial / periodical
: Tribuna
'[letter written by Mrs Ward from Italy] We read the "Tribuna" and the "Civilta Cattolica, which on opposite sides [of a controversy between Liberals and Clericals] breathe fire and flame'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Serial / periodical
François-René, vicomte de Chateaubriand :
'She had been reading much of Chateaubriand and Mme de Beaumont during the winter, and had felt her imagination kindled by the relationship between the two'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
Jeanne Marie Le Prince de Beaumont :
'She had been reading much of Chateaubriand and Mme de Beaumont during the winter, and had felt her imagination kindled by the relationship between the two'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
Alfred von Harnack :
'[letter from Mrs Ward to her husband describing an inept Cardinal's lack of knowledge about the crypt of St Peters, Rome] I said not a word - and came home and read Harnack!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
Adolf Julicher : An Introduction to the New Testament
'There was one German scholar with whom she had at any rate a lengthy correspondence - Dr Adolf Julicher, of Marburg, whose monumental work on the New Testament she presented one day in a moment of enthusiasm, to her younger daughter [the author] (aged seventeen), suggesting that she should translate it into English. The daughter dutifully obeyed, devoting the best part of three years to the task - only to find, when the work was all but finished, that the German professor had in the meantime brought out a new edition of his book, running to some 100 pages of additional matter. Dismay reigned at Stocks, but there was no help for it: the additional 100 pages had to be tackled. In the end Mrs Ward herself seized on the proofs and went all through them, pen in hand; little indeed was left of the daughter's unlucky sentences by the time the process was complete.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Janet Penrose Ward Print: Book
Adolf Julicher : An Introduction to the New Testament
'There was one German scholar with whom she had at any rate a lengthy correspondence - Dr Adolf Julicher, of Marburg, whose monumental work on the New Testament she presented one day in a moment of enthusiasm, to her younger daughter [the author] (aged seventeen), suggesting that she should translate it into English. The daughter dutifully obeyed, devoting the best part of three years to the task - only to find, when the work was all but finished, that the German professor had in the meantime brought out a new edition of his book, running to some 100 pages of additional matter. Dismay reigned at Stocks, but there was no help for it: the additional 100 pages had to be tackled. In the end Mrs Ward herself seized on the proofs and went all through them, pen in hand; little indeed was left of the daughter's unlucky sentences by the time the process was complete.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
Adolf Julicher : An Introduction to the New Testament
'There was one German scholar with whom she had at any rate a lengthy correspondence - Dr Adolf Julicher, of Marburg, whose monumental work on the New Testament she presented one day in a moment of enthusiasm, to her younger daughter [the author] (aged seventeen), suggesting that she should translate it into English. The daughter dutifully obeyed, devoting the best part of three years to the task - only to find, when the work was all but finished, that the German professor had in the meantime brought out a new edition of his book, running to some 100 pages of additional matter. Dismay reigned at Stocks, but there was no help for it: the additional 100 pages had to be tackled. In the end Mrs Ward herself seized on the proofs and went all through them, pen in hand; little indeed was left of the daughter's unlucky sentences by the time the process was complete.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Unknown, page proofs
Thomas Arnold : [private papers]
'[letter from Mrs Ward to Bishop Creighton, after her father's death] My father's was a rare and [italics] hidden [end italics] nature. Among his papers that have now come to me I have come across the most touching and remarkable things - things that are a revelation even to his children'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Manuscript: Unknown
George Meredith :
'How they [Mrs Ward and her brother William Arnold] would talk, sometimes, about the details of her craft, about Jane Austen, or Trollope or George Meredith! For this latter they both had a feeling akin to adoration, based on a knowledge not only of his novels but of his poems (then not a common accomplishment); and I remember W.T.A. once saying to me that he thought the jolliest line in English poetry was Gentle beasties through pushed a cold long nose'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
George Meredith : Richard Feverel
'[Letter from Mrs Ward to the Society of Authors when that body recommended Herbert Spencer not George Meredith for the Nobel Prize] If Mr Meredith had written nothing but the love scenes in "Richard Feverel"; "The Egoist"; and certain passages of description in "Vittoria" and "Beauchamp's Career", he would still stand at the head of English "dichtung" [the quality Mrs Ward thought the prize should reward] There is no critic now who can be ranged with him in position, and no poet. As a man of letters he is easily first; to compare Mr Spencer's power of clear statement with the play of imaginative genius in Meredith would be absurd - in the literary field'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
George Meredith : Egoist, The
'[Letter from Mrs Ward to the Society of Authors when that body recommended Herbert Spencer not George Meredith for the Nobel Prize] If Mr Meredith had written nothing but the love scenes in "Richard Feverel"; "The Egoist"; and certain passages of description in "Vittoria" and "Beauchamp's Career", he would still stand at the head of English "dichtung" [the quality Mrs Ward thought the prize should reward] There is no critic now who can be ranged with him in position, and no poet. As a man of letters he is easily first; to compare Mr Spencer's power of clear statement with the play of imaginative genius in Meredith would be absurd - in the literary field'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
George Meredith : Vittoria
'[Letter from Mrs Ward to the Society of Authors when that body recommended Herbert Spencer not George Meredith for the Nobel Prize] If Mr Meredith had written nothing but the love scenes in "Richard Feverel"; "The Egoist"; and certain passages of description in "Vittoria" and "Beauchamp's Career", he would still stand at the head of English "dichtung" [the quality Mrs Ward thought the prize should reward] There is no critic now who can be ranged with him in position, and no poet. As a man of letters he is easily first; to compare Mr Spencer's power of clear statement with the play of imaginative genius in Meredith would be absurd - in the literary field'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
George Meredith : Beauchamp's Career
'[Letter from Mrs Ward to the Society of Authors when that body recommended Herbert Spencer not George Meredith for the Nobel Prize] If Mr Meredith had written nothing but the love scenes in "Richard Feverel"; "The Egoist"; and certain passages of description in "Vittoria" and "Beauchamp's Career", he would still stand at the head of English "dichtung" [the quality Mrs Ward thought the prize should reward] There is no critic now who can be ranged with him in position, and no poet. As a man of letters he is easily first; to compare Mr Spencer's power of clear statement with the play of imaginative genius in Meredith would be absurd - in the literary field'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
Herbert Spencer :
'[Letter from Mrs Ward to the Society of Authors when that body recommended Herbert Spencer not George Meredith for the Nobel Prize] If Mr Meredith had written nothing but the love scenes in "Richard Feverel"; "The Egoist"; and certain passages of description in "Vittoria" and "Beauchamp's Career", he would still stand at the head of English "dichtung" [the quality Mrs Ward thought the prize should reward] There is no critic now who can be ranged with him in position, and no poet. As a man of letters he is easily first; to compare Mr Spencer's power of clear statement with the play of imaginative genius in Meredith would be absurd - in the literary field'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
: [newspaper interviews with herself]
'[in America] on the very few occasions when Mrs Ward did consent to be interviewed, she insisted on seeing the proof and entirely re-writing what had been put into her mouth'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Unknown, newspaper proofs
Julia Ward Howe : Reminiscences
'[in Boston Mrs Ward] met the fine old veteran, Mrs Julia Ward Howe, author of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic", who had lately brought out her memoirs. Mrs Ward had been somewhat wickedly amused by certain passages in the latter: "Imagine Mrs Ward Howe declaring in public that a poem of hers, which a critic had declared to be in 'pitiable hexameters' (English of course) was not 'in hexameters at all - it was in pentameters of my own make - I never followed any special school or rule!' - I have been gurgling over that in bed this morning".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
George Bancroft : History of the United States, from the Discovery of the American Continent.
'[letter from Mrs Ward] I have been reading Bancroft this morning, and shall read G.O.T. tonight. We [italics] were [end italics] fools! - but really, I rather agree with H.G. Wells that they make too much fuss about it! [separation from Britain]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
Emile Faguet : Dix-Huitieme Siecle: Études Littéraires
'[Mrs Ward's average day at Stocks began] at 5.30 a.m, with the reading of Greek, or writing of letters, or much reading, for the reading of many books was still her greatest solace and delight. "For reading, I have been deep in Emile Faguet's "Dix-huitieme siecle", she wrote to Mrs Creighton in August, 1908, "comparing some of the essays in it with Sainte-Beuve, the reactionary with the Liberal; reading Raleigh's Wordsworth, and Homer and Horace as usual. If I could only give three straight months to Greek now I should be able to read most things easily, but I never get time enough - and there are breaks when one forgets what one knew before". Greek literature meant more and more to her as the years went on, and though she could give so little time to it, the half-hour before breakfast which she devoted, with her husband, to Homer, or Euripides, or the "Agamemnon", became gradually more precious to her than any other fraction of the day'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta ward Print: Book
Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve :
'[Mrs Ward's average day at Stocks began] at 5.30 a.m, with the reading of Greek, or writing of letters, or much reading, for the reading of many books was still her greatest solace and delight. "For reading, I have been deep in Emile Faguet's "Dix-huitieme siecle", she wrote to Mrs Creighton in August, 1908, "comparing some of the essays in it with Sainte-Beuve, the reactionary with the Liberal; reading Raleigh's Wordsworth, and Homer and Horace as usual. If I could only give three straight months to Greek now I should be able to read most things easily, but I never get time enough - and there are breaks when one forgets what one knew before". Greek literature meant more and more to her as the years went on, and though she could give so little time to it, the half-hour before breakfast which she devoted, with her husband, to Homer, or Euripides, or the "Agamemnon", became gradually more precious to her than any other fraction of the day'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta ward Print: Book
Walter Raleigh : Wordsworth
'[Mrs Ward's average day at Stocks began] at 5.30 a.m, with the reading of Greek, or writing of letters, or much reading, for the reading of many books was still her greatest solace and delight. "For reading, I have been deep in Emile Faguet's "Dix-huitieme siecle", she wrote to Mrs Creighton in August, 1908, "comparing some of the essays in it with Sainte-Beuve, the reactionary with the Liberal; reading Raleigh's Wordsworth, and Homer and Horace as usual. If I could only give three straight months to Greek now I should be able to read most things easily, but I never get time enough - and there are breaks when one forgets what one knew before". Greek literature meant more and more to her as the years went on, and though she could give so little time to it, the half-hour before breakfast which she devoted, with her husband, to Homer, or Euripides, or the "Agamemnon", became gradually more precious to her than any other fraction of the day'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta ward Print: Book
Homer :
'[Mrs Ward's average day at Stocks began] at 5.30 a.m, with the reading of Greek, or writing of letters, or much reading, for the reading of many books was still her greatest solace and delight. "For reading, I have been deep in Emile Faguet's "Dix-huitieme siecle", she wrote to Mrs Creighton in August, 1908, "comparing some of the essays in it with Sainte-Beuve, the reactionary with the Liberal; reading Raleigh's Wordsworth, and Homer and Horace as usual. If I could only give three straight months to Greek now I should be able to read most things easily, but I never get time enough - and there are breaks when one forgets what one knew before". Greek literature meant more and more to her as the years went on, and though she could give so little time to it, the half-hour before breakfast which she devoted, with her husband, to Homer, or Euripides, or the "Agamemnon", became gradually more precious to her than any other fraction of the day'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta ward Print: Book
Horace :
'[Mrs Ward's average day at Stocks began] at 5.30 a.m, with the reading of Greek, or writing of letters, or much reading, for the reading of many books was still her greatest solace and delight. "For reading, I have been deep in Emile Faguet's "Dix-huitieme siecle", she wrote to Mrs Creighton in August, 1908, "comparing some of the essays in it with Sainte-Beuve, the reactionary with the Liberal; reading Raleigh's Wordsworth, and Homer and Horace as usual. If I could only give three straight months to Greek now I should be able to read most things easily, but I never get time enough - and there are breaks when one forgets what one knew before". Greek literature meant more and more to her as the years went on, and though she could give so little time to it, the half-hour before breakfast which she devoted, with her husband, to Homer, or Euripides, or the "Agamemnon", became gradually more precious to her than any other fraction of the day'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta ward Print: Book
Euripides :
'[Mrs Ward's average day at Stocks began] at 5.30 a.m, with the reading of Greek, or writing of letters, or much reading, for the reading of many books was still her greatest solace and delight. "For reading, I have been deep in Emile Faguet's "Dix-huitieme siecle", she wrote to Mrs Creighton in August, 1908, "comparing some of the essays in it with Sainte-Beuve, the reactionary with the Liberal; reading Raleigh's Wordsworth, and Homer and Horace as usual. If I could only give three straight months to Greek now I should be able to read most things easily, but I never get time enough - and there are breaks when one forgets what one knew before". Greek literature meant more and more to her as the years went on, and though she could give so little time to it, the half-hour before breakfast which she devoted, with her husband, to Homer, or Euripides, or the "Agamemnon", became gradually more precious to her than any other fraction of the day'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
Aeschylus : Agamemnon
'[Mrs Ward's average day at Stocks began] at 5.30 a.m, with the reading of Greek, or writing of letters, or much reading, for the reading of many books was still her greatest solace and delight. "For reading, I have been deep in Emile Faguet's "Dix-huitieme siecle", she wrote to Mrs Creighton in August, 1908, "comparing some of the essays in it with Sainte-Beuve, the reactionary with the Liberal; reading Raleigh's Wordsworth, and Homer and Horace as usual. If I could only give three straight months to Greek now I should be able to read most things easily, but I never get time enough - and there are breaks when one forgets what one knew before". Greek literature meant more and more to her as the years went on, and though she could give so little time to it, the half-hour before breakfast which she devoted, with her husband, to Homer, or Euripides, or the "Agamemnon", became gradually more precious to her than any other fraction of the day'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
Wlliam James :
'She was deep in the writings of Father Tyrrel, of Bergson and of William James during these years'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
George Tyrrell :
'She was deep in the writings of Father Tyrrel, of Bergson and of William James during these years'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
Henri Bergson :
'She was deep in the writings of Father Tyrrel, of Bergson and of William James during these years'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
William James :
'[Letter from Mrs Ward to her daughter Janet Trevelyan] It is good to be alive on spring days like this! I have been reading William James on this very point - the worth of being alive - and before that the Emmaus story and the appearance to the Maries'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
: bible
'[Letter from Mrs Ward to her daughter Janet Trevelyan] It is good to be alive on spring days like this! I have been reading William James on this very point - the worth of being alive - and before that the Emmaus story and the appearance to the Maries'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
Thomas Cartwright : A Replye to an Answere made of M. Doctor Whitegifte agaynst the Admonition to the Parliament
'after, tell night, I kept Companie with Mr Hoby who reed a whill of Cartwrights book to me'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hoby Print: Book
William Perkins : [unknown]
'and, after, Hard Mr Hoby read of perkins tell all most 5 a clock'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hoby Print: Book
Charles Baxter : letter
'This [i.e. letter] had been lying a long while. I must send it off in proof I didn’t quite forget you. I saw yours to the Baronick, and was surprised at one piece of intelligence therein. Mine are always married before I begin, which simplifies things.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter
Horace :
Sir Henry Ellis to John Wilson Croker, from the British Museum, 29 October 1829: 'I understand from Mr. Murray that you are engaged [as editor] upon a "Life of Dr. Johnson." [...] 'Mr. Cary, the Assistant Keeper of our Printed Books, tells me a very old edition (I think 1504) of "Horace," belonging to the Burney Collection, has a few notes in Dr. Johnson's hand.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
: report of death of Lord Exmouth
John Wilson Croker to Lord Hertford, 30 January 1833: 'Are you fond of a bit of superstition? One day last week, at A. Baring's, I told them at breakfast that I dreamt a tooth had dropped out, and that, of course, I should hear of the death of a friend. So we looked at the newspapers for a couple of days with some kind of interest, but no bad news came, and we were about to give up our superstition, when lo! two days after, I read an account of the death that very same night of my dear old friend Lord Exmouth, who with his dying breath sent me a most affectionate message.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Newspaper
Lord Brougham and others : 'The Reformed Ministry and the Reformed Parliament' (extracts)
Sir Robert Peel to John Wilson Croker, 29 September 1833: 'Strange as it may seem, I have not read nor have I seen the Ministerial pamphlet. I saw some extracts from it in the newspapers, which sated my appetite for such reading.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Robert Peel Print: Newspaper
:
John Wilson Croker to his wife, whilst in Oxford for the installation of the Duke of Wellington as Chancellor of the University, 12 June 1834: 'The dinner at Christ Church was very fine [...] we dined at five, and got away by daylight [...] The Master and his wife had dined at Brasenose, and did not come back till I had come to Ned [Edward Giffard]'s rat-hole, where I read till eleven o'clock, and then went to bed.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Unknown
John Wilson Croker : article on Robespierre
John Wilson Croker to Sir Robert Peel, 7 October 1835: 'I am glad you like Robespierre. It is only an essay, which you put me upon, and which I wrote at the seaside without a single book but the "Liste des Condamnes." When I came home I spent a couple of days in verifying, as far as I could, my recollections; but it is miserably short of what it ought to have been, and even of what it would have been, if I had written it at leisure and among my books.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Robert Peel Print: Serial / periodical
: Galignani['s Messenger?]
Sir W. Follett to John Wilson Croker, from Paris, 6 October 1840: 'We saw in Galignani yesterday that George Giffard [Follett's brother-in-law, and a ward of Croker's] had been wounded in this affair on the coast of Syria [...] I should hope, however, from the way it is mentioned in the paper, that his wound is not very serious.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir W. Follett Print: Newspaper
William Perkins : [unknown]
'gott Mr Hoby to Read some of perkines to me, and, after diner, I red as Longe as I Could my selfe'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hoby Print: Book
Mary Augusta Ward : England's Effort
'[Having asked Lord Rosebery for a Preface to her "England's Effort"] Knowing that he was never strong, she fully expected a refusal, but found instead that he had already done what she asked, being deeply moved by the proofs that she had sent him'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery Print: proofs
:
'Mrs Ward never allowed the springs of thought to grow dry for lack of reading. The one advantage that she gained from her short nights - for her hours of sleep were rarely more and often less than six - was that the long hours of wakefulness in the early morning gave her time for the reading of many books and of poetry'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Augusta Ward Print: Book
Mary Augusta Ward : Fields of Victory
'[letter from General Hastings Anderson to Janet Trevelyan] What strikes me most in your mother's book ["Fields of Victory"] is her marvellous insight into the way of thinking of the soldiers - I mean those who knew most of what was really happening - who were actually engaged in the great struggle. One would say the book was written by one who had played a prominent part in the War in France, and with knowledge of the thoughts of the high directing staffs'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Hastings Anderson Print: Book
[unknown] : [unknown]
'then Mr Hoby reed to me and an other gentlewoman Came to me, with whom I talked tell 5 a Clocke'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hoby Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford (Hueffer) : The Heart of the Country: A Survey of Modern Land
'And of all the men who write today it is only Hueffer who writes for love[...]. I took up the "H[eart]of [the]C[ountry]" which was lying there and opening it at hazard I showed sentences here and there asking whether they could have been written from any other conceivable motive.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Norman Douglas : The Island of Typhoeus
'Write your fiction in the tone of this very excellent article if you like. Place it in S. Italy if that will help.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
J. H. Jesse : (apparently) Selwyn and His Contemporaries
John Wilson Croker to J. H. Jesse, 5 December 1843: 'I am much obliged by your kind attention in sending me your Selwyn volumes: but to be candid with you, I can by no means approve of the publication of letters of so peculiarly a private, and in many instances, scandalous, character. I cannot, I honestly confess, understand what authority can exist for such a ripping up of private life. I am sorry also to observe some few considerable, and many small errors, in the notes. Some of them are probably typist errors, but some are not.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Edward Bulwer-Lytton : The New Timon
John Gibson Lockhart to John Wilson Croker, 6 August 1846: 'The "Modern Timon" is not, I think, by a [italics]poet[end italics], but it is the work of a clever man, and who understands the construction of lines and the rhythm, and in short, all that people can learn without inspiration. I should suspect the Timon to be by Bulwer or Disraeli, or possibly Dicky Milnes'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Gibson Lockhart Print: Book
anon : 'The Commercial Policy of Pitt and Peel'
John Wilson Croker to Lord Stanley, 4 [?14] June 1847: 'I have had communicated to me the pages of a pamphlet, which is in the press, and about to be published in defence of the policy, and still more of the fairness of and consistency of Sir R. Peel's conduct [...] 'When you come to see the pamphlet you will find on p.45, &c, your personal accordance with Sir Robert's free trade measures, and particularly your Canada Corn Bill produced in his behalf. 'The pamphlet is well-written, and in rather a conciliatory tone, and certainly looks like like a move towards re-uniting the party under Sir R. Peel; but there is no argument for, and indeed hardly any palliation of, the particular steps of his proceeding in 1845-6. It [italics]assumes[end italics] that the Irish famine has proved, and that the state of England by and by will further prove, that all he did was [italics]right[end italics], as the writer thinks that he has shown that it was all [italics]fair[end italics].'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker
: report of death of Lady Follett
Sir James Graham to John Wilson Croker, 18 September 1847: 'I have read in the newspapers with great regret, but without surprise, the report of the death of Lady Follett.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir James Graham Print: Newspaper
C. W. Vane, Marquess of Londonderry, editor : Correspondence, Dispatches, and other papers of Viscount Castlereagh, vols 1 and 2
Charles Arbuthnot to John Wilson Croker, 7 December 1848: 'That I had the greatest regard and affection for my departed friend Lord Castlereagh is most true. But I have not read his brother's memoirs of him, though I happened to see the first two volumes; but I did no more than just look at them.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Arbuthnot Print: Book
John Wilson Croker : article on Thomas Babington Macaulay's History of England
The Bishop of Exeter to John Wilson Croker, 13 April 1849: 'I was not satisfied with one reading of your article. 'The repetition has more than doubled my gratification, and my sense of the effectiveness of your chastisement. 'The great point of all is that you have decidedly fixed Mr. Macaulay's position in the literary republic. He is a great -- a very great -- historical novelist, and can never more be regarded in the severe character of an historian.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Bishop of Exeter Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Babington Macaulay : History of England, vols 1 and 2
John Gibson Lockhart to John Wilson Croker, 12 January 1849, on Macaulay's recently-published History of England: 'He has written some very brilliant essays [...] but he has written [italics]no history[end italics] [...] his bitter hatred of the Church of England all through is evident; it is, I think, the only very strong feeling in the book [...] 'Then his treatment of the Whig criminals Sidney and Russell, is very shabby [...] 'You will tell me by-and-bye what you think of this. I own that I read the book with breathless interest, in spite of occasional indignations, but I am now reading Grote's new volume of his "History of Greece," and, upon my word, I find the contrast of his calm, stately, tranquil narrative very soothing. In short, I doubt if Macaulay's book will go down as a standard addition to our [italics]historical[end italics] library, though it must always keep a high place among the specimens of English rhetoric.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Gibson Lockhart Print: Book
Grote : History of Greece
John Gibson Lockhart to John Wilson Croker, 12 January 1849, on Macaulay's recently-published History of England: 'He has written some very brilliant essays [...] but he has written [italics]no history[end italics] [...] his bitter hatred of the Church of England all through is evident; it is, I think, the only very strong feeling in the book [...] 'Then his treatment of the Whig criminals Sidney and Russell, is very shabby [...] 'You will tell me by-and-bye what you think of this. I own that I read the book with breathless interest, in spite of occasional indignations, but I am now reading Grote's new volume of his "History of Greece," and, upon my word, I find the contrast of his calm, stately, tranquil narrative very soothing. In short, I doubt if Macaulay's book will go down as a standard addition to our [italics]historical[end italics] library, though it must always keep a high place among the specimens of English rhetoric.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Gibson Lockhart Print: Book
Benjamin Disraeli : 'Buckinghamshire speeches'
John Wilson Croker to Lord Brougham, 22 February 1853: 'I fear that the Government of the country is likely to become from such a strange mixture of things [described earlier in letter, about Lord John Russell's leadership of House of Commons] at once odious and ridiculous [...] I despair, and have done so ever since I read Disraeli's Buckinghamshire speeches.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker
Charlotte Smith :
John Wilson Croker to Mr C. Phillips, 3 January 1854: 'As to my novel reading I confess that in my younger days I used to read them all from Charlotte Smith to Maria Edgeworth; Scott I have by heart; but I so far differ from you about Hook's that I date my later indifference to novels from my disappointment at his.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth :
John Wilson Croker to Mr C. Phillips, 3 January 1854: 'As to my novel reading I confess that in my younger days I used to read them all from Charlotte Smith to Maria Edgeworth; Scott I have by heart; but I so far differ from you about Hook's that I date my later indifference to novels from my disappointment at his.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Theodore Hook : Gilbert Gurney
John Wilson Croker to Mr C. Phillips, 3 January 1854: 'As to my novel reading I confess that in my younger days I used to read them all from Charlotte Smith to Maria Edgeworth; Scott I have by heart; but I so far differ from you about Hook's that I date my later indifference to novels from my disappointment at his. '"Gilbert Gurney" is something of an autobiography, as you say [...] the book might have been called a picture, for which our society furnished the principal sitters; yet I could not read it. I diligently tried to do so, but never accomplished a volume, and I have often debated in my own mind how I, who looked with admiration and wonder at Hook's power of oral amusement, should be so repelled by his novels [...] it led me at first to read no novel, that I might have a better excuse to my poor dear Hook for not reading his; and insensibly I lost the taste for them altogether, partly from mu mind's growing less impressionable, but partly, or perhaps chiefly, from a very matter-of-fact cause, that I happened never to have subscribed to a circulating library, and since I left office I have had, I know not how, less spare time than I had at the Admiralty in the height of the war. I was greatly struck with some early detached tales of Mr. Dickens, and some stray livraisons of his longer works, but I found I could not read them continuously'.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Charles Dickens : short fictions
John Wilson Croker to Mr C. Phillips, 3 January 1854: 'As to my novel reading I confess that in my younger days I used to read them all from Charlotte Smith to Maria Edgeworth; Scott I have by heart; but I so far differ from you about Hook's that I date my later indifference to novels from my disappointment at his. '"Gilbert Gurney" is something of an autobiography, as you say [...] the book might have been called a picture, for which our society furnished the principal sitters; yet I could not read it. I diligently tried to do so, but never accomplished a volume, and I have often debated in my own mind how I, who looked with admiration and wonder at Hook's power of oral amusement, should be so repelled by his novels [...] it led me at first to read no novel, that I might have a better excuse to my poor dear Hook for not reading his; and insensibly I lost the taste for them altogether, partly from mu mind's growing less impressionable, but partly, or perhaps chiefly, from a very matter-of-fact cause, that I happened never to have subscribed to a circulating library, and since I left office I have had, I know not how, less spare time than I had at the Admiralty in the height of the war. I was greatly struck with some early detached tales of Mr. Dickens, and some stray livraisons of his longer works, but I found I could not read them continuously'.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Unknown
Charles Dickens : novels
John Wilson Croker to Mr C. Phillips, 3 January 1854: 'As to my novel reading I confess that in my younger days I used to read them all from Charlotte Smith to Maria Edgeworth; Scott I have by heart; but I so far differ from you about Hook's that I date my later indifference to novels from my disappointment at his. '"Gilbert Gurney" is something of an autobiography, as you say [...] the book might have been called a picture, for which our society furnished the principal sitters; yet I could not read it. I diligently tried to do so, but never accomplished a volume, and I have often debated in my own mind how I, who looked with admiration and wonder at Hook's power of oral amusement, should be so repelled by his novels [...] it led me at first to read no novel, that I might have a better excuse to my poor dear Hook for not reading his; and insensibly I lost the taste for them altogether, partly from mu mind's growing less impressionable, but partly, or perhaps chiefly, from a very matter-of-fact cause, that I happened never to have subscribed to a circulating library, and since I left office I have had, I know not how, less spare time than I had at the Admiralty in the height of the war. I was greatly struck with some early detached tales of Mr. Dickens, and some stray livraisons of his longer works, but I found I could not read them continuously'.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Unknown
: article on Duke of Wellington
John Wilson Croker to John Murray jr, 14 February 1857: 'I have been so very ill as to have been unable until yesterday to look at the Raglan article in the last Quarterly [...] In reading it, however, I find a statement that the Duke of Wellington "had been often heard to say in after years that there were two or three periods of the battle of Waterloo when he thought it all over with us." I am very curious to know that reviewer's authority for this statement [discusses article further, referring to other accounts of battle and Welington] [...] 'I write with difficulty and in great pain, but I am anxious to record my evidence on this particular point which had from the first excited my surrpise and curiosity'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Serial / periodical
Signed as 'Q' : Review of 'German Romance' by Thomas Carlyle
'The German book is getting praise rather than censure: I was about sending Alick a copy of the last Examiner Newspaper, where it was rather sensibly criticised. The man praises me for this and that: but then, it seems, I am terribly to blame for condemning Voltaire and the Sceptics!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
: article on new method of iron production
'Lady Charlotte stopped a few days with friends near Winchester, and while there her husband read in The Times '"[...] of a wonderful discovery in the manufacture of iron, made by one Mr. Bessemer, who, by an application of cold blast to pig iron, converts it into material of the quality of wrought iron, without using any fuel, thus superseding puddling etc. Charley was quite excited about it, and read the account aloud to me before we set out on the afternoon walk."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Schreiber Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : [unknown]
'was so ill that I Could not goe to the publecke exercises, but Mr Hoby reed in the morninge to me and praied with me'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hoby Print: Book
H. G.(Herbert George) Wells : New Words for Old: A Plain Account of Modern Socialism
'Thanks ever so much for the book. One would want a long and warm talk about it.To set down the several trains of thought suggested by your pages would take many pieces of papers like this. I must resist the temptation.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford (Hueffer) : The Fifth Queen Crowned
'Thanks for the book. You know what I think of it in so far as I have been able to express it. I did not do it very well. There is a singular fascination about this last volume of the trilogy. I've been dropping into it ever since it came and I am as far as ever from discovering a particularly precise formula of my admiration.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
John Udall : [Sermons]
'after I Came home Mr Hoby rede to me a sarmon of Vdale'
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hoby Print: Book
John Galsworthy : A Commentary
'The book arrived by the first post.[...] [it] might be described as an appalling indictment of the middle classes--[...] But in the introspective silence that came over me after I closed the volume and sat through a solitary afternoon I felt that this may be the Conscience of the Age overheard by John Galsworthy in its uneasy whisperings [...].' Hence follow 18 lines of appreciative comment.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Stephen Reynolds : The Holy Mountain
'Send me Lane's exact address and I will forward him the MS of "[The Holy] Mountain". I've just finished re-reading the whole. My impression--which you know of--is generally strengthened. The book stands looking into very well, very well indeed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
John Galsworthy : Fraternity
'I found Jessie crazy with tooth ache which lasted all day, and transported--it's the only word for it--with admiration of the fifteen chapters, it appears, she has read before posting the MS to you. She cried "wonderful"--which she has never done for anthing of mine. But I am not jealous, since I share, I won't say her opinion, but her feeling. Without exaggeration it's no mean achievement for an imaginative work to produce such an effect on a person in bodily suffering and mental strain.' hence follow several more lines about Jessie's reaction to the work.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Jessie Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
John Galsworthy : Fraternity
'In H. James " Little Tour of France" (which I will send to Ada [Galsworthy] to take west with her for leisurely reading) there occurs a simple sentence which came forcibly to my mind. He had been looking at some picture in a provincial gallery--and he says: All this is painted in a manner to bring tears into one's eyes. I don't quote literally--(the book is downstairs where it is dark and I feel too fagged out doing nothing to move from my chair)--but that's just it! It [Galsworthy's MS] brings tears into one's eyes literally by the way its done. After finishing my reading I sat perfectly still I don't know for how long as a pilgrim may sit after a long and breathless ascent, on a commanding summit in view of the promised land.' Hence follow 23 lines of praise for the MS.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
Henry James : A Little Tour in France
'In H. James " Little Tour of France" (which I will send to Ada [Galsworthy] to take west with her for leisurely reading) there occurs a simple sentence which came forcibly to my mind. He had been looking at some picture in a provincial gallery--and he says: All this is painted in a manner to bring tears into one's eyes. I don't quote literally--(the book is downstairs where it is dark and I feel too fagged out doing nothing to move from my chair)--but that's just it!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford (Hueffer) : Mr. Apollo
' I have just finished the book ["Mr. Apollo"] which reached me this morning [...].It comes off magnificently.' Hence follow 14 lines of almost unqualified praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: BookManuscript: proofs
Anatole France : Vie de Jeanne d'Arc
'I am keeping the "Jeanne d'Arc" until you return to town, unless you want me to send it out west to you. Upon the whole I think it is disappointing. One asks oneself why on earth A[natole]F[rance] wanted to touch that subject at all, and if he had to touch why in that way precisely.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Egerton : [lectures]
'at Night went to priuatt praier, after Mr Hoby had reed vnto me some notes of Mr Egertons Lecturs'
UnknownCentury: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Hoby
John Galsworthy : Fraternity
'From one point of view I've nothing but admiration for the ending of "Shadows" ["Fraternity"].Its naturalness is appalling. Of course it can be attacked but its quality comes out in the fact that the objections fade away as soon as one tries to formulate them to oneself. I will not touch on the [a]ethestic value of these last pages.That cannot be questioned.' Hence follow four pages of constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
Leo Tolstoy : The Death of Ivan Illyich and other stories
'[...] the gratuitous atrocity of, say, "Ivan Illyitch"[sic] or the monstous stupidity of such a thing as "The Kreutzer Sonata" for instance; where an obvious degenerate not worth looking at twice, totally unfitted not only for married life but for any sort of life is presented as a sympathetic victim of some sort of sacred truth that is supposed to live within him.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Anatole France : Les Etrennes de Mlle. Doucine, and La Leçon bien apprise see also additional comments
'But "La leçon bien apprise" is really quite....And what is wrong with "Les Etrennes de Mlle. Doucine"? I don't like it most, but I think it most suitable owing to its humorous and sentimental characteristics. I recommend it strongly as perfectly fit for general reading and even seasonable [for the December issue of the "Review"]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
William Wordsworth :
'Readings from Wordsworth were then given by Mrs Smith, Mrs Rawlings, Mrs Edminson and Miss Wallis'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Constance Wallis Print: Book
[n/a] : [newspaper]
Witness statement in trial for theft: Joseph Bird: 'last Monday week, the 29th of December, about half-past nine o'clock in the morning, I was reading the newspaper'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Bird Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : The Times
Witness statement in trial for theft: Joseph Forster: 'I had heard of his loss, and seen an advertisement in the Times newspaper'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Forster Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
[n/a] : Morning Advertiser
Witness statement in trial for deception: Charles Baldwin: 'On Tuesday, the 6th of June, I read this advertisement in the newspaper, which I produce—("Situations:—So numerous are the applications from merchants 'and tradespeople for men of various ages to fill vacancies in their establishments, the Proprietors of this Office are induced, through means of this advertisement, to inform all those seeking employment, that situations, not only as abovementioned, but also in private families, for those possessing good characters, may be heard of daily by applying at the Agency Office, No. 65 1/2, Cannon-street, City.")—I had been some time out of employ—on Thursday, the 8th of June, I went to No. 65 1/2 Cannon street—I did not take the newspaper with me—I saw the Defendant there, and told him I bad seen an advertisement in the Morning Advertiser news paper, respecting situations, that I was to apply there about'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Baldwin Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
[n/a] : [newspaper]
Witness statement in trial for theft: Jonas Levy: 'I read in the newspaper that a man named Jones was taken up for stealing a ring, and I went to Bow-street to see him, a fortnight ago'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Jonas Levy Print: Newspaper
Stephen Reynolds : A Poor Man's House
'There are books one seems to have read before, and books one doesn't want to read, books that one reads with annoyance, pleasure, exasperation or wonder; but this, your "P[oor]M[an's] H[ouse" is a book for which one seems to have waited all the time [...]. I am not a critic. [...]. I will tell you instead what has happened. I walked into my room, came up to the table you know, took up your book and opened it at the first page of the text (not of the preface). When I came to myself with a queer sense of unutterable fatigue I was still standing and I had reached page 62--not glancing through mind you, but giving each phrase, each word, each image its full value as I went.' Hence follow 16 lines of unqualified praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
[n/a] : The Times
witness statement in trial for theft: Charles Blakeley Brown: 'On the 3rd of December, I read this advertisement in the "Times" newspaper—(looking at it)—in consequence of which I proceeded to the stables in Welbeck-street, and saw a stable boy—I then saw a man named Jem, who was dressed as a groom in mourning, all in black—I asked to look at the horse which was advertised in the "Times" of that morning, the bay gelding by Waterloo'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Blakeley Brown Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
E.[Edward] V. [Verrall] Lucas : Over Bemerton's: An Easy-going Chronicle
'I have tasted, sipped, and consumed the delectable nectar prepared surely with the milk of human kindness and spiced with your wit. [...]; This is delightful [...].' Hence follow 15 more lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
[n/a] : [newspaper]
witness statement in trial for theft: Samuel Birchfield: 'About eleven o'clock, on the 26th of February, I left my horse and chaise at the gate of St. Katharine's Dock—I left my blue cape in my chaise, and when I returned it was gone—I saw an account in the newspaper, by which I found it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Birchfield Print: Newspaper
Tadeusz Bobrowski : Pamietniki
'[...]the 2 vols of my uncle's memoirs which I have by me, to refresh my recollections and settle my ideas.' [while starting to write his own memoirs].
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
[n/a] : The Times
witness statement in trial for theft: James Dignum: 'I had heard something about the state of Lord Fitzgerald's health at that time—I had read in the "Times" newspaper of his lordship's state of health—I cannot say whether it was the day I read that account that Howse first called on me—I think he called on me before his lordship's death.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Dignum Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : [newspaper]
witness statement in trial for wounding: Thomas Waller: 'I was sitting reading the newspaper when the prisoner came in'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Waller Print: Newspaper
Norman Douglas : The Isle of Typhoeus
'I have the complete text of "The Isle" in my possession.[...]. The short passage [on Giovanni de Procida, 13th century Sicilian doctor and instigator of the Sicilian Vespers massacre] interested us very much.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
Anatole France : L'Ile des Pingouins
'Does the A[natole] F[rance] next book consist of the proofs you've let me see? And what on earth is one to write about it?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet, Proofs
Henry Woodd Nevinson : The New Spirit in India
'The India book is most interesting. Nevinson is a dear. What is happening now there only shows that nations as well as men may find themselves in a bitterly false position.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : A Fisher of Men
'Both Jessie and I are very much struck with "[A] Fisher of Men".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Charles Stansfield : [paper on Kingsley as religious leader]
'The programme of selections from and papers on Kingsley was then proceeded with, C.E. Stansfield reading a paper on Kingsley as a religious leader and F.J. Edminson on a visit to Warsley [?]. Readings were given by Mrs Stansfield, Mrs Goadby and A. Rawlings.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Henry James : The American
'They have arrived--the 6 of them; I have felt them all in turn and all at one time as it were, and to celebrate the event I have given myself a holiday for the morning,not to read any of them --I could not settle to that, but to commune with them all, and gloat over the promise of the prefaces. But of these last I have read one already, the preface to "The American",the first of your long novels I ever read--in '91.[...] I could not resist the temptation of reading the beautiful and touching last ten pages of the story. There is in them a perfection of tone which calmed me; and I sat for a long time with the closed volume in my hand going over the preface in my mind and thinking--that's how it began,that's how it was done!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Henry James : The American
'They have arrived--the 6 of them; I have felt them all in turn and all at one time as it were, and to celebrate the event I have given myself a holiday for the morning,not to read any of them --I could not settle to that, but to commune with them all, and gloat over the promise of the prefaces. But of these last I have read one already, the preface to "The American",the first of your long novels I ever read--in '91.[...] I could not resist the temptation of reading the beautiful and touching last ten pages of the story. There is in them a perfection of tone which calmed me; and I sat for a long time with the closed volume in my hand going over the preface in my mind and thinking--that's how it began,that's how it was done!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Charles Stansfield : [Paper on Life of Fitzgerald and Omar's Philosophy]
'The programme on the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayham [sic] was as follows. Reading of the poem by Mrs Edminson and Mrs Rawlings Paper on the life of the poet by Mrs Smith Song from Omar by Mr Goadby Paper on Fitzgerald's Life and Omar's Philosophy by C.E. Stansfield Notes on Legalliennes Rhubaiyat [sic] by A Rawlings.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
: Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
'The programme on the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayham [sic] was as follows. Reading of the poem by Mrs Edminson and Mrs Rawlings Paper on the life of the poet by Mrs Smith Song from Omar by Mr Goadby Paper on Fitzgerald's Life and Omar's Philosophy by C.E. Stansfield Notes on Legalliennes Rhubaiyat [sic] by A Rawlings.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Rudyard Kipling :
'The programme on Rudyard Kipling & his books was opened by the reading of a published paper on the author by H. M. Wallis, by the Chairman followed by an interesting discussion. Readings were then given by Mr Goadby, Mr Cass, Mr Stubington, Mr Stansfield & A Rawlings'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stubington Print: Book
H.M. Wallis : [paper on Kipling]
'The programme on Rudyard Kipling & his books was opened by the reading of a published paper on the author by H. M. Wallis, by the Chairman followed by an interesting discussion. Readings were then given by Mr Goadby, Mr Cass, Mr Stubington, Mr Stansfield & A Rawlings'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Unknown
Lewis Carroll [pseud.] : [the Mock Turtle's Story from] Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
'The following programme of readings from Lewis Carroll's works as arranged by the committee of arrangements was then started [?] upon. The Mad Tea Party by Mr A.L. Goadby The Hunting of the Snark " Mrs Cass The Mock Turtle's Story " Mr Stansfield The Jabberwock " Mrs Edminson The Explanation of the Jabberwock Etmyology " Mrs Goadby 41: from Sylvie and Bruno " Mrs [Miss?] Neild A poem " A Rawlings'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Lewis Carroll [pseud.] : [from] Hunting of the Snark: an Agony in Eight Fits
'The following programme of readings from Lewis Carroll's works as arranged by the committee of arrangements was then started [?] upon. The Mad Tea Party by Mr A.L. Goadby The Hunting of the Snark " Mrs Cass The Mock Turtle's Story " Mr Stansfield The Jabberwock " Mrs Edminson The Explanation of the Jabberwock Etmyology " Mrs Goadby 41: from Sylvie and Bruno " Mrs [Miss?] Neild A poem " A Rawlings'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Cass Print: Book
Robert Glasgow Brown : letter
'You are quite right, according to me, in being dissatisfied with my work; but not right at all in expressing your dissatisfaction as you did. I have never written rudely to you. Although hastily and curtly without doubt; and so you have no possible excuse for writing rudely to me. I shall give you the Feuilleton as far as I can without personal inconvenience. As for reading three volumes and writing an article in two days, I shall make an attempt this once without promising success; but I must ask you not to put me again in the same position […] As to the Whispering Gallery, it is only right to point out that one of your stories was in the "World" a month ago and in the "Queen" the week after.
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
Auguste Maquet : Les Feuilles Vertes
'Rondeau On reading a work by M. Auguste Maquet entitled Les Vertes Feuilles. See, "The Green Leaves", I leave them here uncut, − Drop them, recoiling, at the first debut − Lay down the book and with superb disdain, Smiling but sold, go on my way again Through life’s green vale, remarking simply “Zut!” Devoid of style, of fable and of smut, How, how, shall I portray its dullness? − Tut! See for yourself − see, whelmed in grief and pain, − See "The Green Leaves"! Thus one, sweet-toothed, yet of a tender gut, Who sees before him many peaches put In some tall cafe by the shores of Seine, Schools his bold heart to choose and to refrain: The ripe he eats with gluttonous ardour − but, See, the green leaves!'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
François Rabelais : [unknown]
'Although Mrs Craigie carried out her "duties" as a Roman Catholic, she took her religion lightly, and from her writings it was easy to read that she did not mind jests about the saints ... She told me that her conversion was entirely due to her reading Rabelais, which at the time I believed literally'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Pearl Mary Teresa Craigie Print: Book
John Galsworthy : Fraternity
'A fine book dearest boy ! I've read it several times. There's a breadth, an ease in it which gives one a quite new view of John Galsworthy.The humanity of it is infinitely deeper than "[A] Man of Property" or the "C[ountry]H[ouse]". Mr. Stone is an amazing creation, a memorable figure--and the whole a great performance.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
S.T. Coleridge : Osorio
Robert Southey to John May, 6 October 1797: 'Coleridge has so far compleated his tragedy that he has only the task of correcting it to perform. he passed thro Bath & read it to me. it is wonderfully fine — it must secure its own success, & my own opinion of it is so high that I should not be surprized were it again to make tragedy fashionable. you know Sheridan requested him to write it. his profits will be 5 or 600£.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Manuscript: Unknown
Stephen Reynolds : unknown
'All the same I've read your two short stories. Very good both. Very good indeed. But I am not going to think out a string of complimentary phrases for you. You are a big boy and know what "very good" means.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
William Shakespeare : Taming of the Shrew, The
'Mr Edminson then made some interesting remarks on the subject of Shakespeare's [??] and portraits as an introduction to readings & songs from the poet's works, the programme consisting of the folowing. Song. Sigh no more Ladies Mrs Cass Reading from Cymbeline A.F.H. Rawlings " from Hamlet Mrs Stansfield Paper on Hamlet C.L. Stansfield reading from Taming of Shrew Mr and Mrs Cass " " Much Ado Miss Neild " " Henry V Mr and Mrs Edminson song Who is Sylvia Mrs Cass'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Cass Print: Book
Wilhelm Stekel : Peculiarities of Behaviour
'I am reading "Peculiarities of Behaviour" by Wilhelm Stekel. It is curious how these psychoanalysts boil everything down to food urge or sex urge.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'I read the "Syonan Times" it says: "The era of equality for all in Greater Asia is at hand"'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
Walter Wilkinson : Puppets into Scotland
I am reading "Puppets into Scotland" by W. Wilkinson - it makes one very homesick'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
Walter Wilkinson : Puppets into Scotland
'I finish the "Puppets" book; it induced too great a longing for home and freedom and the end of this nightmare the world is plunged into - to appreciate it as I should have done'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
[unknown] : Prison Regulations
'I find a copy of the "Prison Regulations" for December 1938: European rations total over three pounds daily and Japanese 2lbs 10oz. I give this in to the Committee as evidence'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Unknown
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" says Java surrendered unconditionally on Monday [9 Mar]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" also gives a list of Nipponese taking positions as Advisers in various States of Malaya except Pahang'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : [sign]
'Notice over the bakery - "Wedding Cakes A Speciality"'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Graffito
[n/a] : The Changi Guardian
'A statement about the position as regards the exchange of internees is given by "The Changi Guardian" (the prisoners' bulletin): no steps have been taken yet and can only be initiated by the government concerned'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" reports there is no resistance in Northern Sumatra. In the newspaper, there is a remarkable similarity in the wording of the various official notices, eg. "Those who do not comply will be severely punished". Thus falls the British tyranny'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" reports that Eden, the Foreign Secretary, has spoken of the prisoners in Hong Kong and of their "wonderful treatment" by the Japanese. There is no mention of Singapore ... According to the "Syonan Times" our and the Allies' naval losses are astronomical and the Nipponese microscopic'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" says that 11 ships have been sunk off Colombo, Rangoon and the Indian coast; also the Queen Mary with 10,000 troops in the South Atlantic. The newspaper also warns the Asiatic population that the way to happiness etc. will be hard, but they must tread it for the sake of their children! The arrogant British then come in for more castigation'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : [marginalia in Dandelion Days]
'I get a library book, "Dandelion Days". Written on the back cover is an extraordinary message deated 15.1.42 at the General Hopsital, thus: "23.25 - what the hell has the night sister done to me? Injection refused but given some other awful stuff - made to feel like a drunk in five minutes - didn't ask for anything - or injection - God, she's a bitch. Evacuated from Penang and now a thorough defeatist - anti-everything. I feel stewed except the pain in my leg has not gone." Signature illegible.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Graffito
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times announces with a flourish the resumption of the delivery of letters.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" announces the resumption of the retail sale of sugar. And they are to re-open the schools soon'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" reports that 200 mixed British and Dutch refugees have been rounded up in Northern Sumatra. They had fled there.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" says the Nipponese have given Hong Kong internees money and cigarettes and they allow canteens where they can buy anything ... "The Syonan Times" has announced that, by order, the first Nipponese public holiday is to be April 29th, the Emperor's birthday'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" says the scorched earth policy in Malaya was a failure - the rubber and tin are still there!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" says the lack of food grown in Malaya is due to the deliberate policy of the British government, who thought of nothing but wealth for their merchant princes. And there are fewer motor accidents in Singapore now. This is due to the imposition of a 30mph limit and the superior driving of the Nipponese'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : The Changi Guardian
'"The Changi Guardian" says in the "Do You Know?" pages: "That each dawn is now broken by the patter of running feet - two enthusiasts, etc!" The editors must have been a long time waking up, as this is our 50th successive day running round the exercise yard in the morning'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" has a headline: "European War Decided in Two Months", but I cannot get near enough to see which way! As usual, the paper vanishes in the night. Some swine does it systematically.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'I take the chance of a leisurely read of "The Syonan Times" of May 18th. The headlines include: "Decline of the British Empire Inevitable" (how true!); and "Shaping of Future Destiny of World in Nipponese Hands".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'I inspect "The Syonan Times" from May 23rd to 28th: the usual unadulterated propaganda - in such mass and so blatant you would expect it to stultify itself completely. The highlight is: "Our treatment of the prisoners-of-war is such as to win the admiration of the world and the chivalry of our army is a by-word". Headlines include: "Day of Reckoning At Hand for Britain"; "Spectre of Revolution and Famine Stalks Through the Land"; "Britain and US Reduced to Third-Rate Naval Powers" (by the "smashing victory" in the Coral Sea)'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : Oxford Advanced Atlas
'I start making star charts and revising my geographical knowledge generally with the aid of a very good atlas - the Oxford Advanced - borrowed from Bayley'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" says very naively that the essay competition on Nipponese culture was very disappointing. There were only 45 entries: no first and second prizes will be awarded. The population of Syonan don't seem to have realised that Nipponese culture is the finest in the world, especially in science and engineering. This is proved by the fact that her inventions have been adopted all over the world.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
Anne Lindbergh : North to the Orient
'I read "North to the Orient" by Anne Lindbergh. I imagined they had flown over the top of the world! But actually it was via North Canada, Alaska, Kanchatka, and the Kurile Islands to Tokyo and Hunkow. The Nipponese were kindness itself. I don't think they met the Nipponese High Command.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times reports that Mrs Arbenz, wife of the Swiss Consul, has been killed in a motor accident. Joan knew the daughters well. "The Syonan Times" leader complains bitterly that the population of Syonan-To are just waiting. They don't learn Nippon-Go, they don't take off their coats and work'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'A notice in "The Syonan Times" asks the public to cooperate in measures for the suppression of mosquitoes'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" gives full details for an exchange of diplomats and others from the US, Canada and South America and the names of the ships involved'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
Axel Munthe : San Michele
'From Axel Munthe's "San Michele": "Imprisoned monkeys, so long as they are in company, live on the whole a supportable life. They are so busy finding out all that is going on inside and outside their cage, so full of intrigue and gossip, that they hardly have time to be unhappy".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
Malcolm Campbell : My Greatest Adventure
'I read "My Greatest Adventure" by Malcolm Campbell. While treasure hunting on the Cocos, he mentions as typical of the hardships they had to endure the fact that he had to eat a boiled egg without a spoon. This makes us laugh like drains.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
R.H. Bruce-Lockhart : Guns and Butter
'In "Guns and Butter" by Bruce-Lockhart (written October 1938), he says: "To anyone who knows the East, it was already clear that, whoever won the war between Japan and China, the white races have already lost it'. It is probably true in the long run, but, now that the East has seen, the time may be postponed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
[n/a] : The Changi Guardian
'"The Changi Guardian", in its cricket report, says: "Kitching fought the vigorous attack amid rising excitement and, when the final two came just before time, there was wild cheering".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
Richard Doddridge Blackmore : Lorna Doone
'I get "Lorna Doone". It is a good book so far.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" of August 7th says: "Grow more food. It is essential. It is to be planted on enemy-owned rubber plantations. The shortage is the result of bad administration by the British, but the Malayans must take their share of the blame, as there is responsibility both as government and governed." It sounds OK, but the soil won't respond.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" says there is to be a public holiday today for the half-anniversary of the New Birth of Malaya.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
Arnold Bennett : Accident
'I finish "Accident" by Arnold Bennett, write up my diary, and so to bed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
[unknown] : [notice]
'A notice appears on the board: "The Indian policemen on duty are Japanese subjects and you must obey them as you do the Japanese sentries. If internees do not bow to Indian policemen sentries, they will be severely punished". Bow-wow."
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching
[unknown] : [notice]
'The B-Block strip of grass between the high wall and the passage is now open. It is to be a haven of peace for readers and others. There is to be no talking. So there is a notice: "B-Sanctuary. Do not pluck the flowers or disturb the wildlife. You may sleep, but do not snore. Keep your B-trap shut. Silence is golden. Gather riches here".'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" says that, in spite of the "evil scorched-earth policy" of the British, the hydro-electric installations are now in working order, also 70% of the tin mines.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'A comparison with other internees culled from "The Syonan Times": Manila, S. Thomas University - 3,200 internees in 64 acres, Changi - 2,800 in less than 11 acres. In Hong Kong, they are in villas. In Peking, they are in their own houses.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : The Changi Guardian
'"The Changi Guardian" reports: "The Changi Cricket League, long expected, is now in being, thanks to the untiring energy of Mr Tom Kitching".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" informs us that one Nipponese is worth at least six white soldiers because he fights for ideals and love of country, but whites are materialistic and fight only under the influence of rum and drugs.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'According to "The Syonan Times", the Government of Malaya says that the Nipponese will educate the youth of Malaya properly. We only did it intellectually.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" says that M. Egle, the Red Cross representative, entertained to dinner by the Nipponese in Shanghi, said, "Your kindness (to the prisoners-of-war) has been just wonderful".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" says that the Raffles statue is being moved to a museum.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
[in this entry, lists extracts from "The Syonan Times" of 10 Sept]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" refers to the "miserable hordes of distressed humanity who were barely able to eke out an existence on the borderline of starvation in British times" and who are now on top of the world! ... You can get a lot from reading between the lines. Sometimes we wonder is this is done purposely by the pro-British on the newspaper staff.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'There is unconscious humour in "The Syonan Times". Two headlines state: "New Order Simplifies Chinese Funerals" and "Nipponese Culture - Why Does the West Fail to Understand It?".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" has the speech of welcome given by the Mayor to Nipponese internees who have arrived on the Tatuta Maru from India and Great Britain.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" says the evil influences of the British education system are to be swept away completely and replaced by an education in which the mainspring in faith is universal brotherhood.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" of September 17th contains an account by a Chinese nurse who, I think, must have been on Nora's ship'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" is running heavy propaganda for the people to learn Japanese. They say people evidently don't like it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" says the Tatuta Maru brought parcels for the prisoners of war "direct from their kith and kin"'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
Oliver Goldsmith : Vicar of Wakefield, The
'I finish reading "The Vicar of Wakefield". The world has changed more in the last 30 years than in the previous 150'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" reports that "owing to unavoidable circumstances, the Malayan-Chinese Goodwill Mission's visit to Japan is postponed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'There is not so much bombast in the latest "Syonan Times" report on the war: "Our nation remains determined ... to achieve ultimate victory".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
[Tom quotes the "Syonan Times" on] '"British Maltreatment of Nipponese Internees" and on how the local people "fail to appreciate the realities of freedom, happiness and prosperity they now enjoy!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" carries a report about Miss Estrop, a Eurasian from Kuala Lumpar.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : [unknown]
'A quotation from a book I am reading says: "The only way to waste time is not to enjoy it." How one realises that as an internee!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" leader says: "today, hundreds of thousands of people in Malaya are suffering severely from insufficient food, not because there is a shortage of food, but because they have no money".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'In "The Syonan Times" there is a very anti-British speech by S.C. Goho - the Indians are not supporting the Indian Independence League.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" has more about the wonderful conditions of prisoners-of-war and internees in Hong Kong and Shanghi, but nothing about us!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" reports that a week's holiday starts in Japan and elsewhere on December 5th at the end of a year's successful warfare.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" has an amusing erros in its leader today.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
Brian Kitching : [letter]
'I have Brian's letter. The opening words are: "Dear Mum and Dad, I hope you are all right". This fills me with gloom. It can only mean that they have heard nothing of Nora.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Letter
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'There is an article in "The Syonan Times" by Charles Nell about Malayan Shylocks.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
Seabridge : [letter]
'I see Seabridge's letter from South Africa; it is very interesting. There are details about many people who escaped and about the casualties. [quotes from letter]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Letter
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" gives it away: "The English who formerly lived like kings are now sighing in Changi Prison".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : The Changi Guardian
'And now for the best jest so far in Changi: the editors of "The Changi Guardian" suddenly have their cells turned inside out this morning. They are sent for. We all wonder what the offence is. It is in Saturday's [14th] "Changi Guardian": "Sad Demise of the Sabbath Paper" - "With mixed feelings, we announce that, owing to shortage of newsprint, publication of the 'Changi Chimes' ceased on Staurday last ... From all parts of the world we have received messages of sympathy and codolence and, from these, we append the following extracts: 'your ... little journal' ('The Feathered World'); 'The orginality of the contents never failed to surprise us' ('The Dredgemaster's Weekly')" ... The Japanese open the proceedings by asking how we got these papers into the camp. (They were looking for them, hence the ransacking of the cells.) And, after the most painstaking explanations, the editors are reluctantly released.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Jap Times and Advertiser
'"The Jap Times and Advertiser" held a slogan competition.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'A paragraph has been cut out of "The Syonan Times"; internees are not allowed to see it, but, with the usual efficiency, enough of the tops of the letters in the headline are left to enable one to read it: "Allied Airmen Bomb Civilians".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : wrapper
'I am amused by a purchase I make today: it is toilet paper and on the wrapper it says in large letters, obviously as a guarantee of excellence: "British Product. Made in Syonan-To".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: wrapper/ packaging
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" is again full of articles putting the blame for the war on the Allies'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'"The Syonan Times" advertises a movie in the Capitol, now disguised as Kyo-El-Gekizyo: "Love Finds Andy Hardy".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Times
'To quote "The Syonan Times", "All houses will hoist the Rising Sun Flag".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'Aha! The transformed newspaper is an accomplished fact. The issue of December 12th carries its new name of "Syonan Sinbun" (=newspaper) but this is number five. Where are one, two, three and four? There is not a scrap of news in it. It's full of banquets and mutual admiration society meetings of the Axis partners.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
Helen Ball : [letter]
'Helen Ball's letter from South Africa to James is like a breath of fresh spring air in this lousy gaol' [describes letter at length and copies extracts; Tom's son Brian under care of Helen]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Letter
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" publish a long interview given by the Bishop of Singapore a few days ago, which is entirely fictitious!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" headline on December 18th: "Tokyo Wins War of Radio Waves". The newspaper lauds the superiority of Japanese broadcasts over those of the Allies.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'A notice in "The Syonan Sinbun" again calls upon all owners of short-wave wireless sets to hand them over for conversion to medium wave only, "failing which punishment shall be meted out accordingly".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
R.J.H.S. : Diary
'I finish reading the 1942 diary of R.J.H.S. (another internee). It is an intensely personal document totally unlike mine, though we live under precisely similar conditions and environments.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Unknown
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'The newspaper reports that the so-clever Nipponese scientists are not only going to eradicate venereal disease, but also discover its causes.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" advertises a slogan competition for the anniversary of the fall of Singapore: "Slogans should clearly show the invulnerable position of Nippon for the successful consummation of a protracted war". Difficult, one thinks.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" reports that the museum authorities in Singapore are busy translating all the thousands of explanatory data from English to Nippon-go. English is to be done away with!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
E. C. Bentley : Trent's Last Case
'I go to the library; luckily there is no queue. I get "Trent's Last Case" - a grand book. I've read it at least three times in a previous existence.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" announces that there are 18 large mailbags in Tokyo with letters from Great Britain for war prisoners in the Southern Region - that's us.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" reports Tokyo as saying that "the maltreatment and petty annoyances to which Nipponese internees are subjected in Great Britain and the USA are in sharp contrast to the warm, sympathetic treatment extended by the Nipponese to enemy nationals and prisoners of war." Why put this sort of rubbish in the local paper, when the inhabitants know quite well how WE have been treated?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" reports that Yamashita, the conqueror of Malaya, has been promoted to General.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" for Tuesday and Wednesday surpasses itself.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" leader is quite amusing; it tells the people how changed things are for them compared with a year ago and adds in brackets "for the better" - in case there should be some misapprehension!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" reports that the Nipponese Government has decided not to consider Indians and the other peoples of the Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaya, Borneo and the Dutch East Indies as enemy nations any longer.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
Isabel Constance Clarke : Haworth Parsonage
'I am reading "Haworth Parsonage" by Isabel C. Clarke. I have never read a book on the Brontes before, although I have often passed Cowan Bridge, the notorious school, which caused the deaths of Maria and Elizabeth.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
Giovanni Pontano : Pontani Opera, 'Hendecasyllaborum, Liber Primus' xx
'Symonds has lent me Pontanus ... You can twig the argument; he is delicious.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
[n/a] : The Times
Witness statement in trial for murder: Charles Evans: 'I was in the room when the Coroner summed up the case to the Jury, and I afterwards read it in the Times' newspaper'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : [newspaper]
Witness statement in trial for theft: Henry Childs: 'Turner sat down, and fell asleep—Grimes sat near him, and seemed asleep too—Collins was on the other side of the shop, reading a newspaper—I was obliged to go up stairs for hot water'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Collins Print: Newspaper
Charles Stansfield : [paper on Shakespeare]
'Mr Edminson then made some interesting remarks on the subject of Shakespeare's [?? illegible] and portraits as an introduction to readings & songs from the poet's works, the programme consisting of the folowing. Song. Sigh no more Ladies Mrs Cass Reading from Cymbeline A.F.H. Rawlings " from Hamlet Mrs Stansfield Paper on Hamlet C.L. Stansfield reading from Taming of Shrew Mr and Mrs Cass " " Much Ado Miss Neild " " Henry V Mr and Mrs Edminson song Who is Sylvia Mrs Cass'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
William Shakespeare :
'Mr Edminson then made some interesting remarks on the subject of Shakespeare's [?? illegible] and portraits as an introduction to readings & songs from the poet's works, the programme consisting of the folowing. Song. Sigh no more Ladies Mrs Cass Reading from Cymbeline A.F.H. Rawlings " from Hamlet Mrs Stansfield Paper on Hamlet C.L. Stansfield reading from Taming of Shrew Mr and Mrs Cass " " Much Ado Miss Neild " " Henry V Mr and Mrs Edminson song Who is Sylvia Mrs Cass'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
[n/a] : The Times
Witness statement in trial for deception: William James Bedel: 'On Monday, 6th Nov. last, I saw this advertisement in the Times newspaper:—"A pair of brown geldings...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: William James Bedel Print: Advertisement, Newspaper
Charles Stansfield : [Paper delivered to XII Book Club]
'Mrs Goadby then sang a song which was followed by a paper by Mr Stansfield on "The Hasty"'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
[n/a] : [newspaper]
Witness statement in trial for theft: George Dawson: 'Campbell was in my house on that Saturday, from three to four o'clock—he read the newspaper—he said he had been to Smithfield, and bought a saddle, on the Friday'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Campbell Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : [newspaper]
Witness statement in trial for deception: Thomas Holmman: 'I afterwards saw an account in the newspaper of the prisoner's examination, in conesquence of which I went to the police-office'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Holmman Print: Newspaper
Charles Stansfield : [Paper on Ruskin's Economics]
'[Discussion of Ruskin] was followed by a reading by Mrs Ridges from "The Crown of Wild Olive". Mrs Stansfield read a paper on Ruskin's Economics principally with reference to "Unto this Last".' [the lengthy discussion that ensued is given in the MS]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
John Ruskin : Unto this Last
'[Discussion of Ruskin] was followed by a reading by Mrs Ridges from "The Crown of Wild Olive". Mrs Stansfield read a paper on Ruskin's Economics principally with reference to "Unto this Last".' [the lengthy discussion that ensued is given in the MS]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
[n/a] : [newspaper]
Witness statement in trial for theft: George Gordon Chitlock: 'both these bags were in the booking-office—the prisoner came to take his ticket some time after the prosecutor had left his bag—the prisoner put his bag on a form—he borrowed a newspaper; he read it till the bell rang—he then seized a bag and went off, leaving his own bag behind.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Game Print: Newspaper
Miss Goadby : 'Some Illustrations of Wm Morris's love of nature'
'The consideration of the Life & work of Wm Morris was opened by the reading of a short account of the Life by Mrs Goadby in which his many activities were passed in review. After some comments Mrs Edminson read the opening verses to the Earthly Paradise the idle singer of an empty day. Miss Goadby followed with an excellent paper entitled "Some Illustrations of Wm Morris's love of nature" which showed a wide knowledge and keen appreciation of the author's works both in prose & verse. After some appreciative remarks Mrs Ridges read a paper on Wm Morris & Socialism in which it was pointed out that the socialism was the direct & logical outcome of his artistic attitude. [this argument is summarised] Some discussion folowed & was hardly concluded at ten o clock when the Chairman called upon A. Rawlings for some remarks on the art of Wm Morris. In two or three minutes a very incomplete statement of Morris's methods & aims was made & a very pleasant evening was brought to a close'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Goadby Manuscript: Unknown
William Morris : [poetry and prose]
'The consideration of the Life & work of Wm Morris was opened by the reading of a short account of the Life by Mrs Goadby in which his many activities were passed in review. After some comments Mrs Edminson read the opening verses to the Earthly Paradise the idle singer of an empty day. Miss Goadby followed with an excellent paper entitled "Some Illustrations of Wm Morris's love of nature" which showed a wide knowledge and keen appreciation of the author's works both in prose & verse. After some appreciative remarks Mrs Ridges read a paper on Wm Morris & Socialism in which it was pointed out that the socialism was the direct & logical outcome of his artistic attitude. [this argument is summarised] Some discussion folowed & was hardly concluded at ten o clock when the Chairman called upon A. Rawlings for some remarks on the art of Wm Morris. In two or three minutes a very incomplete statement of Morris's methods & aims was made & a very pleasant evening was brought to a close'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Goadby Print: Book
Charles Stansfield : [paper on "Tennyson and his Books"]
'Mr Stansfield read an interesting paper on "Tennyson & his books" & in continuation of the subject readings were given by Mrs Reynolds, Mrs Edminson, Mr Cass & Mr Goadby. Mr Ridges also recited Sir Galahad and St Agnes Eve'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
William Makepeace Thackeray :
'Miss Goadby then read a paper entitled "A View of Thackeray from the Roundabout Papers" & readings from the same author were then given by F.J. Edminson, C.L. Stansfield, Miss Pollard, T.T. Cass & S.A. Reynolds'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
William Makepeace Thackeray :
'Miss Goadby then read a paper entitled "A View of Thackeray from the Roundabout Papers" & readings from the same author were then given by F.J. Edminson, C.L. Stansfield, Miss Pollard, T.T. Cass & S.A. Reynolds'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Print: Book
William Makepeace Thackeray :
'Miss Goadby then read a paper entitled "A View of Thackeray from the Roundabout Papers" & readings from the same author were then given by F.J. Edminson, C.L. Stansfield, Miss Pollard, T.T. Cass & S.A. Reynolds'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Pollard Print: Book
Miss Goadby : 'A View of Thackeray from the Roundabout Papers'
'Miss Goadby then read a paper entitled "A View of Thackeray from the Roundabout Papers" & readings from the same author were then given by F.J. Edminson, C.L. Stansfield, Miss Pollard, T.T. Cass & S.A. Reynolds'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Goadby Manuscript: Unknown
William Makepeace Thackeray : Some Roundabout Papers
'Miss Goadby then read a paper entitled "A View of Thackeray from the Roundabout Papers" & readings from the same author were then given by F.J. Edminson, C.L. Stansfield, Miss Pollard, T.T. Cass & S.A. Reynolds'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Goadby Print: Book
Miss Goadby : [Paper on Charles Lamb]
'The meeting at Ingleside on May 20th was of a very pleasant character, in that among other reasons it was devoted to the works of Charles Lamb. Papers were read by Miss Goadby and C.E. Stansfield and readings were given by Miss Pollard, Mrs Rawlings, Mrs Ridges and A Rawlings'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Goadby Manuscript: Unknown
Charles Stansfield : [Paper on Charles Lamb]
'The meeting at Ingleside on May 20th was of a very pleasant character, in that among other reasons it was devoted to the works of Charles Lamb. Papers were read by Miss Goadby and C.E. Stansfield and readings were given by Miss Pollard, Mrs Rawlings, Mrs Ridges and A Rawlings'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Charles Lamb :
'The meeting at Ingleside on May 20th was of a very pleasant character, in that among other reasons it was devoted to the works of Charles Lamb. Papers were read by Miss Goadby and C.E. Stansfield and readings were given by Miss Pollard, Mrs Rawlings, Mrs Ridges and A Rawlings'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Pollard Print: Book
Charles Lamb :
'The meeting at Ingleside on May 20th was of a very pleasant character, in that among other reasons it was devoted to the works of Charles Lamb. Papers were read by Miss Goadby and C.E. Stansfield and readings were given by Miss Pollard, Mrs Rawlings, Mrs Ridges and A Rawlings'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Charles Lamb :
'The meeting at Ingleside on May 20th was of a very pleasant character, in that among other reasons it was devoted to the works of Charles Lamb. Papers were read by Miss Goadby and C.E. Stansfield and readings were given by Miss Pollard, Mrs Rawlings, Mrs Ridges and A Rawlings'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Goadby Print: Book
Jane Austen :
'A paper was then read by Mrs Goadby on Jane Austen followed by readings from her novels by Mrs Ridges, C.E. Stansfield, S.A. Reynolds & a duologue by Mrs Edminson & Mr Goadby'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Jane Austen :
'A paper was then read by Mrs Goadby on Jane Austen followed by readings from her novels by Mrs Ridges, C.E. Stansfield, S.A. Reynolds & a duologue by Mrs Edminson & Mr Goadby'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Print: Book
Norman Douglas : Siren Land
His [Norman Douglas's] intention is to offer his MS [" Siren Land"] to Mr Methuen. It is jolly good--a distinguished and interesting pice of work.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Stephen Reynolds : The Holy Mountain
'So I will only tell you that the 1st instalment of the novel [ "The Holy Mountain"] is brilliantly effective.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
J. (James) G. Gibbons Huneker : Egoists: A Book of Supermen
'I am extremely gratified by the arrival of your book of Supermen. [...] your pages can give nothing but pleasure to a man who loves "la littérature critique" (not literary criticism). According to my habit when a fascinating book comes in my way (a sort of angel's visit) I've read it at once,wilfully and of malice prepense, neglecting my daily task to entertain the rare visitor.' Hence follow eight lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edward Garnett : The Feud
'Thanks for the play ["The Feud"] which reached me today and as you may imagine was read at once.' Hence follow a page of praise, including a comparison with the middle plays of Ibsen, and some rather subjective criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: playscript
Reginald Perceval Gibbon : Afrikander Memories
'I wrote yesterday to P[erceval] G[ibbon] about his Afrikander memories. I didn't quite tell him how good they are for fear he should think I was gushing. But really, in that short production, look at the poetic vision, the existence of simple language, the breadth and force of the effects.' Hence follow 15 lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'The newspaper praises it [loaf made of maize flour and rice]: "Bread reappears in Syonan. The doctors are enthusiastic about it; it is more palatable and equally nourishing" (compared with that of the effete and non-prosperous days of British rule!)'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : postcard
'Forbes has three postcards; one marked "Try Singapore, then Batavia". This shows there must be internees in Batavia and gives me some hope that Nora may be there, although I don't think much of the chance.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: postcard
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'Very neatly put is this from "The Syonan Sinbun": "With the return of warm weather, the submarine threat has become a burning question."'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : [letters]
'I receive two letters - one (undated) from Nellie [Tom's eldest sister] in Australia and the other from Amy Hallom in Lancaster, dated 19.7.1942. Both think Nora is here with me. [summarises content of letters]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Letter
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'There is an appeal in "The Syonan Sinbun" to stop the black-marketeering in drugs. Quinine is available at five cents per tablet - "a price well within reach of the poor". In the bad old days of British rule, the said poor got it for nothing.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : [letter]
'There is a letter from Joan, Barn Close, Milford, Godalming. It is dated 14.7.42 and addressed to both of us, of course. It is an excellent letter, with the limitations of censorship considered: "I am well and truly started on my career at last and enjoying it hugely".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Letter
M Arlen : Jesting Pilate
'I see a quotation in "Jesting Pilate" by M. Arlen who just passed through Japan. He says: "It is as though there was some inherent vice in Japanese art which made the genuine seem false and the expensive shoddy".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
[unknown] : Wonderful Britain
'I am reading volume four of "Wonderful Britain". It is attractively illustrated, particularly to an interned exile. What attracts me specifically, apart from the pictures, are articles on things to see around London, Manchester and Sheffield - Wansdyke and Offa's dyke, the magic of the fens.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" says: 'What were considered ridiculous prices a few months after the fall of Singapore are as nothing, compared to the prices obtaining today." What a confession! And we are told there is no inflation.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
: [letter]
'A few letters are released today. I get my fifth and last - it is from Amy addressed to Nora at 24, Mount Rosie Road and dated July 19th. It contains no new news.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: NewspaperManuscript: Letter
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" reports a speech made by Colonel Okabo to a meeting of Mohammedan delegates. He tells them to warn the population against the lying and malicious propaganda of the British and Americans about retaking this part of the world.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
: [letter]
'I receive another letter from Joan, dated June 30th. She had just started the massage course for which the fee was 142 guineas. And she hoped that, when the course was finished, we would have no objection to her marrying John M!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Letter
Margaret Mitchell : Gone with the wind
'I finish reading "Gone With the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell - A most remarkable book. I enjoyed it very much, but what a little bitch Scarlet O'Hara is! Vic's invariable comment is: "What a wonderful book for a WOMAN to have written!"'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
: [letter]
'I get my letter; it is from Pip [Tom's sister, Phyllis] and is dated June 21st, 1942. She says Colin looks absolutely splendid and is fighting fit; he is proud of us. And Joan is well too. [war news]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Letter
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'The Saturday newspaper has part of a column cut out. As there is no war news from Europe elsewhere, you can put omission and exclusion together and make Tunis.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[unknown] : Walking in the Grampians
'I finish reading "Walking in the Grampians". If Nora's alive, I swear we will do some of them WHEN this bloody war is over.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'Both Tuesday and Wednesday editions of "The Syonan Sinbun" have bits cut out - one-and-a-half columns then one column.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'There is more censorship of the newspaper. It is cut about all over the place.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'I discover a new Nipponese word in a newspaper report: "Three of our planes committed jibaku" ie. deliberately dived into objectives'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'An article in "The Syonan Sinbun" headed "Red Cross Says Syonan Prisoners Well-Treated" reports that the International Red Cross representative in Tokyo has told Geneva: "The representative of the International Red Cross in Syonan is satisfactorily carrying on HIS ASSIGNED DUTIES" - which is quite true, but they do not include an inspection report!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" announces that Nipponese is to be the future lingua franca of Malaya, but do not be perturbed - English will be permitted as a medium of expression for some time yet. How magnaminous is this.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"Nippon knows no class or racial distinctions which were so hateful under the British", says a leader in "The Syonan Sinbun". Yet a railway notice in the paper says, "Owing to current exigencies, first-class tickets will only be issued to certain specified people". Well, well! We never descended to that.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun", under the heading "No Room for Criminals", reports on the new regime's effective campaign against crime.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" says the Axis have won the first round in Sicily, but doesn't explain how they let the Allies get there.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" reports a spokesman of the Nipponese Army Board of Information as saying Britain has sent warships to the Indian Ocean from the Mediterranean. This is good news, as it means that we can spare them.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" says a cable from Lisbon on July 22nd reported the arrival in London of 20,000 postcards and letters from the Pacific Theatre. I hope ours are amongst them.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
A.J. Evans : The escaping club
'I finish reading "The Escaping Club" by A.J. Evans; it is very interesting, but what a contrast to our lot and treatment. He got so many food parcels from home, plus what he could buy (his pay from the Germans was 100 marks a month), that he never touched the German rations. And when they got dried fish they threw it away.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
[n/a] : Pow-Wow
'A young hopeful from the Women's camp, aged five, asked what he was going to do when he grew up, said, "Go over to the Men's Camp". Comment of "Pow-Wow", the ladies periodical is: "WE can't even look forward to that."'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Serial / periodical
[n/a] : Syonan Sinbun
'"The Syonan Sinbun" says goods supplied by the Nipponese will be distributed today; the goods include crockery, glassware, earthenware, vases, beer mugs, cutlery, buckets, needles, lunch boxes, toys, stationery and trays.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Newspaper
[n/a] : Government Blue Books
'I am reading with intense interest the government blue book of documents prior to the outbreak of war on September 3rd, 1939 - four years ago. And the most pessimistic prognostications as to the world scope of the war and the wholesale destruction have been fulfilled. But it is strongly heartening to read this book.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
John Galsworthy : unspecified poem
'I like immensely your verse in the last E[nglish R[eview]. The second piece for choice but as a matter of fact I like best the one I am reading at the time.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
R.(Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Faith
'Its really good of you to have sent "Faith". Your magic never grows less; each of your prefaces is a gem and my enthusiasm is roused always to the highest pitch by your amazing prose. I have already read (the book arrived but two hours ago) "The Idealist" and "The Saint". Admirable in concepton and feeling are these two sketches.[...] This afternoon I shall sit down with the book and forget my miseries in the delight of your art so strong and human.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
: [letter]
'AT LAST! A letter from Brenda [Tom's sister] dated July 27th, 1942, with some news of Nora: 'I expect Joan has told you of the letter she had from Mrs Noble giving an account of Nora's adventures - it upsets us very much ...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Letter
: [letter]
'There is a letter to both of us from Joan dated July 28th, 1942. She is enjoying her work "hugely".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Letter
: [letter]
'I receive another letter from Joan, dated October 13th, 1942, and numbered two. She is full of enthusiasm for her work...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Letter
: [letter]
'I receive two letters from Brenda. One dated July 22nd, 1942, says she was just moving to London and was going to do all she could for Colin and Joan.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Letter
: [advertisement]
'An advertisement for the Japanese film of the fall of Singapore, "On to Singapore" announces "Syonan - City of Peace, Plenty and Prosperity".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Advertisement
: [letter]
'I receive a letter from Brenda, dated September 18th, 1942. She writes: "We are hoping it won't be long now before we have news of your safety"'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Letter
: [letter]
'A note from Nic says that, if I send a coconut weekly, she will send sago pudding - very nice of her.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Letter
A Berkeley : The Silk Stocking Murders
'With nothing else to do, the library queue has grown beyond all bounds. It took me an hour yesterday to get "The Silk Stocking Murders" by A. Berkeley - quite a good detective yarn.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
F Yeats Brown : Golden Horn
'I read "Golden Horn" by F. Yeats Brown. He was a prisoner in Turkish hands for two-and-a-half years. As in all these prisoners biographies, they had much more latitude compared with us: they had money, luxuries (eg. drinks and good smokes), individual purchases of food and other commodities, opportunities of escape, and a reasonable rapport with their captors.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
: [letters]
'All the letters have been distributed; they have been here only two months. I get my six, two-and-a-half from Joan, two-and-a-half from Brenda and one from Pip, with dates from 2.11.42 to 29.1.43. A "Post Early for Christmas" postmark on a letter of 1.12.42 strinkes and ironic note when I receive it on 23.12.43! The gist of the news in the letters is: there is no news of Nora or me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Manuscript: Letter
Agatha Christie : Peril at End House
'I read "Peril at End House" by Agatha Christie; it is excellent.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
Ella Maillart : Forbidden Journey
'Reading "Forbidden Journey" written by Ella Maillart in 1936, I am interest in her remarks about our friend, the enemy: "Once again, I saw the military supreme, not only over civilians of their own country who often have different ideas, but also over the natives who are full of hatred for their brutal masters..."'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Kitching Print: Book
George Grote : A History of Greece (vols 1 and 2)
The Bishop of St David's to George Grote, 21 June 1847: 'My expectations, though they had been raised very high, were more than fulfilled by your first two volumes; and in its progress the work appears to me to have been continually rising, not perhaps in merit, but in value.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Bishop of St David's Print: Book
George Grote : A History of Greece (vols 3 and 4)
The Bishop of St David's to George Grote, 21 June 1847: 'My expectations, though they had been raised very high, were more than fulfilled by your first two volumes; and in its progress the work appears to me to have been continually rising, not perhaps in merit, but in value.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Bishop of St David's Print: Book
George Grote : A History of Greece (vols 5 and 6)
John Stuart Mill to George Grote, January 1849: 'I have just finished reading the two volumes with the greatest pleasure and admiration. 'The fifth volume seems to be all that we had a right to expect, and the sixth is splendid! [...] Every great result which you have attempted to deduce seems to me most thoroughly made out.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Stuart Mill Print: Book
Hugh MacDiarmid [pseud.] : Red Scotland
'About 3.30, C.M.G. came striding in, resplendent in full Highland rig-out ... He had a number of MSS with him and read part of his "Red Scotland", which sounded quite convincing. As he read, he supported himself at an angle over my table, the angle increased with the reading until he was literally dropping cigarette ash and dialectical materialism all about me. I thought it might relieve the congestion if he removed his plaid - but discovered that it was part of the regalia.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Christopher Murray Grieve Manuscript: Unknown
: The Times
The elderly Charles Austin to Harriet Grote (October 1861): 'The world is very full of noise just now. Here, however, in the depth of the country, the echoes are faint, and I am compelled to draw, as well as I can, conclusions from the "Times."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Austin Print: Newspaper
George Grote : A History of Greece (vols 1-5)
'Sir William Gomm served for some time in India, and indeed had been commander of the forces there. Being at Simla, he occupied himself with the study of Grote's "History of Greece," having got hold of the first five volumes. He was so absorbed in the book, that he made copious notes upon portions of it; which I have since had the privilege of reading, and Mr. Grote also looked through them. The observations and comments indicate an attentive following of the author's text, especially in connection with the military incidents, on which Sir W.'s remarks are pertinent and even instructive.'
Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Gomm Print: Book
:
Lady Harriet Cavendish to her sister, Lady Georgiana Morpeth (January 1803): 'I am now going for 2 or 3 hours to experience that most delightful of pleasures; solitude in Devonshire House, for Miss Trimmer and Hart [Lady Harriet's brother William], the only inhabitants, are now occupied, the one in reading to George Ridgeway [a footman who became the Duke[of Devonshire]'s steward] in an audible voice, and the other in writing a love letter with much difficulty and consideration to Miss Berry.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Selina Trimmer Print: Unknown
anon : Review of 'German Romance'
'This day I was in the Advocates Library seeking German Books, and I found (directed by Dr Irving) the first Article in the Monthly Review devoted to our "German Romance". The man is little better than an ass; but a well-disposed one; and never dreams that his ears are long. He calls me point-blank by the name of the city Carlisle, without apology or introduction...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
John Galsworthy : The Eldest Son
'This ["The Eldest Son"] is extremely fine [...]. At the end of each act I got up and walked for a while in a sort of exultation over the sheer art of the thing.' After approximately 25 lines of praise and constructive criticism, Conrad adds '[...]I am writing after a second reading.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Carl Murrell Marris :
'You know Marris--the man of the East who wrote the letter I read to you? Well he is going back to his Malay princess wife and his kid, right away. I have asked him to come on Monday here for the day.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Letter
Stephen Reynolds : The Holy Mountain
'I am [...] reading and dipping into and re-dipping into your blue volume ["The Holy Mountain"]. Fact is I've just banged it down this minute--and I shan't look at it now for some weeks.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : Some Platitudes Concerning Drama
'Your paper on the drama has pleased me so much in the form and has appealed strongly to my convictions which it clarifies and expresses.I read it the evening you left [...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
St Augustine : Confessions
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Pentonville and Wandsworth Prisons, June - November 1895: St Augustine, "Confessions" and "De Civitate Dei"; Pascal, "Pensees" and "Provincial Letters"; Walter Pater, "Studies in the History of the Renaissance"; T. Mommsen, "The History of Rome" (5 vols); Cardinal Newman, "The Grammar of Ascent", "Apologia Pro Vita Sua", "Two Essays on Miracles" and "The Idea of a University".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
St Augustine : De Civitate Dei [The City of God]
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Pentonville and Wandsworth Prisons, June - November 1895: St Augustine, "Confessions" and "De Civitate Dei"; Pascal, "Pensees" and "Provincial Letters"; Walter Pater, "Studies in the History of the Renaissance"; T. Mommsen, "The History of Rome" (5 vols); Cardinal Newman, "The Grammar of Ascent", "Apologia Pro Vita Sua", "Two Essays on Miracles" and "The Idea of a University".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Blaise Pascal : Pensees
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Pentonville and Wandsworth Prisons, June - November 1895: St Augustine, "Confessions" and "De Civitate Dei"; Pascal, "Pensees" and "Provincial Letters"; Walter Pater, "Studies in the History of the Renaissance"; T. Mommsen, "The History of Rome" (5 vols); Cardinal Newman, "The Grammar of Ascent", "Apologia Pro Vita Sua", "Two Essays on Miracles" and "The Idea of a University".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Blaise Pascal : Provincial Letters
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Pentonville and Wandsworth Prisons, June - November 1895: St Augustine, "Confessions" and "De Civitate Dei"; Pascal, "Pensees" and "Provincial Letters"; Walter Pater, "Studies in the History of the Renaissance"; T. Mommsen, "The History of Rome" (5 vols); Cardinal Newman, "The Grammar of Ascent", "Apologia Pro Vita Sua", "Two Essays on Miracles" and "The Idea of a University".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Walter Pater : Studies in the History of the Renaissance
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Pentonville and Wandsworth Prisons, June - November 1895: St Augustine, "Confessions" and "De Civitate Dei"; Pascal, "Pensees" and "Provincial Letters"; Walter Pater, "Studies in the History of the Renaissance"; T. Mommsen, "The History of Rome" (5 vols); Cardinal Newman, "The Grammar of Ascent", "Apologia Pro Vita Sua", "Two Essays on Miracles" and "The Idea of a University".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
T Mommsen : History of Rome
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Pentonville and Wandsworth Prisons, June - November 1895: St Augustine, "Confessions" and "De Civitate Dei"; Pascal, "Pensees" and "Provincial Letters"; Walter Pater, "Studies in the History of the Renaissance"; T. Mommsen, "The History of Rome" (5 vols); Cardinal Newman, "The Grammar of Ascent", "Apologia Pro Vita Sua", "Two Essays on Miracles" and "The Idea of a University".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
John Henry Newman : The Grammar of Ascent
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Pentonville and Wandsworth Prisons, June - November 1895: St Augustine, "Confessions" and "De Civitate Dei"; Pascal, "Pensees" and "Provincial Letters"; Walter Pater, "Studies in the History of the Renaissance"; T. Mommsen, "The History of Rome" (5 vols); Cardinal Newman, "The Grammar of Ascent", "Apologia Pro Vita Sua", "Two Essays on Miracles" and "The Idea of a University".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
John Henry Newman : Apologia Pro Vita Sua
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Pentonville and Wandsworth Prisons, June - November 1895: St Augustine, "Confessions" and "De Civitate Dei"; Pascal, "Pensees" and "Provincial Letters"; Walter Pater, "Studies in the History of the Renaissance"; T. Mommsen, "The History of Rome" (5 vols); Cardinal Newman, "The Grammar of Ascent", "Apologia Pro Vita Sua", "Two Essays on Miracles" and "The Idea of a University".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
John Henry Newman : Two Essays on Miracles
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Pentonville and Wandsworth Prisons, June - November 1895: St Augustine, "Confessions" and "De Civitate Dei"; Pascal, "Pensees" and "Provincial Letters"; Walter Pater, "Studies in the History of the Renaissance"; T. Mommsen, "The History of Rome" (5 vols); Cardinal Newman, "The Grammar of Ascent", "Apologia Pro Vita Sua", "Two Essays on Miracles" and "The Idea of a University".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
John Henry Newman : The Idea of a University
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Pentonville and Wandsworth Prisons, June - November 1895: St Augustine, "Confessions" and "De Civitate Dei"; Pascal, "Pensees" and "Provincial Letters"; Walter Pater, "Studies in the History of the Renaissance"; T. Mommsen, "The History of Rome" (5 vols); Cardinal Newman, "The Grammar of Ascent", "Apologia Pro Vita Sua", "Two Essays on Miracles" and "The Idea of a University".
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Dante Alighieri : Divina Commedia
'In February 1896, seven titles were added to his [Oscar Wilde's] store. These were: Dante's "Divina commedia", accompanied by an Italian grammar and dictionary to help Wilde with the poem's medieval Italian; two massive folio volumes containing the entire surviving corpus of Greek and Latin poetry and drama; the equally weighty Liddell and Scott's "Greek Lexicon", and Lewis and Short's "Latin Dictionary". More Adey, the tranlator of Henrik Ibsen...procured the volumes and dispatched them to Reading.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Gustave Flaubert : Madame Bovary
'At one time I knew entire pages of "Madame Bovary" by heart. But if "Madame Bovary" is a masterpiece "Salammbô" is close to a miracle. I well remember that when I was writing "[The]N[igger]of [the] N[arcissus]", "Salammbô" was my morning book.While taking coffee I would read a page or two at random--and there is hardly a page that isn't marvellous.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
: Italian Grammar Book
'In February 1896, seven titles were added to his [Oscar Wilde's] store. These were: Dante's "Divina commedia", accompanied by an Italian grammar and dictionary to help Wilde with the poem's medieval Italian; two massive folio volumes containing the entire surviving corpus of Greek and Latin poetry and drama; the equally weighty Liddell and Scott's "Greek Lexicon", and Lewis and Short's "Latin Dictionary". More Adey, the translator of Henrik Ibsen...procured the volumes and dispatched them to Reading.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
: Italian Dictionary
'In February 1896, seven titles were added to his [Oscar Wilde's] store. These were: Dante's "Divina commedia", accompanied by an Italian grammar and dictionary to help Wilde with the poem's medieval Italian; two massive folio volumes containing the entire surviving corpus of Greek and Latin poetry and drama; the equally weighty Liddell and Scott's "Greek Lexicon", and Lewis and Short's "Latin Dictionary". More Adey, the translator of Henrik Ibsen...procured the volumes and dispatched them to Reading.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
: [Anthology of all surviving Greek and Latin poetry and Drama]
'In February 1896, seven titles were added to his [Oscar Wilde's] store. These were: Dante's "Divina commedia", accompanied by an Italian grammar and dictionary to help Wilde with the poem's medieval Italian; two massive folio volumes containing the entire surviving corpus of Greek and Latin poetry and drama; the equally weighty Liddell and Scott's "Greek Lexicon", and Lewis and Short's "Latin Dictionary". More Adey, the translator of Henrik Ibsen...procured the volumes and dispatched them to Reading.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Lidell and Scott : Greek Lexicon
'In February 1896, seven titles were added to his [Oscar Wilde's] store. These were: Dante's "Divina commedia", accompanied by an Italian grammar and dictionary to help Wilde with the poem's medieval Italian; two massive folio volumes containing the entire surviving corpus of Greek and Latin poetry and drama; the equally weighty Liddell and Scott's "Greek Lexicon", and Lewis and Short's "Latin Dictionary". More Adey, the translator of Henrik Ibsen...procured the volumes and dispatched them to Reading.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Lewis and Short : Latin Dictionary
'In February 1896, seven titles were added to his [Oscar Wilde's] store. These were: Dante's "Divina commedia", accompanied by an Italian grammar and dictionary to help Wilde with the poem's medieval Italian; two massive folio volumes containing the entire surviving corpus of Greek and Latin poetry and drama; the equally weighty Liddell and Scott's "Greek Lexicon", and Lewis and Short's "Latin Dictionary". More Adey, the translator of Henrik Ibsen...procured the volumes and dispatched them to Reading.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Gustave Flaubert : Salammbô
'At one time I knew entire pages of "Madame Bovary" by heart. But if "Madame Bovary" is a masterpiece "Salammbô" is close to a miracle. I well remember that when I was writing "[The]N[igger]of [the] N[arcissus]", "Salammbô" was my morning book.While taking coffee I would read a page or two at random--and there is hardly a page that isn't marvellous.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
: New Testament in Greek
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, July 1896-December 1896, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source text author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Greek Testament, Milman's History of the Jews; Farrar's St Paul, Tennyson's Poems (complete in one volume), Percy's Reliques (the collection of old ballads), Christopher Marlowe's Works, Carlyle's Sartor Resartus and Life of Frederick the Great, A prose translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Keats's Poems, Chaucer's Poems, Spenser's Poems, Renan's Vie de Jesus and The Apostles, Ranke's History of the Popes, Critical and Historical Essays by Cardinal Newman, Emerson's Essays (If possible in one volume), Cheap edition of Dickens's Works.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Henry Hart Milman : History of the Jews
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, July 1896-December 1896, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source text author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Greek Testament, Milman's History of the Jews; Farrar's St Paul, Tennyson's Poems (complete in one volume), Percy's Reliques (the collection of old ballads), Christopher Marlowe's Works, Carlyle's Sartor Resartus and Life of Frederick the Great, A prose translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Keats's Poems, Chaucer's Poems, Spenser's Poems, Renan's Vie de Jesus and The Apostles, Ranke's History of the Popes, Critical and Historical Essays by Cardinal Newman, Emerson's Essays (If possible in one volume), Cheap edition of Dickens's Works.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Frederick William Farrar : Life and Works of St Paul
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, July 1896-December 1896, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source text author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Greek Testament, Milman's History of the Jews; Farrar's St Paul, Tennyson's Poems (complete in one volume), Percy's Reliques (the collection of old ballads), Christopher Marlowe's Works, Carlyle's Sartor Resartus and Life of Frederick the Great, A prose translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Keats's Poems, Chaucer's Poems, Spenser's Poems, Renan's Vie de Jesus and The Apostles, Ranke's History of the Popes, Critical and Historical Essays by Cardinal Newman, Emerson's Essays (If possible in one volume), Cheap edition of Dickens's Works.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Alfred, Lord Tennyson : Complete Poems
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, July 1896-December 1896, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source text author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Greek Testament, Milman's History of the Jews; Farrar's St Paul, Tennyson's Poems (complete in one volume), Percy's Reliques (the collection of old ballads), Christopher Marlowe's Works, Carlyle's Sartor Resartus and Life of Frederick the Great, A prose translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Keats's Poems, Chaucer's Poems, Spenser's Poems, Renan's Vie de Jesus and The Apostles, Ranke's History of the Popes, Critical and Historical Essays by Cardinal Newman, Emerson's Essays (If possible in one volume), Cheap edition of Dickens's Works.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Christopher Marlowe : Complete Works
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, July 1896-December 1896, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source text author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Greek Testament, Milman's History of the Jews; Farrar's St Paul, Tennyson's Poems (complete in one volume), Percy's Reliques (the collection of old ballads), Christopher Marlowe's Works, Carlyle's Sartor Resartus and Life of Frederick the Great, A prose translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Keats's Poems, Chaucer's Poems, Spenser's Poems, Renan's Vie de Jesus and The Apostles, Ranke's History of the Popes, Critical and Historical Essays by Cardinal Newman, Emerson's Essays (If possible in one volume), Cheap edition of Dickens's Works.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Thomas Carlyle : Sartor Resartus
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, July 1896-December 1896, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source text author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Greek Testament, Milman's History of the Jews; Farrar's St Paul, Tennyson's Poems (complete in one volume), Percy's Reliques (the collection of old ballads), Christopher Marlowe's Works, Carlyle's Sartor Resartus and Life of Frederick the Great, A prose translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Keats's Poems, Chaucer's Poems, Spenser's Poems, Renan's Vie de Jesus and The Apostles, Ranke's History of the Popes, Critical and Historical Essays by Cardinal Newman, Emerson's Essays (If possible in one volume), Cheap edition of Dickens's Works.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Thomas Carlyle : Life of Frederick the Great
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, July 1896-December 1896, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source text author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Greek Testament, Milman's History of the Jews; Farrar's St Paul, Tennyson's Poems (complete in one volume), Percy's Reliques (the collection of old ballads), Christopher Marlowe's Works, Carlyle's Sartor Resartus and Life of Frederick the Great, A prose translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Keats's Poems, Chaucer's Poems, Spenser's Poems, Renan's Vie de Jesus and The Apostles, Ranke's History of the Popes, Critical and Historical Essays by Cardinal Newman, Emerson's Essays (If possible in one volume), Cheap edition of Dickens's Works.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
John Keats : Poems
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, July 1896-December 1896, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source text author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Greek Testament, Milman's History of the Jews; Farrar's St Paul, Tennyson's Poems (complete in one volume), Percy's Reliques (the collection of old ballads), Christopher Marlowe's Works, Carlyle's Sartor Resartus and Life of Frederick the Great, A prose translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Keats's Poems, Chaucer's Poems, Spenser's Poems, Renan's Vie de Jesus and The Apostles, Ranke's History of the Popes, Critical and Historical Essays by Cardinal Newman, Emerson's Essays (If possible in one volume), Cheap edition of Dickens's Works.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : Poems
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, July 1896-December 1896, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source text author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Greek Testament, Milman's History of the Jews; Farrar's St Paul, Tennyson's Poems (complete in one volume), Percy's Reliques (the collection of old ballads), Christopher Marlowe's Works, Carlyle's Sartor Resartus and Life of Frederick the Great, A prose translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Keats's Poems, Chaucer's Poems, Spenser's Poems, Renan's Vie de Jesus and The Apostles, Ranke's History of the Popes, Critical and Historical Essays by Cardinal Newman, Emerson's Essays (If possible in one volume), Cheap edition of Dickens's Works.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Joseph Ernest Renan : Vie de Jesus
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, July 1896-December 1896, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source text author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Greek Testament, Milman's History of the Jews; Farrar's St Paul, Tennyson's Poems (complete in one volume), Percy's Reliques (the collection of old ballads), Christopher Marlowe's Works, Carlyle's Sartor Resartus and Life of Frederick the Great, A prose translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Keats's Poems, Chaucer's Poems, Spenser's Poems, Renan's Vie de Jesus and The Apostles, Ranke's History of the Popes, Critical and Historical Essays by Cardinal Newman, Emerson's Essays (If possible in one volume), Cheap edition of Dickens's Works.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Joseph Ernest Renan : The Apostles
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, July 1896-December 1896, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source text author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Greek Testament, Milman's History of the Jews; Farrar's St Paul, Tennyson's Poems (complete in one volume), Percy's Reliques (the collection of old ballads), Christopher Marlowe's Works, Carlyle's Sartor Resartus and Life of Frederick the Great, A prose translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Keats's Poems, Chaucer's Poems, Spenser's Poems, Renan's Vie de Jesus and The Apostles, Ranke's History of the Popes, Critical and Historical Essays by Cardinal Newman, Emerson's Essays (If possible in one volume), Cheap edition of Dickens's Works.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Leopold von Ranke : History of the Popes
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, July 1896-December 1896, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source text author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Greek Testament, Milman's History of the Jews; Farrar's St Paul, Tennyson's Poems (complete in one volume), Percy's Reliques (the collection of old ballads), Christopher Marlowe's Works, Carlyle's Sartor Resartus and Life of Frederick the Great, A prose translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Keats's Poems, Chaucer's Poems, Spenser's Poems, Renan's Vie de Jesus and The Apostles, Ranke's History of the Popes, Critical and Historical Essays by Cardinal Newman, Emerson's Essays (If possible in one volume), Cheap edition of Dickens's Works.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Thomas Henry Newman : Critical and Historical Essays
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, July 1896-December 1896, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source text author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Greek Testament, Milman's History of the Jews; Farrar's St Paul, Tennyson's Poems (complete in one volume), Percy's Reliques (the collection of old ballads), Christopher Marlowe's Works, Carlyle's Sartor Resartus and Life of Frederick the Great, A prose translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Keats's Poems, Chaucer's Poems, Spenser's Poems, Renan's Vie de Jesus and The Apostles, Ranke's History of the Popes, Critical and Historical Essays by Cardinal Newman, Emerson's Essays (If possible in one volume), Cheap edition of Dickens's Works.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Ralph Waldo Emerson : Essays
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, July 1896-December 1896, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source text author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Greek Testament, Milman's History of the Jews; Farrar's St Paul, Tennyson's Poems (complete in one volume), Percy's Reliques (the collection of old ballads), Christopher Marlowe's Works, Carlyle's Sartor Resartus and Life of Frederick the Great, A prose translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Keats's Poems, Chaucer's Poems, Spenser's Poems, Renan's Vie de Jesus and The Apostles, Ranke's History of the Popes, Critical and Historical Essays by Cardinal Newman, Emerson's Essays (If possible in one volume), Cheap edition of Dickens's Works.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Complete Works
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, July 1896-December 1896, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source text author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Greek Testament, Milman's History of the Jews; Farrar's St Paul, Tennyson's Poems (complete in one volume), Percy's Reliques (the collection of old ballads), Christopher Marlowe's Works, Carlyle's Sartor Resartus and Life of Frederick the Great, A prose translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, Keats's Poems, Chaucer's Poems, Spenser's Poems, Renan's Vie de Jesus and The Apostles, Ranke's History of the Popes, Critical and Historical Essays by Cardinal Newman, Emerson's Essays (If possible in one volume), Cheap edition of Dickens's Works.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Walter Pater : Gaston de Latour
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Henry Hart Milman : History of Latin Christianity
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
William Wordsworth : Complete Works
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Matthew Arnold : Poems
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Dean Church : Dante and Other Essays
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Thomas Percy : Reliques of Ancient English Poetry
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Hallam : History of the Middle Ages
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
John Dryden : Poems
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Robert Burns : Poems
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : Morte d'Arthur
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Jean Froissart : Chronicles
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Henry Thomas Buckle : History of Civilisation
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Geoffrey Chaucer : Canterbury Tales
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
John Addington Symonds : Introduction to Dante
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
A.J. Butler : Companion to Dante
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Walter Pater : Miscellaneous Essays
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : Faust
Books read by Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, December 1896 - March 1897, taken from his list of books requested and then sent by his friends. Source author notes that Wilde read and re-read everything available to him in prison. 'Gaston de Latour by Walter Pater, MA (Macmillan), Milman's History of Latin Christianity, Wordsworth's Complete Works in one volume with preface by John Morley (Macmillan, 7/6), Matthew Arnold's Poems. One volume complete. (Macmillan, 7/6), Dante and other Essays by Dean Church (Macmillan, 5/-), Percy's Reliques, Hallam's Middle Ages (History of), Dryden's Poems (1 vol. Macmillan. 3/6), Burns's Poems ditto, Morte D'Arthur ditto, Froissart's Chronicles ditto, Buckle's History of Civilisation, Marlowe's Plays, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (edited by A. Pollard 2 vols 10/-) Macmillan, Introduction to Dante by John Addington Symonds, Companion to Dante by A.J. Butler, Miscellaneous Essays by Walter Pater, An English translation of Goethe's Faust'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
: Gospels
'Every morning, after I have cleaned my cell and polished my tins, I read a little of the Gospels, a dozen verses taken by chance anywhere. It is a delightful way of opening the day.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Franz Horn : Unknown
'Jeffrey has sent me a note requesting the Ops Majus by the middle of next month, and enclosing a draft of twenty guineas for the article on Richter. You may conceive whether I am in a hurry, for I have not yet put pen to paper! I have merely been reading Horn, somewhat of Fichte, Schelling, etc., and have not yet shaped the thing into any form.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
William Cobbett : Cottage Economy: A New Edition
'Mrs Graham, the maker of this hat, is a poor but industrious woman, about five-and-thirty years of age, resident with her husband and daughter, in a cottage belonging to a little farm called Myer, in the parish of Hoddam, Dumfriesshire...About four years ago she procured a loan of Cobbet[t]'s Cottage Economy from a Farmer of that district, and finding there some instructions about the plaiting of Leghorn Bonnets, she forthwith set about turning it to advantage. By means of Cobbet[t]'s figures & descriptions she succeeded in discovering the proper sort or rather sorts of Grass in the fields...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Graham Print: BookManuscript: Letter
Thomas de Quincey : Review of 'State of German Literature'
'The Edinr Review is out some time ago; and the 'State of German Literature' has been received with considerable surprise and approbation by the Universe. Thus for instance, de Quinc[e]y praises it in his Saturday Post. Sir W. Hamilton tells me that it is 'cap'tal'; and Wilson informs John Gordon that it has 'done me a deal o'good'.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodicalManuscript: Letter
Miss Goadby : [Paper on 'Reminscences of Moore']
'The meeting at the Lawn on Dec 9 1901 was devoted to the life & works of Moore & Hood. F.J. Edminson read a paper on their works and Miss Goadby one entitled Reminiscences of Moore. Mr Goadby read The Demon Sleep [?] and Nellie Gray, Mrs Edminson the Song of the Shirt & Mrs Rawlings selections from Lalla Rookh.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Goadby Manuscript: Unknown
Thomas Moore :
'The meeting at the Lawn on Dec 9 1901 was devoted to the life & works of Moore & Hood. F.J. Edminson read a paper on their works and Miss Goadby one entitled Reminiscences of Moore. Mr Goadby read The Demon Sleep [?] and Nellie Gray, Mrs Edminson the Song of the Shirt & Mrs Rawlings selections from Lalla Rookh.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Goadby Print: Book
Harold Fielding Hall : Soul of a People
'At a meeting held at Grove House on Feb. 17 a discussion on the Soul of a People was opened by a paper by C. E. Stansfield. The comparison suggested by Fielding in his book of Christianity & Buddhism necessitated impartiality between the religions on the part of critic [sic]. The role of philosophic doubter assumed for the time by the writer added greatly to the interest of the paper & the discussion which followed. Mrs Ridges afterwards read from the Light of Asia & Mrs Stansfield from Dhammapada'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Charles Stansfield : [paper on 'The Soul of a People']
'At a meeting held at Grove House on Feb. 17 a discussion on the Soul of a People was opened by a paper by C. E. Stansfield. The comparison suggested by Fielding in his book of Christianity & Buddhism necessitated impartiality between the religions on the part of critic [sic]. The role of philosophic doubter assumed for the time by the writer added greatly to the interest of the paper & the discussion which followed. Mrs Ridges afterwards read from the Light of Asia & Mrs Stansfield from Dhammapada'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Tobias Smollett : History
'Everything seems to have been designed to develop the serious fold in her nature. At ten, the poor infant was reading Smollett's History [...] She summed up her impression with scornful lucidity: "There seem to have been more weak kings than wise ones."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
Joseph Blacket : poetry
'In Seaham village lived a poet, "an unfortunate child of Genius," -- one Joseph Blacket, a cobbler's son, whom [Anne Isabella Milbanke's] parents actively befriended. Whether they took him seriously as a poet, or (like Byron) very much the reverse, Annabella [i.e. Anne Isabella] was impressed by his attempts. One of the early records is a copy of verses to her, "on her presenting the author with a beautiful edition of Cowper's Poems" -- just a year before Blacket's death in 1810, at twenty-three.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke
Horace :
'Poetry and shoemaking were part of the daily round [for the young Anne Isabella Milbanke]; a grander ambition was taking shape. Translations from Horace [...] Three lines and a half of English verse ... and then this phoenix sank for evermore amid its scanty ashes.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : Faerie Queene
'C.E. Stansfield read a paper on Ed. Spenser & his times & the Faerie Queene. Readings were given by Mrs Reynolds, Mrs Edminson & H.M. Wallis'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Charles Stansfield : [paper on Spenser]
'C.E. Stansfield read a paper on Ed. Spenser & his times & the Faerie Queene. Readings were given by Mrs Reynolds, Mrs Edminson & H.M. Wallis'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Charles Stansfield : [paper on Emerson]
'The meeting at Ingleside on April 29 1904 was devoted to the life & works of Emerson. Mrs Ridges read a paper on his life & C.E. Stansfield on his philosophic standpoints. Selections from his writings were read by Miss Pollard, Edward Little & A. Rawlings'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Ralph Waldo Emerson :
'The meeting at Ingleside on April 29 1904 was devoted to the life & works of Emerson. Mrs Ridges read a paper on his life & C.E. Stansfield on his philosophic standpoints. Selections from his writings were read by Miss Pollard, Edward Little & A. Rawlings'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Pollard Print: Book
Ralph Waldo Emerson :
'The meeting at Ingleside on April 29 1904 was devoted to the life & works of Emerson. Mrs Ridges read a paper on his life & C.E. Stansfield on his philosophic standpoints. Selections from his writings were read by Miss Pollard, Edward Little & A. Rawlings'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Elzabeth Barrett Browning : Aurora Leigh
'So much do I love it that I hated the idea of sending it to you without marking a few passages I felt you would well appreciate - and I found myself marking the whole book.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
John Keats : Sonnet in Blue
'I am half enamoured of the paper that touched his hand, and the ink that did his bidding. [I have] grown fond of the sweet comeliness of his charactery'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Manuscript: Sheet
Oscar Wilde : Magdalen Walks
'Wilde later said that it was his mother who inspired him to write verse [....] When his poems first appeared in magazines she compiled a scrapbook of them, and frequently offered her enthusiastic criticisms. Of "Magdalen Walks" she wrote: "the last lines have a bold, true thought, bravely uttered... I recognise you at once...there is Oscar!"'
UnknownCentury: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Speranza Wilde
J.W. Meinhold : Sidonia the Sorceress
'One of the "golden books" of his childhood was J.W. Meinhold's 1847 Gothic historical novel "Sidonia the Sorceress". Wilde's mother, who was an accomplished translator of European fiction, produced a celebrated English version of this German book. Wilde would remember it fondly as "my favourite romantic reading when a boy" and he returned to it at various times in his adult life.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Charles Maturin : Melmoth the Wanderer
'Wilde praised "Melmoth" [the Wanderer] as a pioneering work of European Gothic fiction. He admitted, however, that it was stylistically "imperfect" and laughed at its aburdity'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Voltaire : Histoire de Charles XII
'Wilde also excelled in French. His copy of Voltaire's "Histoire de Charles XII" bears the autograph and date "Oscar Wilde September 2nd 1865 [...] On page 171 the ten-year-old boy has written the words "Oscar 8 November 1865", no doubt to mark his remarkable progress with the demanding French text.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
: ['classics books']
'Surviving copies of his classics books - which contain copious and meticulous annotations concerning syntax and grammar - and his dazzling success in classical examinations, which focused on linguistic issues, suggest that he was, in his own words, a lover of the "small points" of language and literature.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Thucydides :
'"The flowing beauty of his oral translations in class, whether of Thucydides, Plato, or Virgil was," one of his peers recalled, "a thing not easily to be forgotten." He "startled everyone", too, "in the classical medal examination, by walking easily away from us all in the viva voce on [Aeschylus's] 'Agamemnon'".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Plato :
'"The flowing beauty of his oral translations in class, whether of Thucydides, Plato, or Virgil was," one of his peers recalled, "a thing not easily to be forgotten." He "startled everyone", too, "in the classical medal examination, by walking easily away from us all in the viva voce on [Aeschylus's] 'Agamemnon'".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Virgil :
'"The flowing beauty of his oral translations in class, whether of Thucydides, Plato, or Virgil was," one of his peers recalled, "a thing not easily to be forgotten." He "startled everyone", too, "in the classical medal examination, by walking easily away from us all in the viva voce on [Aeschylus's] 'Agamemnon'".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Aeschylus : Agamemnon
'"The flowing beauty of his oral translations in class, whether of Thucydides, Plato, or Virgil was," one of his peers recalled, "a thing not easily to be forgotten." He "startled everyone", too, "in the classical medal examination, by walking easily away from us all in the viva voce on [Aeschylus's] 'Agamemnon'".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Charles Dickens : novels
'His peers were surprised to hear him speak disparagingly of Dickens, the most popular novelist of the day. While Wilde admired the author's humour and his gift for caricature he loathed Dickens's moralising.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Benjamin Disraeli : novels
'Wilde's fellow pupils remarked on his veneration of the novels of Benjamin Disraeli, so it must have been a fairly unusual literary passion at Portora... Speranza literally passed her passion on to her youngest son by lending him several Disraeli novels. Wilde was ravished by the books...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Heinrich Heine :
'As a boy [Wilde] "cared little for German literature, excepting only [Heinrich] Heine and Goethe."'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Honore de Balzac : Lost Illusions
'Wilde's love of French culture was intensified and perhaps even prompted by his reading. Three novels, which were written at the beginning of the nineteenth century by two acknowledged masters of imaginative realism, impressed him particularly - Balzac's "Lost Illusions" and "A Harlot High and Low" (whose hero is Lucien de Rubempre), and Stendhal's "Scarlet and Black", which featured Julien Sorel. Wilde would nominate the pair as the "two favourite characters" of his boyhood.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Honore de Balzac : A Harlot High and Low
'Wilde's love of French culture was intensified and perhaps even prompted by his reading. Three novels, which were written at the beginning of the nineteenth century by two acknowledged masters of imaginative realism, impressed him particularly - Balzac's "Lost Illusions" and "A Harlot High and Low" (whose hero is Lucien de Rubempre), and Stendhal's "Scarlet and Black", which featured Julien Sorel. Wilde would nominate the pair as the "two favourite characters" of his boyhood.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Stendhal : Scarlet and Black
'Wilde's love of French culture was intensified and perhaps even prompted by his reading. Three novels, which were written at the beginning of the nineteenth century by two acknowledged masters of imaginative realism, impressed him particularly - Balzac's "Lost Illusions" and "A Harlot High and Low" (whose hero is Lucien de Rubempre), and Stendhal's "Scarlet and Black", which featured Julien Sorel. Wilde would nominate the pair as the "two favourite characters" of his boyhood.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Livy : Roman History
'The earliest of his extant volumes is a copy of Livy's "Roman History" which bears the date "November 1868" when Wilde was still at Portora. It is full of marginal notes dealing with linguistic matters.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Euripides : The Bacchae
'Wilde's copy of "The Bacchae of Euripides" edited by one of his Trinity tutors, R.Y. Tyrrell, has also survived. On the title-page of the famous play... Wilde wrote "Oscar Wilde T.C.D. Trinity [i.e. summer term], 1872. Clearly intent on acquiring a "minute and critical knowledge" of the text, Wilde underlines countless words and phrases which he then presumably looked up in his lexicon; he frequently glosses lines in the drama with notes such as "C.f. Xenophanes", "C.f. [line] 342"'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
John Addington Symonds : Studies of the Greek Poets, vols 1 and 2
'The first volume of Symond's "Studies of the Greek Poets", issued in 1873, was "perpetually" in Wilde's "hands" at Trinity [Dublin]. The second volume came out in 1876, when he was at Oxford. On the title-page, he wrote "Oscar F.O'F. W. Wilde. S.M. Magdalen College, Oxford, May '76." The date indicates that Wilde purchased the book hot off the printing press.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Aristotle : Ethics
'The annotations in Wilde's copy of J.E.T. Rodgers's edition of [Aristotle's] "Ethics", which is inscribed "Oscar Wilde, Magdalen College, October 1877", illustrate his passionate opposition to [the Historicist] view. Interleaved with the Greek text are around 200 pages on which Wilde has written copious notes in English and Greek. In them he creates a bridge between the past and the present by comparing Aristotle to modern writers such as David Hume and Tennyson...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
John Pentland Mahaffy : Rambles and Studies
'Once again, Wilde assisted his mentor [Classical scholar John Pentland Mahaffy], this time by proof-reading "Rambles and Studies" before its original publication in 1876.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Manuscript: proofs
Algernon Swinburne : unknown
'Wilde loved to curl up with a book in bed. In one letter he mischievously described himself as "lying in bed... with Swinburne (a copy of)"; in another, he mentioned "The Imitation of Christ, the pious manual for Christian living penned by the fifteenth-century German monk Thomas a Kempis. Wilde read the book before going to sleep...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Thomas a Kempis : The Imitation of Christ
'Wilde loved to curl up with a book in bed. In one letter he mischievously described himself as "lying in bed... with Swinburne (a copy of)"; in another, he mentioned "The Imitation of Christ, the pious manual for Christian living penned by the fifteenth-century German monk Thomas a Kempis. Wilde read the book before going to sleep...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Plato : Dialogues
'"The Dialogues of Plato" became one of Wilde's golden books. He marked and annotated most of the dialogues, and many of Jowett's [editor's] introductions.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Walter Pater : Studies in the History of the Renaiisance
'It was during Michaelmas term of 1874 that Wilde first opened "Studies in the History of the Renaissance", a collection of art essays penned by the Oxford Classics don Walter Pater in 1873.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Oscar Wilde Print: Book
Charles Stansfield : [paper on H. G. Wells's 'Mankind in the Making']
'A meeting was held at Whinfield [?] on Dec 8 1904 devoted to H.G. Wells's Mankind in the Making. Howard R. Smith gave a good resume of the political and social proposals and C.E. Stansfield of the Educational system suggested by the author. Both papers prompted considerable discussion'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
H.G. Wells : Mankind in the Making
'A meeting was held at Whinfield [?] on Dec 8 1904 devoted to H.G. Wells's Mankind in the Making. Howard R. Smith gave a good resume of the political and social proposals and C.E. Stansfield of the Educational system suggested by the author. Both papers prompted considerable discussion'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Leo Tolstoy : Ivan the Fool
'At a meeting held on March 20 1905 at the home of Edward Little at 33 Marlborough Avenue Tolstoi's Life & Works were considered. Edward Little read a paper on his Life. J. Ridges also gave a reading from [text uncertain but this line is inserted above the following sentence on 'The Resurrection'] H.R. Smith read an extract from The Resurrection. A. Rawlings dealt with his philosophy. C. E. Stansfield read extract [sic] from 'Ivan the Fool' while A. Rawlings also read some extracts from the author's 'Life'.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Geoffrey Chaucer : Rhyme of Sir Thopas
'Mrs Edminson & C. E. Stansfield also read from the Canterbury Tales - The Prioress' Tale & the Rhyme of Sir Topas (Fit i) [i.e. section 1] respectively'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Charles Stansfield : [Paper responding to Departmental Committee's Report on Physical Deterioration]
'There was a very full attendance & a lively discussion of the Departmental Committee's Report on Physical Deterioration was discussed in many of its bearings, introduced by C.E. Stansfield in a paper having special reference to the housing problem. It was generally considered that there was much more in the report offering material for interesting discussion so that the committee appointed to arrange the programme of the evening was continued with the addition of Mrs Wallis to prepare a programme for the next meeting'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Homer : Iliad
'Annabella was now [in 1812] reading Cowper's Iliad and annotating every second line; she was studying Alfieri with the family-solicitor's daughter; for relaxation condescending to Evelina. In Evelina she was disappointed [...] There was study of Southey, Wordsworth and Coleridge as well, for everyone was reading them'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
Frances Burney : Evelina
'Annabella was now [in 1812] reading Cowper's Iliad and annotating every second line; she was studying Alfieri with the family-solicitor's daughter; for relaxation condescending to Evelina. In Evelina she was disappointed [...] There was study of Southey, Wordsworth and Coleridge as well, for everyone was reading them'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
William Wordsworth :
'Annabella was now [in 1812] reading Cowper's Iliad and annotating every second line; she was studying Alfieri with the family-solicitor's daughter; for relaxation condescending to Evelina. In Evelina she was disappointed [...] There was study of Southey, Wordsworth and Coleridge as well, for everyone was reading them'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
Samuel Taylor Coleridge :
'Annabella was now [in 1812] reading Cowper's Iliad and annotating every second line; she was studying Alfieri with the family-solicitor's daughter; for relaxation condescending to Evelina. In Evelina she was disappointed [...] There was study of Southey, Wordsworth and Coleridge as well, for everyone was reading them'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
Robert Southey : Madoc
'The "Lakers," as Byron called them, were making themselves strongly felt [in 1812], and (at this moment) Southey most strongly of all. So Annabella waded through Madoc. She found some passages wearisome, but was convinced that Southey would one day be ranked high "among the ancient poets." Her prophecy may have come true, for it is impossible to tell what she meant by it. She was often guilty of this woolly kind of writing.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
Maria Edgeworth : novels
'She [Anne Isabella Milbanke] read enormously [...] A list of her books makes the unregenerate blood run cold, though it did include some novels -- Miss Edgeworth's and Beckford's [sic] sensation-making Vathek, in which she detected the source of some passages in the Book of the Season, "Lord Byron's Childe Harold." Childe Harold's only rival in her poetic reading was The Faerie Queene.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
William Beckford : Vathek
'She [Anne Isabella Milbanke] read enormously [...] A list of her books makes the unregenerate blood run cold, though it did include some novels -- Miss Edgeworth's and Beckford's [sic] sensation-making Vathek, in which she detected the source of some passages in the Book of the Season, "Lord Byron's Childe Harold." Childe Harold's only rival in her poetic reading was The Faerie Queene.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron : Childe Harold's Pilgrimage
'She [Anne Isabella Milbanke] read enormously [...] A list of her books makes the unregenerate blood run cold, though it did include some novels -- Miss Edgeworth's and Beckford's [sic] sensation-making Vathek, in which she detected the source of some passages in the Book of the Season, "Lord Byron's Childe Harold." Childe Harold's only rival in her poetic reading was The Faerie Queene.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : The Faerie Queene
'She [Anne Isabella Milbanke] read enormously [...] A list of her books makes the unregenerate blood run cold, though it did include some novels -- Miss Edgeworth's and Beckford's [sic] sensation-making Vathek, in which she detected the source of some passages in the Book of the Season, "Lord Byron's Childe Harold." Childe Harold's only rival in her poetic reading was The Faerie Queene.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron : Childe Harold's Pilgrimage (cantos I and II)
'On March 15 [1812] [...] [Anne Isabella Milbanke] dined at Lady Melbourne's [...] [William Lamb] may have been genuinely tired of the principal topic as recorded in Annabella's journal -- Childe Harold, poem and poet, about both of whom his wife [Lady Caroline Lamb] had lost her head [...] 'Annabella could not join in that discussion, for she had not read Childe Harold. And she let another week go by before she did read it [...] on the following Sunday she surrendered to the spirit of the season, and began. Two days later she had finished the two cantos of which it then consisted; in her diary for March 24, she set down her opinion: '"It contains many stanzas in the best style of poetry. He is rather too much of a [italics]mannerist[end italics], that is, he wants variety in the turns of his expression. He excels most in the delineations of deep feeling, and in reflections relative to human nature." [...] 'Annabella met him the day after that entry in her diary.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
Jane Austen : Pride and Prejudice
'[Anne Isabella Milbanke] read a great deal [during season of 1813], among her books being one called Pride and Prejudice, "which is at present the fashionable novel. It is written by a sister of Charlotte Smith's and contains more strength of character than other productions of this kind."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron : The Giaour
'Annabella had [...] written to her aunt [Lady Melbourne; during autumn 1813], after having read the enlarged edition of the Giaour. "The description of Love almost makes [italics]me[end italics] in love ... I consider his [Byron's] acquaintance so desirable that I would incur the risk of being called a Flirt for the sake of enjoying it."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron : Lara
'At present [August 1814] she [Anne Isabella Milbanke] was reading Sismondi's Italian Republics. And she had read Lara.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
Sismondi : Italian Republics
'At present [August 1814] she [Anne Isabella Milbanke] was reading Sismondi's Italian Republics. And she had read Lara.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Milbanke Print: Book
John Dryden : Don Sebastian
'[At Halnaby, on honeymoon] she [Anne Isabella Milbanke] was reading Dryden's Don Sebastian, which treats of incest, and happened to ask Byron [husband] a question. He said angrily: "Where did you hear that?" '"I looked up and saw that he was holding over me the dagger which he usually wore. I replied, "Oh, only from this book." I was not afraid -- I was persuaded he only did it to terrify me. He put the dagger down and said (I am sure I say it without a feeling of vanity) "If anything could make me believe in heaven, it is the expression of your countenance at this moment."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Lady Byron Print: Book
William Godwin : Caleb Williams
'"You will know my secret if you will; but if I tell you, you shall be made miserable throughout your life -- I will be another Falkland to you." This reference to Godwin's Caleb Williams was frequent with [Byron]: she [Anne Isabella, his wife] had read the book and understood its meaning'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Lady Byron Print: Book
Leigh Hunt : Rimini
'In these days [1815-16] she [Lady Byron] was reading Leigh Hunt's Rimini, and copied a passage of twenty lines on the character of Giovanni -- evidently because it was to her as a portrait of another difficult husband [reproduces eight lines of passage, beginning "He kept no reckoning with his sweets and sours; / He'd hold a sullen countenance for hours"]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Lady Byron Print: Book
Leigh Hunt : Rimini
'In these days [1815-16] she [Lady Byron] was reading Leigh Hunt's Rimini, and copied a passage of twenty lines on the character of Giovanni -- evidently because it was to her as a portrait of another difficult husband [reproduces eight lines of passage, beginning "He kept no reckoning with his sweets and sours; / He'd hold a sullen countenance for hours"]'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Lady Byron Print: Book
Cicero :
'[During autumn 1817] she [Lady Byron] was well and happy with M. G. [i.e. her friend Lady Gosford] at Kirkby, reading Cicero and admiring his rejection of Expediency, "his assertion of the duties we owe to our Natures."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Lady Byron Print: Book
Jane Austen : Northanger Abbey
'[From New Year, 1818] Annabella could read the new novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion (recommended by Augusta [Leigh]), and contrast that kind of real life with the kind she had learnt to know better [as Byron's estranged wife].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Lady Byron Print: Book
Jane Austen : Persuasion
'[From New Year, 1818] Annabella could read the new novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion (recommended by Augusta [Leigh]), and contrast that kind of real life with the kind she had learnt to know better [as Byron's estranged wife].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Lady Byron Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron : Childe Harold's Pilgrimage (Canto III)
'[John] Murray [Byron's publisher] sent an advance-copy of the new Harold. She [Lady Byron] read the imprecation, supposed to be spoken in the Colosseum: '"... Let me not have worn This iron in my soul in vain -- shall [italics]they[end italics] not mourn?" '-- with the two lines which prophesied his immortality of personal rather than poetic fame: '"But I have that within me that shall tire Torture and Time, and breathe when I expire." 'She feigned indifference at first. "The passage was probably intended to make a great impression on [italics]me[end italics]. Whilst I am so free from disordered brains, this will at least be postponed." It was not long postponed. A day or two later she was "well, but very [italics]weak[end italics] ... The new canto is beautiful indeed"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Lady Byron Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron : Don Juan
'Early in July [1819] appeared the first part of Don Juan. "The impression was not so disagreeable as I expected, wrote Annabella [Anne Isabella, Byron's estranged wife]. '"In the first place I am very much relieved to find that there is not anything which I can be expected to notice [...] I do not think that my sins are in the pharisaical or pedantic line, and I am very sure that he does not think they are, but avails himself of the prejudices which some may entertain against me, to give a plausible colouring to his accusations. I must however confess that the quizzing in one or two passages was so good as to make me smile at myself -- therefore others are quite welcome to laugh.... I do not feel inclined to continue the perusal. It is always a task to me now to read his works, in which, through all the levity, I discern enough to awaken very painful feelings."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Lady Byron Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron : Memoirs
'Moore had owned that the Memoirs [of Byron] were of "such a low pot-house description" that [John Murray] could not have published them'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Moore Manuscript: Unknown
George Gordon Lord Byron : The Giaour
'Early in 1831 there is the following entry in a diary [of Lady Byron's]: "Read to Ada the beautiful lines on Greece in The Giaour, the Fare thee well, and the Satire. With the first she was highly pleased, from its [italics]effusion-of-feeling[end italics] character; the 2nd she thought laboured and inferior in pathos; the 3rd very amusing though very unlike the person." This disproves once for all the legend invented by Teresa Guiccioli [Byron's last mistress] that Ada never heard of her father's poetry until a year before she died in 1852!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Lady Byron Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron : 'Fare thee well' (lyric verses)
'Early in 1831 there is the following entry in a diary [of Lady Byron's]: "Read to Ada the beautiful lines on Greece in The Giaour, the Fare thee well, and the Satire. With the first she was highly pleased, from its [italics]effusion-of-feeling[end italics] character; the 2nd she thought laboured and inferior in pathos; the 3rd very amusing though very unlike the person." This disproves once for all the legend the legend invented by Teresa Guiccioli [Byron's last mistress] that Ada never heard of her father's poetry until a year before she died in 1852!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Lady Byron Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron : 'the Satire'
'Early in 1831 there is the following entry in a diary [of Lady Byron's]: "Read to Ada the beautiful lines on Greece in The Giaour, the Fare thee well, and the Satire. With the first she was highly pleased, from its [italics]effusion-of-feeling[end italics] character; the 2nd she thought laboured and inferior in pathos; the 3rd very amusing though very unlike the person." This disproves once for all the legend the legend invented by Teresa Guiccioli [Byron's last mistress] that Ada never heard of her father's poetry until a year before she died in 1852!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Lady Byron Print: Book
Harriet Martineau : Five Years of Youth
'The girl [Ada Byron] was then [1831] seventeen; her mother had been reading Harriet Martineau's Five Years of Youth, and wrote to a friend: "It is very good -- chiefly directed against Romance, and therefore not necessary for Ada."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Lady Byron Print: Book
George MacDonald : Within and Without
'Lady Byron was to [George] MacDonald the protectress, the adviser, and once at least the extremely rigorous critic. 'It was through the reading of his narrative poem, Within and Without (published in 1855, but written a few years earlier), that their acquaintance began. She wrote to him of her admiration, and soon afterwards they met.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Lady Noel Byron Print: Book
Charles Stansfield : [a paper on Carlyle]
'The programme devoted to Carlyle & his works was then proceeded with but owing to the length of the discussion was not completed. Mr Stansfield read a paper on Carlyle & his philosophy and Mrs Stansfield an extract from Sartor Resartus. Mr Rowntree gave a general resume of Sartor Resartus.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Thomas Carlyle :
'The programme devoted to Carlyle & his works was then proceeded with but owing to the length of the discussion was not completed. Mr Stansfield read a paper on Carlyle & his philosophy and Mrs Stansfield an extract from Sartor Resartus. Mr Rowntree gave a general resume of Sartor Resartus.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
George Eliot [pseud.] : Romola
'Mr Kaye followed [a talk on the artists of Florence] with a life of Savonarola after which Miss Joyce Heelas & Miss Angus [?] gave readings from Romola'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Angus [?] Print: Book
: Punch
'W.S. Rowntree then read a very interesting paper on four Punch artists which was followed by readings from Punch of a very varied nature by S. A. Reynolds, Miss J. Heelas, H.M. Wallis, H.R. Smith, Helen Rawlings, C.E. Stansfield & A. Rawlings'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Print: Serial / periodical
: Punch
'W.S. Rowntree then read a very interesting paper on four Punch artists which was followed by readings from Punch of a very varied nature by S. A. Reynolds, Miss J. Heelas, H.M. Wallis, H.R. Smith, Helen Rawlings, C.E. Stansfield & A. Rawlings'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Serial / periodical
:
Harriet, Countess Granville, to her brother the Duke of Devonshire, 15 November 1811: 'Do you wish to see us tonight, G[eorgiana]. with a veil and shawl, near the fire, Mrs. Canning by her [...] Lady Harrowby in an arm-chair [...] Mr. Canning, Charles Ellis and my husband extended at their full length reading, and Lord Harrowby and Lord Morpeth [...] examining folios. Mr. Elliot and I are writing letters, his probably as wise as mine are foolish.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Ellis Print: Unknown
George Moir : Preface to 'Constable's Miscellany' vol. 18, Schiller's Thirty Years War, I
Now the other morning Dr Irving shows me the last vol. of Constable's Miscellany, and a most magnificent passage in the Preface about this very book. Be so good as to look at that before we go farther.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
John Galsworthy : A Motley
'I received the volume ["A Motley"] the day before yesterday and laid it aside till this afternoon.' Hence follow one and a half pages of almost unqualified praise for the short stories and sketches in this collection, apart from Conrad's rejection of one piece, "A Reversion To Type".
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Norman Douglas : The Caves of Siren Land (and 2 other pieces cited in evidence
'I sent about a fortnight ago, three of your papers to Austin Harrison [...] the present editor of the E[nglish] R[eview]. [...] The "[The]Headland of Minerva" and the "Caves of [the]S[iren Land]" I just cut in half. The "Upland[s] of Sorrento" I sent whole. I did this to give your prose a better chance for they are everlastingly cramped for room in that Review. Of course I didn't touch the text.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Henry Woodd Nevinson : Sitting at a Play
'In the same No. [of Harper's Magazine] Nevinson has a story-- and Lord it is bad. The whole No. is so inept that I feel sick to see myself there.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
David Bone : The Brassbounder
'Your gift is none the less welcome because I read your book a few weeks ago. E[dward] Garnett, Duckworth's literary advisor sent it to me shortly after publication.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Francis Warrington Dawson : The Scar
'I didn't dare to look at your book ["The Scar"] till I finished a rather long thing which I was writing.[...] I have not been disappointed.There is power to begin with, and a great charm of style, a soberness of presentation which appeals to me extremely, [...] for as you can imagine I am not writing this after one reading only.' Hence follow nine lines of further praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Jean Gachet de la Fournière : unknown
'Without any doubt Jean [Gachet de la Fournière] has talent.[...] I wrote my immediate impression right after reading the manuscript.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Stephen Reynolds : The Puffin (uncertain)
'I must thank you for the "B[lack]wood" where your "Puffin" was really interesting.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Helen Sanderson (pseud. 'Janet Allardyce') : African Sketches and Impressions
'All these sketches have the quality without which neither beauty, nor I am afraid, truth, are effective, that is they are intetesting in themselves. I've spent all yesterday with your pages [...].' Hence follow almost two pages of constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Norman Douglas : unidentified
'I have read the story. It's marvellous in a way but we must talk it over.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
E.F. Wedgwood : The Shadow of a Titan
'I wouldn't throw a doubt on his [Edward Garnett's] judgement but I understand he has been lately crying up [through his review in "The Nation" ] two books of which one (a sea book) is the most suburban thing (I mean spiritually) I've ever read. The other is a South American novel both portly and strangely disorderly--if I may express it so. But I had better say nothing more since I have written once a sea book and also a portly S.American novel.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Ivan Turgenev : A Lear of the Steppes and Other Stories
'I have an idea dear Jack that any comment on your work can be nothing by now but ( in the words of the Pole in "[A] Lear of the Steppes"), "perfectly superfluous chatter". '
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Windlestraw
'I send back "The Windlestraw" by return of post. In this sort of apologue you are simply incomparable.' Hence follows a page of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Guy de Maupassant : Yvette and Other Stories
'The other day I took up "Yvette". How well she [Ada Galsworthy] has done it all!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edward Garnett : Hogarth
'It was ever so good of you to have sent me the Hogarth little book. I knew practically nothing of the man and I was glad to learn.' Hence follow 13 lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Douglas Goldring : A Country Boy and Other Poems
'Now I have looked [at the verses] I have to thank you for the kind thought of sending me the little volume and for the pleasure it has given me.' Hence follow eight lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Walter Scott : Kenilworth
Harriet, Countess Granville to her sister, Lady Georgiana Morpeth, 8 October 1820: 'To-day I perform alone upon a roast chicken, and mean to devour "Kenilworth" with it. There are different opinions. Charles Greville told me last night that he did not stir out or go to bed till five in the morning of the day he begun it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Greville Print: Book
David (dr) Brewster : Recommendation
'I [ac]cordingly wrote off to St. Andrews; and the next day, to all the four winds in quest of recommendations. To Goethe, to Irving, to Buller, to Brewster &c &c. These same recommendations are now beginning to come in upon me: I had one from Brewster two days ago (with the offer of farther help); and this morning, came a decent testificatory letter from Buller, and a most majestic certificate in three pages from Edward Irving.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter of recommendation
(Elizabeth Lydia Rosabelle) Mrs Henry de La Pasture : Peter's Mother
'The appeal to my literary opinion was not fair. Suppose I had been in one of my cantankerous hours when the book came. But I daresay you were confident. And with reason. No native or acquired cantankerousness could resist the charm of style, the delicate simplicity of expression[...].' Hence follow four more lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
: [Sagas]
'Mr Ridges read an interesting article on the Sagas & Mr & Mrs Edminson & W.S. Rowntree & W Binns selections from them'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Walter S. Rowntree Print: Book
George Borrow : Lavengro
'Papers were then read by Mr Ridges on the Works of Borrow & on the Life of Borrow by R. Heelas. Readings were given by Mrs W.H. Smith from the Bible in Spain, Miss Marriage & Mr Kaye from Lavengro & H.R. Smith & W.J. Rowntree from Romany Rye'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Marriage Print: Book
: [folklore]
'Mr Binns opened the subject of folklore with an excellent paper & Sybil Heelas & W.J. Rowntree gave readings'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sybil Heelas Print: Book
James Barrie : Window in Thrums, A
'The programme on the works of J.M. Barrie was then considered, John Ridges reading a paper on the subject & Mrs Kaye Miss Marriage & WS Rowntree & P Kaye giving part readings from Window in Thrums & Mrs Reynolds selections from Peter Pan'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Kaye Print: Book
James Barrie : Window in Thrums, A
'The programme on the works of J.M. Barrie was then considered, John Ridges reading a paper on the subject & Mrs Kaye Miss Marriage & WS Rowntree & P Kaye giving part readings from Window in Thrums & Mrs Reynolds selections from Peter Pan'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Marriage Print: Book
Thomas Hardy : Under the Greenwood Tree
'The programme on Thos Hardy & his works was as follows Mr Binns read an interesting account of the author's life & H.M. Wallis one on the minor poems. F.E. Reynolds read selections from Tess & S.A. Reynolds from Under the Greenwood Tree'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus Reynolds Print: Book
William Wymark Jacobs :
'The following was the programme for the evening Viz a paper by W.S. Rowntree on W.W. Jacobs' works. C.E. Stansfield, C.I. Evans & W.S. Rowntree gave illustrative readings from his works H.R. Smith read a paper on Pett Ridge & his works.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
William Wymark Jacobs :
'The following was the programme for the evening Viz a paper by W.S. Rowntree on W.W. Jacobs' works. C.E. Stansfield, C.I. Evans & W.S. Rowntree gave illustrative readings from his works H.R. Smith read a paper on Pett Ridge & his works.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
: [a parody]
'The programme on parodies consisted of a paper by H.M. Wallis & C.I. Evans & readings by Miss Marriage, Mrs Evans, C.I. Evans, W. Binns, H.M. Wallis & Helen Rawlings'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Marriage Print: Book
: [a parody]
'The programme on parodies consisted of a paper by H.M. Wallis & C.I. Evans & readings by Miss Marriage, Mrs Evans, C.I. Evans, W. Binns, H.M. Wallis & Helen Rawlings'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Sir Gilbert Eliot, first Earl Minto : poems
Friday, 23 December 1825: 'Sir Gilbert [the first Earl Minto] was indeed a man among a thousand. I knew him very intimately at the beginning of the century [...] He loved the Muses and worshipd them in secret and used to read some of [his] poetry which was but middling. One upon a walk with his lady which involved certain conclusions (most delicately couchd) but which it is not usual to allude [to].'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Gilbert Eliot, first Earl Minto
: [example of Vers de Societe]
'The subject of the evening Vers de Societe was introduced by H.M. Wallis & illustrative readings from various authors were given by H.M. Wallis, C.E. Stansfield, C.J [?]. Evans, H.R. Smith, J.J. Cooper, A. Rawlings & others'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
: [example of Vers de Societe]
'The subject of the evening Vers de Societe was introduced by H.M. Wallis & illustrative readings from various authors were given by H.M. Wallis, C.E. Stansfield, C.J [?]. Evans, H.R. Smith, J.J. Cooper, A. Rawlings & others'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
: [example of Vers de Societe]
'The subject of the evening Vers de Societe was introduced by H.M. Wallis & illustrative readings from various authors were given by H.M. Wallis, C.E. Stansfield, C.J [?]. Evans, H.R. Smith, J.J. Cooper, A. Rawlings & others'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: John James Cooper Print: Book
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells : The New Machiavelli
' This is really great, great in every dimension. [...] I have read the book ["The New Machiavelli"] yesterday and this evening I re-read it from p.290-504. I don't know what a "masterpiece" may be --but I know what masterwork is when I see it. And this is it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edward Garnett : The Trial of Jeanne d'Arc
'Phew! This [ "The Trial of Jeanne d'Arc" ] is fine.Just one word as the curtain falls for the last time.[...]. I'll with your leave keep the MS for 3 days before I read it again. I wanted to give the very freshest first impression just now, but won't say more at present.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Norman Douglas : Siren Land
'The book ["Siren Land"]'s certain to be well noticed -- maybe attacked too; but that's no harm. I've been delighted. There are mighty fine things there.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Patrician
'Of course it ["The Patrician"] isn't pure aesthetics (only Flaubert's "Salammbo" among novels is that) but even on that ground alone you have done a very fine thing.' Hence follow over a page of only slightly qualified praise for this work. 'I haven't told you half of what I thought about the book. While writing [the first time] I felt still a little "in the air" about it -- but after a second reading I felt so no longer.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Arthur Symons : unidentified
'No end of thanks for the little vol: so charming inside and outside--in its slender body containing a gently melodious soul. I see quite a new aspect of you in these few delightful pages.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edward Thomas : Light and Twilight
'Thanks for the little book ["Light and Twilight"] so full of good things. You know I have a prediliction for your prose with its quiet,flowing felicity of phrase and what I call "penetrative" power of expression.' Hence follow 11 lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
W.H.(William Henry) Hudson : A Shepherd's Life: Impressions of the South Wiltshire Downs (probable)
'Thanks very much for the books. You are indeed very good to me. Hudson's volume is fine, very fine, infinitely loveable, and as one reads on, one feels one's affection increase at every page.' Hence follow 8 lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
unknown :
'"François" is quite good. Very genuine touches all along and quite telling bits here and there.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Dante Alighieri : Inferno
'Miss Marriage explained fully with aid of diagrams, Dante's progress through the Inferno, selections from which were read by other members. Mr Edminson read a paper on the Purgatorio which was also supplemented with readings by various members. A. Rawlings gave a few selections from Plumtree's [sic] notes on Dante, concerning the Paradiso.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Marriage Print: Book
Hugh Clifford : The Downfall of the Gods
'What I set out to say was that all these delays, vexing as they were, gave me the time to read "The Downfall of the Gods" three times from end to end. As to pages and psasages read and re-read and meditated over I can 't give you that tale of them even approximately'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Stephen Reynolds : unidentified
'I have the read the two July articles just before that period [of depression or at least writer's block] began. Evidently my dearest boy it is your synthesis, of course sketched in merely.' Hence follow three more lines of approval.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper, Serial / periodical
Wilkie Collins : The Moonstone
The seventeen-year-old Robert Louis Stevenson, when he read the novel that year, wrote to his mother: “Isn’t the detective prime?”
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Unknown
Henry James : The Outcry
'Thank you for the fine present.[...] While reading delightedly this little work which shines with so soft a brightness, I have for a moment been able to forget the passage of time.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
(Francis) Warrington Dawson : unspecified
'I have read the MS. I have read it twice.' Hence follow 20 lines of quite strong but constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Frederic Andre : letter
'Translation enclosed, very literal, for the fun’s sake. I have taken stock/made acquaintance of the ["Treatise of Marine Works" which you have published in 1874 […] Kindly accept, Mister and dear colleague, the expression of my sentiments of perfect estime. (signed) Fred Andre'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter
Henri Ghéon : Nos Directions
'Thank you for the book. So judicious, so interesting, so touching--why shouldn't I say so when I have been touched?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
William James : Memories and Studies
'The book has arrived too. It was very kind of you to think of sending it to me. As everything that Professor [William] James ever wrote it's most suggestive and interesting and morally valuable.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Stephen Reynolds (and Bob and Tom Woolley) : Seems So! A Working Class View of Politics
'The volume is very emphatically all right. In many respects better than I expected.' Hence follows a page of strong but constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edward Garnett : Lords and Masters
'I hadn't turned over the 3rd page when I let out a whistle of respectful admiration.' Hence follows a page of praise with one minor reservation.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: playscript
Jacques Copeau(and Jean Croue, after Fyodor Dostoievski : Les Frères Karamazov: une drame en 5 actes Dostoievski
'Very many thanks for your kind and friendly notion of sending me "The Brothers Karamazov". I am quite simply astonsihed to see how you and your collaborator have succeeded in tearing out so to speak the very heart of that stout book, laying it bare in 5 acts.[...] It is admirably well done.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: playscript
André Gide : L'Immoraliste
'I admit, then, that I read and admired "The Immoralist" all of two years ago. Davray gave it to me. I have not said anything but someone has filched my copy; and I wanted to get the book from you. As to the volume of criticism, all I can tell you is that I am so much in accord with the sentiment of this book that the sympathy--permit me to say affection-- that I felt for you from the first moment is infinitely increased.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
André Gide : unknown
'I admit, then, that I read and admired "The Immoralist" all of two years ago. Davray gave it to me. I have not said anything but someone has filched my copy; and I wanted to get the book from you. As to the volume of criticism, all I can tell you is that I am so much in accord with the sentiment of this book that the sympathy--permit me to say affection-- that I felt for you from the first moment is infinitely increased.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John James Cooper : [Essay on life and work of Goldwin Smith]
'J.J. Cooper introduced the subject of the life and Work of Goldwin Smith in an interesting essay. F.J. Edminson dealt with his historical work & his position as an historian & A. Rawlings read some extracts from his Life of Wm Lloyd Garrison'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: John James Cooper Manuscript: Unknown
Goldwin Smith :
'J.J. Cooper introduced the subject of the life and Work of Goldwin Smith in an interesting essay. F.J. Edminson dealt with his historical work & his position as an historian & A. Rawlings read some extracts from his Life of Wm Lloyd Garrison'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: John James Cooper Print: Book
Henri Bergson :
'The subject of this evening's discussion was The Philosophy of Henri Bergson. Interesting papers were given by C.E. Stansfield who introduced the discussion; by Howard R. Smith & Mary Hayward who dwelt particularly on Bergson's views upon Instinct, Intuition & Intelligence.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw : Fabian Essays
'The programme on G. Bernard Shaw & his work was then entered upon by C.E. Stansfield reading a paper on the man & his work. H.M. Wallis gave a reading from "The Doctor's Dilemma" & next F.J. Edminson, W.S. Rowntree & Percy Kaye a part reading from "Man & Superman" & C.I. Evans completed the programme by reading in the Introduction to Fabian Essays'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Charles Stansfield : [essay on Shaw's Life and Works]
'The programme on G. Bernard Shaw & his work was then entered upon by C.E. Stansfield reading a paper on the man & his work. H.M. Wallis gave a reading from "The Doctor's Dilemma" & next F.J. Edminson, W.S. Rowntree & Percy Kaye a part reading from "Man & Superman" & C.I. Evans completed the programme by reading in the Introduction to Fabian Essays'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
George Bernard Shaw :
'The programme on G. Bernard Shaw & his work was then entered upon by C.E. Stansfield reading a paper on the man & his work. H.M. Wallis gave a reading from "The Doctor's Dilemma" & next F.J. Edminson, W.S. Rowntree & Percy Kaye a part reading from "Man & Superman" & C.I. Evans completed the programme by reading in the Introduction to Fabian Essays'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
John A. Carlyle : Letter dated 6th Feb, Munich
'We are greatly pleased with your sketches of 'German character'; your Oken, your pert Surgeon, your Schelli[n]g &c must surely be pictures from the Life. Becker says Oken and Wilhelmi are true portraits, as I described them from your letter. Above all I am glad to find both that you admire Schelling and know that you do not understand him.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter
Jean Carlyle : Package of Proofsheets
'Dear Little Crow, I duly received your Munich Letter, and your Proofsheet Package, on two successive Wednesdays; and had reason to approve your activity and sagacity in managing so many new concerns. It was a deadening and a killing Letter that of the unfranked Proofs; more especially as it was totally superfluous, and must have been sent you by mistake alone.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Proofsheets
Jane Welsh Carlyle : Message about Aunt's death
'Your sad Messenger is just arrived. I had again been cherishing Hopes, when the day of Hope was clean gone. Compose yourself, my beloved Wife, and try to feel that the great Father is Good, and can do nothing wrong, inscrutable, and stern as his ways often seem to us.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Manuscript: Letter
Sir William Hamilton : 'On the size of the brain and the proportion of its parts, as affected by age, sex, or sexual mutilation.'
Monday. 16 February 1829: 'Went to the Royal Society. There Sir William Hamilton read an Essay, the result of some anatomical investigations, which containd a maskd battery against the phrenologists. It seems these worthies are agreed that the cerebellum is that part of the headpiece which influences the sexual organs and according to this hypothesis that same cerebellum should be stronger in men than in women, in adults than in children, in old men than in youths, in persons mutilated than in those who are in the natural state [...] But if Sir William's course of experiments are correct the very opposite is the truth.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir William Hamilton
Walter Villiers : Sir Claude the Conqueror (in Young Folks)
'See No. 571, last page; an article, called Sir Claude the Conqueror ... The story in question, by the by, was a last chance given to its drunken author; not Villiers - that was a nom de plume - but Viles, brother to my old boyhood's guide, philosopher and friend, Edward Viles ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Will. J. Sharman : article in Young Folks
'Observe in the same number, how Will. J. Sharman girds at your poor friend ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Bracebridge Hemyng : Bondage of Brandon
'Talking of which, in Heaven's name, get the Bondage of Brandon (3 vols) by Bracebridge Hemming.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Oscar Wilde : letter to Sidney Colvin
'We have just had Oscar Wilde's incredible letter to Colvin and have roared over it ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter
Oscar Wilde : Poems
'We have just had Oscar Wilde's incredible letter ... I read his poems and found, with disappointment, they were not even improper.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
William Ernest Henley : review of Vol 3 Letters of Charles Dickens in Athenaeum
'I had already spotted your Dickens; very pleasant and true.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
William Morris : translation of The Story of Sigurd the Volsung and the Fall of the Niblungs
'Morris's Sigurd is a grrrrreat poem; that is so.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Henry Marriage Wallis : [prefatory notes to Browning's 'Sordello']
'Browning's Sordello was introduced by some prefatory notes by H.M. Wallis read by E.E. Unwin. H.M. Wallis then read a paper describing the historical setting of the poem. Selections were read by Miss Marriage and C.I. Evans'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Unknown
Robert Browning : Sordello
'Browning's Sordello was introduced by some prefatory notes by H.M. Wallis read by E.E. Unwin. H.M. Wallis then read a paper describing the historical setting of the poem. Selections were read by Miss Marriage and C.I. Evans'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles I. Evans Print: Book
Robert Browning : Sordello
'Browning's Sordello was introduced by some prefatory notes by H.M. Wallis read by E.E. Unwin. H.M. Wallis then read a paper describing the historical setting of the poem. Selections were read by Miss Marriage and C.I. Evans'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Marriage Print: Book
[a member of the XII Book Club] : [essay on Browning]
'A series of more or less five minutes essays or talks on various aspects of Browning by the folowing members were then given. viz C.I. Evans, E.E. Unwin, W.S. Rowntree, E.A. Smith, H.R. Smith & A. Rawlings. Mrs Robson, E.E. Unwin, & Kathleen Rawlings contributed songs & Margery Rawlings read Evelyn Hope'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Unknown
[a member of the XII Book Club] : [essay on Browning]
'A series of more or less five minutes essays or talks on various aspects of Browning by the folowing members were then given. viz C.I. Evans, E.E. Unwin, W.S. Rowntree, E.A. Smith, H.R. Smith & A. Rawlings. Mrs Robson, E.E. Unwin, & Kathleen Rawlings contributed songs & Margery Rawlings read Evelyn Hope'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Manuscript: Unknown
: [literature on Christian Science]
'Some notes on the subject of Christian Science by E.A. Smith were read & C.E. Stansfield described some of the literature on the subject. The Secretary read a letter of resignation of membership from W. Binns'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
John James Cooper : [Paper on Robert Bridges]
'J.J. Cooper read a paper on Robert Bridges & some selections from his poetry. C.I. Evans dealt with Newbolt & E.E. Unwin with Masefield in a similar way. Alfred Rawlings gave brief readings from Beeching, Alice Maynell [sic] & Frogley's Voice from the Trees'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: John James Cooper Manuscript: Unknown
Charles Evans : [Paper on Henry Newbolt]
'J.J. Cooper read a paper on Robert Bridges & some selections from his poetry. C.I. Evans dealt with Newbolt & E.E. Unwin with Masefield in a similar way. Alfred Rawlings gave brief readings from Beeching, Alice Maynell [sic] & Frogley's Voice from the Trees'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Manuscript: Unknown
Ernest E. Unwin : [Paper on John Masefield]
'J.J. Cooper read a paper on Robert Bridges & some selections from his poetry. C.I. Evans dealt with Newbolt & E.E. Unwin with Masefield in a similar way. Alfred Rawlings gave brief readings from Beeching, Alice Maynell [sic] & Frogley's Voice from the Trees'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Unknown
John Masefield :
'J.J. Cooper read a paper on Robert Bridges & some selections from his poetry. C.I. Evans dealt with Newbolt & E.E. Unwin with Masefield in a similar way. Alfred Rawlings gave brief readings from Beeching, Alice Maynell [sic] & Frogley's Voice from the Trees'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Henry Newbolt :
'J.J. Cooper read a paper on Robert Bridges & some selections from his poetry. C.I. Evans dealt with Newbolt & E.E. Unwin with Masefield in a similar way. Alfred Rawlings gave brief readings from Beeching, Alice Maynell [sic] & Frogley's Voice from the Trees'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Robert Bridges :
'J.J. Cooper read a paper on Robert Bridges & some selections from his poetry. C.I. Evans dealt with Newbolt & E.E. Unwin with Masefield in a similar way. Alfred Rawlings gave brief readings from Beeching, Alice Maynell [sic] & Frogley's Voice from the Trees'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: John James Cooper Print: Book
ernest E. Unwin : [paper on neo-Irish theatre]
'The Programme on Recent Irish Literature consisted of the following. 1. A reading of The Tinker's Wedding by Synge 2. A paper by E.E. Unwin on the neo-Irish theatre 3. A reading from the Playboy of the Western World 4. Two Songs by E.E. Unwin 5. readings from Countess Cathleen etc.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Unknown
Bronte :
'J.J. Cooper introduced the subject of the Brontes with some excellent biographical notes & readings were given from the sisters' works by S.A. Reynolds, H.M. Wallis. C.I. Evans, Helen & Janet Rawlings & the secretary'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Print: Book
Bronte :
'J.J. Cooper introduced the subject of the Brontes with some excellent biographical notes & readings were given from the sisters' works by S.A. Reynolds, H.M. Wallis. C.I. Evans, Helen & Janet Rawlings & the secretary'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Sidney Colvin : "Giotto's Gospel of Labour"
'I read your “Giotto”; it’s almighty well written, I don’t know how the devil you can write like that.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Sidney Colvin : "The Grosvenor Gallery"
'I read your “Grosvenor”; I’ve seen more interesting articles of yours (beg parding!); but it seemed to me very nice in tone, and I think all the fellows should be pleased, except perhaps poor Tissot. I can’t think anything “debased and odious” that has such a nice light and air about it, as anything of his I ever saw; that seems to me to be an ideal after a fashion.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Arthur Patchett Martin : Sweet Girl Graduate: A Christmas Story and Random Rhymes
It would not be very easy for me to give you any idea of the pleasure I found in your present….I can assure you, your little book, coming from so far, gave me all the pleasure and encouragement in the world...' [Note 1]Martin read RLS’s essay ‘Virginibus Puerisque’ in "Cornhill" for August 1876 and wrote to him expressing his pleasure.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
: The Book of Rights
Thursday, 28 May 1829: 'Mr. MacIntosh Mackay breakfasted and inspected my curious MS. which Dr. Brindley [sic for Brinkley] gave me. Mr. Mackay, I should say Doctor who well deserved the name, read it with tolerable [ease] so I hope to knock the marrow out of the bone with his assistance.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: MacIntosh Mackay Manuscript: Unknown
Ursula Unwin : [biography of Tolstoy]
'Mrs Unwin then read a biography of Leo Tolstoi. C.I. Evans then dealt with him as a schoolmaster - H.M. Wallis as a literary artist & R.H. Robson summarised the message of Tolstoi.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ursula Unwin Manuscript: Unknown
: [works by and about Tolstoy]
'Mrs Unwin then read a biography of Leo Tolstoi. C.I. Evans then dealt with him as a schoolmaster - H.M. Wallis as a literary artist & R.H. Robson summarised the message of Tolstoi.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Anatole France : Thais
'The Life & works of Anatole France were then dealt with in an interesting programme - an appreciation by H.R. Smith Readings - Careers for Women - F. Ridges, - Crime de Sylvestre Bonnard V. Wallis - Thais E.E. Unwin C.I. Evans & H.R. Smith'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Anatole France :
'The Life & works of Anatole France were then dealt with in an interesting programme - an appreciation by H.R. Smith Readings - Careers for Women - F. Ridges, - Crime de Sylvestre Bonnard V. Wallis - Thais E.E. Unwin C.I. Evans & H.R. Smith'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Alfred Rawlings : [minutes of XII Book Club]
'Minutes of the last two meetings were read'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest Unwin Manuscript: book
Oliver Wendell Holmes : 'Chambered Nautilus, The'
'The Life & Works of Oliver W. Holmes were then dealt with. John J. Cooper read an interesting biographical paper, concluding with a reading "Latter Day Warnings" for The Autocrat. Mrs Robson a reading from "The Poet at the Bt table" Mrs Evans [ditto marks] from "Elsie Venner" R.H. Robson read a paper dealing with the characters of "The Professor at the Bt table". The paper was illustrated by well selected readings from the book - making a most interesting communication. C.I. Evans read "The Chambered Nautilus" & "The Wonderful One-hoss Shay".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Oliver Wendell Holmes : 'Deacon's Masterpiece, Or, The Wonderful One-Hoss Shay: A Logical Story
'The Life & Works of Oliver W. Holmes were then dealt with. John J. Cooper read an interesting biographical paper, concluding with a reading "Latter Day Warnings" for The Autocrat. Mrs Robson a reading from "The Poet at the Bt table" Mrs Evans [ditto marks] from "Elsie Venner" R.H. Robson read a paper dealing with the characters of "The Professor at the Bt table". The paper was illustrated by well selected readings from the book - making a most interesting communication. C.I. Evans read "The Chambered Nautilus" & "The Wonderful One-hoss Shay".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Ernest Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Minutes of last meeting were read'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Minutes of last meeting were read'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest Unwin Manuscript: book
Alfred Russel Wallace : My Life; A Record of Events and Opinions.
'The Meeting then considered the Life & Works of Alfred Russel Wallace. Walter S. Rowntree gave us an account of Wallace's life from the autobiography reading a number of well chosen extracts. This was followed by a paper from Henry M. Wallis on his scientific work and one from Mrs Smith on his psychical work.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Walter S. Rowntree Print: Book
Ernest Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Minutes of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest Unwin Manuscript: book
Charles Stansfield : [paper on Chaucer's Life and Times]
'Chaucer's life & work were then described & illustrated by the following: A Paper on the Life & Times by Charles E. Stansfield : Chaucer's Poetry described by C. I. Evans : the Knight's Tale read by Violet Wallis : Chaucer's Prologue was dealt with in considerable detail & after an introduction by C.I. Evans the following read extracts from this poem: Mrs Rawlings, Mrs Robson, Mrs Evans, Rosamund Wallis, Alfred Rawlings, Howard R. Smith & the Secretary.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Charles Evans : [paper on Chaucer's poetry]
'Chaucer's life & work were then described & illustrated by the following: A Paper on the Life & Times by Charles E. Stansfield : Chaucer's Poetry described by C. I. Evans : the Knight's Tale read by Violet Wallis : Chaucer's Prologue was dealt with in considerable detail & after an introduction by C.I. Evans the following read extracts from this poem: Mrs Rawlings, Mrs Robson, Mrs Evans, Rosamund Wallis, Alfred Rawlings, Howard R. Smith & the Secretary.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Manuscript: Unknown
Geoffrey Chaucer : General Prologue
'Chaucer's life & work were then described & illustrated by the following: A Paper on the Life & Times by Charles E. Stansfield : Chaucer's Poetry described by C. I. Evans : the Knight's Tale read by Violet Wallis : Chaucer's Prologue was dealt with in considerable detail & after an introduction by C.I. Evans the following read extracts from this poem: Mrs Rawlings, Mrs Robson, Mrs Evans, Rosamund Wallis, Alfred Rawlings, Howard R. Smith & the Secretary.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Geoffrey Chaucer : General Prologue
'Chaucer's life & work were then described & illustrated by the following: A Paper on the Life & Times by Charles E. Stansfield : Chaucer's Poetry described by C. I. Evans : the Knight's Tale read by Violet Wallis : Chaucer's Prologue was dealt with in considerable detail & after an introduction by C.I. Evans the following read extracts from this poem: Mrs Rawlings, Mrs Robson, Mrs Evans, Rosamund Wallis, Alfred Rawlings, Howard R. Smith & the Secretary.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
Geoffrey Chaucer : [poetry, including the General Prologue]
'Chaucer's life & work were then described & illustrated by the following: A Paper on the Life & Times by Charles E. Stansfield : Chaucer's Poetry described by C. I. Evans : the Knight's Tale read by Violet Wallis : Chaucer's Prologue was dealt with in considerable detail & after an introduction by C.I. Evans the following read extracts from this poem: Mrs Rawlings, Mrs Robson, Mrs Evans, Rosamund Wallis, Alfred Rawlings, Howard R. Smith & the Secretary.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting were read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
John J. Cooper : [paper on Thackeray]
'The evening was given over to the consideration of Thackeray. A paper by J.J. Cooper was read by Miss Marriage followed by readings from his works Charles E. Stansfield from Pendennis Charles I. Evans from Newcomes Mrs W.H. Smith from Vanity Fair H.M Wallis from Roundabout Papers H.R. Smith from Esmond'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Marriage Manuscript: Unknown
William Makepeace Thackeray : Pendennis
'The evening was given over to the consideration of Thackeray. A paper by J.J. Cooper was read by Miss Marriage followed by readings from his works Charles E. Stansfield from Pendennis Charles I. Evans from Newcomes Mrs W.H. Smith from Vanity Fair H.M Wallis from Roundabout Papers H.R. Smith from Esmond'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
William Makepeace Thackeray : Newcomes, The
'The evening was given over to the consideration of Thackeray. A paper by J.J. Cooper was read by Miss Marriage followed by readings from his works Charles E. Stansfield from Pendennis Charles I. Evans from Newcomes Mrs W.H. Smith from Vanity Fair H.M Wallis from Roundabout Papers H.R. Smith from Esmond'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Ernest Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest Unwin Manuscript: book
Rabindranath Tagore : Gardener, The
'The evening was then given to a series of readings from the works of Tagore, including Chitra by Helen, Janet & Alfred Rawlings The Crescent Moon - Katherine I. Evans King of the Dark Chamber - Violet Wallis The Gardener - C.E. Stansfield Post Office - C.I. Evans'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Print: Book
Rabindranath Tagore : Post Office
'The evening was then given to a series of readings from the works of Tagore, including Chitra by Helen, Janet & Alfred Rawlings The Crescent Moon - Katherine I. Evans King of the Dark Chamber - Violet Wallis The Gardener - C.E. Stansfield Post Office - C.I. Evans'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Peter Christen Asbjorsen : Round the Yule Log
'Thank you for your beautiful book, which I admired with my eyes and then read with great amusement.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Richard Jefferies :
'The evening was then devoted to Richard Jefferies - Poet-Naturalist. Ernest E. Unwin read a paper dealing with his life & the main aspects of his work. In this it was shown how the changes in environment & in health affected the style of his writings & an attempt was made to give a critical appreciation of his work. This was helped by numerous readings given by H.M. Wallis, Rosamund Wallis, C.I. Evans, Ursula D. Unwin, Howard R. Smith, & Ernest E. Unwin'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [paper on life and works of Richard Jefferies]
'The evening was then devoted to Richard Jefferies - Poet-Naturalist. Ernest E. Unwin read a paper dealing with his life & the main aspects of his work. In this it was shown how the changes in environment & in health affected the style of his writings & an attempt was made to give a critical appreciation of his work. This was helped by numerous readings given by H.M. Wallis, Rosamund Wallis, C.I. Evans, Ursula D. Unwin, Howard R. Smith, & Ernest E. Unwin'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Unknown
Richard Jefferies :
'The evening was then devoted to Richard Jefferies - Poet-Naturalist. Ernest E. Unwin read a paper dealing with his life & the main aspects of his work. In this it was shown how the changes in environment & in health affected the style of his writings & an attempt was made to give a critical appreciation of his work. This was helped by numerous readings given by H.M. Wallis, Rosamund Wallis, C.I. Evans, Ursula D. Unwin, Howard R. Smith, & Ernest E. Unwin'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Richard Jefferies :
'The evening was then devoted to Richard Jefferies - Poet-Naturalist. Ernest E. Unwin read a paper dealing with his life & the main aspects of his work. In this it was shown how the changes in environment & in health affected the style of his writings & an attempt was made to give a critical appreciation of his work. This was helped by numerous readings given by H.M. Wallis, Rosamund Wallis, C.I. Evans, Ursula D. Unwin, Howard R. Smith, & Ernest E. Unwin'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
Richard Jefferies :
'The evening was then devoted to Richard Jefferies - Poet-Naturalist. Ernest E. Unwin read a paper dealing with his life & the main aspects of his work. In this it was shown how the changes in environment & in health affected the style of his writings & an attempt was made to give a critical appreciation of his work. This was helped by numerous readings given by H.M. Wallis, Rosamund Wallis, C.I. Evans, Ursula D. Unwin, Howard R. Smith, & Ernest E. Unwin'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ursula D. Unwin Print: Book
Richard Jefferies :
'The evening was then devoted to Richard Jefferies - Poet-Naturalist. Ernest E. Unwin read a paper dealing with his life & the main aspects of his work. In this it was shown how the changes in environment & in health affected the style of his writings & an attempt was made to give a critical appreciation of his work. This was helped by numerous readings given by H.M. Wallis, Rosamund Wallis, C.I. Evans, Ursula D. Unwin, Howard R. Smith, & Ernest E. Unwin'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Minutes of last meeting were read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
John James Cooper : [letter of resignation from XII Book Club]
'The secretary read the following letter from John James Cooper'. [the letter, of resignation from the club, is pasted in]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Letter
Charles Stansfield : [paper on Cervantes]
'The evening was then devoted to the consideration of Cervantes - his life & work. C.E. Stansfield read a paper & readings were given by Mrs Rawlings, Alfred Rawlings, Mrs Evans, Mr Robson & Mrs Robson'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Miguel de Cervantes :
'The evening was then devoted to the consideration of Cervantes - his life & work. C.E. Stansfield read a paper & readings were given by Mrs Rawlings, Alfred Rawlings, Mrs Evans, Mr Robson & Mrs Robson'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Alfred Tennyson : 'Ulysses'
'I have been trying to think how far I and my like, middle class schoolboys at the end of our pre-war education, were unquestioning patriots ready to respond to heroics. I think it is true that we were. We were reading now, or having read to us by our English master, the newly published sonnets of Rupert Brooke: 'Now, God be thanked who has matched us with His hour / And caught our youth, and wakened us from sleep.' 'Blow out, you bugles, over the rich Dead.' and 'Honour has come back, as a king, to earth.' 'If I should die, think only this of me: / That there's some corner of a foreign field / That is for ever England.' We had been prepared for these heights: conditioned may be the right word. Tennyson and Browning (besides Shakespeare, of course) we read in the English lessons and learnt by heart; and it cannot be by chance that there comes to my mind unbidden 'Ulysses' - 'To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield' and the well-known 'Epilogue to Asolando': One who never turned his back but marched breast forward, Never doubted clouds would break, Never dreamed, though right were worsted, wrong would triumph, Held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better, Sleep to wake.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Harold Edward Leslie Mellersh Print: Book
Robert Browning : 'Epilogue to Asolando'
'I have been trying to think how far I and my like, middle class schoolboys at the end of our pre-war education, were unquestioning patriots ready to respond to heroics. I think it is true that we were. We were reading now, or having read to us by our English master, the newly published sonnets of Rupert Brooke: 'Now, God be thanked who has matched us with His hour / And caught our youth, and wakened us from sleep.' 'Blow out, you bugles, over the rich Dead.' and 'Honour has come back, as a king, to earth.' 'If I should die, think only this of me: / That there's some corner of a foreign field / That is for ever England.' We had been prepared for these heights: conditioned may be the right word. Tennyson and Browning (besides Shakespeare, of course) we read in the English lessons and learnt by heart; and it cannot be by chance that there comes to my mind unbidden 'Ulysses' - 'To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield' and the well-known 'Epilogue to Asolando': One who never turned his back but marched breast forward, Never doubted clouds would break, Never dreamed, though right were worsted, wrong would triumph, Held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better, Sleep to wake.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Harold Edward Leslie Mellersh Print: Book
Rupert Brooke : 'Peace'
'I have been trying to think how far I and my like, middle class schoolboys at the end of our pre-war education, were unquestioning patriots ready to respond to heroics. I think it is true that we were. We were reading now, or having read to us by our English master, the newly published sonnets of Rupert Brooke: 'Now, God be thanked who has matched us with His hour / And caught our youth, and wakened us from sleep.' 'Blow out, you bugles, over the rich Dead.' and 'Honour has come back, as a king, to earth.' 'If I should die, think only this of me: / That there's some corner of a foreign field / That is for ever England.' We had been prepared for these heights: conditioned may be the right word. Tennyson and Browning (besides Shakespeare, of course) we read in the English lessons and learnt by heart; and it cannot be by chance that there comes to my mind unbidden 'Ulysses' - 'To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield' and the well-known 'Epilogue to Asolando': One who never turned his back but marched breast forward, Never doubted clouds would break, Never dreamed, though right were worsted, wrong would triumph, Held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better, Sleep to wake.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Harold Edward Leslie Mellersh Print: Book
Rupert Brooke : 'The Dead'
'I have been trying to think how far I and my like, middle class schoolboys at the end of our pre-war education, were unquestioning patriots ready to respond to heroics. I think it is true that we were. We were reading now, or having read to us by our English master, the newly published sonnets of Rupert Brooke: 'Now, God be thanked who has matched us with His hour / And caught our youth, and wakened us from sleep.' 'Blow out, you bugles, over the rich Dead.' and 'Honour has come back, as a king, to earth.' 'If I should die, think only this of me: / That there's some corner of a foreign field / That is for ever England.' We had been prepared for these heights: conditioned may be the right word. Tennyson and Browning (besides Shakespeare, of course) we read in the English lessons and learnt by heart; and it cannot be by chance that there comes to my mind unbidden 'Ulysses' - 'To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield' and the well-known 'Epilogue to Asolando': One who never turned his back but marched breast forward, Never doubted clouds would break, Never dreamed, though right were worsted, wrong would triumph, Held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better, Sleep to wake.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Harold Edward Leslie Mellersh Print: Book
Rupert Brooke : 'The Soldier'
'I have been trying to think how far I and my like, middle class schoolboys at the end of our pre-war education, were unquestioning patriots ready to respond to heroics. I think it is true that we were. We were reading now, or having read to us by our English master, the newly published sonnets of Rupert Brooke: 'Now, God be thanked who has matched us with His hour / And caught our youth, and wakened us from sleep.' 'Blow out, you bugles, over the rich Dead.' and 'Honour has come back, as a king, to earth.' 'If I should die, think only this of me: / That there's some corner of a foreign field / That is for ever England.' We had been prepared for these heights: conditioned may be the right word. Tennyson and Browning (besides Shakespeare, of course) we read in the English lessons and learnt by heart; and it cannot be by chance that there comes to my mind unbidden 'Ulysses' - 'To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield' and the well-known 'Epilogue to Asolando': One who never turned his back but marched breast forward, Never doubted clouds would break, Never dreamed, though right were worsted, wrong would triumph, Held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better, Sleep to wake.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Harold Edward Leslie Mellersh Print: Book
William Shakespeare :
'I have been trying to think how far I and my like, middle class schoolboys at the end of our pre-war education, were unquestioning patriots ready to respond to heroics. I think it is true that we were. We were reading now, or having read to us by our English master, the newly published sonnets of Rupert Brooke: 'Now, God be thanked who has matched us with His hour / And caught our youth, and wakened us from sleep.' 'Blow out, you bugles, over the rich Dead.' and 'Honour has come back, as a king, to earth.' 'If I should die, think only this of me: / That there's some corner of a foreign field / That is for ever England.' We had been prepared for these heights: conditioned may be the right word. Tennyson and Browning (besides Shakespeare, of course) we read in the English lessons and learnt by heart; and it cannot be by chance that there comes to my mind unbidden 'Ulysses' - 'To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield' and the well-known 'Epilogue to Asolando': One who never turned his back but marched breast forward, Never doubted clouds would break, Never dreamed, though right were worsted, wrong would triumph, Held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better, Sleep to wake.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Harold Edward Leslie Mellersh Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [minutes of XII Book Club]
'Minutes of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
John James Cooper : [poem on the XII Book Club]
'The Secretary read the following poem which he had received from J.J. Cooper in reply to his letter.' [the poem is pasted in below]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Letter
Henry Newbolt : Clifton Chapel
'The evening was then given up to the consideration of three modern poets. Alfred Noyes. A paper by Mrs Unwin with readings from his works. Henry Newbolt. A paper by C.E. Stansfield with readings Clifton Chapel C.I. Evans Vitai Lampada H.M. Wallis A Ballad of John Nicholson A. Rawlings The Vigil Mrs Robson & two songs. Drake's Drum & the Old Superb Mr Unwin. (3) Rupert Brooke a paper by R.H. Robson with readings by Mrs Rawlings Mrs Evans Mrs Robson & R.H. Robson'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Henry Newbolt :
'The evening was then given up to the consideration of three modern poets. Alfred Noyes. A paper by Mrs Unwin with readings from his works. Henry Newbolt. A paper by C.E. Stansfield with readings Clifton Chapel C.I. Evans Vitai Lampada H.M. Wallis A Ballad of John Nicholson A. Rawlings The Vigil Mrs Robson & two songs. Drake's Drum & the Old Superb Mr Unwin. (3) Rupert Brooke a paper by R.H. Robson with readings by Mrs Rawlings Mrs Evans Mrs Robson & R.H. Robson'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Alfred Noyes :
'The evening was then given up to the consideration of three modern poets. Alfred Noyes. A paper by Mrs Unwin with readings from his works. Henry Newbolt. A paper by C.E. Stansfield with readings Clifton Chapel C.I. Evans Vitai Lampada H.M. Wallis A Ballad of John Nicholson A. Rawlings The Vigil Mrs Robson & two songs. Drake's Drum & the Old Superb Mr Unwin. (3) Rupert Brooke a paper by R.H. Robson with readings by Mrs Rawlings Mrs Evans Mrs Robson & R.H. Robson'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ursula Unwin Print: Book
Ursula Unwin : [paper on Alfred Noyes]
'The evening was then given up to the consideration of three modern poets. Alfred Noyes. A paper by Mrs Unwin with readings from his works. Henry Newbolt. A paper by C.E. Stansfield with readings Clifton Chapel C.I. Evans Vitai Lampada H.M. Wallis A Ballad of John Nicholson A. Rawlings The Vigil Mrs Robson & two songs. Drake's Drum & the Old Superb Mr Unwin. (3) Rupert Brooke a paper by R.H. Robson with readings by Mrs Rawlings Mrs Evans Mrs Robson & R.H. Robson'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ursula Unwin Manuscript: Unknown
Charles Stansfield : [paper on Henry Newbolt]
'The evening was then given up to the consideration of three modern poets. Alfred Noyes. A paper by Mrs Unwin with readings from his works. Henry Newbolt. A paper by C.E. Stansfield with readings Clifton Chapel C.I. Evans Vitai Lampada H.M. Wallis A Ballad of John Nicholson A. Rawlings The Vigil Mrs Robson & two songs. Drake's Drum & the Old Superb Mr Unwin. (3) Rupert Brooke a paper by R.H. Robson with readings by Mrs Rawlings Mrs Evans Mrs Robson & R.H. Robson'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Minutes of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
George Meredith :
'The evening was devoted to Meredith. H.M. Wallis read a most interesting paper upon Meredith's works. This gave rise to considerable discussion. Mrs Evans read from Richard Feverel. Mrs Robson - The Egoist. C.E. Stansfield introduced us to the poems of Meredith. The evening closed with the reading of [Jerry in another hand] the Juggler by C.I. Evans. This poem came as a pleasant surprise after the more obscure & difficult poems to which we had been introduced & should certainly encorage some of us to dig deeper into his poetical works.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
George Meredith : 'Juggling Jerry'
'The evening was devoted to Meredith. H.M. Wallis read a most interesting paper upon Meredith's works. This gave rise to considerable discussion. Mrs Evans read from Richard Feverel. Mrs Robson - The Egoist. C.E. Stansfield introduced us to the poems of Meredith. The evening closed with the reading of [Jerry in another hand] the Juggler by C.I. Evans. This poem came as a pleasant surprise after the more obscure & difficult poems to which we had been introduced & should certainly encorage some of us to dig deeper into his poetical works.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [minutes of XII Book Club]
'Minutes of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
: [article in 'Scribners' by or about Galsworthy]
'The evening was then given up to the study of Galsworthy as an essayist & novelist. Ernest E. Unwin gave a brief introduction & read an article from Nov 1914 Scribners. Rosamund Wallis described & read from 'The Freelands', a recent novel Mrs Rawlings described & read from 'Fraternity' A Rawlings read from 'The Patrician' There was considerable discussion upon the subject of novel writing & whether Galsworthy had chosen in novel writing the right medium for his moralising.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Serial / periodical
John Galsworthy : Freelands, The
'The evening was then given up to the study of Galsworthy as an essayist & novelist. Ernest E. Unwin gave a brief introduction & read an article from Nov 1914 Scribners. Rosamund Wallis described & read from 'The Freelands', a recent novel Mrs Rawlings described & read from 'Fraternity' A Rawlings read from 'The Patrician' There was considerable discussion upon the subject of novel writing & whether Galsworthy had chosen in novel writing the right medium for his moralising.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
John Galsworthy :
'The evening was then given up to the study of Galsworthy as an essayist & novelist. Ernest E. Unwin gave a brief introduction & read an article from Nov 1914 Scribners. Rosamund Wallis described & read from 'The Freelands', a recent novel Mrs Rawlings described & read from 'Fraternity' A Rawlings read from 'The Patrician' There was considerable discussion upon the subject of novel writing & whether Galsworthy had chosen in novel writing the right medium for his moralising.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Lady Georgiana Leveson Gower : Ellen Middleton
Harriet, Countess Granville to her sister, Lady Carlisle 8 March 1844: '"Ellen Middleton" is no longer a secret and will be out in three weeks [...] Opinions given without her name being known have been more than gratifying, and Mrs. Sartoris read till four in the morning with intense interest that never flagged for a moment.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Sartoris
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Minutes of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Charles Evans : [paper on William Barnes and / or West Country songs]
'The meeting then considered the subject of Wm Barnes & west country folk songs. C.I. Evans read a paper & a number of readings and songs were given as under. What Dick & I did S.A. Reynolds The Sky Man W.S. Rowntree Ellen Brine of Allenburn Mrs Reynolds The Waggon (a tripartite dram. prem) by Whinfell family Praise o' Dorset Mrs Evans The Settle C.I. Evans [a list of songs and singers follows]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Manuscript: Unknown
William Barnes : 'What Dick and I did'
'The meeting then considered the subject of Wm Barnes & west country folk songs. C.I. Evans read a paper & a number of readings and songs were given as under. What Dick & I did S.A. Reynolds The Sky Man W.S. Rowntree Ellen Brine of Allenburn Mrs Reynolds The Waggon (a tripartite dram. prem) by Whinfell family Praise o' Dorset Mrs Evans The Settle C.I. Evans [a list of songs and singers follows]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Print: Book
William Barnes : 'Sky Man, the'
'The meeting then considered the subject of Wm Barnes & west country folk songs. C.I. Evans read a paper & a number of readings and songs were given as under. What Dick & I did S.A. Reynolds The Sky Man W.S. Rowntree Ellen Brine of Allenburn Mrs Reynolds The Waggon (a tripartite dram. prem) by Whinfell family Praise o' Dorset Mrs Evans The Settle C.I. Evans [a list of songs and singers follows]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Walter S. Rowntree Print: Book
William Barnes : 'Settle, The'
'The meeting then considered the subject of Wm Barnes & west country folk songs. C.I. Evans read a paper & a number of readings and songs were given as under. What Dick & I did S.A. Reynolds The Sky Man W.S. Rowntree Ellen Brine of Allenburn Mrs Reynolds The Waggon (a tripartite dram. prem) by Whinfell family Praise o' Dorset Mrs Evans The Settle C.I. Evans [a list of songs and singers follows]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Lewis Carroll [pseud.] :
'The evening was then given over to the life & works of Lewis Carroll. Mary Hayward Life of Lewis Carroll. Songs. Well you walk etc Mrs Robson. Walrus & C. E.E.U. Speak gently. Mary Hayward. Readings by S.A. Reynolds, C.E. Stansfield, The Rawlings & Unwin families.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Print: Book
Lewis Carroll [pseud.] :
'The evening was then given over to the life & works of Lewis Carroll. Mary Hayward Life of Lewis Carroll. Songs. Well you walk etc Mrs Robson. Walrus & C. E.E.U. Speak gently. Mary Hayward. Readings by S.A. Reynolds, C.E. Stansfield, The Rawlings & Unwin families.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: BookManuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Minutes of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: BookManuscript: book
Fyodor Dostoevsky :
'Dostoieffsky [sic] occupied our attention for the remained [sic] of the evening. We were much indebted to R.H. Robson for an interesting & valuable introduction dealing with his life as the background of his works. All his writings are in the main autobiographical & the story of his life is necessary for a study of his work. One of the main lessons of his writings is a new & deeper meaning in the term 'brotherhood'. It may be that the Russians will reveal the true democracy to the world. Readings from his novels were given by C. E Stansfield, Mrs Evans, E.E. Unwin'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Fyodor Dostoevsky :
'Dostoieffsky [sic] occupied our attention for the remained [sic] of the evening. We were much indebted to R.H. Robson for an interesting & valuable introduction dealing with his life as the background of his works. All his writings are in the main autobiographical & the story of his life is necessary for a study of his work. One of the main lessons of his writings is a new & deeper meaning in the term 'brotherhood'. It may be that the Russians will reveal the true democracy to the world. Readings from his novels were given by C. E Stansfield, Mrs Evans, E.E. Unwin'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII book Club]
'Minutes of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Mark Twain :
'Mark Twain A very humorous essay written by C.E. Stansfield & read by R.H. Robson gave us a delightful introduction to this great American 'wit' [?] Readings from his works were given by Mrs W.H. Smith. Mrs Evans. Miss Mary Hayward. Mr Robson. Mr Unwin'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Minutes read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
: [material by or about Wordsworth]
'The rest of the evning was devoted to Wordsworth, Alfred Rawlings, Mrs Rawlings, Mrs W.H. Smith, C.I. Evans, C.E. Stansfield, Mr Clough, Violet Wallis, taking part by reading papers, offering criticism or reading from the poems'.
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans
: [material by or about Wordsworth]
'The rest of the evning was devoted to Wordsworth, Alfred Rawlings, Mrs Rawlings, Mrs W.H. Smith, C.I. Evans, C.E. Stansfield, Mr Clough, Violet Wallis, taking part by reading papers, offering criticism or reading from the poems'.
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Minutes of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
: [letter from Mudies library]
'The Secretary read a letter which A. Rawlings had received from Mudies Libr. The question of using Mudies was discussed but it was felt that the advantages offered by Mudie did not meet our need. It was therefore decided to do nothing further in the matter.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Letter
Ernest E. Unwin : [paper on life of William Morris]
'William Morris - Craftsman - Socialist was the subject of the meeting. The Secretary read a paper dealing with the main currents of Morris's life & the parts that art & socialism took in determining his course in life. [the contents of the paper are summarised'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Unknown
William Morris : Earthly Paradise, The
'C.I. Evans described the Earthly Paradise & Mrs Evans & R.H. Robson gave readings therefrom. H.M. Wallis read [superscript 'recited'] some parts of Sigurd the Volsung & described the extraordinary conditions under which many of the poems were written. Some little discussion upon his poetical works followed but lack of time prevented the reading of further poems'. [the 'crowded' tendency of the meetings is then commented on]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Francis Bret Harte : 'Waif of the Plains, The'
'The members then considered Bret Harte & his work. The committee overwhelmed by the inability (through health & other unavoidable circumstances) of 3 members to introduce the [underlined] Man [end underlining] to the Club boldly inaugurated a new procedure & in the capable hands of C.I. Evans became a great success [this was for every member to furnish some facts about him - these are redacted] We then had some readings from his works 'The Waif of the Plains' by Miss Wallis 'Luck of Roaring Camp' by Mrs Rawlings This last was the short story with which he leaped into fame as a short-story writer of Western mining life. Mr Evans read a story from the published biography - a book that seemed well worth reading, & Mrs Unwin read two of his poems. other members read poems & the discussion upon his work was continued. To many of us - the Secretary is one of these - the evening introduced us to a new novelist - we had heard of the short poems - 'Jim' & 'In the Tunnel' but The Luck of Roaring Camp & his other prose work are surely worthy to rank with the best.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Wallis Print: Book
Francis Bret Harte : [poems]
'The members then considered Bret Harte & his work. The committee overwhelmed by the inability (through health & other unavoidable circumstances) of 3 members to introduce the [underlined] Man [end underlining] to the Club boldly inaugurated a new procedure & in the capable hands of C.I. Evans became a great success [this was for every member to furnish some facts about him - these are redacted] We then had some readings from his works 'The Waif of the Plains' by Miss Wallis 'Luck of Roaring Camp' by Mrs Rawlings This last was the short story with which he leaped into fame as a short-story writer of Western mining life. Mr Evans read a story from the published biography - a book that seemed well worth reading, & Mrs Unwin read two of his poems. Other members read poems & the discussion upon his work was continued. To many of us - the Secretary is one of these - the evening introduced us to a new novelist - we had heard of the short poems - 'Jim' & 'In the Tunnel' but The Luck of Roaring Camp & his other prose work are surely worthy to rank with the best.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ursula Unwin Print: Book
Francis Bret Harte : [short poems]
'The members then considered Bret Harte & his work. The committee overwhelmed by the inability (through health & other unavoidable circumstances) of 3 members to introduce the [underlined] Man [end underlining] to the Club boldly inaugurated a new procedure & in the capable hands of C.I. Evans became a great success [this was for every member to furnish some facts about him - these are redacted] We then had some readings from his works 'The Waif of the Plains' by Miss Wallis 'Luck of Roaring Camp' by Mrs Rawlings This last was the short story with which he leaped into fame as a short-story writer of Western mining life. Mr Evans read a story from the published biography - a book that seemed well worth reading, & Mrs Unwin read two of his poems. Other members read poems & the discussion upon his work was continued. To many of us - the Secretary is one of these - the evening introduced us to a new novelist - we had heard of the short poems - 'Jim' & 'In the Tunnel' but The Luck of Roaring Camp & his other prose work are surely worthy to rank with the best.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting were read'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Pattie Stansfield : [letter to the XII Book Club]
'A letter from Mrs Stansfield was read inviting the club to 29 Upper Redlands Rd for the next meeting'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Letter
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Minutes of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Francis William Bain : 'Bubbles of the Foam'
'The rest of the evening was devoted to Bain's Indian Stories. It is impossible for one, not steeped in Indian mythology & with no knowledge of Indian life, to do justice to these extraordinary books. That they are beautiful with the overpowering scents & colours of the East is too obvious - that the author has a wonderful power of description hardly a word out of place or a jarring note is also obvious - that they are unique in literature is very likely - but --- perhaps I had better give the programme. [all extracts from] Bubbles of the Foam by E.E. Unwin Ashes of a God " Rosamund Wallis Syrup of the Bees " Alfred Rawlings In the Great God's Hair " Miss Marriage Digit of the Moon " Mrs Reynolds The club is indebted to Alfred Rawlings for introducing us to a new type of literature and if it left some of us gasping as with asthma in its rather overscented & sensuous atmosphere so that we longed for the moors & the winds of Heaven - others, whose breathing organs can cope with this Eastern air & whose palates are tickled by The Syrup of the Bees will feel that a new star has entered their literary constellation.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Francis William Bain : 'Ashes of a God'
'The rest of the evening was devoted to Bain's Indian Stories. It is impossible for one, not steeped in Indian mythology & with no knowledge of Indian life, to do justice to these extraordinary books. That they are beautiful with the overpowering scents & colours of the East is too obvious - that the author has a wonderful power of description hardly a word out of place or a jarring note is also obvious - that they are unique in literature is very likely - but --- perhaps I had better give the programme. [all extracts from] Bubbles of the Foam by E.E. Unwin Ashes of a God " Rosamund Wallis Syrup of the Bees " Alfred Rawlings In the Great God's Hair " Miss Marriage Digit of the Moon " Mrs Reynolds The club is indebted to Alfred Rawlings for introducing us to a new type of literature and if it left some of us gasping as with asthma in its rather overscented & sensuous atmosphere so that we longed for the moors & the winds of Heaven - others, whose breathing organs can cope with this Eastern air & whose palates are tickled by The Syrup of the Bees will feel that a new star has entered their literary constellation.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
George Gissing : Private Papers of Henry Rycroft, The
'The meeting then entered the gloomy portals of New Grub St & attempted to follow the fortunes of George Gissing. The Book Club members were evidently in no mood to apreciate the side of life painted by Gissing. However the Secretary protests that there is need for all sides of 'Life' to be depicted & that we cannot obtain the all round knowledge so essential to a right understanding of the problems of living without our Gissings, Hardys. Kiplings & Masefields. The details of the programme included an introductory paper by E.E. Unwin New Grub Street by H.R. Smith The Odd Women by H.M. Wallis Private Papers of Henry Rycroft by C.S. Stansfield'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [paper on Gissing]
'The meeting then entered the gloomy portals of New Grub St & attempted to follow the fortunes of George Gissing. The Book Club members were evidently in no mood to apreciate the side of life painted by Gissing. However the Secretary protests that there is need for all sides of 'Life' to be depicted & that we cannot obtain the all round knowledge so essential to a right understanding of the problems of living without our Gissings, Hardys. Kiplings & Masefields. The details of the programme included an introductory paper by E.E. Unwin New Grub Street by H.R. Smith The Odd Women by H.M. Wallis Private Papers of Henry Rycroft by C.S. Stansfield'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Unknown
George Gissing :
'The meeting then entered the gloomy portals of New Grub St & attempted to follow the fortunes of George Gissing. The Book Club members were evidently in no mood to apreciate the side of life painted by Gissing. However the Secretary protests that there is need for all sides of 'Life' to be depicted & that we cannot obtain the all round knowledge so essential to a right understanding of the problems of living without our Gissings, Hardys. Kiplings & Masefields. The details of the programme included an introductory paper by E.E. Unwin New Grub Street by H.R. Smith The Odd Women by H.M. Wallis Private Papers of Henry Rycroft by C.S. Stansfield'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
: Quarterly Review (no. 5)
Isaac D'Israeli to John Murray, 2 August 1810: 'I took the Q[uarterly]. R[eview]. with me. I like it well; and I do think it is far better than what you imagined it to be. The article on the "Fatal Revenge" is exquisite in humour, and very ingenious in criticism. I long to get to the Chinese article -- "Ramayuna."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Disraeli Print: Serial / periodical
George Gordon Lord Byron : The Corsair
John Murray to Lord Byron, 3 February 1814, on first reception of The Corsair: 'Never, in my recollection, has any work, since the "Letter of Burke to the Duke of Bedford," excited such a ferment [...] I sold, on the day of publication, -- a thing perfectly unprecedented -- 10,000 copies; and I suppose thirty people, who were purchasers (strangers), called to tell the people in the shop how much they had been delighted and satisfied. Mr. Moore says it is masterly, -- a wonderful performance. Mr. Hammond, Mr. Heber, D'Israeli, every one who comes [...] declare their unlimited approbation. Mr. Ward was here with Mr. Gifford yesterday, and mingled his admiration with the rest [...] Gifford did what I never knew him do before -- he repeated several passages from memory [...] I was with Mr. Shee this morning, to whom I had presented the poem; and he declared himself to have been delighted [...] I have the highest encomiums in letters from Croker and Mr. Hay'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Moore Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron : The Corsair
John Murray to Lord Byron, 3 February 1814, on first reception of The Corsair: 'Never, in my recollection, has any work, since the "Letter of Burke to the Duke of Bedford," excited such a ferment [...] I sold, on the day of publication, -- a thing perfectly unprecedented -- 10,000 copies; and I suppose thirty people, who were purchasers (strangers), called to tell the people in the shop how much they had been delighted and satisfied. Mr. Moore says it is masterly, -- a wonderful performance. Mr. Hammond, Mr. Heber, D'Israeli, every one who comes [...] declare their unlimited approbation. Mr. Ward was here with Mr. Gifford yesterday, and mingled his admiration with the rest [...] Gifford did what I never knew him do before -- he repeated several passages from memory [...] I was with Mr. Shee this morning, to whom I had presented the poem; and he declared himself to have been delighted [...] I have the highest encomiums in letters from Croker and Mr. Hay'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Disraeli Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron : The Corsair
John Murray to Lord Byron, 3 February 1814, on first reception of The Corsair: 'Never, in my recollection, has any work, since the "Letter of Burke to the Duke of Bedford," excited such a ferment [...] I sold, on the day of publication, -- a thing perfectly unprecedented -- 10,000 copies; and I suppose thirty people, who were purchasers (strangers), called to tell the people in the shop how much they had been delighted and satisfied. Mr. Moore says it is masterly, -- a wonderful performance. Mr. Hammond, Mr. Heber, D'Israeli, every one who comes [...] declare their unlimited approbation. Mr. Ward was here with Mr. Gifford yesterday, and mingled his admiration with the rest [...] Gifford did what I never knew him do before -- he repeated several passages from memory [...] I was with Mr. Shee this morning, to whom I had presented the poem; and he declared himself to have been delighted [...] I have the highest encomiums in letters from Croker and Mr. Hay; but I rest most upon the warm feeling it has created in Gifford's critical heart.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
George Gordon Lord Byron : Lara
John Murray to Lord Byron, 6 August 1814, on first reception of Lara: 'Mr. Frere likes the poem greatly, and particularly admires the first canto. I mentioned the passages in the second canto -- descriptive of the morning after the battle, which delighted me so much, and indeed Mr. Wilmot and many other persons. His [Frere's] remark was that he thought it rather too shocking. This is perhaps a little fastidious. Sir Jno. Malcolm [...] called to express his satisfaction; and by the way, I may add that Mr. Frere has been here this moment to take another copy with him to read again in his carriage. He told me that Mr. Canning liked it equally. Mr. Frere, and in his report, Mr. Canning, are the only persons who have spoken in praise of "Jacqueline"; but they say it is beautiful'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir J. Malcolm Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ethel C. Stevens : [letter to XII Book Club]
'A letter from Miss Ethel C. Stevens offering to entertain the Book Club for the Sept meeting was read'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Letter
Helen Maria Williams : Narrative of Events in France in 1815
Isaac D'Israeli to John Murray (1815): 'I have just finished Miss Williams's narrative [...] I consider it a [italics]a capital work[end italics], written with great skill, talent, and care; full of curious and new developments, and some facts which we did not know before. There breathes through the whole a most attractive spirit, and her feelings sometimes break out in the most beautiful effusions [...] it must be popular, as it is the most entertaining [book] imaginable; one of those books one does not like to quit before finishing it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac D'Israeli Print: Book
Helen Maria Williams : Narrative of Events in France in 1815
Isaac D'Israeli to John Murray (1815): 'I have just finished Miss Williams's narrative [...] I consider it a [italics]a capital work[end italics], written with great skill, talent, and care; full of curious and new developments, and some facts which we did not know before. There breathes through the whole a most attractive spirit, and her feelings sometimes break out in the most beautiful effusions [...] it must be popular, as it is the most entertaining [book] imaginable; one of those books one does not like to quit before finishing it.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac D'Israeli Print: Book
Goethe : Faust
S. T. Coleridge to John Murray, 23 August 1814, in reponse to suggestion that he translate Goethe's Faust: 'Thinking, as I do, that among many volumes of praiseworthy German poems, the "Louisa" of Voss, and the "Faust" of Goethe, are the two, if not the [italics]only[end italics] ones, that are emphatically [italics]original[end italics] in their conception, and characteristic of a new and peculiar sort of thinking, I should not be averse from exerting my best efforts in an attempt to import whatever is importable of either or of both into our own language.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Voss : Louisa
S. T. Coleridge to John Murray, 23 August 1814, in reponse to suggestion that he translate Goethe's Faust: 'Thinking, as I do, that among many volumes of praiseworthy German poems, the "Louisa" of Voss, and the "Faust" of Goethe, are the two, if not the [italics]only[end italics] ones, that are emphatically [italics]original[end italics] in their conception, and characteristic of a new and peculiar sort of thinking, I should not be averse from exerting my best efforts in an attempt to import whatever is importable of either or of both into our own language.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Book
Robert Southey : article on Parliamentary Reform
S. T. Coleridge to John Murray, 26 March 1817: 'I read Southey's article [...] It is, in my judgement, a very masterly article.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge Print: Serial / periodical
Walter Scott : review of Thomas Campbell, Gertrude of Wyoming etc
Thomas Campbell to John Murray, 2 June 1809: 'I received the review, for which I thank you, and beg leave through you to express my best acknowledgements to the unknown reviewer. I do not by this mean to say that I think every one of his censures just [...] But altogether I am pleased with his manner, and very proud of his approbation. He reviews like a gentleman, a Christian, and a scholar.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Campbell Print: Serial / periodical
George Gordon Lord Byron : The Siege of Corinth
Isaac D'Israeli to John Murray (December 1815): 'I find myself, this morning, so strangely affected by the perusal of the poem last night, that I feel it is one which stands quite by itself [...] There is no scene, no incident, nothing so marvellous in pathos and terror in Homer, or any bard of antiquity [comments further ] [...] Homer has never conveyed his reader into a vast Golgotha, nor harrowed us with the vulture flapping the back of the gorged wolf, nor the dogs: the terror, the truth, and the loneliness of that spot will never be erased from my memory [...] I never read any poem that exceeded in power this, to me, extraordinary production. I do not know where I am to find any which can excite the same degree of emotion.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac D'Israeli Manuscript: Unknown
George Gordon Lord Byron : Sketch from Private Life
'The "Sketch from Private Life" was one of the most bitter and satirical things Byron had ever written [...] Mr. Murray showed the verses to Rogers, Frere, and Stratford Canning. In communicating the result to Byron, he said:-- '"They have all seen and admired the lines; they agree that you have produced nothing better; that satire is your forte; and so in each class as you choose to adopt it [goes on to add readers' suggestions]."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Rogers Manuscript: Unknown
George Gordon Lord Byron : Sketch from Private Life
'The "Sketch from Private Life" was one of the most bitter and satirical things Byron had ever written [...] Mr. Murray showed the verses to Rogers, Frere, and Stratford Canning. In communicating the result to Byron, he said:-- '"They have all seen and admired the lines; they agree that you have produced nothing better; that satire is your forte; and so in each class as you choose to adopt it [goes on to add readers' suggestions]."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Stratford Canning Manuscript: Unknown
George Gordon Lord Byron : Monody [on Sheridan]
John Murray to Byron, 12 September 1816: 'Respecting the "Monody," I extract from a letter which I received this morning from Sir James Mackintosh: "I presume I have to thank you for a copy of the "Monody" on Sheridan received this morning. I wish it had been accompanied by the additional favour of mentioning the name of the writer, at which I only guess: it is difficult to read the poem without desiring to know." 'Generally speaking it is not, I think, popular, and spoken of rather for fine passages than as a whole [...] Gifford does not like it; Frere does.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir James Mackintosh
Walter Scott : Review of George Gordon, Lord Byron, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, Canto III
Byron to John Murray, 3 March 1817: 'In acknowledging the arrival of the article from the Quarterly, which I received two days ago, I cannot express myself better than in the words of my sister Augusta, who (speaking of it) says, that it is written in a spirit "of the most feeling and kind nature."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Augusta Leigh Print: Serial / periodical
: Edinburgh Review
Augusta Leigh, Byron's half-sister, to John Murray (July 1818): 'I return the Edinburgh Review, with a thousand thanks for your kindness in lending it to me. It will surely please him (Byron) whom it most concerns.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Augusta Leigh Print: Serial / periodical
: [German literature]
'On the whole, our study and love of German Literature seems to be rapidly progressive: in my time, that is, within the last six years, I should almost say that the readers of your language have increased tenfold; and with the readers, the admirers; for with all minds of any endowment these two titles, in the present state of matters, are synonymous. In proof of this, moreover, we can now refer not to one but to two Foreign Journals, published in London, and eagerly if not always wisely looking towards Germany: The Foreign Quarterly Review, and the Foreign Review, with the last of which I too have formed some connexion.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: British Population (general) Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Charles Stansfield : [paper on H.G. Wells' religious development]
'The meeting then continued the discussion of H.G. Wells & his religious development. C.E. Stansfield had prepared an able paper dealing with this subject. He traced the growth of Wells' mind & thought as revealed in the series of published writings and showed by extracts from '1st & last things', 'God the invisible King' & 'The Soul of a Bishop' the striking development of his religious nature. Miss Hayward & Mrs Smith read extracts in support of this view.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Herbert George Wells : First and Last Things. Confession of Faith and Rule of Life
'The meeting then continued the discussion of H.G. Wells & his religious development. C.E. Stansfield had prepared an able paper dealing with this subject. He traced the growth of Wells' mind & thought as revealed in the series of published writings and showed by extracts from '1st & last things', 'God the invisible King' & 'The Soul of a Bishop' the striking development of his religious nature. Miss Hayward & Mrs Smith read extracts in support of this view.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Herbert George Wells : God the Invisible King
'The meeting then continued the discussion of H.G. Wells & his religious development. C.E. Stansfield had prepared an able paper dealing with this subject. He traced the growth of Wells' mind & thought as revealed in the series of published writings and showed by extracts from '1st & last things', 'God the invisible King' & 'The Soul of a Bishop' the striking development of his religious nature. Miss Hayward & Mrs Smith read extracts in support of this view.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Herbert George Wells : Soul of a Bishop, The
'The meeting then continued the discussion of H.G. Wells & his religious development. C.E. Stansfield had prepared an able paper dealing with this subject. He traced the growth of Wells' mind & thought as revealed in the series of published writings and showed by extracts from '1st & last things', 'God the invisible King' & 'The Soul of a Bishop' the striking development of his religious nature. Miss Hayward & Mrs Smith read extracts in support of this view.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Herbert George Wells :
'The meeting then continued the discussion of H.G. Wells & his religious development. C.E. Stansfield had prepared an able paper dealing with this subject. He traced the growth of Wells' mind & thought as revealed in the series of published writings and showed by extracts from '1st & last things', 'God the invisible King' & 'The Soul of a Bishop' the striking development of his religious nature. Miss Hayward & Mrs Smith read extracts in support of this view.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Hayward Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Robert Louis Stevenson : Travels with a Donkey
'The remainder of the evening was given over to R.L. Stevenson & his work. [the format of the evening's discussion on the question of whether Stevenson's work will live is explained] To enable us to review his work readings were given as under from the Essays - 'An Apology for Idlers' by Alfred vice Janet Rawlings Poems - 'Christmas at Sea' 'Tropic Rain' 'Vagabond' [all read by] Mrs W.H. Smith Travel Books - 'Travels with a Donkey' by E.E. Unwin Novels - 'Master of Ballantrae' by H.M. Wallis Letters - Mr & Mrs Evans. [some remarks on songs sung by various members] It is difficult for any one to sum up the results of the discussion - it was soon apparent that to some members his essays were the one & only thing worth having, to others his stories, 'Treasure Island', 'Island Nights Entertainments' & so on reveal his greatness: to others, his letters are the thing & so one might proceed'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [paper on psychic phenomena]
'The evening was then devoted to the subject of Psychical Phenomena. The Secretary (Ernest E. Unwin] read a brief introductory paper, giving some indication of the way in which the subject had come under his notice, and one or two general fundamental points which he was prepared to accept. This was followed by a paper dealing with the sub-conscious mind by Mary Hayward. The very great importance of the subconscious - the way in which we can use it to free our minds of worry - the relationship between mind & mind or telepathy were clearly brought out. Then Mrs Smith read a paper which gave a deeper note to the subject. She dealt with communications from the spirit world with living people - giving personal experiences & experiences of her friends'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Unknown
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Reginald Robson : [paper on political situation]
'Essays were then read. The Secretary does not feel able to do more than indicate the general nature of these essays. 1. Read by R.H. Robson. An essay written by H.M.W. about the remains of an altar stone found near Carthage. Vivid & interesting, bloodstained though the stone was, with human sacrifice. 2. Mrs Smith read a very interesting paper dealing with the mind & its training. 'My mind to me a kingdom is'. Considerable discussion followed. 3. Mr Stansfield read a fantasia (written surely by a historian. R.H.R.) relating the musings of Mendax II giving expression to a cynical prophecy of European politics if events evolved or devolved along present lines. We hope that the assassination of Ld. George by a Quaker pacifist & the suppression of L.P.S. will not be fulfilled. 4. E.E. Unwin read a paper entitled 'The Humours of Man' which consisted of a number of humorous stories lightly linked together'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Ernest E. Unwin : [essay on 'The Humours of Man']
'Essays were then read. The Secretary does not feel able to do more than indicate the general nature of these essays. 1. Read by R.H. Robson. An essay written by H.M.W. about the remains of an altar stone found near Carthage. Vivid & interesting, bloodstained though the stone was, with human sacrifice. 2. Mrs Smith read a very interesting paper dealing with the mind & its training. 'My mind to me a kingdom is'. Considerable discussion followed. 3. Mr Stansfield read a fantasia (written surely by a historian. R.H.R.) relating the musings of Mendax II giving expression to a cynical prophecy of European politics if events evolved or devolved along present lines. We hope that the assassination of Ld. George by a Quaker pacifist & the suppression of L.P.S. will not be fulfilled. 4. E.E. Unwin read a paper entitled 'The Humours of Man' which consisted of a number of humorous stories lightly linked together'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Unknown
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Honore de Balzac : Christ in Flanders
'Balzac We were introduced by Henry M. Wallis to the novels of Balzac by an introduction to & readings from The Wild Asses Skin. A general discussion on the novel & the author followed and Mrs Unwin read some extracts from an article upon Balzac published some few years ago in 'Everyman'. [these extracts, summarising Balzac's career are quoted at length] Mrs Robson read from 'Le Pere Goriot' 'Old Goriot' Rosamund Wallis read 'Christ in Flanders' with its fine description of a ferryboat in a storm & the mysterious stranger who lead [sic] those who had faith walking over the waters to safety when the boat capsized'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
: [essay in 'Everyman' on Balzac]
'Balzac We were introduced by Henry M. Wallis to the novels of Balzac by an introduction to & readings from The Wild Asses Skin. A general discussion on the novel & the author followed and Mrs Unwin read some extracts from an article upon Balzac published some few years ago in 'Everyman'. [these extracts, summarising Balzac's career are quoted at length] Mrs Robson read from 'Le Pere Goriot' 'Old Goriot' Rosamund Wallis read 'Christ in Flanders' with its fine description of a ferryboat in a storm & the mysterious stranger who lead [sic] those who had faith walking over the waters to safety when the boat capsized'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ursula Unwin Print: Serial / periodical
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Henry Newbolt : [writings on Nature of poetry]
'The Nature of Poetry. C.I. Evans brought before us the recent book by Henry Newbolt dealing with 'The Nature of Poetry' & gave as the final requisite [underlined] Rhythm [end underlining]. [This definition is discussed at length with quotation and contrary views from other members] Alfred Rawlings gave us Th. Walls Dutton's [?] ideas of poetry quoting him as expressing his own views almost entirely.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
John Keats :
'The subject of the evening's programme was John Keats. R.H. Robson read an essay dealing with his life. The main influences & friendships of his short life were well brought out. H.M. Wallis folowed with an appreciation written in the delightful style of which our Friend is so great a master & a reading of the Grecian Urn ode by Miss Marriage completed the first part of the programme. On our return from physical refreshment Charles I. Evans described the Poems of 1820 and some readings were given by Mrs Evans, Mrs Robson & C.E. Stansfield.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
John Keats : [1820 poems]
'The subject of the evening's programme was John Keats. R.H. Robson read an essay dealing with his life. The main influences & friendships of his short life were well brought out. H.M. Wallis folowed with an appreciation written in the delightful style of which our Friend is so great a master & a reading of the Grecian Urn ode by Miss Marriage completed the first part of the programme. On our return from physical refreshment Charles I. Evans described the Poems of 1820 and some readings were given by Mrs Evans, Mrs Robson & C.E. Stansfield.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & confirmed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
[a member of the XII book Club] : [open letter to the XII Book Club]
'The Secretary read 'An Open Letter' to the XII Book Club. It was read without discussion - the discussion postponed until later in the evening.' [the letter was about the Club's relationship with the wider Quaker community]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Letter
Henry Marriage Wallis : [paper on Leslie's 'The End of a Chapter']
'The main business of the evening was then proceeded with - 5 mins essays upon some book read recently. Mrs Evans read 'An English Lumber Camp' - from internal evidence it is probably true that this was an essay drawn from real life rather than from any book read. It was a magnificent literary effort in the author's best style. Perhaps more of 'H.M.W.' than 'Ashton Hillier'. Mrs Smith read a paper upon 'The Garden of Survival' a book by Alg. Blackwood. The paper gave rise to much interest. The extraordinary beauty of the extracts read from the book and the insight into the spiritual meaning of 'Guidance' displayed by the author impressed us all. Ernest E. Unwin read a paper on 'The End of a Chapter' by Shane Leslie - this paper was written by H.M. Wallis & introduced most of us to a new writer of power. The change in the world, in the balance of the classes & their future importance formed the theme of the book. Mary Hayward described her discovery of 'The Story of my Heart' by Richard Jefferies & read some extracts from it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Unknown
Alain-Réné Lesage (Le Sage) : The Adventures of Gil Blas of Santilane
'Since the age of five I have been a great reader [...]. At ten years of age I had read much of Victor Hugo and other romantics. I had read in Polish and in French, history, voyages, novels; I knew "Gil Blas" and "Don Quixote" in abridged editions; I had read in early boyhood Polish poets and some French poets, but I cannot say what I read on the evening [in September 1889] before I began to write myself. I belive it was a novel, and it is quite possible that it was one of Anthony Trollope's novels.It is very likely.My acquatance with him was then very recent. He is one of the English novelists whose works I read for the first time in English. With men of European reputation, with Dickens and Walter Scott and Thackeray, it was otherwise. My first introduction to English imaginative literature was "Nicholas Nickleby". It was extraordinary how well Mrs. Nickleby could chatter disconnectedly in Polish [...] It was, I have no doubt an excellent translation. This must have been in the year 1870.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra : Don Quixote
'Since the age of five I have been a great reader [...]. At ten years of age I had read much of Victor Hugo and other romantics. I had read in Polish and in French, history, voyages, novels; I knew "Gil Blas" and "Don Quixote" in abridged editions; I had read in early boyhood Polish poets and some French poets, but I cannot say what I read on the evening [in September 1889] before I began to write myself. I belive it was a novel, and it is quite possible that it was one of Anthony Trollope's novels.It is very likely.My acquatance with him was then very recent. He is one of the English novelists whose works I read for the first time in English. With men of European reputation, with Dickens and Walter Scott and Thackeray, it was otherwise. My first introduction to English imaginative literature was "Nicholas Nickleby". It was extraordinary how well Mrs. Nickleby could chatter disconnectedly in Polish [...] It was, I have no doubt an excellent translation. This must have been in the year 1870.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Adam Bernard Mickiewicz de Poraj : Pan Tadeuz
'Since the age of five I have been a great reader [...]. At ten years of age I had read much of Victor Hugo and other romantics. I had read in Polish and in French, history, voyages, novels; I knew "Gil Blas" and "Don Quixote" in abridged editions; I had read in early boyhood Polish poets and some French poets, but I cannot say what I read on the evening [in September 1889] before I began to write myself. I belive it was a novel, and it is quite possible that it was one of Anthony Trollope's novels.It is very likely.My acquatance with him was then very recent. He is one of the English novelists whose works I read for the first time in English. With men of European reputation, with Dickens and Walter Scott and Thackeray, it was otherwise. My first introduction to English imaginative literature was "Nicholas Nickleby". It was extraordinary how well Mrs. Nickleby could chatter disconnectedly in Polish [...] It was, I have no doubt an excellent translation. This must have been in the year 1870.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Anthony Trollope :
'Since the age of five I have been a great reader [...]. At ten years of age I had read much of Victor Hugo and other romantics. I had read in Polish and in French, history, voyages, novels; I knew "Gil Blas" and "Don Quixote" in abridged editions; I had read in early boyhood Polish poets and some French poets, but I cannot say what I read on the evening [in September 1889] before I began to write myself. I belive it was a novel, and it is quite possible that it was one of Anthony Trollope's novels.It is very likely.My acquaintance with him was then very recent. He is one of the English novelists whose works I read for the first time in English. With men of European reputation, with Dickens and Walter Scott and Thackeray, it was otherwise. My first introduction to English imaginative literature was "Nicholas Nickleby". It was extraordinary how well Mrs. Nickleby could chatter disconnectedly in Polish [...] It was, I have no doubt an excellent translation. This must have been in the year 1870.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Nicholas Nickleby
'Since the age of five I have been a great reader [...]. At ten years of age I had read much of Victor Hugo and other romantics. I had read in Polish and in French, history, voyages, novels; I knew "Gil Blas" and "Don Quixote" in abridged editions; I had read in early boyhood Polish poets and some French poets, but I cannot say what I read on the evening [in September 1889] before I began to write myself. I belive it was a novel, and it is quite possible that it was one of Anthony Trollope's novels.It is very likely.My acquaintance with him was then very recent. He is one of the English novelists whose works I read for the first time in English. With men of European reputation, with Dickens and Walter Scott and Thackeray, it was otherwise. My first introduction to English imaginative literature was "Nicholas Nickleby". It was extraordinary how well Mrs. Nickleby could chatter disconnectedly in Polish [...] It was, I have no doubt an excellent translation. This must have been in the year 1870.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Barrow : Review of Dupin, On the Navy of England and France
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 22 December 1821: 'I am happy to tell you that your Review is abominably bad -- happy for your sake, because, as you will, I dare say, sell 12,000, it only shows that you have an estate which produces wholly independent of its culture. All that ridiculous importance given to Dupin, a wretched ecrivasseur, and that affectation of naval statistics, I think very unsuitable. Your "Alchemy" is appropriate enough, great elaboration and pomp of work ending in smoke and dross. If Dalzell's "Lectures" are as obscure and dull as your commentary, they were not worth reviewing, no more than the commentary is worth reading [...] The article on Hazlitt is good, and that on the Scotch novels [italics]excellent[end italics].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Serial / periodical
Francis Cohen : 'Astrology and Alchemy'
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 22 December 1821: 'I am happy to tell you that your Review is abominably bad -- happy for your sake, because, as you will, I dare say, sell 12,000, it only shows that you have an estate which produces wholly independent of its culture. All that ridiculous importance given to Dupin, a wretched ecrivasseur, and that affectation of naval statistics, I think very unsuitable. Your "Alchemy" is appropriate enough, great elaboration and pomp of work ending in smoke and dross. If Dalzell's "Lectures" are as obscure and dull as your commentary, they were not worth reviewing, no more than the commentary is worth reading [...] The article on Hazlitt is good, and that on the Scotch novels [italics]excellent[end italics].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Serial / periodical
T. Mitchell : Review of Dalzell, Lectures on the Ancient Greeks
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 22 December 1821: 'I am happy to tell you that your Review is abominably bad -- happy for your sake, because, as you will, I dare say, sell 12,000, it only shows that you have an estate which produces wholly independent of its culture. All that ridiculous importance given to Dupin, a wretched ecrivasseur, and that affectation of naval statistics, I think very unsuitable. Your "Alchemy" is appropriate enough, great elaboration and pomp of work ending in smoke and dross. If Dalzell's "Lectures" are as obscure and dull as your commentary, they were not worth reviewing, no more than the commentary is worth reading [...] The article on Hazlitt is good, and that on the Scotch novels [italics]excellent[end italics].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Serial / periodical
Col. Matthews : 'article on Hazlitt'
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 22 December 1821: 'I am happy to tell you that your Review is abominably bad -- happy for your sake, because, as you will, I dare say, sell 12,000, it only shows that you have an estate which produces wholly independent of its culture. All that ridiculous importance given to Dupin, a wretched ecrivasseur, and that affectation of naval statistics, I think very unsuitable. Your "Alchemy" is appropriate enough, great elaboration and pomp of work ending in smoke and dross. If Dalzell's "Lectures" are as obscure and dull as your commentary, they were not worth reviewing, no more than the commentary is worth reading [...] The article on Hazlitt is good, and that on the Scotch novels [italics]excellent[end italics].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Serial / periodical
Nassau senior : '[article] on the Scotch novels'
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 22 December 1821: 'I am happy to tell you that your Review is abominably bad -- happy for your sake, because, as you will, I dare say, sell 12,000, it only shows that you have an estate which produces wholly independent of its culture. All that ridiculous importance given to Dupin, a wretched ecrivasseur, and that affectation of naval statistics, I think very unsuitable. Your "Alchemy" is appropriate enough, great elaboration and pomp of work ending in smoke and dross. If Dalzell's "Lectures" are as obscure and dull as your commentary, they were not worth reviewing, no more than the commentary is worth reading [...] The article on Hazlitt is good, and that on the Scotch novels [italics]excellent[end italics].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Serial / periodical
: court news
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 18 July 1821: 'Ramsgate is still empty and dull; our good weather fled with the pomp of the Coronation.... Blessings on the Queen! I see by this morning's paper that she is determined to make a part of the show. But her day is gone by, and there wanted but this last part of her farce to finish her character [following her trial for adultery and estrangement from husband] with the few respectable people that yet cling to her.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Newspaper
: 'Grecian history and antiquity'
The Marchioness of Abercorn to John Murray, 4 December 1817, in reponse to a gift of books: '[The Marquess of Abercorn] returns Walpole, as he says since the age of fifteen he has read so much Grecian history and antiquity that he has these last ten years been sick of the subject. He does not like Ellis's account of "The Embassy to China," but is pleased with Macleod's narrative. He bids me tell you to say the best and what is least obnoxious of the [former] book. The composition and the narrative are so thoroughly wretched that he should be ashamed to let it stand in his library.'
Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Marquess of Abercorn Print: Book
Henry Ellis : Journal of the Proceedings of the late Embassy to China, comprising a Correct Narrative of the Public Transactions of the Embassy, of the Voyage to and from China, and of the Journey from the Mouth of the Peiho to the Return to Canton
The Marchioness of Abercorn to John Murray, 4 December 1817, in reponse to a gift of books: '[The Marquess of Abercorn] returns Walpole, as he says since the age of fifteen he has read so much Grecian history and antiquity that he has these last ten years been sick of the subject. He does not like Ellis's account of "The Embassy to China," but is pleased with Macleod's narrative. He bids me tell you to say the best and what is least obnoxious of the [former] book. The composition and the narrative are so thoroughly wretched that he should be ashamed to let it stand in his library.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Marquess of Abercorn Print: Book
John Malcolm, surgeon of the Alceste : Narrative of a Voyage in His Majesty's late ship Alceste to the Yellow Sea, along the Coast of Corea, and through its numerous hitherto undiscovered Islands to the Island of Lewchew, with an Account of her Shipwreck in the Straits of Gaspar
The Marchioness of Abercorn to John Murray, 4 December 1817, in reponse to a gift of books: '[The Marquess of Abercorn] returns Walpole, as he says since the age of fifteen he has read so much Grecian history and antiquity that he has these last ten years been sick of the subject. He does not like Ellis's account of "The Embassy to China," but is pleased with Macleod's narrative. He bids me tell you to say the best and what is least obnoxious of the [former] book. The composition and the narrative are so thoroughly wretched that he should be ashamed to let it stand in his library.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Marquess of Abercorn Print: Book
: The Observer
Isaac D'Israeli to John Murray, 4 August 1818: 'Mr. Stewart [Mr. Murray's clerk] has been so attentive as to send me down the Observer, without which I should scarcely know that such a place as the Metropolis existed.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac D'Israeli Print: Newspaper
Daniell : paper
Professor W. T. Brande to John Murray, 2 January 1826: 'Sir H. Davy [...] is extremely sore at Mr. Daniell's paper which appeared in late numbers of [of "Brande's Journal of Science," published by Mr. Murray]. He told me he had spoken to you on the subject. Pray pay no kind of attention to this exceedingly impertinent interference of that self-constituted autocrat of science, who, if he continues to intermeddle, may receive a lesson through the "Journal" that shall teach him better manners.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Humphry Davy Print: Serial / periodical
Sidney Colvin : Landor
'... and I agree with you I could choose no better model than Colvin's admirable Landor.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Clarissa: or The History of a Young Lady.
'I am reading "Clarissa Harlowe" with all the pleasure in the world…It is the cleverest book in some ways that can be imagined; and deals with so many absorbing problems from different points of view….'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Frederick James Furnivall : Review in The Academy
'I knew I had forgot something: Furnivall is too free; it is permitted to be insolent, but not to be so strangely dull.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Robert Browning : Sordello
'As for Sordello, I read it four times in youth, and never could make out who was speaking; yet I liked it - as one likes the moon, I fancy'.
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Unknown
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Thomas Hardy : Mayor of Casterbridge, The
'The meeting then considered the works of Thomas Hardy. H.M. Wallis gave a paper outlining the main features of Hardy's life and gave some idea of the succession of works and a general criticism of his writing. The announced programme for the evening then came to an abrupt end - for health kept Mr Evans away & Mr Stansfield also was unable to come, and these two members had arranged to introduce the novels & poems of Hardy & also to start a discussion upon Hardy's religious views. We were very sorry to miss our friends & their contribution & hope that we may have another evening upon Hardy at some future time. To fill this gap in our programme H.M. Wallis told in his graphic way the short story called The 3 Travellers & Rosamund Wallis read the wife auction scene from 'The Mayor of Casterbridge' & the Secretary read a critique by Lawrence Binyon on the poems of Hardy'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
Laurence Binyon : [criticism of Hardy]
'The meeting then considered the works of Thomas Hardy. H.M. Wallis gave a paper outlining the main features of Hardy's life and gave some idea of the succession of works and a general criticism of his writing. The announced programme for the evening then came to an abrupt end - for health kept Mr Evans away & Mr Stansfield also was unable to come, and these two members had arranged to introduce the novels & poems of Hardy & also to start a discussion upon Hardy's religious views. We were very sorry to miss our friends & their contribution & hope that we may have another evening upon Hardy at some future time. To fill this gap in our programme H.M. Wallis told in his graphic way the short story called The 3 Travellers & Rosamund Wallis read the wife auction scene from 'The Mayor of Casterbridge' & the Secretary read a critique by Lawrence [sic] Binyon on the poems of Hardy'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting were read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Minutes of last meeting were read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Edmund Gosse : [poetry]
'The rest of the evening was given to Edmund Gosse. H.M. Wallis spoke about Edmund Gosse the man & his work for the public services, & the conflict of personalities as shown in 'Father & Son' & his great interest in the Scandinavian peoples. Miss Marriage gave some very interesting readings from '2 Visits to Denmark' 'The Episode of the Plum Pudding served in a Tureen' & the dear lady who remarked "It brings the dear English nation so near to one". Ed. Gosse has also done great work as a critic - one sentence which fell from H.M.W.in relation to Swinburne. "A drunken monkey who gave utterance to the songs of angels". C.I. Evans spoke upon the Poems. These belong to the period round about 1872 & are frankly of that period & makeup. Perhaps versifying would be the best term to use as they do not quite rank as poetry.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Edmund Gosse : [poetry]
'The rest of the evening was given to Edmund Gosse. H.M. Wallis spoke about Edmund Gosse the man & his work for the public services, & the conflict of personalities as shown in 'Father & Son' & his great interest in the Scandinavian peoples. Miss Marriage gave some very interesting readings from '2 Visits to Denmark' 'The Episode of the Plum Pudding served in a Tureen' & the dear lady who remarked "It brings the dear English nation so near to one". Ed. Gosse has also done great work as a critic - one sentence which fell from H.M.W.in relation to Swinburne. "A drunken monkey who gave utterance to the songs of angels". C.I. Evans spoke upon the Poems. These belong to the period round about 1872 & are frankly of that period & makeup. Perhaps versifying would be the best term to use as they do not quite rank as poetry.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [paper on Miracle and Morality plays]
'The Secretary then read a paper upon English Miracle & Morality Plays. He described the Miracle Cycle at York with some illustrative readings from one or two of the earlier episodes. Then briefly traced the growth of the religious drama through the stages of its association with the Liturgy to its divorce from the Church & its elaboration by the city guilds. The development of Moralities was referred to & Mrs Unwin gave a reading from 'Everyman'.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Unknown
anon. : Everyman
'The Secretary then read a paper upon English Miracle & Morality Plays. He described the Miracle Cycle at York with some illustrative readings from one or two of the earlier episodes. Then briefly traced the growth of the religious drama through the stages of its association with the Liturgy to its divorce from the Church & its elaboration by the city guilds. The development of Moralities was referred to & Mrs Unwin gave a reading from 'Everyman'.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ursula Unwin Print: Book
anon. : York Miracle Cycle
'The Secretary then read a paper upon English Miracle & Morality Plays. He described the Miracle Cycle at York with some illustrative readings from one or two of the earlier episodes. Then briefly traced the growth of the religious drama through the stages of its association with the Liturgy to its divorce from the Church & its elaboration by the city guilds. The development of Moralities was referred to & Mrs Unwin gave a reading from 'Everyman'.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Washington Irving : Sketch Book [?of Geoffrey Crayon]
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 18 January 1825: 'I never could read the "Sketch Book," nor, what d'ye call it? "Knickerbocker." Mr. Irving has a charming English style, formed by a careful and affectionate study of Addison, perhaps a little too much sweetened; and so polished that, although the surface is proportionably bright, it is nothing but surface. I can no more go on all day with one of his books than I could go on sucking a sugar-plum. The "American Dutchmen" I do not understand at all; an historical account of such people might be entertaining, but, without any means of distinguishing how much is fiction and how much truth, these stories tire and puzzle me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Washington Irving : Sketch Book [?of Geoffrey Crayon]
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 18 January 1825: 'I never could read the "Sketch Book," nor, what d'ye call it? "Knickerbocker." Mr. Irving has a charming English style, formed by a careful and affectionate study of Addison, perhaps a little too much sweetened; and so polished that, although the surface is proportionably bright, it is nothing but surface. I can no more go on all day with one of his books than I could go on sucking a sugar-plum. The "American Dutchmen" I do not understand at all; an historical account of such people might be entertaining, but, without any means of distinguishing how much is fiction and how much truth, these stories tire and puzzle me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Washington Irving : 'Knickerbocker'
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 18 January 1825: 'I never could read the "Sketch Book," nor, what d'ye call it? "Knickerbocker." Mr. Irving has a charming English style, formed by a careful and affectionate study of Addison, perhaps a little too much sweetened; and so polished that, although the surface is proportionably bright, it is nothing but surface. I can no more go on all day with one of his books than I could go on sucking a sugar-plum. The "American Dutchmen" I do not understand at all; an historical account of such people might be entertaining, but, without any means of distinguishing how much is fiction and how much truth, these stories tire and puzzle me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Washington Irving : The American Dutchmen
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 18 January 1825: 'I never could read the "Sketch Book," nor, what d'ye call it? "Knickerbocker." Mr. Irving has a charming English style, formed by a careful and affectionate study of Addison, perhaps a little too much sweetened; and so polished that, although the surface is proportionably bright, it is nothing but surface. I can no more go on all day with one of his books than I could go on sucking a sugar-plum. The "American Dutchmen" I do not understand at all; an historical account of such people might be entertaining, but, without any means of distinguishing how much is fiction and how much truth, these stories tire and puzzle me.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Horace Walpole : 'Letters to Mr Mason' vol 1
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 7 May 1828: 'I return, having read through, the first volume of "Horace Walpole's Letters to Mr. Mason" [discusses text further] [...] [These letters] are the least amusing of Walpole's. The reason is that he and Mason had at this time no [italics]common[end italics] acquaintance, and no [italics]common[end italics] topic, but Mason's "Life of Gray" [discusses further]."
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Thomas Moore : Life of Byron
'The first volume of "Lord Byron's Life and Letters," published on the 1st of January, 1830, was read with enthusiasm, and met with a very favourable reception. Moore says in his Diary, that "Lady Byron was highly pleased with the 'Life'"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Anne Isabella Lady Byron Print: Book
Thomas Moore : Life of Byron (vol 2)
John Wilson Croker to John Murray (1831), on the second volume of Moore's Life of Byron: 'No doubt there are longeurs, but really not many. The most teasing part is the blanks, which perplex without concealing [comments further].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
Leigh Hunt : The Tatler
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 21 January 1831: 'I return you the "Tatler" that you lent me. I think Mr. Hunt makes more of Moore's letters than they deserve. I certainly wish that Moore had not flattered him so much, but we should recollect that Moore and Mr. Hunt were at that day fellow labourers in a party [...] Party is much the strongest passion of an Englishman's mind [..] There is not one of us who does not tolerate partizans whom one would indignantly reject as ordinary acquaintances. So that, on the whole, I look with a very excusing eye on the flummery with which Moore thought fit to feed the vanity of the weekly critic. As to his present opinions of the man, I suppose they are the correct ones, but I know neither him nor his works, except "Rimini."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Serial / periodical
Leigh Hunt : Rimini
John Wilson Croker to John Murray, 21 January 1831: 'I return you the "Tatler" that you lent me. I think Mr. Hunt makes more of Moore's letters than they deserve. I certainly wish that Moore had not flattered him so much, but we should recollect that Moore and Mr. Hunt were at that day fellow labourers in a party [...] Party is much the strongest passion of an Englishman's mind [..] There is not one of us who does not tolerate partizans whom one would indignantly reject as ordinary acquaintances. So that, on the whole, I look with a very excusing eye on the flummery with which Moore thought fit to feed the vanity of the weekly critic. As to his present opinions of the man, I suppose they are the correct ones, but I know neither him nor his works, except "Rimini."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: John Wilson Croker Print: Book
: Review of Francis Head, 'Narrative of his Administration in Upper Canada'
Sir Francis Knight to John Murray (1839): 'I was glad [...] to hear the child's voice crying in the Times this morning. The extract [from his work] was the very best that could be given to create an appetite.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Head Print: Newspaper
: Review of Francis Head, 'Narrative of his Administration in Upper Canada'
Sir Francis Knight to John Murray, 5 March 1839: 'What is most extraordinary is the article in my favour which lately appeared in the Globe. That paper, after defending me, says that my "Narrative" will be a "useful appendix to Lord Durham's Report" -- a butcher's knife sticking in a pig's throat might just as much be called "a useful appendix."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Head Print: Newspaper
Sir John MacNeill : 'England, France, Russia, and Turkey'
Sir Alexander Burnes to John Murray, 'On the Nile,' 30 March 1835: 'The Quarterly is lying before me [...] I have been reperusing the very article which treats of Mahommed Ali in that able essay regarding the encroachment of Russia. The Journal from which the quotations are made regarding the state and government of Egypt prove the writer to have been an accurate and an acute observer, but I do think that he has been too severe on the Pasha. To be sure he [Pasha] is a wholesale merchant and a wholesale oppressor, but compare him with his predecessors in this land of bondsmen, and then judge [comments further].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Alexander Burnes Print: Serial / periodical
Fanny Kemble Butler : Journal [of residence in America]
Sir Francis B. Head to John Murray, 2 July 1835: 'I have not had time to finish Fanny Kemble's book, but have seen enough of it to feel that she has been most unkindly and unjustly treated by the reviewers [...] I know of no subject I would more willingly undertake than her vindication. People say she is vulgar! So was Eve, for she scratched whatever part of her itched, and did a hundred things we should call vulgar. But the fact is, everything is vulgar now-a-days [...] Poor Fanny Kemble has fallen a victim to this tyranny. Her book is full of cleverness, talent, simple-heartedness, nature and nakedness. Her style is a little rough spot, but did you ever know a woman who was without one? I have no patience with the way she has been treated.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Francis B. Head Print: Book
: 'Bubbles'
Scrope Davies to John Murray, 17 May 1837: 'Barring the "Bubbles" (which I read because you recommended it to Nimrod [i.e. C. Apperly]) and Washington Irving's works, I know little of modern publications, and that little causes no regret at not knowing more. I was seduced into reading Washington Irving by accidentally stumbling on his "Stout Gentleman."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Scrope Davies Print: Unknown
Washington Irving : 'Stout Gentleman'
Scrope Davies to John Murray, 17 May 1837: 'Barring the "Bubbles" (which I read because you recommended it to Nimrod [i.e. C. Apperly]) and Washington Irving's works, I know little of modern publications, and that little causes no regret at not knowing more. I was seduced into reading Washington Irving by accidentally stumbling on his "Stout Gentleman."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Scrope Davies Print: Unknown
William Ernest Henley : 'A Note on Japanese Art' in Magazine of Art
'The Mag has come; the only thing I liked was your Japanese.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
'Why the hell did you or your printers - a lousy lot whom I abominate - pass over a correction of mine and send me sprawling down to posterity as an ignoramus who thought the Ill-Favoured Ones were in the first part; when I was nine years old, I knew better than that. Christian never saw 'em; they were people who attacked women, a point really felt by Miss Bagster, God bless her old heart.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Jean-Pierre Lanfry : Histoire de Napoleon 1er
'O boy, I'm deep in Lanfry.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Percy Hetherington Fitzgerald : Life of George IV
'His Majesty, once more disobeying the Dook's orders, had granted to some creature an Irish peerage. 'I observe' wrote Arthur (I quote from memory), that your Majesty has been misinformed. I shall reserve the patent until I have an opportunity of learning your Majesty's pleasure upon it!!' O the groans of George, who knew his man, and whimpered under the rod.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Charles Stansfield : [paper on Goethe's 'Faust']]
'C.E. Stansfield dealt in detail with Goethe's Faust. he showed that Faust started by Goethe at the age of 20 & finished when over 80 yrs is an expression of his own life & the influences which played upon it during the period of 60 years a period beginning in storm & stress & ending in calmness. The paper brought out very well the story of the bargain, the fulfilling of the terms & the final rescue of Faust by a horde of angels.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : Faust
'C.E. Stansfield dealt in detail with Goethe's Faust. he showed that Faust started by Goethe at the age of 20 & finished when over 80 yrs is an expression of his own life & the influences which played upon it during the period of 60 years a period beginning in storm & stress & ending in calmness. The paper brought out very well the story of the bargain, the fulfilling of the terms & the final rescue of Faust by a horde of angels.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of the last meeting were read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Charles Evans : [paper on Ben Jonson]
'The Secy. (who was absent) has received the folowing summary from R.B. Graham. a) C.I. Evans read a paper on Ben Jonson, by the request of the committee, 'Short & suggestive'. It fulfilled both these requisites & was also interesting. b) Short poems were illustrated by H. Marriage Wallis & R.B.Graham c) Miss Bowman Smith sang 'Drink to me only' d) Mrs Smith dealt with the proverbial sayings e) Miss R. Wallis gave a lively & lucid description of the play 'A Tale of a Tub'. This deals with the affairs of a fetching but impartial damsel yclept Audrey Turfe whose matrimonial adventures form a complicated & amusing plot f) Miss Bowman Smith sang 'Have you seen but the white lily grow?' (The Devil's an Ass)
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Manuscript: Unknown
Ben Jonson :
'The Secy. (who was absent) has received the folowiing summary from R.B. Graham. a) C.I. Evans read a paper on Ben Jonson, by the request of the committee, 'Short & suggestive'. It fulfilled both these requisites & was also interesting. b) Short poems were illustrated by H. Marriage Wallis & R.B.Graham c) Miss Bowman Smith sang 'Drink to me only' d) Mrs Smith dealt with the proverbial sayings e) Miss R. Wallis gave a lively & lucid description of the play 'A Tale of a Tub'. This deals with the affairs of a fetching but impartial damsel yclept Audrey Turfe whose matrimonial adventures form a complicated & amusing plot f) Miss Bowman Smith sang 'Have you seen but the white lily grow?' (The Devil's an Ass)
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Ben Jonson : Tale of a Tub, A
'The Secy. (who was absent) has received the folowiing summary from R.B. Graham. a) C.I. Evans read a paper on Ben Jonson, by the request of the committee, 'Short & suggestive'. It fulfilled both these requisites & was also interesting. b) Short poems were illustrated by H. Marriage Wallis & R.B.Graham c) Miss Bowman Smith sang 'Drink to me only' d) Mrs Smith dealt with the proverbial sayings e) Miss R. Wallis gave a lively & lucid description of the play 'A Tale of a Tub'. This deals with the affairs of a fetching but impartial damsel yclept Audrey Turfe whose matrimonial adventures form a complicated & amusing plot f) Miss Bowman Smith sang 'Have you seen but the white lily grow?' (The Devil's an Ass)
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
: 'Handbook'
Sir Robert Peel to John Murray, 7 July 1840: 'I forgot to thank you for the last edition of the Handbook, but I have found leisure to look into it, and have read many parts of it with great interest. It is really a useful and amusing work for those who do not travel. Do not you think that a very interesting work might be written, to be entitled, "A Historical Account of the Celebrated Villas in the Neighbourhood of London? I mean rather the villas that [italics]have[end italics] been, rather than those that now exist [makes various suggestions of villas for inclusion] [...] Perhaps I overrate the interest with which such a book would be read. I certainly do not, if it would equal that with which I myself read the account of places in the neighbourhood of Paris, remarkable in history, but the traces of many of which are fast fading away'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Robert Peel Print: Book
: 'account of places in the neighbourhood of Paris'
Sir Robert Peel to John Murray, 7 July 1840: 'I forgot to thank you for the last edition of the Handbook, but I have found leisure to look into it, and have read many parts of it with great interest. It is really a useful and amusing work for those who do not travel. Do not you think that a very interesting work might be written, to be entitled, "A Historical Account of the Celebrated Villas in the Neighbourhood of London? I mean rather the villas that [italics]have[end italics] been, rather than those that now exist [makes various suggestions of villas for inclusion] [...] Perhaps I overrate the interest with which such a book would be read. I certainly do not, if it would equal that with which I myself read the account of places in the neighbourhood of Paris, remarkable in history, but the traces of many of which are fast fading away'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Robert Peel Print: Book
: The Quarterly Review
Sir Francis Head to John Murray, 26 June 1842: 'My son will be quite proud at receiving the [italics]first[end italics] copy of the new Quarterly, the only one, I believe, that can go to India by to-morrow's mail [...] 'I have been peeping into it, and if the gaudy debauchery of Paris, as detailed in Art. No. 1, be contrasted with the dark picture described by Lord Ashley, and alluded to in Art. 6, it must, I think, be admitted that the [italics]outside[end italics] of this world has no more right to be shocked at the immorality of the [italics]inside[end italics], than the pot, many years ago, had to complain of the complexion of the kettle.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Francis Head Print: Serial / periodical
Alexander Ireland : List of the writings of William Hazlitt and Leigh Hunt : chronologically arranged with notes, descriptive, critical, and explanatory; and a selection of opinions regarding their genius and characteristics, by distinguished contemporaries and friends as we
'I have your List of Writings etc: a copy of it was lent to me by Mr Bain the bookseller.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting were read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
A.A. Milne : 'Man of the Evening, The'
'The following miscellaneous programme was then gone through. This change in the subject was caused by the imposibility of getting cheap copies of The Dynasts. 1. Pianoforte solo. Selection from Debusy [sic] Miss Bowman Smith 2. Reading. Modern Froissart Chronicles Mrs W.H. Smith 3. Reading. Migrations. Anon. Contrib. from Punch by Alfred Rawlings 4. Recitation. In a Gondola (Browning) Miss Cole 5. Song. 2 French Bergerettes. Mrs Unwin 6. Essay. 'The Pious Atrocity' R.B. Graham 7. Reading. Wedding Presents (Punch) Mrs Reynolds 8. Song. My dear Soul. Mrs Robson 9. Reading 'How the Camel got his Hump' W.H. Smith 10. Song. The Camel's hump. E.E. Unwin 11. Reading. The Man of the Evening (A.A. Milne Punch) Miss R. Wallis 12. Song. Hebrides Galley Song. Miss Bowman Smith 13. Reading. Arms of Wipplecrack S.A. Reynolds 14. Reading. Joints in the Armour. E.V. Lucas. H.M. Wallis 15. Song-Chant Folk Song [ditto] 16. Essay. 'Bad morality & bad art' R.H. Robson 17. Song. Winter. Miss Bowman Smith 18. Essay 'Etaples & the air raids' H.R. Smith 19. Recitation. These new fangled ways. E.E. Unwin 20. Song. Goodnight. Mrs Robson.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Serial / periodical
: Arms of Wipplecrack
'The following miscellaneous programme was then gone through. This change in the subject was caused by the imposibility of getting cheap copies of The Dynasts. 1. Pianoforte solo. Selection from Debusy [sic] Miss Bowman Smith 2. Reading. Modern Froissart Chronicles Mrs W.H. Smith 3. Reading. Migrations. Anon. Contrib. from Punch by Alfred Rawlings 4. Recitation. In a Gondola (Browning) Miss Cole 5. Song. 2 French Bergerettes. Mrs Unwin 6. Essay. 'The Pious Atrocity' R.B. Graham 7. Reading. Wedding Presents (Punch) Mrs Reynolds 8. Song. My dear Soul. Mrs Robson 9. Reading 'How the Camel got his Hump' W.H. Smith 10. Song. The Camel's hump. E.E. Unwin 11. Reading. The Man of the Evening (A.A. Milne Punch) Miss R. Wallis 12. Song. Hebrides Galley Song. Miss Bowman Smith 13. Reading. Arms of Wipplecrack S.A. Reynolds 14. Reading. Joints in the Armour. E.V. Lucas. H.M. Wallis 15. Song-Chant Folk Song [ditto] 16. Essay. 'Bad morality & bad art' R.H. Robson 17. Song. Winter. Miss Bowman Smith 18. Essay 'Etaples & the air raids' H.R. Smith 19. Recitation. These new fangled ways. E.E. Unwin 20. Song. Goodnight. Mrs Robson.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus Reynolds Print: Unknown
Ernest E. Unwin : [minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
:
'The elections are coming on, and Paris is full of the strangest manifestoes from this or the other candidate. Some − mostly the Republicans − simply state their name, and that they have been one of the majority turned out by the Marshal. The others, the so-called Conservatives − have a big poster of statements here and there, backwards and forwards, some of them about the the Marshal’s policy. It is altogether a curious spectacle for an Englishman [...]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Broadsheet, Handbill, Newspaper, Poster
William Henry Hudson : Far Away and Long Ago - A History of My Early Life
'Miss R. Wallis described & read from the beginning of 'Long ago & far away' [sic] the autobiography: which was written during a convalescence, in which the past events of the author's life, long forgotten, floated before his eyes as he lay in a semi-trance. E. E. Unwin described his Naturalist writing & read from The Book of a Naturalist. Mrs Unwin read an extract from Hampshire Days. Mr Evans described his books dealing with life among the village [sic] abutting on Salisbury plain.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
William Henry Hudson : Book of a Naturalist, The
'Miss R. Wallis described & read from the beginning of 'Long ago & far away' [sic] the autobiography: which was written during a convalescence, in which the past events of the author's life, long forgotten, floated before his eyes as he lay in a semi-trance. E. E. Unwin described his Naturalist writing & read from The Book of a Naturalist. Mrs Unwin read an extract from Hampshire Days. Mr Evans described his books dealing with life among the village [sic] abutting on Salisbury plain.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
William Henry Hudson : Hampshire Days
'Miss R. Wallis described & read from the beginning of 'Long ago & far away' [sic] the autobiography: which was written during a convalescence, in which the past events of the author's life, long forgotten, floated before his eyes as he lay in a semi-trance. E. E. Unwin described his Naturalist writing & read from The Book of a Naturalist. Mrs Unwin read an extract from Hampshire Days. Mr Evans described his books dealing with life among the village [sic] abutting on Salisbury plain.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ursula Unwin Print: Book
William Henry Hudson : [naturalist writing]
'Miss R. Wallis described & read from the beginning of 'Long ago & far away' [sic] the autobiography: which was written during a convalescence, in which the past events of the author's life, long forgotten, floated before his eyes as he lay in a semi-trance. E. E. Unwin described his Naturalist writing & read from The Book of a Naturalist. Mrs Unwin read an extract from Hampshire Days. Mr Evans described his books dealing with life among the village [sic] abutting on Salisbury plain.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
William Henry Hudson : [writing on Hampshire villages]
'Miss R. Wallis described & read from the beginning of 'Long ago & far away' [sic] the autobiography: which was written during a convalescence, in which the past events of the author's life, long forgotten, floated before his eyes as he lay in a semi-trance. E. E. Unwin described his Naturalist writing & read from The Book of a Naturalist. Mrs Unwin read an extract from Hampshire Days. Mr Evans described his books dealing with life among the village [sic] abutting on Salisbury plain.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last two meetings read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Fanny Burney : [from works or diary]
'The rest of the meeting was devoted to Fanny Burney. Mrs Robson read a paper which had been prepared by Miss Cole dealing wih the main features of her life. We then had a number of reading [sic] from her works & diary by Miss Stevens, Mrs Unwin, Miss Cole, R.H. Robson, H.R. Smith, E.E. Unwin. To Miss Cole was due the success of the evening. She selected the readings & in most cases copied them out for the different readers. They were well selected & gave an interesting glimpse into the kind of life lived by Fanny Burney at Court as a Lady in Waiting'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Stevens Manuscript: Sheet, copy from book, taken by Miss Cole
Fanny Burney : [from works or diary]
'The rest of the meeting was devoted to Fanny Burney. Mrs Robson read a paper which had been prepared by Miss Cole dealing wih the main features of her life. We then had a number of reading [sic] from her works & diary by Miss Stevens, Mrs Unwin, Miss Cole, R.H. Robson, H.R. Smith, E.E. Unwin. To Miss Cole was due the success of the evening. She selected the readings & in most cases copied them out for the different readers. They were well selected & gave an interesting glimpse into the kind of life lived by Fanny Burney at Court as a Lady in Waiting'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ursula Unwin Manuscript: Sheet, copy from book, taken by Miss Cole
Fanny Burney : [from works or diary]
'The rest of the meeting was devoted to Fanny Burney. Mrs Robson read a paper which had been prepared by Miss Cole dealing wih the main features of her life. We then had a number of reading [sic] from her works & diary by Miss Stevens, Mrs Unwin, Miss Cole, R.H. Robson, H.R. Smith, E.E. Unwin. To Miss Cole was due the success of the evening. She selected the readings & in most cases copied them out for the different readers. They were well selected & gave an interesting glimpse into the kind of life lived by Fanny Burney at Court as a Lady in Waiting'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: Sheet, copy from book, taken by Miss Cole
Fanny Burney : [from works or diary]
'The rest of the meeting was devoted to Fanny Burney. Mrs Robson read a paper which had been prepared by Miss Cole dealing wih the main features of her life. We then had a number of reading [sic] from her works & diary by Miss Stevens, Mrs Unwin, Miss Cole, R.H. Robson, H.R. Smith, E.E. Unwin. To Miss Cole was due the success of the evening. She selected the readings & in most cases copied them out for the different readers. They were well selected & gave an interesting glimpse into the kind of life lived by Fanny Burney at Court as a Lady in Waiting'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Cole Manuscript: Sheet, copy from book, taken by Miss Cole
Fanny Burney : [works and diary]
'The rest of the meeting was devoted to Fanny Burney. Mrs Robson read a paper which had been prepared by Miss Cole dealing wih the main features of her life. We then had a number of reading [sic] from her works & diary by Miss Stevens, Mrs Unwin, Miss Cole, R.H. Robson, H.R. Smith, E.E. Unwin. To Miss Cole was due the success of the evening. She selected the readings & in most cases copied them out for the different readers. They were well selected & gave an interesting glimpse into the kind of life lived by Fanny Burney at Court as a Lady in Waiting'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Cole Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting were read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Thomas Love Peacock : War Song of Dinas Vawr, The
'The subject before the meeting was Thomas Love Peacock, novelist & poet. H.M. Wallis read an introductory paper which gave us the facts of Peacock's life & a general account of his writings. Extracts from his works were read C.I. Evans The War Songs [sic] of Dinas Vawr Miss Cole Love & Age E.E. Unwin extracts from Nightmare Abbey R.B. Graham Some of the poems from his novels C.I. Evans Three men of Gotham'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Thomas Love Peacock : Nightmare Abbey
'The subject before the meeting was Thomas Love Peacock, novelist & poet. H.M. Wallis read an introductory paper which gave us the facts of Peacock's life & a general account of his writings. Extracts from his works were read C.I. Evans The War Songs [sic] of Dinas Vawr Miss Cole Love & Age E.E. Unwin extracts from Nightmare Abbey R.B. Graham Some of the poems from his novels C.I. Evans Three men of Gotham'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Thomas Love Peacock : Three Men of Gotham
'The subject before the meeting was Thomas Love Peacock, novelist & poet. H.M. Wallis read an introductory paper which gave us the facts of Peacock's life & a general account of his writings. Extracts from his works were read C.I. Evans The War Songs [sic] of Dinas Vawr Miss Cole Love & Age E.E. Unwin extracts from Nightmare Abbey R.B. Graham Some of the poems from his novels C.I. Evans Three men of Gotham'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Thomas Love Peacock : Love and Age
'The subject before the meeting was Thomas Love Peacock, novelist & poet. H.M. Wallis read an introductory paper which gave us the facts of Peacock's life & a general account of his writings. Extracts from his works were read C.I. Evans The War Songs [sic] of Dinas Vawr Miss Cole Love & Age E.E. Unwin extracts from Nightmare Abbey R.B. Graham Some of the poems from his novels C.I. Evans Three men of Gotham'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Cole Print: Book
Stephen Reynolds : How 'Twas: Short Stories and Small Travels.
'You have given me a very invidious task.[...]. Well I have read all your copy. And the result of all my extreme fastidiousness is enclosed in the envelope. But my dear who am I to pick and choose in the stuff of a a man who can write, always has something to say and never fails on one side or the other to secure my sympathy.'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
John Galsworthy : The Pigeon: A Fantasy in Three Acts
'I won't say anything of "The Pigeon"-- except that it reads admirably and that I have been fascinated by the theme and the handling of the personages.'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
Francis Warrington Dawson : Le Nègre aux Etats-Unis
'And now more thanks for the book [" Le Nègre aux Etats-Unis"]. You have a most attractive French style--and very French it is too and yet with something individual-- and even racial--glowing through it and adding to the fascination of the perfectly simple diction.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
R.(Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Charity
'[...] the volume ["Charity"] which on my first visit to London in many months I carried off home. From the first word of the wonderful preface to the last short sketch of the Pampa as it was, it has been one huge delight. Of course some of these stries--gems--I've read (The incomparable "Aurora" is a long time ago first) but the cumulative effect is magnificent in its pictorial force and emotional power.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
E.(Edwin) A.(August) Bjorkman : Voices of Tomorrow:Critical Studies on the New Spirit of Literature
'I am delighted and honoured by your gift of an inscribed copy [presumably of "Voices of Tomorrow" but see additional comment]. It is with great pleasure that I discover in myself an intellectual (or perhaps instinctive) sympathy for what you say in your book with such force, clearness and conviction. In the article on myself what I see first is the generosity of your appreciation.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Serial / periodical, see additional comment
Fyodor Dostoevsky : The Brothers Karamazov
'I do hope you are not too disgusted with me for not thanking you for the "[The Brothers] Karamazov" before. It was very dear of you to remember me; and of course I was extremely interested. But it's an impossible lump of valuable matter. It's terrifically bad and impressive and exasperating. Moreover I don't know what D[ostoevsky] stands for or reveals, but I do know he is too Russian for me. [..] Of course your wife's translation is wonderful.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Thomas Reed : House Flags and Funnels of English and Foreign Steamship Companies
'Thanks for the houseflags little book. I have marked in it all the ships I used to know--a good many of them.[...]. After you went away I re-read your Fog on the River paper. In the E.[nglish] R.[eview]. Jolly well done and rightly felt and artistically expressed. '
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
H.|Henry] M.[Major] Tomlinson : The Fog
'Thanks for the houseflags little book. I have marked in it all the ships I used to know--a good many of them.[...]. After you went away I re-read your Fog on the River paper. In the E.[nglish] R.[eview]. Jolly well done and rightly felt and artistically expressed. '
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Norman Douglas : Fountains in the Sand: Rambles among the Oases of Tunisia
'This ["Fountains in the Sand"] is first rate. I have seldom read prose d'une si belle tonalité.' Hence follow 23 lines of praise and constructive commentary.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Serial / periodical
Francis Warrington Dawson : The Sin
'If the novel at which he [Warrington Dawson] is working now and of which he read me the first four chapters is, as a whole, up to that sample then it is distnctly stuff that can be handled.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Warrington Dawson Manuscript: Unknown
John Galsworthy : The Inn of Tranquillity
'It's ["The Inn of Tranquillity"] wholly excellent and certainly fascinating.[...] Of course I had read many of the papers before.' Hence follow ten lines of praise for this collection of stories.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Richard Curle : Shadows out of the Crowd
'In the meantime I thank you heartily for your more than in one way very interesting vol.["Shadows out of the Crowd"]. We shall have a talk about it when you come, with the corpus delicti there before us to refer to.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Arnold Bennett : Leonora
'From that far distant day [in 1903] when (you remember?) you sent me "Leonora" it's great fundamental quality of absolutely genuine expression has been with me an unshakable conviction. I often look through the book noting on the pages those gifts which have found now their fullest expression.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
By or on behalf of Edme-Patrice-Maurice MacMahon : [political manifesto]
'Sunday morning, as I was out getting chocolate, I found two new manifestoes on the walls. One from a private person, editor of a Radical journal, calling on the people to be calm, and rest on the weight of their majority. The other, a declaration of the President’s, which made me so mad that I could have broken his head if he had been within my reach. It was written, I firmly believe, with the intention of driving on the Republicans to extremities, and shook the cat in the air with a sort of paternal menace, that must have been maddening to the Opposition.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Poster, election posters.
Thomas Stevenson : Christianity Confirmed by Jewish and Heathen Testimony and the Deductions from Physical Science
'I received my father’s pamphlet and read it with great pleasure. I shall try and write of it more at large to himself.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
William Ernest Henley : 'The Omadhaun at the Queen's'.
'"The Omadhaun" was very funny by the Lord; I saw Constable who said both Payn and Kegan Paul had very highly lauded you.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical, Account of an Irish melodrama by H.P. Grattan.
Tristan Bernard : unknown
'[Tristan] Bernard is very engaging. I do not know why but he is.[...] It is very good of you to have sent me that volume with the others. [Elémir] Bourges--ah, that's another matter.There are magnificent pages there. But all together more than anything else, it's surprising. You say to yourself: so that is "Le Crépuscule des Dieux"! And you continue to be struck by the poverty of the subject.[...]. You told me to start with that book. After fnishing it I opened the other ["Les oiseaux s'en volent et les fleurs tombent"]. It moved me by its splendour, the colours, the movement.' Hence follow 16 lines of reserved comment.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Elémir Bourges : Le Crépuscule des Dieux: Moeurs Contemporaines
'[Tristan] Bernard is very engaging. I do not know why but he is.[...] It is very good of you to have sent me that volume with the others. [Elémir] Bourges--ah, that's another matter.There are magnificent pages there. But all together more than anything else, it's surprising. You say to yourself: so that is "Le Crépuscule des Dieux"! And you continue to be struck by the poverty of the subject.[...]. You told me to start with that book. After fnishing it I opened the other ["Les oiseaux s'en volent et les fleurs tombent"]. It moved me by its splendour, the colours, the movement.' Hence follow 16 lines of reserved comment.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Elémir Bourges : (probably) Les oiseaux s'en volent et les fleurs tombent
'[Tristan] Bernard is very engaging. I do not know why but he is.[...] It is very good of you to have sent me that volume with the others. [Elémir] Bourges--ah, that's another matter.There are magnificent pages there. But all together more than anything else, it's surprising. You say to yourself: so that is "Le Crépuscule des Dieux"! And you continue to be struck by the poverty of the subject.[...]. You told me to start with that book. After fnishing it I opened the other ["Les oiseaux s'en volent et les fleurs tombent"]. It moved me by its splendour, the colours, the movement.' Hence follow 16 lines of reserved comment.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Jean Masbrenier (Mariel) :
'I was thoroughly charmed by the volumes of verse. I read them with the liveliest sympathy and sincere admiration. The study of Pierre Loti is very interesting. What's more I think nothing could be fairer. As for "L'enseignement de Goethe" I am all the more inclined to accept it from your hand since I have never read a line of the Great Man. I don't know German and I quail before translations.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Jean Masbrenier (Mariel) : Pierre Loti: Biographie-critique
'I was thoroughly charmed by the volumes of verse. I read them with the liveliest sympathy and sincere admiration. The study of Pierre Loti is very interesting. What's more I think nothing could be fairer. As for "L'enseignement de Goethe" I am all the more inclined to accept it from your hand since I have never read a line of the Great Man. I don't know German and I quail before translations.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Jean Masbrenier (Mariel) : L'enseignement de Goethe
'I was thoroughly charmed by the volumes of verse. I read them with the liveliest sympathy and sincere admiration. The study of Pierre Loti is very interesting. What's more I think nothing could be fairer. As for "L'enseignement de Goethe" I am all the more inclined to accept it from your hand since I have never read a line of the Great Man. I don't know German and I quail before translations.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Francis Warrington Dawson : The Novel of George (published as The Pyramid)
'The novel --Good! Très fort!! As Pinker could not have done much with it before Easter I held it up here for a second reading.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
André Ruyters : Le Mauvais Riche
'Forgive me for the delay in thanking you for the volume you were so kind to as to send me. How well done, well conceived, well said! Your "Ariane" is easily the most charming morality given to me to read in this vale of tears and grimaces where I have wandered for nearly 53 years. In the sequel to "Robinson Crusoe" the most delightful thing is to see how you have succeeded in capturing the charm of this good animal that only ever walked on four legs.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Marguerite Poradowska : Hors du Foyer
'It was a joy to have your book ["Hors du Foyer"]. A thousand thanks. I have just finished reading it and, and I am charmed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
James Marie Hopper : Caybigan
'I had read some of your Philipino [sic] stories--and was looking for more of your work.I spotted it first in the old MacClure Mag.;certainly without any help from anyone.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
J. (James) G. (Gibbons) Huneker : The Pathos of Distance: A Book of a Thousand and One Moments
'I didn't write to thank you for the delightful volume ["The Pathos of Distance: A Book of a Thousand and One Moments"] as I hoped [...] to have the pleasure of seeing you here for a day.[...]. Je goute infiniment tout ce que vous écrivez. Apart from the temperamental sympathy I feel for your work the lightness of your surface touch playing over the deeper meaning of your criticism is very fascinating.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Sara Morgan Dawson : A Confederate Girl's Diary
'Just a word to tell you I have finished your Mother's book ["A Confederate Girl's Diary"]. Admirable.' Hence follow 14 lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Proofs (see letter and fn.3 p.243 of source text)
Francis Warrington Dawson : Grand Elixir (The Green Moustache)
'I am sending today the "Grand Elixir" to London.[...] That the story is clever, that the writing is in many respects admirable there can be no doubt.' Hence follow 12 lines of constructive criticism.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Valéry-Nicolas Larbaud : A.O.Barnabooth
'It is dificult to express the joy I felt at the arrival of the "Complete Works of M. Barnabooth".[...].The first reading of the "Journal Intime" makes an unforgettable impression.' Hence follow 16 lines of unqualified praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Bertrand Russell : The Problems of Philosophy
'Many thanks. I've just read the first chapter at once to take possession and have laid the book ["The Problems of Philosophy"] aside till Monday -- when the short story will be off my hands.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Bertrand Russell : Philosophical Essays
'I am glad I read the little book ["The Problems of Philosophy"] before coming to your essays ["Philosophical Essays"]. If in reading the first I felt moving step by step, with delight, on the firmest ground, the other gave me the sense of an enlarged vision in the clearest, the purest atmosphere.' Hence follow another 10 lines of praise and gratitude.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Hugh Clifford : Malayan Monochromes
'Your good letter arrived yesterday--a great pleasure and a source of serious misgivings. I have had your latest volume and surely I acknowledged it! [...] You mean "Monochromes" don't you? Well I have that volume of which I wrote to you that it delighted me [...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Arthur Symons : Knave of Hearts
'Infinite thanks for the most precious and admirable volume [Knave of Hearts] [...] meanwhile I am as ever yours with admiration of the poet and affection for the man...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
André Gide : Les Caves du Vatican (Book 1)
'I am proud to learn that there is [a phrase in "Lord Jim"] worthy to serve as an epigraph to one of the books of "Les Caves du Vatican". What a beautiful start! What things you have put in the so characteristic and interesting pages of this fine beginning!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: see additional information
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting were read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting were read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
R.(Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : A Hatchment
'That's why [an attack of gout] I did not write to thank you for your book ["A Hatchment"] (and the Ranee's) ["My Life in Sarawak"] as soon as I ought to have done. Upon my word it's a marvellous volume [...]. The Ranee's book is delightfully ladylike but her sentiment for the land and the people is so obviously genuine that all her sins of omission shall be forgiven her.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
(Lady) Margaret Brooke : My Life in Sarawak
'That's why [an attack of gout] I did not write to thank you for your book ["A Hatchment"] (and the Ranee's) ["My Life in Sarawak"] as soon as I ought to have done. Upon my word it's a marvellous volume [...]. The Ranee's book is delightfully ladylike but her sentiment for the land and the people is so obviously genuine that all her sins of omission shall be forgiven her.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Charles Stansfield : [paper on Bunyan's writing]
'The rest of the evening was devoted to John Bunyan. H.R. Smith read a paper dealing with the main episodes of his life. This was a valuable introduction and gave the right historical & religious setting of Bunyan. C.E. Stansfield read an Appreciation of Pilgrim's Progress & of the writing of Bunyan. He referred to Bunyan & Milton as the two writers who expressed most completely the Puritan ideal. He expected Pilgrim's Progress to live as it expressed the universal quest of mankind. There were several readings from Bunyan's works which added greatly to the interest. Mrs Smith read from 'Grace Abounding' the book which is his spiritual autobiography. R.H. Robson read the Fight with Apollyon C.I. Evans [ditto] The trial scene in Vanity Fair Mrs Unwin [ditto] The Interpreter's House. In the general discussion some doubt was expressed of C.E. Stansfield's opinion that the Pilgrim's progress will live. It was felt by some that the story will always be attractive to children, but that the puritan flavour & crude theology would prevent it becoming anything more than an interesting historical document for older people'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
John Bunyan : Grace Abounding
'The rest of the evening was devoted to John Bunyan. H.R. Smith read a paper dealing with the main episodes of his life. This was a valuable introduction and gave the right historical & religious setting of Bunyan. C.E. Stansfield read an Appreciation of Pilgrim's Progress & of the writing of Bunyan. He referred to Bunyan & Milton as the two writers who expressed most completely the Puritan ideal. He expected Pilgrim's Progress to live as it expressed the universal quest of mankind. There were several readings from Bunyan's works which added greatly to the interest. Mrs Smith read from 'Grace Abounding' the book which is his spiritual autobiography. R.H. Robson read the Fight with Apollyon C.I. Evans [ditto] The trial scene in Vanity Fair Mrs Unwin [ditto] The Interpreter's House. In the general discussion some doubt was expressed of C.E. Stansfield's opinion that the Pilgrim's progress will live. It was felt by some that the story will always be attractive to children, but that the puritan flavour & crude theology would prevent it becoming anything more than an interesting historical document for older people'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Smith Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
'The rest of the evening was devoted to John Bunyan. H.R. Smith read a paper dealing with the main episodes of his life. This was a valuable introduction and gave the right historical & religious setting of Bunyan. C.E. Stansfield read an Appreciation of Pilgrim's Progress & of the writing of Bunyan. He referred to Bunyan & Milton as the two writers who expressed most completely the Puritan ideal. He expected Pilgrim's Progress to live as it expressed the universal quest of mankind. There were several readings from Bunyan's works which added greatly to the interest. Mrs Smith read from 'Grace Abounding' the book which is his spiritual autobiography. R.H. Robson read the Fight with Apollyon C.I. Evans [ditto] The trial scene in Vanity Fair Mrs Unwin [ditto] The Interpreter's House. In the general discussion some doubt was expressed of C.E. Stansfield's opinion that the Pilgrim's progress will live. It was felt by some that the story will always be attractive to children, but that the puritan flavour & crude theology would prevent it becoming anything more than an interesting historical document for older people'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
John Bunyan : Pilgrim's Progress
'The rest of the evening was devoted to John Bunyan. H.R. Smith read a paper dealing with the main episodes of his life. This was a valuable introduction and gave the right historical & religious setting of Bunyan. C.E. Stansfield read an Appreciation of Pilgrim's Progress & of the writing of Bunyan. He referred to Bunyan & Milton as the two writers who expressed most completely the Puritan ideal. He expected Pilgrim's Progress to live as it expressed the universal quest of mankind. There were several readings from Bunyan's works which added greatly to the interest. Mrs Smith read from 'Grace Abounding' the book which is his spiritual autobiography. R.H. Robson read the Fight with Apollyon C.I. Evans [ditto] The trial scene in Vanity Fair Mrs Unwin [ditto] The Interpreter's House. In the general discussion some doubt was expressed of C.E. Stansfield's opinion that the Pilgrim's progress will live. It was felt by some that the story will always be attractive to children, but that the puritan flavour & crude theology would prevent it becoming anything more than an interesting historical document for older people'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ursula Unwin Print: Book
John Bunyan :
'The rest of the evening was devoted to John Bunyan. H.R. Smith read a paper dealing with the main episodes of his life. This was a valuable introduction and gave the right historical & religious setting of Bunyan. C.E. Stansfield read an Appreciation of Pilgrim's Progress & of the writing of Bunyan. He referred to Bunyan & Milton as the two writers who expressed most completely the Puritan ideal. He expected Pilgrim's Progress to live as it expressed the universal quest of mankind. There were several readings from Bunyan's works which added greatly to the interest. Mrs Smith read from 'Grace Abounding' the book which is his spiritual autobiography. R.H. Robson read the Fight with Apollyon C.I. Evans [ditto] The trial scene in Vanity Fair Mrs Unwin [ditto] The Interpreter's House. In the general discussion some doubt was expressed of C.E. Stansfield's opinion that the Pilgrim's progress will live. It was felt by some that the story will always be attractive to children, but that the puritan flavour & crude theology would prevent it becoming anything more than an interesting historical document for older people'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Austin Harrison : Foreign Politics
'Thanks for the copy of the "E.[English] R.[Review]". You won't mind me saying that your article on international politics is first rate. It has the quality of naked truth excellently and skilfully stated--a combination rare these days.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting were read and signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Maurice Hewlett : Life and Death of Richard Yea-and-Nay, The
'The remainder of the evening was devoted to the writings of Maurice Hewlett. [C.I. Evans outlined a few facts of his life] H.R. Smith gave an account of The Forest Lovers - by giving an outline of the story with one or two extracts he was able to bring us into the story & to illustrate the strange archaic manner of writing adopted in this novel. E.E. Unwin introduced 'Richard Yea & Nay' as a fine study of personality. Two short extracts were read to show the style of vigorous writing with vivid word pictures. Queen's Quair was discussed by H.M. Wallis who carried us into a discussion of the history of Mary Queen of Scots. It was a very able contribution though it erred on the side of being more history than Hewlett. C.I. Evans described the modern novels & pointed out the increasing simplicity of his style & R.B. Graham read a part of an article recently published in 'The Nation' in which Maurice Hewlett makes great play of the wail of the Duke of Bedford for housemaids to keep up Welbeck House. This illustrated a modern development of Hewlett's writing for he seems to be very keen upon a right settlement of the land problem & indeed the whole social problem.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
L.[Lancelot] Cranmer-Byng : A Lute of Jade: Being Selections from the Classical Poets of China
'Thanks too for the Chinese books. I have already looked at the introduction and certain sections of the "Lute [of Jade]". Very fine. Extraordinary subtle feeling I'll write more about them after getting the full taste.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Maurice Hewlett : Life and Death of Richard Yea-and-Nay , The
'The remainder of the evening was devoted to the writings of Maurice Hewlett. [C.I. Evans outlined a few facts of his life] H.R. Smith gave an account of The Forest Lovers - by giving an outline of the story with one or two extracts he was able to bring us into the story & to illustrate the strange archaic manner of writing adopted in this novel. E.E. Unwin introduced 'Richard Yea & Nay' as a fine study of personality. Two short extracts were read to show the style of vigorous writing with vivid word pictures. Queen's Quair was discussed by H.M. Wallis who carried us into a discussion of the history of Mary Queen of Scots. It was a very able contribution though it erred on the side of being more history than Hewlett. C.I. Evans described the modern novels & pointed out the increasing simplicity of his style & R.B. Graham read a part of an article recently published in 'The Nation' in which Maurice Hewlett makes great play of the wail of the Duke of Bedford for housemaids to keep up Welbeck House. This illustrated a modern development of Hewlett's writing for he seems to be very keen upon a right settlement of the land problem & indeed the whole social problem.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Maurice Hewlett :
'The remainder of the evening was devoted to the writings of Maurice Hewlett. [C.I. Evans outlined a few facts of his life] H.R. Smith gave an account of The Forest Lovers - by giving an outline of the story with one or two extracts he was able to bring us into the story & to illustrate the strange archaic manner of writing adopted in this novel. E.E. Unwin introduced 'Richard Yea & Nay' as a fine study of personality. Two short extracts were read to show the style of vigorous writing with vivid word pictures. Queen's Quair was discussed by H.M. Wallis who carried us into a discussion of the history of Mary Queen of Scots. It was a very able contribution though it erred on the side of being more history than Hewlett. C.I. Evans described the modern novels & pointed out the increasing simplicity of his style & R.B. Graham read a part of an article recently published in 'The Nation' in which Maurice Hewlett makes great play of the wail of the Duke of Bedford for housemaids to keep up Welbeck House. This illustrated a modern development of Hewlett's writing for he seems to be very keen upon a right settlement of the land problem & indeed the whole social problem.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Richard Curle : Life is a Dream
'You don't mind if I suggest that you should take a glance at Curle's short stories "Life is a Dream"-- not all in the vol. but three of them. Read first "Blanca Palillos", then the "Remittance Man" and finish with the one called "A Memory". Each in its way has a distinct value [...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edward Garnett : Tolstoy:A Study (also catalogued as Tolstoy: His Life and Writings)
'You have succeeded so well in effacing your personality in that little book ["Tolstoy: A Study"] ( and very interesting it is too) that but for an occasional turn of phrase I--even I! can't see you there at all.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford (Hueffer) : Henry James:A Critical Study
'If we had telephonic communication I would call you up and hear me thump my chest and cry mea culpa for not having written to him [Ford Madox Ford] about the [Henry] James book for which the precise word is: delightful.' Hence follow 6 lines of praise for Ford's new book.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy :
''We are so glad to know you are both flourishing. We know of your Sicilian interlude from your letter to the "Times".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
A.[Andrew] C.[Cecil] Bradley : Shakespearean Tragedy:Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth
'I keep the two books a little longer. "Shakespeare" is good.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting were read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Thomas of Reading : [tale about murders in Reading]
'5. The Club now considered the subject for the evening - Berkshire - & the opening paper was by H.M. Wallis who touched upon the History of the County in his inimitable way from the Piltdown race to Archbishop Laud. Alfred & his battles. Reading & the 35 religious houses & the breweries are prominent features of the story & may be responsible for the saying Piety Spiders & Pride. 6. Rosamund Wallis read a gruesome story from Thomas of Reading about a couple of Reading inhabitants who had murdered 60 people by the simple device of a trapdoor floor to the spare bedroom & a cauldron of boiling water below. 7. 3 Berkshire folksongs were then given by Mrs Robson & E.E. Unwin. 8. S.A Reynolds read a Ballad entitled 'A Berkshire Lady', though speaking as a mere male I doubt whether her conduct would be considered quite lady-like today'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
: 'Berkshire Lady, A'
'5. The Club now considered the subject for the evening - Berkshire - & the opening paper was by H.M. Wallis who touched upon the History of the County in his inimitable way from the Piltdown race to Archbishop Laud. Alfred & his battles. Reading & the 35 religious houses & the breweries are prominent features of the story & may be responsible for the saying Piety Spiders & Pride. 6. Rosamund Wallis read a gruesome story from Thomas of Reading about a couple of Reading inhabitants who had murdered 60 people by the simple device of a trapdoor floor to the spare bedroom & a cauldron of boiling water below. 7. 3 Berkshire folksongs were then given by Mrs Robson & E.E. Unwin. 8. S.A Reynolds read a Ballad entitled 'A Berkshire Lady', though speaking as a mere male I doubt whether her conduct would be considered quite lady-like today'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Thomas de Quincey : Recollections of Charles Lamb
'De Quincey was the subject before the paper & number of extracts [sic] & two papers, one read by Mrs Rawlings & one by Miss Cole, gave a very interesting introduction to De Quincey & his literary work. The contributions were as follows. Mrs Rawlings. Paper on De Quincey prepared by Miss Cole Miss Wallis Reading from Suspiria De Profundis Miss Cole Paper with an account of his episode with Ann his protectress E.E. Unwin Reading from Recollections of Charles Lamb Miss Marriage [ditto] Confessions of an Opium Eater Miss Bowman Smith & Mrs Reynolds also gave reading [sic] Mrs Robson contributed a song.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Thomas de Quincey : Suspiria de Profundis
'De Quincey was the subject before the paper & number of extracts [sic] & two papers, one read by Mrs Rawlings & one by Miss Cole, gave a very interesting introduction to De Quincey & his literary work. The contributions were as follows. Mrs Rawlings. Paper on De Quincey prepared by Miss Cole Miss Wallis Reading from Suspiria De Profundis Miss Cole Paper with an account of his episode with Ann his protectress E.E. Unwin Reading from Recollections of Charles Lamb Miss Marriage [ditto] Confessions of an Opium Eater Miss Bowman Smith & Mrs Reynolds also gave reading [sic] Mrs Robson contributed a song.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Constance Wallis Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'The Minutes of the last meeting were read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Oliver Goldsmith : Good-natured Man, The
'The remainder of the evening was devoted to a play-reading from Oliver Goldsmith's 'The Goodnatured Man'. Although this play was Goldsmith's first experiment in writing for the theatre & contains many obvious faults it succeeded in obtaining a fair hearing at its first production in 1768 & brought the author a sum of £500. It has a rather weak plot & the character of Honeywood is not well brought out. Undoubtedly Croaker saved the piece, with help from Lofts. The reading of the play by members of the club made an interesting & enjoyable evening. The play certainly goes better in dialogue than when read through to oneself, although there is too little action in it for any success for acting. In this respect it is much inferior to 'She Stoops to Conquer'. [a lengthy cast list is given]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Oliver Goldsmith : She Stoops to Conquer
'The remainder of the evening was devoted to a play-reading from Oliver Goldsmith's 'The Goodnatured Man'. Although this play was Goldsmith's first experiment in writing for the theatre & contains many obvious faults it succeeded in obtaining a fair hearing at its first production in 1768 & brought the author a sum of £500. It has a rather weak plot & the character of Honeywood is not well brought out. Undoubtedly Croaker saved the piece, with help from Lofts. The reading of the play by members of the club made an interesting & enjoyable evening. The play certainly goes better in dialogue than when read through to oneself, although there is too little action in it for any success for acting. In this respect it is much inferior to 'She Stoops to Conquer'. [a lengthy cast list is given]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting were read and signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
John Milton : Paradise Lost
'The subject of the meeting was 'Gardens' & all members were asked to bring contributions [...] The following is a list of the contributions. C.E. Stansfield a reading from 'Paradise Lost' followed by a short essay entitled "The Lost Art of Living - A Gardener's Life" Mary Hayward. Song "Now sleeps the Crimson petals" C.I. Evans. Two Readings. Of an Orchard. Higson. The Apple. John Burrough. Mrs Robson. Song. "Thank God for a Garden" Miss Cole. Recitation. 'The Flower's Name'. Browning. E.E. Unwin. Song. "Come into the Garden Maud" Mrs Evans. Reading from "The Small Garden Useful" dealing with the Cooking of Vegetables. C.I. Evans. Reading. "My Garden" interval for supper Miss Wallis. Reading by Request 'My Garden' - a parody Miss Cole. Recitation. Gardens. by Kipling Miss Hayward. Song. R.H. Robson Violin Solo C.I. Evans. Reading. A ballad of trees & the master Mrs Robson. Song.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
John Burroughs : Under the Apple Trees
'The subject of the meeting was 'Gardens' & all members were asked to bring contributions [...] The following is a list of the contributions. C.E. Stansfield a reading from 'Paradise Lost' followed by a short essay entitled "The Lost Art of Living - A Gardener's Life" Mary Hayward. Song "Now sleeps the crimson petals" C.I. Evans. Two Readings. Of an Orchard. Higson. The Apple. John Burrough. Mrs Robson. Song. "Thank God for a Garden" Miss Cole. Recitation. 'The Flower's Name'. Browning. E.E. Unwin. Song. "Come into the Garden Maud" Mrs Evans. Reading from "The Small Garden Useful" dealing with the Cooking of Vegetables. C.I. Evans. Reading. "My Garden" interval for supper Miss Wallis. Reading by Request 'My Garden' - a parody Miss Cole. Recitation. Gardens. by Kipling Miss Hayward. Song. R.H. Robson Violin Solo C.I. Evans. Reading. A ballad of trees & the master Mrs Robson. Song.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Higson : Of an Orchard
'The subject of the meeting was 'Gardens' & all members were asked to bring contributions [...] The following is a list of the contributions. C.E. Stansfield a reading from 'Paradise Lost' followed by a short essay entitled "The Lost Art of Living - A Gardener's Life" Mary Hayward. Song "Now sleeps the crimson petals" C.I. Evans. Two Readings. Of an Orchard. Higson. The Apple. John Burrough. Mrs Robson. Song. "Thank God for a Garden" Miss Cole. Recitation. 'The Flower's Name'. Browning. E.E. Unwin. Song. "Come into the Garden Maud" Mrs Evans. Reading from "The Small Garden Useful" dealing with the Cooking of Vegetables. C.I. Evans. Reading. "My Garden" interval for supper Miss Wallis. Reading by Request 'My Garden' - a parody Miss Cole. Recitation. Gardens. by Kipling Miss Hayward. Song. R.H. Robson Violin Solo C.I. Evans. Reading. A ballad of trees & the master Mrs Robson. Song.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Unknown
Thomas Edward Brown : My Garden
'The subject of the meeting was 'Gardens' & all members were asked to bring contributions [...] The following is a list of the contributions. C.E. Stansfield a reading from 'Paradise Lost' followed by a short essay entitled "The Lost Art of Living - A Gardener's Life" Mary Hayward. Song "Now sleeps the crimson petals" C.I. Evans. Two Readings. Of an Orchard. Higson. The Apple. John Burrough. Mrs Robson. Song. "Thank God for a Garden" Miss Cole. Recitation. 'The Flower's Name'. Browning. E.E. Unwin. Song. "Come into the Garden Maud" Mrs Evans. Reading from "The Small Garden Useful" dealing with the Cooking of Vegetables. C.I. Evans. Reading. "My Garden" interval for supper Miss Wallis. Reading by Request 'My Garden' - a parody Miss Cole. Recitation. Gardens. by Kipling Miss Hayward. Song. R.H. Robson Violin Solo C.I. Evans. Reading. A ballad of trees & the master Mrs Robson. Song.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Sidney Lanier : Ballad of Trees and the Master, A
'The subject of the meeting was 'Gardens' & all members were asked to bring contributions [...] The following is a list of the contributions. C.E. Stansfield a reading from 'Paradise Lost' followed by a short essay entitled "The Lost Art of Living - A Gardener's Life" Mary Hayward. Song "Now sleeps the crimson petals" C.I. Evans. Two Readings. Of an Orchard. Higson. The Apple. John Burrough. Mrs Robson. Song. "Thank God for a Garden" Miss Cole. Recitation. 'The Flower's Name'. Browning. E.E. Unwin. Song. "Come into the Garden Maud" Mrs Evans. Reading from "The Small Garden Useful" dealing with the Cooking of Vegetables. C.I. Evans. Reading. "My Garden" interval for supper Miss Wallis. Reading by Request 'My Garden' - a parody Miss Cole. Recitation. Gardens. by Kipling Miss Hayward. Song. R.H. Robson Violin Solo C.I. Evans. Reading. A ballad of trees & the master Mrs Robson. Song.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
: My Garden, a parody
'The subject of the meeting was 'Gardens' & all members were asked to bring contributions [...] The following is a list of the contributions. C.E. Stansfield a reading from 'Paradise Lost' followed by a short essay entitled "The Lost Art of Living - A Gardener's Life" Mary Hayward. Song "Now sleeps the crimson petals" C.I. Evans. Two Readings. Of an Orchard. Higson. The Apple. John Burrough. Mrs Robson. Song. "Thank God for a Garden" Miss Cole. Recitation. 'The Flower's Name'. Browning. E.E. Unwin. Song. "Come into the Garden Maud" Mrs Evans. Reading from "The Small Garden Useful" dealing with the Cooking of Vegetables. C.I. Evans. Reading. "My Garden" interval for supper Miss Wallis. Reading by Request 'My Garden' - a parody Miss Cole. Recitation. Gardens. by Kipling Miss Hayward. Song. R.H. Robson Violin Solo C.I. Evans. Reading. A ballad of trees & the master Mrs Robson. Song.
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis
Charles Stansfield : [essay entitled 'Lost Art of Living - A Gardener's Life']
'The subject of the meeting was 'Gardens' & all members were asked to bring contributions [...] The following is a list of the contributions. C.E. Stansfield a reading from 'Paradise Lost' followed by a short essay entitled "The Lost Art of Living - A Gardener's Life" Mary Hayward. Song "Now sleeps the crimson petals" C.I. Evans. Two Readings. Of an Orchard. Higson. The Apple. John Burrough. Mrs Robson. Song. "Thank God for a Garden" Miss Cole. Recitation. 'The Flower's Name'. Browning. E.E. Unwin. Song. "Come into the Garden Maud" Mrs Evans. Reading from "The Small Garden Useful" dealing with the Cooking of Vegetables. C.I. Evans. Reading. "My Garden" interval for supper Miss Wallis. Reading by Request 'My Garden' - a parody Miss Cole. Recitation. Gardens. by Kipling Miss Hayward. Song. R.H. Robson Violin Solo C.I. Evans. Reading. A ballad of trees & the master Mrs Robson. Song.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Agnes Herbert : unknown
'Today I saw a good review of your book ["Bernal Diaz del Castillo"] in the D[ai]ly Chr[onicle]: by some woman. I am going to get the vol. forthwith.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
John Galsworthy : The Little Man and other satires
'Thanks for the book ["The Little Man"]. "Abracadabra" is immense. Indeed every page is as full as it can be right through the book.' Hence follow five more lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Little Man and other satires
'These things [proofs of "The Little Man"] are much too exquisite and poignant to be really satire even if you prefer to call them by that name.' Hence follow twelve lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: galley proofs
W. H. (William Henry) Davies : either The Bird of Paradise and other Poems OR Nature
'Thanks very much for the book and the "Spectator" page.[...] These are all delightful pieces. You must autograph the book for me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
unknown unknown : Fragments from an Officer's Diary in Southern Poland
'Thanks very much for the book and the "Spectator" page.[...] These are all delightful pieces. You must autograph the book for me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Violet Hunt : The House of Many Mirrors
'Infinite thanks for the honour [dedication] and for the book ["The House of Many Mirrors"]. The copy having reached me two days ago I delayed writing till I had read those pages you have been so good to dedicate to me.' Hence follow ten lines of praise written in a mix of French and English.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Sidney Colvin : Concentration in English Poetry
'It is a most delightful lecture and most judiciously illustrated, if a mind so uncultivated as mine dares express an opinion.' Hence follows a page of appreciative comment.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
Frederic Harrison : The German Peril: Forecasts 1864-1914, Realities 1915, Hopes 191-
'Your father's book is wonderful. I read the articles of course at the time; but now collected, in the mass, they astonish one by their marvellous insight into the future.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Freelands
'It ["The Freelands"] is a most beautifully done thing. [...]. I kept your book for a propitious day and finished it about midnight. Then I put out the light opened the window and listened to the noise of the Zep passing nearly overhead.[...] That was the night of the second raid on London.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford (Hueffer) : EITHER Between St Dennis and St George: A Sketch of Three Civilisations OR When Blood is their Argument: An Analysis of Prussian Culture
'Many thanks for the book which is excellent and super excellent; even to the point of making me uneasy lest its true and vibrating notes be lost in the beating of the pans and (more or less) savage yowling of the market place.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
R.(Robert) B.(Bontine) Cunninghame Graham : Bernal Diaz de Castillo:Being Some Account of Him Taken From His True History of the Conquest of New Spain
' I've just finished "B[ernal] Diaz". The terminal pages of the preface are just lovely with their irresistable reference to the tempi passati. As to the book itself no personal friend of the old Conquistador could have put it together with greater skill and more tender care.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford (Hueffer) : The Good Soldier
'I was writing something so I refrained from looking at "The Good Soldier" (according to my time-honoured practice) till I got a few pages out of the way.' Hence follow six lines of praise for the novel.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting were read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Minutes of last meeting were read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting were read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Samuel Pepys : Diary
'The rest of the evening was spent in the company of Samuel Pepys (Peeps) The Club was much indebted to H.M. Wallis and to H.R. Smith for able essays giving an outline of Pepys' life & an estimate of his character. From H.R. Smith we were introduced to Pepys as the competent official who by keenness made himself master of his job. Readings from the diary were given by Rosamund Wallis on "The Great Fire" Mrs Robson on Mrs Pepys E.E. Unwin on "The Plague" & R.H. Robson'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
Samuel Pepys : Diary
'The rest of the evening was spent in the company of Samuel Pepys (Peeps) The Club was much indebted to H.M. Wallis and to H.R. Smith for able essays giving an outline of Pepys' life & an estimate of his character. From H.R. Smith we were introduced to Pepys as the competent official who by keenness made himself master of his job. Readings from the diary were given by Rosamund Wallis on "The Great Fire" Mrs Robson on Mrs Pepys E.E. Unwin on "The Plague" & R.H. Robson'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
: [readings from ballads]
'The subject of the evening, 'Ballads', now occupied attention. From an introductory paper prepared by Mary Hayward & from readings by Rosamund Wallis we learnt what a ballad is or was & is not. [this is summarised at length] The programme was divided into six parts dealing with the six main varieties of ballads. Some of these ballads were read & others were sung. Part 1. dealing with Magic Song The Two Musicians Mr & Mrs Unwin Reading The Demon Lover Mr Rawlings [ditto] Thomas the Rhymer Miss R Wallis Part 2. Stories of Romance Song Lord Rendel The Book Club Reading Edward Edward (Binnorie) R.B Graham Instead of Binnorie we were favoured by a rendering of a Berkshire version of this story by Mr Graham. In fact he broke forth into song & was assisted in the chorus refrain by the whole Club who sang with differing emphasis "And I'll be true to my love - if my love'll be true to me". part 3. Romance Shading into History reading Sir Patrick Spens Mr R.H. Robson [ditto] Bonnie house of Airly [sic] Mr H.R. Smith Part 4. Greenwood & Robin Hood Reading Nut Brown Maid Mr & Mrs Evans [ditto] Death of Robin Hood Mr Rawlings H.M. Wallis read at this stage an interesting paper upon the subject [contents summarised] Part 5. Later History Reading Battle of Otterburn Miss Marriage [ditto] Helen of Kirconnel H.M. Wallis Part 6. Showing gradual decline Song Bailiff's Daughter of Islington Mrs Robson Reading Undaunted Mary Mrs Rawlings Song Mowing the Barley All Song The Wealthy Farmer's Son Mr & Mrs Unwin'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Unknown
: Thomas the Rhymer
'The subject of the evening, 'Ballads', now occupied attention. From an introductory paper prepared by Mary Hayward & from readings by Rosamund Wallis we learnt what a ballad is or was & is not. [this is summarised at length] The programme was divided into six parts dealing with the six main varieties of ballads. Some of these ballads were read & others were sung. Part 1. dealing with Magic Song The Two Musicians Mr & Mrs Unwin Reading The Demon Lover Mr Rawlings [ditto] Thomas the Rhymer Miss R Wallis Part 2. Stories of Romance Song Lord Rendel The Book Club Reading Edward Edward (Binnorie) R.B Graham Instead of Binnorie we were favoured by a rendering of a Berkshire version of this story by Mr Graham. In fact he broke forth into song & was assisted in the chorus refrain by the whole Club who sang with differing emphasis "And I'll be true to my love - if my love'll be true to me". part 3. Romance Shading into History reading Sir Patrick Spens Mr R.H. Robson [ditto] Bonnie house of Airly [sic] Mr H.R. Smith Part 4. Greenwood & Robin Hood Reading Nut Brown Maid Mr & Mrs Evans [ditto] Death of Robin Hood Mr Rawlings H.M. Wallis read at this stage an interesting paper upon the subject [contents summarised] Part 5. Later History Reading Battle of Otterburn Miss Marriage [ditto] Helen of Kirconnel H.M. Wallis Part 6. Showing gradual decline Song Bailiff's Daughter of Islington Mrs Robson Reading Undaunted Mary Mrs Rawlings Song Mowing the Barley All Song The Wealthy Farmer's Son Mr & Mrs Unwin'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Unknown
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
James Boswell : Life of Johnson
'The evening was then devoted to Samuel Johnson as seen through the biography of Boswell. Two papers were contributed. By Mr Burrow on "a Second Hand Book" which threw an interesting sidelight on Dr Johnson & By H.R. Smith who gave us an interesting account of the biographer. Readings from the biography were given by Mr Rawlings, Mr Unwin, Mr Evans & Mr Wallis, Mr Robson'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
James Boswell : Life of Johnson
'The evening was then devoted to Samuel Johnson as seen through the biography of Boswell. Two papers were contributed. By Mr Burrow on "a Second Hand Book" which threw an interesting sidelight on Dr Johnson & By H.R. Smith who gave us an interesting account of the biographer. Readings from the biography were given by Mr Rawlings, Mr Unwin, Mr Evans & Mr Wallis, Mr Robson'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Richard Curle : The Echo of Voices
'I will talk to you at length about the stories when you are well enough to come down here for the weekend.[...]. The value of these tales relies in the "nuances" of colour of half light and in [an] almost evanescent tremor of emotions.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
J. (James) G. (Gibbons) Huneker : Ivory Apes and Peacocks
'The "[Ivory] Apes and Peacocks" book is good and immensely characteristic of our extremely "alive" friend.' Hence follow five more lines of praise.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Ellen (Anderson Gholson) Glasgow : Life and Gabriella: The Story of a Woman's Courage
'I was delighted with Miss Glasgow's novel ["Life and Gabriella: The Story of a Woman's Courage"]; the insight, the mastery of her craft, the interest and charm of the narrative-- all this is of the very first order.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Henry James : A Small Boy and Others
'His [Henry James] autobiographical two books are admirable; but what makes them so wonderful are the very same qualities that make his novels admirable.]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Henry James : Notes of a Son and Brother
'His [Henry James] autobiographical two books are admirable; but what makes them so wonderful are the very same qualities that make his novels admirable.]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
(Basil) Macdonald Hastings : The Advertisement: A Play in Four Acts
'I read "[The]Advertisement" yesterday only--thrice over. très fort.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Arthur Symons : Figures of Several Centuries
'Ever so many thanks for the honour of the dedication; and for the copy [of "Figures of Several Centuries"] which reached me yesterday. I sat up with it of course. There are marvellous pages there.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting were read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Ernest E. Unwin : [minutes of XII Book Club]
'Mins of last meeting read & signed'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Manuscript: book
Harold Begbie : [book of 'backstairs biographies']
'The subject of the evening was L.P. Jacks. A few moments sufficed to pool our information as to the man. Too late the Secretary remembered that that indefatigable polisher of mirrors & duster of painted windows - Mr Harold Begbie - had included Jacks in his latest volume of backstairs biographies: perhaps it was just as well for it concentrated attention on the writings & these gave us amusement, interest & profit. Mr Evans out of "From the Human End" read about the change from individual to cooperative gardening with an amusing but very neat indication of the gains & losses of such social changes. Mr & Mrs Stansfield selected readings from "Among the Idol makers". the Magic Formula - "Please will you tell me the time" is a delightful story of the young for the old. "Made out of Nothing" takes us behind the scenes in the antique furniture manufactory and missionary enterprise is seen from a new angle. H.R. Smith read an account of an old farmer "Farmer Jeremy & his Ways" & told of farmers he knew of whom this account was aa true picture. E.E. Unwin read a story about two tramps sheltering from rain with the author in a shepherd's box. "Macbeth & Bangus upon the blasted heath", a story in which humour & pathos went hand in hand. He also spoke about the "Snarley Bob" series in which a famous shepherd with curious psychic powers is the hero of the stories. Through most of the stories & essays runs irony & every one of his writings gives us furiously to think - for Jacks strips the rags & coverings from off our conventions & our conventional thought, & with remorseless logic leads us face to face with our inconsistencies & prejudices.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
L.P. Jacks : From the Human End
'The subject of the evening was L.P. Jacks. A few moments sufficed to pool our information as to the man. Too late the Secretary remembered that that indefatigable polisher of mirrors & duster of painted windows - Mr Harold Begbie - had included Jacks in his latest volume of backstairs biographies: perhaps it was just as well for it concentrated attention on the writings & these gave us amusement, interest & profit. Mr Evans out of "From the Human End" read about the change from individual to cooperative gardening with an amusing but very neat indication of the gains & losses of such social changes. Mr & Mrs Stansfield selected readings from "Among the Idol makers". the Magic Formula - "Please will you tell me the time" is a delightful story of the young for the old. "Made out of Nothing" takes us behind the scenes in the antique furniture manufactory and missionary enterprise is seen from a new angle. H.R. Smith read an account of an old farmer "Farmer Jeremy & his Ways" & told of farmers he knew of whom this account was aa true picture. E.E. Unwin read a story about two tramps sheltering from rain with the author in a shepherd's box. "Macbeth & Bangus upon the blasted heath", a story in which humour & pathos went hand in hand. He also spoke about the "Snarley Bob" series in which a famous shepherd with curious psychic powers is the hero of the stories. Through most of the stories & essays runs irony & every one of his writings gives us furiously to think - for Jacks strips the rags & coverings from off our conventions & our conventional thought, & with remorseless logic leads us face to face with our inconsistencies & prejudices.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
L.P. Jacks : 'Macbeth and Bangus upon the blasted heath'
'The subject of the evening was L.P. Jacks. A few moments sufficed to pool our information as to the man. Too late the Secretary remembered that that indefatigable polisher of mirrors & duster of painted windows - Mr Harold Begbie - had included Jacks in his latest volume of backstairs biographies: perhaps it was just as well for it concentrated attention on the writings & these gave us amusement, interest & profit. Mr Evans out of "From the Human End" read about the change from individual to cooperative gardening with an amusing but very neat indication of the gains & losses of such social changes. Mr & Mrs Stansfield selected readings from "Among the Idol makers". the Magic Formula - "Please will you tell me the time" is a delightful story of the young for the old. "Made out of Nothing" takes us behind the scenes in the antique furniture manufactory and missionary enterprise is seen from a new angle. H.R. Smith read an account of an old farmer "Farmer Jeremy & his Ways" & told of farmers he knew of whom this account was aa true picture. E.E. Unwin read a story about two tramps sheltering from rain with the author in a shepherd's box. "Macbeth & Bangus upon the blasted heath", a story in which humour & pathos went hand in hand. He also spoke about the "Snarley Bob" series in which a famous shepherd with curious psychic powers is the hero of the stories. Through most of the stories & essays runs irony & every one of his writings gives us furiously to think - for Jacks strips the rags & coverings from off our conventions & our conventional thought, & with remorseless logic leads us face to face with our inconsistencies & prejudices.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
L.P. Jacks : ['Snarley Bob' tales]
'The subject of the evening was L.P. Jacks. A few moments sufficed to pool our information as to the man. Too late the Secretary remembered that that indefatigable polisher of mirrors & duster of painted windows - Mr Harold Begbie - had included Jacks in his latest volume of backstairs biographies: perhaps it was just as well for it concentrated attention on the writings & these gave us amusement, interest & profit. Mr Evans out of "From the Human End" read about the change from individual to cooperative gardening with an amusing but very neat indication of the gains & losses of such social changes. Mr & Mrs Stansfield selected readings from "Among the Idol makers". the Magic Formula - "Please will you tell me the time" is a delightful story of the young for the old. "Made out of Nothing" takes us behind the scenes in the antique furniture manufactory and missionary enterprise is seen from a new angle. H.R. Smith read an account of an old farmer "Farmer Jeremy & his Ways" & told of farmers he knew of whom this account was aa true picture. E.E. Unwin read a story about two tramps sheltering from rain with the author in a shepherd's box. "Macbeth & Bangus upon the blasted heath", a story in which humour & pathos went hand in hand. He also spoke about the "Snarley Bob" series in which a famous shepherd with curious psychic powers is the hero of the stories. Through most of the stories & essays runs irony & every one of his writings gives us furiously to think - for Jacks strips the rags & coverings from off our conventions & our conventional thought, & with remorseless logic leads us face to face with our inconsistencies & prejudices.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Ernest E. Unwin Print: Book
: Observer newspaper
'I see the "Obs[erv]er" every Sunday and I am waiting the next number with impatience.' [ For a review by Sidney Colvin of "The Shadow-Line"]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
: Singapore Free Press
'Of course like everybody else I was a reader of the "Singapore Free Press" which was the [underlined] paper of the East as between Rangoon and Shanghai.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
Philippe-Paule Ségur (Comte de) : Un Aide de Camp de Napoléon (de 1800 à 1812
'I'll show you where I got the hint for it [his story "The Warriors' Soul"] in Philippe de Ségur. There's a hint for another in him but I fancy too macabre (and improper) to use.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Vera Brittain : Testament of Youth
'Amid several warmly appreciative judgements came a frank note from St. John Ervine, who wrote that my book had entirely changed his opinion of me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: St. John Ervine Print: Book
Geoffrey Young [?] : 'Mountain Playmates'
'C.I. Evans read Geoffrey Young's [?] poem 'Mountain Playmates' & Mary Hayward read Leslie Stephen's account of the first ascent of the Rothorn. R.B. Graham circulated snapshots illustrating this reading & his own climb of the same mountain. After supper R.B. Graham gave a general chat on Mountaineering with views. A passage by Whymper on accidents was summarised by A. Rawlings who then read Whymper's account of an extraordinary accident he himself sustained. To conclude the Secretary read a parody of Wadsworth [Wordsworth?] 'We are Seven' composed by H.M. Wallis on climbing at Arolla'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Anatole France : La Reine Pedauque
'Miss Marriage then gave us some notes on Anatole France [sic] Life with references to some of his work & the order of their production. F.E. Pollard read an amusing account of an unconventional dinner party from "La Reine Pedauque" & A. Rawlings gave us some extracts from "The Memoirs of Abbe Coignard". After supper R.H. Robson amused us with the story of the Baptism of the penguins by the Blessed Mael "Penguin Island" & Mrs Evans gave us a glimpse of France's more sober philosophy in a series of short essays from "The Garden of Epicures". Mrs Rawlings read a charming passage on Joan of Arc and Miss Marriage read us one of the cynical passages from a novel "The Red Lily".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
John Masefield : 'Sea Change'
'Mr Burrow then introduced John Masefield's work setting out the little publicly known of his life following with a short review of his work and a few hints as to the topgraphy of his poems. C.I. Evans then read three short poems "Sea Change", "Cargoes" & "Ships" which well illustrated the poet's love of Ships & the Sea. H.R. Smith read from the earlier part of "Reynard the Fox" illustrating his love of energy the open air & his vivid portraiture of very round human types. This was followed by an interesting discussion on the quality of Masefield's work. H.M. Wallis read a moving passage from Gallipoli. After supper Mrs Reynolds read several short poems of personal feeling Tewkesbury Rd, Beauty, I Went into the Fields, Laugh & be Merry & By a Bierside. To conclude the evening Mr Burrow read the latter portion of "The Everlasting Mercy".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
John Masefield : 'Cargoes'
'Mr Burrow then introduced John Masefield's work setting out the little publicly known of his life following with a short review of his work and a few hints as to the topgraphy of his poems. C.I. Evans then read three short poems "Sea Change", "Cargoes" & "Ships" which well illustrated the poet's love of Ships & the Sea. H.R. Smith read from the earlier part of "Reynard the Fox" illustrating his love of energy the open air & his vivid portraiture of very round human types. This was followed by an interesting discussion on the quality of Masefield's work. H.M. Wallis read a moving passage from Gallipoli. After supper Mrs Reynolds read several short poems of personal feeling Tewkesbury Rd, Beauty, I Went into the Fields, Laugh & be Merry & By a Bierside. To conclude the evening Mr Burrow read the latter portion of "The Everlasting Mercy".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
John Masefield : 'Ships'
'Mr Burrow then introduced John Masefield's work setting out the little publicly known of his life following with a short review of his work and a few hints as to the topgraphy of his poems. C.I. Evans then read three short poems "Sea Change", "Cargoes" & "Ships" which well illustrated the poet's love of Ships & the Sea. H.R. Smith read from the earlier part of "Reynard the Fox" illustrating his love of energy the open air & his vivid portraiture of very round human types. This was followed by an interesting discussion on the quality of Masefield's work. H.M. Wallis read a moving passage from Gallipoli. After supper Mrs Reynolds read several short poems of personal feeling Tewkesbury Rd, Beauty, I Went into the Fields, Laugh & be Merry & By a Bierside. To conclude the evening Mr Burrow read the latter portion of "The Everlasting Mercy".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Arthur Quiller-Couch : Interlude: On Jargon
'Mr Robson then gave us some short notes on Sir A.T. Quiller Couch and read us his short story "Once aboard the lugger". H.M. Wallis gave us an appreciation of 'Q's' work & read a tragic short story & poem. Mr Evans read from Couch's lecture on the Art of Writing an Interlude on Jargon. H.R. Smith read from the Mayor of Troy Mr Stansfield whose health unfortunately did not allow him to be present sent a short appreciation of Quiller Couch's novel Pho & Farrell [sic] and Miss Marriage read a short story (very sad). Perhaps the selection of his work put before us was a little one-sided for the club certainly got the impression of a writer too fond of the gloom & pain of life'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Arthur Quiller-Couch : Foe-Farrell
'Mr Robson then gave us some short notes on Sir A.T. Quiller Couch and read us his short story "Once aboard the lugger". H.M. Wallis gave us an appreciation of 'Q's' work & read a tragic short story & poem. Mr Evans read from Couch's lecture on the Art of Writing an Interlude on Jargon. H.R. Smith read from the Mayor of Troy Mr Stansfield whose health unfortunately did not allow him to be present sent a short appreciation of Quiller Couch's novel Pho & Farrell [sic] and Miss Marriage read a short story (very sad). Perhaps the selection of his work put before us was a little one-sided for the club certainly got the impression of a writer too fond of the gloom & pain of life'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
: texts including 'some memoirs'
[between journal entries for 6 November 1889 and 2 Jun 1890] 'From one till two every day, a Mr. Upton came to read to [Lady Charlotte Schreiber], first the Times and then whatever book was interesting to her at the moment. There was reason to believe that on his way to [No. 17] Cavendish Square Mr. Upton moistened his throat for reading aloud by a visit to a publican in the neighbourhood. A story is told that one day when sitting down to read he lost his balance and fell on the floor. Lady Charlotte rang the bell [...] for her maid, and when she arrived said: "Remove Mr. Upton, Moody, I don't think he is well." In the evening Moody herself was the reader, generally of some memoirs. Her sister, whom Lady Charlotte had helped to become an actress, had just returned from America [...] Moody therefore was now occasionally replaced as a reader by her sister, who read the Shakespeare plays in which she had been acting with Mary Anderson.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Moody Print: Book
George Sand : Devil's Pool, The
'Mr Geo Burrow read a paper on George Sand indicating her semi-patrician origin & the County surroundings in which she lived. We were given some indication of her passionate nature & of how the various subjects of her passion were first adored on a pedestal & then fell through successive states to one of severe criticism if not contempt. The apt epigram was quoted that "George Sand did not behave as a perfect Gentleman". Readings as under from her work were then given, bringing out her love of country life & her considerable powers of descriptive writing, also the romantic cast of her tales. From Tillage of the Soil Celia Burrow Consuelo H.R. Smith The Devil's Pool C.E. Stansfield Countess of Rudolfstadt F.E. Reynolds'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Sabine Baring-Gould : Strange Survivals and Superstitions
'H.R. Smith gave a brief outline of S. Baring Gould's Life following which H.M. Wallis read from "John Herring" a Dartmoor tale. He also gave us a short criticism of Baring Gould's work from which we learn that he wrote too fast for revision and his fiction was marred by many improbabilities. In short a maker of books rather than an artist. After supper Mrs Pollard read from The Broom Squire and E.A. Smith gave us an appreciation of our Author more favourable than H.M.W.'s perhaps because it dealt mainly with the archaeological side of his work. F.G. Pollard kindly took C.I. Evans' place (he had lost his voice) by reading from "Strange Survivals & Superstitions" & H.R. Smith read from "The Vicar of Morwenstow".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
Anthony Trollope : Doctor Thorne
'The rest of the evening was devoted to Anthony Trollope. C.E. Stansfield read an amusing passage from Dr Thorne. H.M. Wallis gave us a full & racy sketch of Trollopes life interspersed with short extracts from his works illustrative of his love of Fox hunting & his broad grasp of the social life of English upper class & clerical life. H.R. Smith read from "The Prime Minister" & F.E. Pollard gave a short appreciation of Trollopes work from which it appeared that he was not quite in the first rank of Victoriann writers, he does not attempt the greatest problems but he does quite perfectly the job he sets out to do; his pictures of life are real his, [sic] characters are not mere puppets but are all alive. R.H. Robson read from the Warden & F.E. Pollard from "the three Clerks" bringing to a conclusion a delightful evening in which many renewed old acquaintances whilst others were introduced to much that was new to them.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Anthony Trollope : Three Clerks, The
'The rest of the evening was devoted to Anthony Trollope. C.E. Stansfield read an amusing passage from Dr Thorne. H.M. Wallis gave us a full & racy sketch of Trollopes life interspersed with short extracts from his works illustrative of his love of Fox hunting & his broad grasp of the social life of English upper class & clerical life. H.R. Smith read from "The Prime Minister" & F.E. Pollard gave a short appreciation of Trollopes work from which it appeared that he was not quite in the first rank of Victoriann writers, he does not attempt the greatest problems but he does quite perfectly the job he sets out to do; his pictures of life are real his, [sic] characters are not mere puppets but are all alive. R.H. Robson read from the Warden & F.E. Pollard from "the three Clerks" bringing to a conclusion a delightful evening in which many renewed old acquaintances whilst others were introduced to much that was new to them.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
Francis Pollard : [essay on Trollope]
'The rest of the evening was devoted to Anthony Trollope. C.E. Stansfield read an amusing passage from Dr Thorne. H.M. Wallis gave us a full & racy sketch of Trollopes life interspersed with short extracts from his works illustrative of his love of Fox hunting & his broad grasp of the social life of English upper class & clerical life. H.R. Smith read from "The Prime Minister" & F.E. Pollard gave a short appreciation of Trollopes work from which it appeared that he was not quite in the first rank of Victorian writers, he does not attempt the greatest problems but he does quite perfectly the job he sets out to do; his pictures of life are real his, [sic] characters are not mere puppets but are all alive. R.H. Robson read from the Warden & F.E. Pollard from "the three Clerks" bringing to a conclusion a delightful evening in which many renewed old acquaintances whilst others were introduced to much that was new to them.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Manuscript: Unknown
Anthony Trollope :
'The rest of the evening was devoted to Anthony Trollope. C.E. Stansfield read an amusing passage from Dr Thorne. H.M. Wallis gave us a full & racy sketch of Trollopes life interspersed with short extracts from his works illustrative of his love of Fox hunting & his broad grasp of the social life of English upper class & clerical life. H.R. Smith read from "The Prime Minister" & F.E. Pollard gave a short appreciation of Trollopes work from which it appeared that he was not quite in the first rank of Victorian writers, he does not attempt the greatest problems but he does quite perfectly the job he sets out to do; his pictures of life are real his, [sic] characters are not mere puppets but are all alive. R.H. Robson read from the Warden & F.E. Pollard from "the three Clerks" bringing to a conclusion a delightful evening in which many renewed old acquaintances whilst others were introduced to much that was new to them.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
William Shakespeare :
'The remainder of the evening was devoted to a series of readings & quotations from Shakespeare intended to indicate different aspects of him and these were interspersed with brief informal & sometimes penetrating discussions. We were indebted to E.A. Smith for quotations on public & private life to C.I. and K.S. Evans for a reading from King Lear R.B. Graham gave us a series on Death & after several short items C.E. Stansfield appropriately concluded with Shakespeare's description of a wet Summer in "A Midsummer Night's Dream".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Midsummer Night's Dream, A
'The remainder of the evening was devoted to a series of readings & quotations from Shakespeare intended to indicate different aspects of him and these were interspersed with brief informal & sometimes penetrating discussions. We were indebted to E.A. Smith for quotations on public & private life to C.I. and K.S. Evans for a reading from King Lear R.B. Graham gave us a series on Death & after several short items C.E. Stansfield appropriately concluded with Shakespeare's description of a wet Summer in "A Midsummer Night's Dream".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Mark Rutherford [pseud.] : Mark Rutherford's Deliverance
'The Club then turned its attention to Mark Rutherford. Mr Burrow gave some outline of Hale White [sic] life telling us how he had passed through several occupations student for Ministry School Master & Publisher's Assistant before settling down as an Author and Admiralty Official. In style he is simple & effective in manner he reminds sometimes of Hardy or Gissing. Three of his novels are semi-biographical & have the interest that attaches to a truthful diary. The rest of the evening was devoted to Readings designed to give us an insight into different aspects of his work. We gathered that although his plots were poor & scrappy his characters were vivid & intensely living. The readings were as followed. R.B. Graham & F.E. Pollard from Autobiography of Mark Rutherford Mrs Evans A Series of Character Sketches Mrs Robson Revolution in Tanners Lane Mrs Reynolds Catherine [sic] Furze Mrs Burrow Mark Rutherfords Deliverance.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Constance Burrow Print: Book
George Gordon, Lord Byron : Giaour, The
'H.R. Smith then gave some account of Lord Byron's Life. Mrs Burrough [sic] read part of Mazzeppa [sic]. C.E Stansfield then read a critique of Byron's work showing he belonged to the Romantic Movement especially as it was a Recoil of the Human Spirit against Tyranny. His work is witty & vitriolic full of energy & passion. Mr Robson expounded Childe Harold to us and Alfred Rawlings read to us from the same poem 4th canto. Mr Robson then read The Isles of Greece and Mr Pollard a stirring passage the Giaour'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
Charles Stansfield : [essay on Byron]
'H.R. Smith then gave some account of Lord Byron's Life. Mrs Burrough [sic] read part of Mazzeppa [sic]. C.E Stansfield then read a critique of Byron's work showing he belonged to the Romantic Movement especially as it was a Recoil of the Human Spirit against Tyranny. His work is witty & vitriolic full of energy & passion. Mr Robson expounded Childe Harold to us and Alfred Rawlings read to us from the same poem 4th canto. Mr Robson then read The Isles of Greece and Mr Pollard a stirring passage the Giaour'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Andrew Lang : Story of Joan of Arc, The
'R.H. Robson opened the subject of Joan of Arc by giving a historical sketch of her life & then attempting to "Put her in her Place" which latter process involved a general & interesting discussion the substantial result being that she refused to be so put. Mrs Evans read a fervid passage from De Quincey & H.R. Smith & C.I. Evans gave some estimate of the Lives by Mark Twain & Andrew Lang & read short passages from these works. After supper Mr Graham Mr Pollard Mr Robson & Miss M.B. Smith read in parts most spiritually the first scene from Shaw's St Joan; Mr Evans read from the Epilogue, & another general discussion brought a most fascinating evening to a conclusion.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Andrew Lang : Story of Joan of Arc, The
'R.H. Robson opened the subject of Joan of Arc by giving a historical sketch of her life & then attempting to "Put her in her Place" which latter process involved a general & interesting discussion the substantial result being that she refused to be so put. Mrs Evans read a fervid passage from De Quincey & H.R. Smith & C.I. Evans gave some estimate of the Lives by Mark Twain & Andrew Lang & read short passages from these works. After supper Mr Graham Mr Pollard Mr Robson & Miss M.B. Smith read in parts most spiritually the first scene from Shaw's St Joan; Mr Evans read from the Epilogue, & another general discussion brought a most fascinating evening to a conclusion.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
George Bernard Shaw : St Joan
'R.H. Robson opened the subject of Joan of Arc by giving a historical sketch of her life & then attempting to "Put her in her Place" which latter process involved a general & interesting discussion the substantial result being that she refused to be so put. Mrs Evans read a fervid passage from De Quincey & H.R. Smith & C.I. Evans gave some estimate of the Lives by Mark Twain & Andrew Lang & read short passages from these works. After supper Mr Graham Mr Pollard Mr Robson & Miss M.B. Smith read in parts most spiritually the first scene from Shaw's St Joan; Mr Evans read from the Epilogue, & another general discussion brought a most fascinating evening to a conclusion.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
William de Morgan : [novels]
'The evening's subject of William de Morgan was introduced by Geo Burrow who gave some account of his life drawing attention to his whimsical nature & unpractical business methods. Mrs Rawlings read a powerful but sad scene of shipwreck from Joseph Vance. F.E. Pollard chatted on the novels emphasizing their apparent but not real shapelessness the author's great interest in problems of memory the reality of the conversations the way in which characters were drawn & well drawn in all kinds of situations & from all ranks of society. The ensuing discussion showed how the healthy & delightful tone of the books had been enjoyed. R.H. Robson & H.R. Smith read from Alice for short & Somehow Good & A. Rawlings gave some account of De Morgan's methods on his tiles & pottery.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
Walt Whitman :
'F.E. Pollard gave some account of Walt Whitman's Life indicating the variety of livelyhood [sic] & of expression which he sought he also told us something of the leading ideas expressed in his work "The Splendour of Life" World wide Comradeship Immortality Freedom Broad Vistas. Geo Burrow read from the poem Memories of President Lincoln. After supper R.B. Graham read Captain, My Captain & Manhattan Faces. F.E. Pollard sang "Ethiopian Saluting the Colours". R.H. Robson amused us by reading passages showing Whitman's fondness for lists. In the discussion which concluded the evening it was concluded that whilst Whitman is often effective his poems are often not poetry.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
Rosamund Wallis : [paper on Anglo-India and Forster]
'The subject of Forster's "A Passage to India" was then taken Rosamund Wallis reading a notable paper on the problem of Anglo-India with citations from the book. F.E. Pollard followed giving more the Indian Attitude with a reading to explain this. After an interval for Refreshments there was an interesting discussion on these papers and on the Book and its problems. R.B. Graham read a good portion of the trial scene and Miss Marriage read a part of the last chapter bringing a most interesting evening to a conclusion leaving us more than doubtful as to how far we had fathomed the author's purpose & ideas.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Manuscript: Unknown
Francis Pollard : [paper on Forster's 'A Passage to India']
'The subject of Forster's "A Passage to India" was then taken Rosamund Wallis reading a notable paper on the problem of Anglo-India with citations from the book. F.E. Pollard followed giving more the Indian Attitude with a reading to explain this. After an interval for Refreshments there was an interesting discussion on these papers and on the Book and its problems. R.B. Graham read a good portion of the trial scene and Miss Marriage read a part of the last chapter bringing a most interesting evening to a conclusion leaving us more than doubtful as to how far we had fathomed the author's purpose & ideas.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Manuscript: Unknown
Edward Morgan Forster : Passage to India, A
'The subject of Forster's "A Passage to India" was then taken Rosamund Wallis reading a notable paper on the problem of Anglo-India with citations from the book. F.E. Pollard followed giving more the Indian Attitude with a reading to explain this. After an interval for Refreshments there was an interesting discussion on these papers and on the Book and its problems. R.B. Graham read a good portion of the trial scene and Miss Marriage read a part of the last chapter bringing a most interesting evening to a conclusion leaving us more than doubtful as to how far we had fathomed the author's purpose & ideas.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
Edward Morgan Forster : Passage to India, A
'The subject of Forster's "A Passage to India" was then taken Rosamund Wallis reading a notable paper on the problem of Anglo-India with citations from the book. F.E. Pollard followed giving more the Indian Attitude with a reading to explain this. After an interval for Refreshments there was an interesting discussion on these papers and on the Book and its problems. R.B. Graham read a good portion of the trial scene and Miss Marriage read a part of the last chapter bringing a most interesting evening to a conclusion leaving us more than doubtful as to how far we had fathomed the author's purpose & ideas.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
Herman Melville : Moby Dick
'The subject for the evening Herman Melville was then proceeded with & R.H. Robson gave a short account of his life following which Mrs Robson read two passages from Typee. After supper R.B. Graham C.I. Evans K.S. Evans Geo Burrow & H.R. Smith gave readings from Moby Dick giving us glimpses of the power & wonder of this work of genius.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Hugh Walpole : Jeremy
'The subject for the evening Hugh Walpole was then taken F.E. Pollard giving us a brief outline of the writer's life. Mrs Robson read from "Fortitude" & Mrs Pollard from "The Secret City". After supper the Secretary attempted some analysis & estimate of Walpoles work which was followed by some discussion. Mr Stansfield read from "Jeremy" & in conclusion Mr Robson read from "The Cathedral". An interesting evening about work which both attracts & repels. The man perhaps just missing greatness but frequently gripping us by powerful intriguing work.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
: [catalogue of Blake's canterbury Pilgrims pictures]
'The subject of Wm Blake was then taken Geo Burrow giving us some account of the Poet Painters life & method. Mrs Evans read several short poems showing the two aspects of his work. Mrs Burrow recited three lyrics. We were then to have inspected Blakes drawings which F.E. Pollard was obtaining but the General Strike delayed their arrival. Mrs Robson sang "Piping down the Valleys Wild" & "How Sweet is the Shepherd's Sweet lot". R.B. Graham read from the Prophetic books Marriage of Heaven & Hell The Birds & the Flowers & To the Deists. Mrs Robson sang "Little Lamb Who Made Thee" & F.E. Pollard read from the descriptive catalogue of The Canterbury Pilgrims'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
Elizabeth Gaskell :
'The subject of Mrs Gaskell was then taken & Chas E. Stansfield gave an interesting account of her life & work. Following this Miss Stevens showed us some pictures of Mrs Gaskell and her homes, Mrs Burrow read from "Cousin Phillis" and Mrs Evans from the "Life of Charlotte Bronte". A dramatic reading from Cranford by Helen Rawlings, Janet Rawlings, Muriel B. Smith & Howard R. Smith followed. Alfred Rawlings read from "North & South" & Howard R. Smith read from Mary Barton.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
Arthur Patchett Martin : Bret Harte in Relation to Modern Fiction.
'I wish I could lay my hands on the numbers of the "Review", for I know I wished to say something on that head more particularly than I can from memory; […] I was very much pleased with the article on Bret Harte; it seemed to me just, clear, and to the point.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Catherine Spence :
'I agreed pretty well with all you said about George Eliot […]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
George Eliot : Daniel Deronda
'Did you − I forget − did you have a kick at the stern works of that melancholy puppy and humbug Daniel Deronda himself? − the Prince of Prigs: the literary abomination of Desolation in the way of manhood: a type which is enough to make a man forswear the love of women, if that is how it must be gained….'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Arthur Patchett Martin : 'Noll and Nell'; 'England - 1877'.
'Of your poems I have myself a kindness for ‘Noll and Nell’. Although I don’t think you have made it as good as you ought: verse five is surely not [italics]quite melodious[end italics]. I confess I like the Sonnet in the last number of the "Review"− the ‘Sonnet to England’.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book, Serial / periodical, Both (2 poems, one in a book, one in a periodical).
Frances Burney : Evelina, or a Young Lady's Entrance into the World
'The town soon went wild about the story [Evelina] [...] Mrs. Thrale read it, and liked it better than Madame Riccoboni's Tales [...] she lent it to Dr. Johnson. He was very unwilling to read it -- but once he was persuaded to begin the story, he was delighted with it. "Why, madam, what a charming book you lent me," he said to Mrs. Thrale, on finishing the first volume, and he anxiously asked to know whom Evelina married. He protested, too, that there were passages in it that would do honour to Richardson, and that Henry Fielding never drew such a character as Mr. Smith.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Thrale Print: Book
Frances Burney : Evelina, or a Young Lady's Entrance into the World
'The town soon went wild about the story [Evelina] [...] Mrs. Thrale read it, and liked it better than Madame Riccoboni's Tales [...] she lent it to Dr. Johnson. He was very unwilling to read it -- but once he was persuaded to begin the story, he was delighted with it. "Why, madam, what a charming book you lent me," he said to Mrs. Thrale, on finishing the first volume, and he anxiously asked to know whom Evelina married. He protested, too, that there were passages in it that would do honour to Richardson, and that Henry Fielding never drew such a character as Mr. Smith.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Johnson Print: Book
Madame Riccoboni : Tales
'The town soon went wild about the story [Evelina] [...] Mrs. Thrale read it, and liked it better than Madame Riccoboni's Tales [...] she lent it to Dr. Johnson. He was very unwilling to read it -- but once he was persuaded to begin the story, he was delighted with it. "Why, madam, what a charming book you lent me," he said to Mrs. Thrale, on finishing the first volume, and he anxiously asked to know whom Evelina married. He protested, too, that there were passages in it that would do honour to Richardson, and that Henry Fielding never drew such a character as Mr. Smith.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Thrale Print: Book
Frances Burney : Evelina, or a Young Lady's Entrance into the World
'"Evelina" fascinated everyone. Burke began it one morning at seven, and sat up all night to finish it. Sir Joshua Reynolds did as much on a day when he had no time to spare, and declared he would give fifty pounds to know the author.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir Joshua Reynolds Print: Book
Ann Radcliffe : novels
'We must not judge [Ann Radcliffe's novels], now that the taste in which they were written is exhausted and palled, by our modern feelings. The best test of their worth is contemporary opinion, and tales which delighted Burke, Fox, and Sheridan, must, when compared with the novels then published, have possessed a singular amount of merit.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles James Fox Print: Book
Ann Radcliffe : novels
'We must not judge [Ann Radcliffe's novels], now that the taste in which they were written is exhausted and palled, by our modern feelings. The best test of their worth is contemporary opinion, and tales which delighted Burke, Fox, and Sheridan, must, when compared with the novels then published, have possessed a singular amount of merit.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Richard Brinsley Sheridan Print: Book
Amelia Opie : verses opening 'Go, youth beloved...'
'In [1802] [...] [Amelia Opie] published a volume of poems. It included those charming and well-known lines, which, as giving the key to her nature -- tenderness -- we shall quote here [reproduces two stanzas opening "Go, youth beloved, in distant glades"] [...] It was of this very sweet song that Sir James Mackintosh playfully wrote to Mr. Sharpe, saying: "Tell the fair Opie that if she would address such pretty verses to me as she did to Ashburner, I think she might almost bring me back from Bombay, though she could not prevent his going thither."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Mackintosh Print: Book
Walter Scott : Journal (extracts)
'[Thomas] Carlyle saw Scott's greatness in the extracts from the Diary given by Lockhart. The stern critic rightly recalls the feelings and conduct evidenced by those extracts "tragical and beautiful"'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
J. G. Lockhart : Peter's Letters to his Kinsfolk
'Peter's Letters to his Kinsfolk was written by [J. G.] Lockhart, aided probably by one or more [...] clever young advocates [...] Sophia probably knew who its author was, and judged it favourably'.
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charlotte Sophia Scott
:
[in prefatory essay by A. L. Barbauld] From Samuel Richardson's account of his childhood, up to about age 13: 'As a bashful and not forward boy, I was an early favourite with all the young women of taste and reading in the neighbourhood. Half a dozen of them, when met to work with their needles, used, when they got a book they liked, and thought I should, to borrow me to read to them; and both mothers and daughters used to be pleased with the observations they put me upon making.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Richardson Print: Book
: Directions for the Employment of Time
Elizabeth Carter to Catherine Talbot, 14 February 1751: 'I have a [...] curiosity to find out the author of a book Mrs Underdown has lately been reading to me, with which we are both greatly charmed. The title is "Directions for the Employment of Time" [...] Have you seen Stanzas in a Country Church-yard? and do not you greatly admire them?'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Underdown Print: Book
Plutarch : Morals
Catherine Talbot to Elizabeth Carter, 15 July 1751: 'I am fallen in love with Plutarch's Morals, a little of which my lord reads us now and then out of a very so so translation. They seem to me the most amiable, the most lively, and the least dry of any moral book, but 'tis indeed very little I have heard of them. I am deep in the Memoires [sic] of the Duc de Sully, and exceedingly entertained by them. I make him my companion with pleasure, as he seems to have an honest, brave, and worthy heart [...] I am reading many other books, but will not trouble you with my thoughts of them till I have read them through.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Secker Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Clarissa: or The History of a Young Lady.
'Please, if you have not, and I don’t suppose you have, already read it, institute a search in all Melbourne for one of the rarest and certainly one of the best of books − [italics]Clarissa Harlowe[end italics]. For any man who takes an interest in the problem of the two sexes, that book is a perfect mine of documents. And it is written, sir, with the pen of an angel. Miss Howe and Lovelace, words cannot tell how good they are! And the scene where Clarissa beards her family, with her fan going all the while; and some of the quarrel scenes between her and Lovelace; and the scene where Colonel Marsden goes to Mr Hall, with Lord M. trying to compose matters, and the Colonel with his eternal "finest woman in the world", and the inimitable affirmation of Mowbray − nothing could be better! You will bless me when you read it for this recommendation; but, indeed, I can do nothing but recommend [italics]Clarissa[end italics].'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Edmé-Patrice-Maurice MacMahon, comte de :
'I was in Paris during the elections for the Chamber, when a triumphant majority was returned, as of course you know, against the very bad, or very stupid, or else both, person, Marshal MacMahon. It was an interesting time, you may imagine. On the morning of the elections, a manifesto of the President’s came out. I was living at the time in what we call Bohemian style, buying and cooking my own food, and had occasion to go out early for some chocolate. When I read the proclamation, which was on all the walls, I could have beaten MacMahon with my cane. It was a scandalous attempt to insult the poor people and so drive them to the barricades; if that was not the intention of the document, it was either written by a man out of his mind, or I do not know the meaning of words when I see them. They disappointed him for one while; but how it is all to end, who can foresee?'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Poster
Henry Fielding : Amelia
Elizabeth Carter to Catherine Talbot, 30 March 1751: 'How to account for Miss Mulso's unmerciful severity to Amelia is past my skill, as it does not appear that she was in very good health when she read the book.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Hester Mulso Print: Book
: 'volumes of Stoic philosophy'
Catherine Talbot to Elizabeth Carter, 23 January 1755: 'Dr Dalton [i.e a volume of his poetry] is coming, but he has waited this last fortnight for some volumes of Stoic philosophy, which the Bishop of Norwich has lent me for your service, as he thinks there is the best account given in them that he has any where met with.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Bishop of Norwich Print: Book
William Henry Hudson : Green Mansions: A Romance of the Tropical Forest
'C.I. Evans read a short essay on W.H. Hudsons story Green Mansions H.R. Smith followed on Rates & Taxes & Geo Burrow read a short paper of H.M. Wallis on some points in recent Geology'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Charles Evans : [paper on Hudson's "Green Mansions"]
'C.I. Evans read a short essay on W.H. Hudsons story Green Mansions H.R. Smith followed on Rates & Taxes & Geo Burrow read a short paper of H.M. Wallis on some points in recent Geology'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Manuscript: Unknown
George Bernard Shaw : [letter to Mrs Patrick Campbell]
'Letters & Letter writing were then proceeded with. Mrs Burrow read three letters of William Cowper characteristically interesting & amusing. Mrs C. Elliott read in French two amusing letters one by Madame de Sevigny & one by Victor Hugo. C. I. Evans read two [?] Ladies Battle & K.S. Evans two by R.L. Stevenson F.E. Pollard read letters by G.B. Shaw & J.M. Barrie to Mrs Patrick Campbell on the death of her son killed in action. Geo Burrow read several characteristic epistles of Charles Lamb & Howard R. Smith part of a letter by Lord Chesterfield to his son. The Club were also much interested by seeing a number of Autograph letters from famous folk shown by various members of the Club.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Unknown
James Matthew Barrie : [letter to Mrs Patrick Campbell]
'Letters & Letter writing were then proceeded with. Mrs Burrow read three letters of William Cowper characteristically interesting & amusing. Mrs C. Elliott read in French two amusing letters one by Madame de Sevigny & one by Victor Hugo. C. I. Evans read two [?] Ladies Battle & K.S. Evans two by R.L. Stevenson F.E. Pollard read letters by G.B. Shaw & J.M. Barrie to Mrs Patrick Campbell on the death of her son killed in action. Geo Burrow read several characteristic epistles of Charles Lamb & Howard R. Smith part of a letter by Lord Chesterfield to his son. The Club were also much interested by seeing a number of Autograph letters from famous folk shown by various members of the Club.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Unknown
Molly Elliott Seawell : The Ladies' Battle
'Letters & Letter writing were then proceeded with. Mrs Burrow read three letters of William Cowper characteristically interesting & amusing. Mrs C. Elliott read in French two amusing letters one by Madame de Sevigny & one by Victor Hugo. C. I. Evans read two [?] Ladies Battle & K.S. Evans two by R.L. Stevenson F.E. Pollard read letters by G.B. Shaw & J.M. Barrie to Mrs Patrick Campbell on the death of her son killed in action. Geo Burrow read several characteristic epistles of Charles Lamb & Howard R. Smith part of a letter by Lord Chesterfield to his son. The Club were also much interested by seeing a number of Autograph letters from famous folk shown by various members of the Club.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Charles Reade : Hard Cash
'The subject of Chas Reade & his work was then taken. H. R. Smith gave some description of Reade's life & Mrs Pollard read from Christie Johnson of a thrilling rescue from drowning. F.E. Pollard spoke of the characteristics of Reades work. Following & arising from his remarks a lively discussion arose on Art & Propaganda & the artists right to exaggerate and T.C. Elliott read a vivid & amusing scene from "the Cloister & the Hearth". C.I. Evans also read from "Hard Cash".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Charles Reade : [novels]
'The subject of Chas Reade & his work was then taken. H. R. Smith gave some description of Reade's life & Mrs Pollard read from Christie Johnson of a thrilling rescue from drowning. F.E. Pollard spoke of the characteristics of Reades work. Following & arising from his remarks a lively discussion arose on Art & Propaganda & the artists right to exaggerate and T.C. Elliott read a vivid & amusing scene from "the Cloister & the Hearth". C.I. Evans also read from "Hard Cash".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
Elizabeth Carter : 'To a Lady fond of Life'
[Catherine Talbot to Elizabeth Carter, 7 February 1755:] 'Did not you permit Miss Highmore to give [Mrs Donnelon] a copy of your poem "To a Lady fond of Life?" She shewed it lately to Sir George Lyttleton, who thought and spoke of it as he ought, and earnestly begged for a copy. This she was too honourable to grant. The Bishop of Oxford says she was [italics] too [end italics] scrupulous.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Miss Highmore Manuscript: Unknown
Elizabeth Carter : 'To a Lady Fond of Life'
[Catherine Talbot to Elizabeth Carter, 7 February 1755:] 'Did not you permit Miss Highmore to give [Mrs Donnelon] a copy of your poem "To a Lady fond of Life?" She shewed it lately to Sir George Lyttleton, who thought and spoke of it as he ought, and earnestly begged for a copy. This she was too honourable to grant. The Bishop of Oxford says she was [italics]too[end italics] scrupulous.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Donnelon Manuscript: Unknown
Elizabeth Carter : 'To a Lady Fond of Life'
[Catherine Talbot to Elizabeth Carter, 7 February 1755:] 'Did not you permit Miss Highmore to give [Mrs Donnelon] a copy of your poem "To a Lady fond of Life?" She shewed it lately to Sir George Lyttleton, who thought and spoke of it as he ought, and earnestly begged for a copy. This she was too honourable to grant. The Bishop of Oxford says she was [italics] too [end italics] scrupulous.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir George Lyttleton Manuscript: Unknown
Thomas Hardy : [poems]
'The Club then listened to a variety of readings from modern poets as follows: A Rawlings Extracts from "The Art of Poetry" T.C. Eliott from Chesterton's "Lepanto" Mrs Evans some verses by Colin D. B. Ellis R. H. Robson from J. C. Squires "Birds" D. Brain from Noyes' "Torch Bearers" C. I. Evans from Thos Hardy G. Burrow poems by his brother F. E. Pollard from Siegfried Sassoon Mrs Pollard from W. Watson's "Lakeland" C. E. Stansfield from Rupert Brooke A. Rawlings from E. V. Lucas & Lang Jones'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Siegfried Sassoon : [poems]
'The Club then listened to a variety of readings from modern poets as follows: A Rawlings Extracts from "The Art of Poetry" T.C. Eliott from Chesterton's "Lepanto" Mrs Evans some verses by Colin D. B. Ellis R. H. Robson from J. C. Squires "Birds" D. Brain from Noyes' "Torch Bearers" C. I. Evans from Thos Hardy G. Burrow poems by his brother F. E. Pollard from Siegfried Sassoon Mrs Pollard from W. Watson's "Lakeland" C. E. Stansfield from Rupert Brooke A. Rawlings from E. V. Lucas & Lang Jones'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
Rupert Brooke :
'The Club then listened to a variety of readings from modern poets as follows: A Rawlings Extracts from "The Art of Poetry" T.C. Eliott from Chesterton's "Lepanto" Mrs Evans some verses by Colin D. B. Ellis R. H. Robson from J. C. Squires "Birds" D. Brain from Noyes' "Torch Bearers" C. I. Evans from Thos Hardy G. Burrow poems by his brother F. E. Pollard from Siegfried Sassoon Mrs Pollard from W. Watson's "Lakeland" C. E. Stansfield from Rupert Brooke A. Rawlings from E. V. Lucas & Lang Jones'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
William Temple : [on gardens]
'The subject of the evening "Gardens" was then taken. Geo Burrow reminded us that the world began in the garden of Eden. Miss Bowman-Smith played Debussy's "Garden Under the Rain" Miss D. Brain gave us an essay on Hampton Court gardens & their history. F.E. Pollard a song Summer Afternoon Rosamund Wallis read from Sir Wm Temple on Gardens Mrs F. E. Pollard read Michael Drayton's Daffodil Alfred Rawlings charmed us by showing a series of his Water Colour drawings "Gardens I have Known" Mrs Robson sang two songs June Rapture & Unfolding After supper Mrs Stansfield read a paper by Mr Stansfield who was prevented by a severe cold from being present on Gardening in which he showed how Gardening is one of the fine Arts in fact the noblest of the plastic Arts F. E. Pollard sang Andrew Marvell's "Thoughts in a Garden" Mrs Burrow read Walter de la Mare's Sunken Garden Mrs Stansfield read from The Story of my Ruin and in a concluding reading Geo Burrow brought our minds back to the Garden of Eden'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
John Galsworthy : [Introduction to the 'Forsyte Saga']
'The subject of the Forsyte Saga was then introduced by Charles E. Stansfield with a reading from the introduction. The remainder of an enjoyable evening was spent in listening to a series of readings from the Saga as under. The opinion being expressed that the Saga read aloud even better than to oneself. T.C. Elliott The Man of Property K. S. Evans Indian Summer of a Forsyte R. B. Graham / Janet Rawlings In Chancery R. Wallis Awakening F. E. Pollard To Let D. Brain The White Monkey'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Print: Book
John Galsworthy : Indian Summer of a Forsyte
'The subject of the Forsyte Saga was then introduced by Charles E. Stansfield with a reading from the introduction. The remainder of an enjoyable evening was spent in listening to a series of readings from the Saga as under. The opinion being expressed that the Saga read aloud even better than to oneself. T.C. Elliott The Man of Property K. S. Evans Indian Summer of a Forsyte R. B. Graham / Janet Rawlings In Chancery R. Wallis Awakening F. E. Pollard To Let D. Brain The White Monkey'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Katherine S. Evans Print: Book
John Galsworthy : Awakening
'The subject of the Forsyte Saga was then introduced by Charles E. Stansfield with a reading from the introduction. The remainder of an enjoyable evening was spent in listening to a series of readings from the Saga as under. The opinion being expressed that the Saga read aloud even better than to oneself. T.C. Elliott The Man of Property K. S. Evans Indian Summer of a Forsyte R. B. Graham / Janet Rawlings In Chancery R. Wallis Awakening F. E. Pollard To Let D. Brain The White Monkey'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
John Galsworthy : To Let
'The subject of the Forsyte Saga was then introduced by Charles E. Stansfield with a reading from the introduction. The remainder of an enjoyable evening was spent in listening to a series of readings from the Saga as under. The opinion being expressed that the Saga read aloud even better than to oneself. T.C. Elliott The Man of Property K. S. Evans Indian Summer of a Forsyte R. B. Graham / Janet Rawlings In Chancery R. Wallis Awakening F. E. Pollard To Let D. Brain The White Monkey'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
Leo Tolstoy : [essay on the Russian Famine]
'The subject of Tolstoy & his works was then taken. R. H. Robson gave a brief outline of his life. T. C. Elliott gave a reading from Faussett's "Inner Drama of Tolstoy". R. B. Graham gave an account of "Anna Karenina" with some short readings. After Refreshments Mrs Robson read a parable from "Master & Man" & Geo Burrow read from "The Cossacks". F. E. Pollard read an essay of Tolstoy on the Russian Famine. Some general discussion of Tolstoy & his work but more especially of the man himself closed the evening'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
Rudyard Kipling : 'Cold Iron'
'The Subject of Fairy Stories was introduced shortly by C. E. Stansfield who followed with a reading from Rewards & Fairies. "Cold Iron" F. E. Pollard sang "Do you wonder where the Fairies are?" C. I. Evans read "True Thomas" & H. M. Wallis contributed an original Phantasia [?] on Rigmarole After Refreshments Muriel B. Smith played two passages from Pier Gynt. This was followed by a somewhat desultory & inconclusive discussion on Fairies & Fairy Stories & in conclusion Miss Brain read a Swedish Tale & Mrs Rawlings told the story of Puss in Boots.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Stansfield Print: Book
: 'True Thomas'
'The Subject of Fairy Stories was introduced shortly by C. E. Stansfield who followed with a reading from Rewards & Fairies. "Cold Iron" F. E. Pollard sang "Do you wonder where the Fairies are?" C. I. Evans read "True Thomas" & H. M. Wallis contributed an original Phantasia [?] on Rigmarole After Refreshments Muriel B. Smith played two passages from Pier Gynt. This was followed by a somewhat desultory & inconclusive discussion on Fairies & Fairy Stories & in conclusion Miss Brain read a Swedish Tale & Mrs Rawlings told the story of Puss in Boots.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Evans Print: Book
Voltaire [pseud.] :
'The subject of Voltaire was then taken. H. R. Smith gave an outline of his life. Mrs Robson read the Hermits Tale from Zadig. After refreshments F. E. Pollard gave us an idea of Voltaire's thought & influence Mrs Evans read from Letters From England & Mrs T. C. Eliott gave us some conception of his place in French literature some discussion closing an interesting evening.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
Arnold Bennett : [article on Hardy]
'F. E. Pollard read an article on Thos Hardy by Arnold Bennett S. A. Reynold [sic] spoke on Hardy's country with books & illustrations & R.H. Robson read from "Far from the Madding Crowd. T. C. Elliott read some of Hardy's poems. Mrs Rawlings read a description of Egdon Heath from "the return of the Native" Muriel B. Smith read from The Mayor of Casterbridge & Miss Brain from Tess of the d'Urbervilles. Geo Burrow gave a short introduction to & some readings from the Dynasts. In conclusion F. E. Pollard made some provocative remarks which achieved their object'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Unknown
?Elizabeth ?Carter : sonnet
[Catherine Talbot to Elizabeth Carter, 28 November 1763:] 'I have long owed you my thanks, dear Miss Carter, for enclosing to me that sweet melancholy sonnet, which as you kindly sent me in confidence, I have shewn to no one but my mother.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Mrs Secker Print: Book
Richard Hurd : Dialogues on the Uses of Foreign Travel Considered as a Part of an English Gentleman’s Education
[Catherine Talbot to Elizabeth Carter, during stay in Canterbury, 12 February 1764:] 'I brought with me Hurd's Dialogues on Education, which have entertained his Grace very well, and a silly harmless story book called Maria, which serves to entertain myself at minutes when I am fit for nothing else.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Secker Print: Unknown
Francis Warrington Dawson : The True Dimension
'The story you sent me (I'm glad to have it) I remembered of course very well. It isn't the sort of thing that is ever forgotten.'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
Ivan Turgenev : Smoke
'The truth of the matter is that it is you who have opened my eyes to the value and quality of Turgeniev [sic]. As a boy I remember reading "Smoke" in a Polish translation (a feuilleton of some newspaper) and the "Gentlefolks" in French.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: newspaper supplement/magazine ('feuilleton')
Ivan Turgenev : A Nest of Gentlefolks
'The truth of the matter is that it is you who have opened my eyes to the value and quality of Turgeniev [sic]. As a boy I remember reading "Smoke" in a Polish translation (a feuilleton of some newspaper) and the "Gentlefolks" in French.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
(Basil) Macdonald Hastings (and Eden Philpotts) : The Angel in the House
'I have been reading through your plays again. You are "très fait" as the French say. Tell me, had E[den] P[hillpotts] much to do with the "Angel"? It seems to me to be pure Hastings.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: probably an acting edition
William Rothenstein : A Plea for a Wider Use of Artists and Craftsmen
'Thanks for your pamphlet, to which I responded with every feeling and conviction that go to make up my "less perishable" being. And how beautifully all those deeply felt truths are said!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
Helen Thomas Follett (and Wilson Follett) : Some Modern Novelists: Appreciations and Estimates
'Pray, when you see [Wilson] Follett, give him a warm greeting from me. His little book is one of these things one does not forget. I saw some time ago a study of Galsworthy by him (and a lady who must be either his wife or his sister) which within the limits if a magazine article was simply admirable for insight and expression.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Clarissa
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 26 January 1749:] 'I find, dear Sir, that if I put off my acknowledgements to the author of the divine Clarissa till I can meet with words that will fully express what I think and feel on that subject, I must for ever seem either insensible or ungrateful [...] Whether it be a milkiness of blood in me, as Shakespeare calls it, I know not, but I have never felt so much distress in my life as I have done for that dear girl [comments further]'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : ?The Works of Mr Edmund Spenser
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 30 March 1751:] 'I never was master of any edition of Spenser but Rowe's, which, upon my first reading it, appeared to be published in a very hasty and careless manner: a very great number of faults I could discover and correct, without comparing with any other edition. Some time since I borrowed the folio of 1609; but it was not till lately that I could get a sight of the first quarto of 1590, which was published in Spenser's lifetime: and I proposed this summer, if I should have life and health, to collate the three together, -- as indeed I have begun to do [discusses this editorial project and related issues further]'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : The Faerie Queene
Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 30 March 1751: 'I never was master of any edition of Spenser but Rowe's, which, upon my first reading it, appeared to be published in a very hasty and careless manner: a very great number of faults I could discover and correct, without comparing with any other edition. Some time since I borrowed the folio of 1609; but it was not till lately that I could get a sight of the first quarto of 1590, which was published in Spenser's lifetime: and I proposed this summer, if I should have life and health, to collate the three together, -- as indeed I have begun to do [discusses this editorial project and related issues further]'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Book
Edmund Spenser : The Faerie Queene
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 30 March 1751:] 'I never was master of any edition of Spenser but Rowe's, which, upon my first reading it, appeared to be published in a very hasty and careless manner: a very great number of faults I could discover and correct, without comparing with any other edition. Some time since I borrowed the folio of 1609; but it was not till lately that I could get a sight of the first quarto of 1590, which was published in Spenser's lifetime: and I proposed this summer, if I should have life and health, to collate the three together, -- as indeed I have begun to do [discusses this editorial project and related issues further]'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Book
Edmund Spenser :
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 8 May 1751:] 'All this while I have been hard at work upon [an edition of] Spenser; but to what purpose except my own private satisfaction? There, however, it will repay me: for every time I read I find new beauties in him; such fine moral sentiments, such height of colouring in his descriptions, such a tenderness when he touches any of the humane passions! -- Were but his language better understood, he must be admired by every one who has a a [italics]heart[end italics].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Book
: Proposal for 'Universal Dictionary of Commerce'
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 8 May 1751:] 'I had just been reading a paper which I met with at Aylesbury: it was a most puffy preface to proposals published by John and Paul, -- of what date I know not, for that was torn off. The name of the book was the Universal Dictionary of Commerce [comments further on proposal, mocking especially the author's wish "That our young British nobility and gentry [...] would condescend for a year or two to be initiated into the business of a merrchant in a well-regulated and methodical counting-house"] [...] A blessed scheme this! To fill our merchants' houses with a parcel of young, lawless, privileged rakes, to debauch their wives and daughters!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Unknown
Hester Mulso : 'Odes'
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 28 February 1752:] 'I often entertain myself with reading over those charming Odes of Miss Mulso's, and admire them more and more every time I read them. I am so proud of the honour she has done me in one of them, that my gratitude has forced from me another sonnet [...] which I desire you to give her.'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards
:
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 18 March 1752, following his account of recent storm damage to rooks' nests in his garden:] 'This impertinent episode of the rookery interrupted the account I was giving of my employment, which I was going to tell you is chiefly reading the choicest authors my little library affords; which, as they are few, I go over and over again; and indeed I almost read my eyes out.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Book
Alexander Pope : 'Essays'
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 20 March 1752:] 'As to Mr Pope, though I had some acquaintance with him, and admired him as a poet, yet I must own I never had any great opinion of him in any other light [...] With all his affectation of humanity and a general benevolence, he was certainly a very ill-natured man; and can such a one easily be a good man? 'But were I ever so indisposed, what can I vindicate? Not the morality of his essays, for I think it very faulty. Mr Warburton has, indeed, tinkered it in some places to make it look orthodox, but yet it will not hold water [comments further on Warburton's edition of Pope]'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Book
Hester Mulso : sonnet
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 5 March 1753:] 'I am much obliged to you for the sonnet; it is very pretty'.
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards
Samuel Richardson : Sir Charles Grandison
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 28 January 1754, on his return home from a stay in London:] 'I have not been a fort'n-night [sic] at home. The contrast between my late situation, happy in the enjoyment of the company of my friends, and my present solitary circumstances, was too strong for me not to want something to compensate the difference. I therefore called Sir Charles Grandison to my assistance; for the conversation I had with him at Ember and in town was so broken and interrupted that it had by no means satisfied my longing. And what was the consequence? Why, just the fable of the horse and the man: he whom I called in for an ally became my master, and made me spend with him every leisure hour I could command, till I had again gone through the five books; and had they been fifteen, I must have done so.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Book
Anna Williams : verses addressed to Samuel Richardson
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 1 March 1754:] 'Who is that Miss Nanny Williams who has published a pretty copy of verses addressed to you in the Gentleman's Magazine of January last? Whoever she be, the girl has a good heart; and writes very well [...] If you know her, I desire my service and thanks to her.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Serial / periodical
John Duncombe : The Feminiad
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 29 May 1754:] 'I very much wonder, how it came to pass that I did not hear a syllable of Mr Duncombe's performance, till Miss Sally happened to rummage it out among other things for my entertainment that evening which I spent without you at North-End. I have since got it. I hope I am not bribed by the compliment to me, but I think it a very pretty poem. I indeed very much dislike the title [...] there can be no such word as Feminiad with an [italics]i[end italics] after the [italics]n[end italics] formed from femina; the Battiad, the Causidicad, and other foolish things which have come out with that termination in imitation of the Dunciad, have given people a surfeit of, and even an aversion to, "omne quod exit in ad." But what say the ladies to it? I wish it might be a means to persuade them to publish, though without names. If they would join to give us a miscellany, it would be a better collection than most we have had, and do honour both to themselves and the sex.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Unknown
: [Poetry by women]
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 18 July 1754:] 'I did say, and I really do think, that it is a pity so many fine performances, as you and I have seen written by ladies, should be lost to the world; that the public should be robbed of the pleasure and instruction, and they themselves of the honour of them [...] The prejudices against a learned wife (such I mean as are free from pedantry, and neglect not their proper duty to acuire their learning) are absurd, irrational, and often flow from envy, but they are strong, inveterate, and too general. Who then is she who dares step forth to vindicate her sex, and assert their claim to genius, at the hazard of forfeiting all her own hopes of a settlement in the world, and friendship with the rest of her sex? [reflects further on women's education and intellectual endeavour]'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: UnknownManuscript: Unknown
Miss Farrer : 'Ode on the Spring'
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 18 July 1754:] 'I return you many thanks for Miss Farrer's Ode on the Spring; it is a charming piece, and must do her honour with all judges.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Manuscript: Unknown
Miss Highmore : sonnet
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 18 July 1754:] 'The verses from my fair [italics]Pupil[end italics], as she does me the honour to call herself, did indeed a little alarm me. To chide me in a sonnet for writing of sonnets, was doing as a physician did by me the other day, -- who at the very time he was taking a pinch out of my box reproved me for taking snuff.'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards
Edmund Spenser : Sonnets
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 18 July 1754, on his practice of writing sonnets:] 'The reading of Spenser's Sonnets was the first occasion of my writing that species of little poems, and my first six were written in the same sort of stanza as all his and Shakespeare's are. But after that Mr Wray brought me acquainted with the Italian authors, who are the originals of that sort of poetry, and whose measures have more variety and harmony in them, -- ever since, I wrote in that stanza; drawing from the same fountain as Milton drew from'.
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Book
E.[Elliot] L. [Lovegood] Grant Wilson : The Mainland
'I only secured lately not so much the leisure as the proper freedom of mind, to read through and get on terms with your novel.[...] The book is captivatng enough in all conscience as a piece of writng and of course as a story too.' [Hence follow 9 lines of comment.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : Beyond
'This ["Beyond"] is a gripping piece of writing. I got as far as p.47 before it dawned on me that these were marvellous opening pages. The others are not less so. My dearest Jack they are sheer delight to read [...].' [Hence follow 25 lines of unqualified praise.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : France, 1916-1917: An Impression
'PS I've seen your most charming article on the French in the "Fortnightly [Review]". '
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Stevenson :
'I read the preface once a day about, tell Nestor so much.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson
Roman Dmowski : Russian Realities and Problems (chapter) or Problems of Central and Eastern Europe
'Thank you very much for sending me your contribution towards the solution of the great problem [Polish independence].[...] Your arguments and your conclusions seem to me absolutely incontrovertible.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, see additional comment, identity of text uncertain
Edith Wharton : Summer
'The first 60 pages [of "Summer"] might well have been written with one of those quill feathers one finds lying on a quiet field on a hot brooding summer day.' [Hence follow two paragraphs of appreciative comment.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edward Garnett : Turgenev: A Study
'Your opening pages [of "Turgenev: A Study"] are excellent , excellent! I was much delighted with your masterly thrusts to all that thick headed crowd. As to the rest of the book you know that I do know it well.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Sidney Colvin : John Keats: His Life and Poetry, His Friends, Critics, and After-fame [With plates, including portraits]
'This morning on opening my eyes I saw the noble vol [on Keats] delicately deposited by my side, while I slept, by Jessie's instructions (I live en vieux garçon, in the spare room now); and now after reading the preface and looking at the illustrations I sit down in robe-de-chambre and pantoufles to thank you for the copy, for the inscription [...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Reginald Perceval Gibbon : article published in "Daily Chronicle"
'This morning [Reginald Perceval] Gibbon's corespondence [on the aftermath of the battle of Caporetto] in the "D[aily]C[hronicle]" was very reserved.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
: article in "Times Literary Supplement"
'There was a study of you [André Gide] in the "Times". Have you sen it? It is intelligent up to a point and respectful.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Michael Monahan : New Adventures
'Thank you very much for the books. Monahan I like. E[zra] P[ound] is certainly a poet but I am afraid I am too old and too wooden-headed to appreciate him as perhaps he deserves.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Serial / periodical
Ezra Pound : Pavannes and Divisions
'Thank you very much for the books. Monahan I like. E[zra] P[ound] is certainly a poet but I am afraid I am too old and too wooden-headed to appreciate him as perhaps he deserves.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Alan Bott [pseud. "Contact"] : An Airman's Outings
'Yes. I've seen "Contact's" [Alan Bott's] work. It is very good . But he's not the only one.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Land: A Plea
'I am of course with you entirely both as to the matter and the expression of the Agricultural pamphlet. Thanks very much for sending me the copy.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
Hugh Walpole : The Green Mirror
'"The Green Mirror" reached me alright.[...] I didn't write to you about it as I expected almost every day to have you here for a talk about that and other things.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edmund Gosse : Father and Son:A Study of Two Temperaments
'My warmest thanks for the inscribed copy which arrived yesterday. The first time I read the book was in 1908, the last was in '12 or early '13 when the copy disappeared [...] Directly the little friendly looking vol. was put into my hands yesterday afternoon I read [...] the intro. and the first 15 pages where there are passages for which I have a special affection [...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Miss Farrer : 'Ode to Cynthia'
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 1 August 1754:] 'I give you many thanks for that sweet little Ode of Miss Farrer's. I think myself honoured by the trust, and promise that the conditions [of his being given permission to read it] shall be religiously observed.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Manuscript: Unknown
Samuel Richardson : Pamela
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 19 December 1754:] 'Think not that I can be easily satisfied without your company: I have it in those excellent works which do honour to the present age, and are a great alleviation of my solitude [...] Pamela I have lately read, and begun upon Clarissa, and I must still say, the more I read the more I admire.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Clarissa
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 19 December 1754:] 'Think not that I can be easily satisfied without your company: I have it in those excellent works which do honour to the present age, and are a great alleviation of my solitude [...] Pamela I have lately read, and begun upon Clarissa, and I must still say, the more I read the more I admire.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Book
Henry St. John, Viscount Bolingbroke : Essays
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 15 January 1755:] 'You have a very just opinion of St. John's works [...] As far as I have seen, and I read at Ember the last volume, which contains his essays, there is nothing in his objections but what has been published and answered over and over [...] I know not whether his system may be more properly called deistical, or atheistical; since, though in words he allows a God, he seems to make him such a one as Epicurus did; and to think that we are beneath his notice, or have very little to do with him. He laughs at all notions of revelation, or a particular providence, and reckons the present life the whole of man's existence. These essays, by the way, afford us abundant and irrefragable proof, that the plan of the Essay on Man was St. John's, and not Pope's [...] You have here the whole scheme, the thoughts and in many places the very words of the poem; and a more consistent scheme it is here, than it appears there, after the poet and the parson had laid their heads together to disguise and make it pass for a christian system [comments further].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Book
Alexander Pope : Essay on Man
Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 15 January 1755: 'You have a very just opinion of St. John's works [...] As far as I have seen, and I read at Ember the last volume, which contains his essays, there is nothing in his objections but what has been published and answered over and over [...] I know not whether his system may be more properly called deistical, or atheistical; since, though in words he allows a God, he seems to make him such a one as Epicurus did; and to think that we are beneath his notice, or have very little to do with him. He laughs at all notions of revelation, or a particular providence, and reckons the present life the whole of man's existence. These essays, by the way, afford us abundant and irrefragable proof, that the plan of the Essay on Man was St. John's, and not Pope's [...] You have here the whole scheme, the thoughts and in many places the very words of the poem; and a more consistent scheme it is here, than it appears there, after the poet and the parson had laid their heads together to disguise and make it pass for a christian system [comments further].'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Clarissa
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 15 January 1755:] 'Your works are an inexhaustible fund of entertainment and instruction. I have been this day weeping over the seventh volume of Clarissa, as if I had attended her dying bed, and assisted at her funeral procession. O may my latter end be like hers!'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Book
Henry Fielding : Voyage to Lisbon
[Thomas Edwards to Samuel Richardson, 28 May 1755:] 'I have lately read over with much indignation Fielding's last piece, called his Voyage to Lisbon. That a man, who had led such a life as he had, should trifle in that manner when immediate death was before his eyes, is amazing. From this book I am confirmed in what his other works had fully persuaded me of, that with all his parade of pretences to virtuous and humane affections, the fellow had no heart.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Edwards Print: Book
Samuel Richardson : Pamela
[Sarah Scudamore (nee Westcomb) to Samuel Richardson, 12 March 1758:] 'I've lately read over my oracle (Pamela) again, and already made use of some of Mr Locke's maxims, made clear and plain by her, upon my little boy, which I highly approve, and intend strictly to adhere to.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Sarah Scudamore Print: Book
unknown : History of the Magdalens (extracts)
Frances Sheridan to Samuel Richardson, 18 December 1757: 'I have seen some extracts from the History of the Magdalens, which gives me a curiosity to read the whole.'
UnknownCentury: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Sheridan
Branwell Bronte :
[Branwell Bronte to Francis H. Grundy, 9 June 1842:] 'Mr James Montgomery and another literary gentleman who have lately seen something of my "head work" wish me to turn my attention to literature, and along with that advice, they give me plenty of puff and praise. All very well, but I have little conceit for myself, and great desire for activity.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Montgomery Manuscript: Unknown
Charlotte Bronte : Jane Eyre
[Charlotte Bronte (as 'Currer Bell') to her publisher, W. S. Williams, 11 December 1847:] 'There are moments when I can hardly credit that anything I have done should be found worthy to give even transitory pleasure to such men as Mr Thackeray, Sir John Herschel, Mr Fonblanque, Leigh Hunt, and Mr Lewes -- that my humble efforts should have had such a result is a noble reward.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sir John Herschel Print: Book
Charlotte Bronte : Jane Eyre
[Charlotte Bronte (as 'Currer Bell') to her publisher, W. S. Williams, 11 December 1847:] 'There are moments when I can hardly credit that anything I have done should be found worthy to give even transitory pleasure to such men as Mr Thackeray, Sir John Herschel, Mr Fonblanque, Leigh Hunt, and Mr Lewes -- that my humble efforts should have had such a result is a noble reward.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: James Henry Leigh Hunt Print: Book
Edward Garnett : Truth's Welcome Home
'I return to you the type and the proof which you have sent me. The "English Review" thing is wonderfully done, [...]. The Edward Grey in Paris article is very cleverly done. It is mordant, it is witty.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: proof
Edward Garnett : A Week in Paris
'I return to you the type and the proof which you have sent me. The "English Review" thing is wonderfully done, [...]. The Edward Grey in Paris article is very cleverly done. It is mordant, it is witty.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: typescript
Gustave Flaubert : Madame Bovary
'You say [in Walpole's critical study "Joseph Conrad"(1916)] that I have been under the formative influence of "Madame Bovary". In fact I have read it only after finishing "A.[Almayer's] F.[Folly]" as I did all the other works of Flaubert; and anyway my Flaubert is the Flaubert of "St. Antoine" and "Ed[ucation] Sent[imentale]" and that only from the point of view of rendering of concrete things and visual impressions.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edmund Gosse : Three French Moralists and the Gallantry of France
'Many thanks for the book. I read the sketch of De la R[ochefoucauld] psychology with great delight.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Hugh Walpole : Mr Perrin and Mr Traill: A Tragi-Comedy.
'I started reading my inscribed copy [of "Mr Perrin and Mr Traill"] straight away. How well (and freshly) all this is done!' [Hence follow four more lines of appreciative comment.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Basil Montagu : Thoughts on Laughter By a Chancery Barrister
'Assure Mr Montagu, that his Book was the most delightful I have read for many days. Your hand also was visible in it. Why does he not publish more such?'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle
Roger Ascham : ?'Toxophilus' and 'The Scholemaster'
'I have got old Ascham, and read a little of him, when I have done work, every evening.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle
Sir William Hamilton : Review of Victor Cousin's 'Cours de Philosophie' (Paris, 1828) in Edinburgh Review, XCIV (OCt 1829), 194-221
'Did you read Sir W Hamilton on Cousin's Metaphysics in the last Edinburgh Review? And what inferences are we to draw from it? Pity that Sir W. had not the gift of delivery! He has real knowledge on those matters; but all unsorted, and tumbled topsy-turvy like a "bankrupt stock."'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Theodore James Gordon Gardiner : The Reconnaissance
'I will confess at once that I have read the book ["The Reconnaissance"] once only, and that of course is not enough;[...].The subject in itself is certainly a very difficult one because of its deep nature and its necessarily superficial aspects.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edric Cecil Mornington Roberts :
'Your R.A.F. paper is very good [...].'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
John William Fortescue : History of the British Army: Extracts from British Campaigns in Flanders
'As to "The Hist[ory] of the British Army" it is "tout bonnement admirable!". No other phrase can do justice to it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Arthur Symons : Colour Studies in Paris
'That vol[ume]["Colour Studies in Paris"] is full of charm and contains many pages of rare distinction and luminous like pearls[...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
:
'Thanks very much for your sympathetic book. It is vividly interesting (I am on p.70) and am flattered to think that its writer, who knows so much of human affairs, thinks so well of my work. I trust we may meet [...] on your return from Damascus next year.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Schiller & Goethe : Correspondence
'I have read the Briefechsel, a second time, with no little satisfaction; and even today am sending off an Essay on Schiller, grounded on that work, for the Foreign Review.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
John A. Carlyle : 'Animal Magnetism'
'I have read your Anim. Magnetism, and think it among the best in the Number; worthy indeed of a far better place. I durst bet, the Blacks have not paid you yet: they are among the worst payers in existence.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Friedrich Henrich von der Hagen : Literarischer Grundriss zur Geschichte der deutschen Poesie von der altesten Zeit, bis in das sechzhnte Jarhrundert
'Do you know Doven's and Hagen's Hist. of German Poetry? I have seen it in the Edinr College Library, but read only a few pages of it.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Patrick Fraser Tytler : History of Scotland
'I am much obliged to you for Tytler, which I have read with pleasure and not without profit: it is a smooth, easy Book; seems well-founded, accurate, authentic; and without pretending to be a classical History, may well enjoy several years of extensive popularity. I shall be very glad to see the First and all the other Volumes, when they appear.'
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
: The Examiner
'The Examiner comes with perfect regularity; and tho' a week old is a great blessing. Continue it, if you can. Nay, if it came on Saturday (that is half a week old) this were perhaps the best of all arrangements.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
Algernon Swinburne : A Letter to Ralph Waldo Emerson
'I ought to have thanked you before, for the very curious pamphlet containing Swinburne's sweet little joke. I enjoyed both the verse and the prose (especially the prose) immensely.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
: Gold Coast Blue Book
'Thank you for your green book which I have read with the greatest of interest.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edward Garnett : Papa's War and Other Satires
'I didn't thank you for the book ["Papa's War and Other Satires" ] by letter because I knew I was coming to town at once. You know my opinion of all the pieces composing it.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Henry Major Tomlinson : Old Junk
'I write to thank you for the book [...]. I have already seen most of the papers composing your new vol. ["Old Junk"] and I have appreciated their graphic power, personal point of view and felicity of expression. I glanced in here and there with renewed pleasure.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edmund Candler : Siri Ram Revolutionist: A Transcript from Life
'Many thanks for the inscribed copy. [...]. On the 28th May I finished correcting the last pages of "Rescue" [...]. The same evening I picked up "Sri Ram" as I limped to bed, and went on reading it through the still, very still, hours of night to the end, marvelling and musing over the pages.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edmund Candler : Siri Ram Revolutionist: A Transcript from Life
'I ought to have thanked you before for the book ["Siri Ram"] which I read directly it reached my hands.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edmund Candler : The Sepoy
'Ever so many thanks for copy of "[The] Sepoy". Everything you write is a matter of most sympathetic interest to me; and in the case of this book I must say I enjoyed thoroughly in every way, in the facts, in the presentation and in the spirit of the writing itself.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Sidney Colvin : Some Personal Recollections
'The whole household went to bed early [...] then with a mind refreshed and made receptive [...] I sat down to read your two articles — and it was a delightful (c'est le mot juste) experience.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
John Galsworthy : Another Sheaf
'The justness of all these things said in "Another Sheaf" is what strikes one most.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Wilfred Scawen Blunt : My Diaries: Being a Personal Narrative of Events,1888-1914
'I return here the first volume with many thanks. It is very curious reading, but somehow one cannot take it very seriously.'
[Hence follow thirteen lines of mainly negative comments.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
George Bradshaw (ed) : Bradshaw's Monthly General Railway and Steam Navigation Guide for Great Britain and Ireland
'I fully share your admiration for Bradshaw tho' I think he goes too much into detail so that all sense of reality is lost and the book produces the effect of being a mere fairy-tale. It's imposible to believe that all this takes place every day! The more popular and picturesque treatment of the same subject in the "A.B.C." carries more conviction to my frivolous mind.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
: The ABC or Alphabetical Railway Guide
'I fully share your admiration for Bradshaw tho' I think he goes too much into detail so that all sense of reality is lost and the book produces the effect of being a mere fairy-tale. It's impossible to believe that all this takes place every day! The more popular and picturesque treatment of the same subject in the "A.B.C." carries more conviction to my frivolous mind.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Christopher Sandeman : [untitled]
'This is a very interesting journal and I read it with a particular pleasure derived both from the matter and from the expression of the writer's personality.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Sidney Colvin : Gambetta
'I have read (before breakfast) your "Gambetta" a most excellent thing both as picture and appreciation of the man.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Thomas James Wise : A Bibliography of the Writings in Prose and Verse of Algernon Charles Swinburne (Part 1)
'Let me thank you for the Swinburne bibliography which I've read with the greatest interest.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Gerald Cumberland (pseud.) : Tales of a Cruel Country
'At the beginning I must say that I have not read the tales ["Tales of a Cruel Country"] through as yet'.
[Conrad then makes several comments indicating that he has at least read some of them.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham : Brought Forward
'I am just fresh from the second reading of your vol ["Brought Forward"]'. Hence follow twelve lines of admiring comment.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
David Bone : Merchantmen-at-Arms:The British Merchants' Service in the War
'I was laid up directly on arriving here, and this is the explanation of the delay in thanking you for the precious copy of the book. Pray convey to your brother my great appreciation of his signature on the fly leaf.'
[Hence follow four lines of praise.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Paul Adam : Lettres de Malaisie
'I know the work of Paul Adam very little and all I have in the house is his "Lettres de Malaisie".
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Louis de Rouvroy, Duc de Saint-Simon : Les Mémoires de Saint-Simon
'Thank you for the "Saint-Simon", which to my great joy arrived this morning. I finished the play the day before yesterday. Tonight I finish revising. Tomorrow I plunge into "Saint-Simon".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Richard Curle : Wanderings
'Just a line to thank you for the book. As I turn the pages my consideration for you grows to the proportions of respect. There is a beauty of easy moving prose - charm of phrase — felicity of words which give the strongest possible impression of mastery of language [...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham : A Brazilian Mystic, being the Life and Miracles of Antonio Conselheiro
'Ever so many thanks too for the "Life and Miracles" which I have just read for the second time.There is no one but you to render so poignantly the pathetic and desperate effects of human credulity. It is a marvellous piece of sustained narrative and of intensely personal prose.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : In Chancery
'I finished your MS yesterday and am very much impressed by the ampleness of the scheme, the masterly ease in the handling [of] the subject and (in sober truth) the sheer beauty of these pages.[...]
I keep the MS for Jessie to read. In the Nursing Home she could only read "Tatterdemalion" which I have not yet seen. I didn't want to take it away from her for even an evening as she seemed unable to tackle any of the other 12 volumes she had in her room.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
John Galsworthy : Tatterdemalion
'I finished your MS yesterday and am very much impressed by the ampleness of the scheme, the masterly ease in the handling [of] the subject and (in sober truth) the sheer beauty of these pages.[...]
I keep the MS for Jessie to read. In the Nursing Home she could only read "Tatterdemalion" which I have not yet seen. I didn't want to take it away from her for even an evening as she seemed unable to tackle any of the other 12 volumes she had in her room.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Jessie Conrad Print: Book
Joseph Hergesheimer : Wild Oranges
'Warm thanks for the charming copy of "Wild Oranges" which it was a great pleasure to have in this interesting form. [...] You will be good enough to give my most friendly regards to Hergesheimer whose vital work combing strength of vision with delicate perception and masterly expression arouses my admiration and sympathy.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Rodney Mundy : Narrative of Events in Borneo and Celebes Down to the Occupation of Labuan, from the Journals of James Brooke
'The book ["The Rescue"] which has found favour in your eyes has been inspired in a great measure by the history of the first Rajah's enterprise and even by the lecture [i.e.reading] of his journals as partly reproduced by Captain Mundy and others.[...]. It was a great pleasure to read "My Life in Sarawak" [...] I have looked into that book many times since.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edward Grey, Viscount Grey of Fallodon : Narrative of Events in Borneo and Celebes Down to the Occupation of Labuan, from the Journals of James Brooke
'E. [Edward] Grey's book, of which I have already read a considerable portion, has certainly the charm of a genuine feeling expressed in plain language worthy of a great fisherman.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Prosper Mérimée : Tamango
'I do know the Mérimée story you speak of. It is "Tamango". A rather good piece of work. [...] I read it years ago.'
Century: 1850-1899 / 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Gérard Jean-Aubry : Mérimée
'Pray forgive me keeping your article on Mérimée so long. I read it as soon as it arrived — and then re-read it yesterday. It is one of the best pieces by you I've read, though your work never fails to delight.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
Hugh Walpole : The Captives: A novel in Four Parts
'This is only to tell you that I have read the book.'
[Hence follow six lines of praise.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
André Gide : La Symphonie Pastorale
'Many thanks indeed for your good letter and for the little book ["La Symphonie Pastorale"] whose precious pages I will cut tonight "in the silence of my study" in a peaceful house where everyone has gone to bed.[...] For me that is the moment for friends' books.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Robert Cortes Holliday :
'Thank you very much for Mr Holliday's book, which has certainly got a lot of good things in it and which I enjoyed greatly.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
William Rothenstein : Twenty-Four Portraits, with Critical Appreciation by Various Hands
'Thanks ever so much for the admirable book of portraits. Every one is a revelation-especially of course those of the people one knows, if ever so little.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham : Cartagena and the Banks of the Sinu
'What to me [...] seems most wonderful in the Carthagena book is its inextinguishable vitality, the unchanged strength of feeling, steadfastness of sympathies and force of expresssion. I turned the pages with unfailing delight [...].
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : To Let
'Yesterday I read the first inst[alment] of "To Let" in a spirit of philistinish curiosity.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
John Galsworthy : The Awakening
'Rudo [R.H.Sauter] shows much charm in "Awakening", which harmonised with the charm of the text in a fascinating way.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Family Man
'Thank you very much for sending me the text [of John Galsworthy's play "The Family Man"] which I have looked over with considerable interest. There are several rather considerable typing mistakes in that copy [...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: playscript
Bruno Winawer : Ksiega Hioba (The Book of Job)
'Thank you for sending me the comedy. I found it [...] interesting and greatly entertaining, which however dd not prevent me from taking your work quite seriously.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: playscript
Bruno Winawer : Groteski
'I must begin by thanking you for the little book of satirical pieces ["Groteski"] which I read with great enjoyment and in that sympathetic mood which your work arouses in me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
André Gide : Les Caves du Vatican
'A few days ago in fact I re-read "Les Caves du Vatican", with the same intetest but with an admiration that grows on each new reading. The infinity of things you put into that book, where the hand is so light and the thought so deep, is truly marvellous.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Frederick O'Brien : White Shadows in the South Seas
'Let me thank you warmly for the two magnificent and interesting vol[ume]s about the South-Sea Isles which you have been good enough to send me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Frederick O'Brien : Mystic Isles of the South Seas
'Let me thank you warmly for the two magnificent and interesting vol[ume]s about the South-Sea Isles which you have been good enough to send me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Stefan Zeromski : Dzieje grzechu
'I have just read through the Zeromski novel you mean: "History of a Sin". I don't think it will do for translation. The international murderess episodes take but a little space after all. The whole thing is disagreeable and often incomprehensible in comment and psychology. Often it is gratuitously ferocious. You now I am not sqeamish. The other work the great historical machine is called "Ashes" (Popioly). Both of course have a certain greatness.[...] [but] both take too much for granted in the way of receptivity and tolerance.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Stefan Zeromski : Popioly
'I have just read through the Zeromski novel you mean: "History of a Sin". I don't think it will do for translation. The international murderess episodes take but a little space after all. The whole thing is disagreeable and often incomprehensible in comment and psychology. Often it is gratuitously ferocious. You now I am not sqeamish. The other work the great hstorical machine is called "Ashes" (Popioly). Both of course have a certain greatness.[...] [but] both take too much for granted in the way of receptivity and tolerance.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
David Bone : The Brassbounder
'Many thanks for the charming copy of "The Brassbounder". It is as fresh and attarctive as ever to read and I am still under the charm of this sincere and fascinating record of things that have now passed away for ever.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Margaret Isabella Stevenson :
'Your last letter was very nice.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter
William Ernest Henley :
'At last, son of night, I receive a communication […] Oh no, it is not the penny. It is the one-volume story demanded by Hueffer for the New Tarterly [sic]. It’s a real story, damned fine; but the dénouementdoesn’t please me yet: the beginning is so good, that it is difficult to get up to that pitch again, and the story sort of dies away.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Letter
Harold Waldo : Stash of the Marsh County
'I want to thank you at once for the book you have been good enough to send me.It is of course of the greatest interest and secures my personal sympathy by the kindly attitude of the author towards the people he treats, [i.e. Polish immigrants in U.S.] of and by the poignancy of the action.'
[Hence follows alomost a page of constructive criticism.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Sidney Colvin : Memories and Notes of Persons and Places, 1852-1912
'The readng of "Memories and Notes" has been one continuous delight. As you know I have been privileged to see some of these papers even in typescript and some in their serial form. But the quality of their interest and freshness is of the kind that does not perish in the reading and re-reading.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Bertrand Russell : Analysis of Mind
'As for yourself — I have been dwelling with you mentally for several days between the covers of your book [...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Hugh Walpole : The Young Enchanted: A Romantic Story
'And first of all my tender thanks for the copy of the limited edition [...]. The reading of it was an absorbing experience.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Francis Warrington Dawson : The Gift of Paul Clermont
'Now I have absorbed it I send you my thanks for "The Gift of Paul Clermont". It is a very charming and touching performance which one likes more the deeper one gets into it.'
[Hence follow nine lines of praise.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Alfred Comyn Lyall :
'Many thanks for the book which has given me the greatest of pleasure. I have always had a great admiration for Sir Alfred [Lyall] whose verse and prose appeal strongly to my mind and feelings.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Anton Chekhov : The Cook's Wedding and Other Stories
'Thanks my dearest fellow for he Che[k]hov vol. He is too delightful for words. Very great work. Very great. Do tell your wife of my admiration that grows and grows with every page of her translations I read. The renderings in this vol have impressed me extremely.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Alexandr Fredro : Trzy po Trzy
'Thank you, my dearest for all the books you have presented me with, in particular for Fredro, qui m'a donné un plaisir extrème à lire et à regarder les images.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Jean Fayard : Oxford et Margaret
'Thank you for the book. Reading it gave me very great pleasure.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Basil Lubbock : The Colonial Clippers
'The book you sent me was a great pleasure to me. Some of the ships I knew personally.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edmund Candler : Abdication
'"Abdication" arrived four of five days ago. How short the book is and how much you have managed to put into it. As you may imagine I read it at once.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edward Garnett : Friday Nights: Literary Criticism and Appreciation, First Series
'I must thank you for the volume which has just arrived.[...]. What I have felt and thought is more suitable for talk, warm and many coloured than for the cold blue tint of the typewriter.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Jean Aubry : La Musique et les nations
'I was very happy to receive "La Musique et les nations" yesterday. I read the Debussy immediately and with the greatest of pleasure.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Addington Symonds : Animi Figura
'Symonds, talking of cultshaw, has just written a book of sonnets, which I think really should interest and amuse a few of us.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Manuscript: Proof copy
: Bible
'Thank you heartily for the Bible, which is exquisite.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham : The Conquest of New Granada, being the Life of Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada
'I would have written to you before about my delight in "The Conquest of Granada" if it had not been for the beastly swollen wrist which prevented me from holding the pen.'
[Hence follow eight lines of praise.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Cecil Roberts : A Tale of Young Lovers: A Tragedy in Four Acts
'I wonder what you think of my long silence after the receipt of your play ["A Tale of Young Lovers", late May]? I was just fiinishng a novel and putting off looking at the play deliberately. [...] Let me at once congratulate you affectionately on the charm and skill and beauty that is in your work.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, playscript
Bruno Winawer : Slepa latarka (Dark Lantern)
'I dictate these few words to thank you most heartily for your letters and especially for your little tale which I have read with absolute delight and appreciation of every point, and greatest sympathy wth the mind which conceived it and the literary gift which guided the pen. During the last few weeks I have been finishing a novel and have been too absorbed to write to anyone.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Forsythe Saga
'For the last two days I have been reading "The [Forsythye] Saga" which makes a wonderful volume.[...] How fresh "The Man of Property" reads. For that book I have a special affection. I have not read it for a couple of years, or more...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Robert Garnett : The Dumas Maquet Case (and) Dumas and Maquet
'I read with the greatest of interest your communications to the "Times [Literary Supplement]" in the Dumas-Maquet affair. All this story is quite new to me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper, Serial / periodical
Bertrand Russell : The Problem of China
'When your book ["The Problem of China"] arrived we were away for a few days. Perhaps [...] I should have acknowledged the receipt at once. But I preferred to read it before I wrote. Unluckily a very unpleasant affair was sprung on me and absorbed all my thinking energies for a fortnight. I simply did not attempt to open the book till all the worry and flurry was over, and I could give it two clear days.'
[Hence follow three pages of commentary.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Clarence Andrews : Old Morocco and the Forbidden Atlas
'I hasten therefore to tell you without a moments delay what did mean to write (or have perhaps written) that the book ["Old Morocco and the Forbidden Atlas"] in its human zest for impressions, in its pervading sympathy for strange mankind, its acuity of observation [...] has given me a very real pleasure [...] You will see that neither the lapse of 2 months [since receiving and reading the book?] nor the fact of re-reading, has altered my original judgement "by first impression".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
David Garnett : Lady into Fox
'Many thanks for D. [David]'s little tale ["Lady into Fox"]. Its the most successful thing of the kind I have ever seen.'
[Hence follow ten lines of praise.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Drinkwater : Preludes, 1921-1922
'I consider myself highly privileged by the possession of an inscribed copy of the limited edition of the "Preludes"; and thanking you for the beauty and music therein contained I am especially grateful for the kind thought which prompted you to send them to me in this form.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Fryniwyid Tennyson Jesse : The White Riband; Or a Young Female's Folly
'Ever so many thanks for the little book of fantasy and charm and sharp irony seasoning the tragic story of poor Loveday, who had no other name.[...] Its a gem in its way.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Marcel Proust : Swann's Way (Du coté de chez Swann
'I've lately read nothing but Marcel Proust.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Marcel Proust : Swann's Way (Du coté de chez Swann
'In the volumes you sent me I was much more interested and fascinated by your rendering than by Proust's creation.'
[Hence follows another page and a half of commentary on the translation and on Proust in general.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Zofia Kossak-Szczucka : Pozoga:Wspomieniaz Wolnia 1917-19 (The Blaze: Reminiscences of Volhynia 1917-18
'My dear! Thank you for "Pozoga". C'est très très bien. It seizes hold and interests one as much by its subject as by the manner of its writing.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Jules Laforgue :
'Many thanks for your Laforgue. Your introduction couldn't be more interesting as regards both matter and tone. It is very very well done. Your author's text is odd [curieux]. Its charm is felt through the facts.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Julian Street : Mysterious Japan
'I have read your delightful and penetrating (I use the word deliberately) "[Mysterious] Japan". I have the book. I was looking into it again only the other day. Pray do send me your "Roosevelt" and don't forget to write your name on the flyleaf.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Jan Tadeusz Zuk-Skarszewski : Rumak Swiatowida:karykatura wczorajsza (Swiatowid's Steed: A Caricature of Yesterday)
'Will you please give my warm regards to your husband and tell him I have just finished reading the "Rumak" with the greatest possible interest. I think it's simply wonderful in its sustained power and charm of expression.[...] I haven't benn able as yet to find time to begin "Pustka.''
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
W. A. H. Mull : A True Story: Loss and Record of the Wreck of the Ship "Dalgonar" of Liverpool
'Thanks for the press cuttings. The accident on board that ship was an extraordinary one.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Jean Aubry : Sainte Beuve (exact title unknown)
'I've had the "Fortnightly [Review]" sent to me. I've just finished your "Sainte Beuve". My dear fellow! It's an admirable analytical exposition of the man himself. I've never read anything of this kind that gave me the same sense of penetrating vision coupled with formal perfection.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Richard Curle : Into the East: Notes on Burma and Malaya
'Best wishes for the book's career begun yesterday—wasn't it?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Bruno Winawer : Roztwor profesora Pytla (Professor Pytel's Solution)
'Your Comédie du Laboratoire is perfect. Très chic — as French painters used to say of their pictures. This formula expresses the highest praise.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, or playscript
Bruno Winawer : R.H., Inzynier
'I liked "Engineer" very very much indeed! The idea, the execution, the style.[...] Shall I return the MS to you?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Sheet
Richard Curle : Scandals of the Dole
'I was just about to write to you on the "Dole " articles. They are wonderfully the right thing: matter, tone, attitude, interest.[...] Jessie is lost in admiration.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
Liam O'Flaherty : The Cow's Death
'I am sorry I put in an, apparently, unlucky form what I had to say about the two pieces of prose you sent me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
David John Nicoll : "Commonweal": The Greenwich Mystery
'Thank you very much for your letter and the pamphlet in which I was very much interested.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
John Galsworthy : Captures
'The vol. of your stories arrived while we were over in Havre [...]. Thanks, my dear fellow its a jolly good handful. Some of them I've seen before in Mags. but not many.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Hubert Wellington : William Rothenstein
'Warmest thanks for the vol and for the inscription. Oh my dear how good how profoundly appealing all this is — this little selection.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
: [Rule Book of the National Club]
'I am sending back the pamphlet of the rules of the [National] Club. It is very interesting but but it occurs to me, my dear Gardiner [...] I cannot very well belong to the Club by the mere fact that I was born a R[oman] C[atholic]...'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
Bruno Winawer : Jeszcze o Einstein: teoria wzglenosci z lotu ptaka (More about Einstein: A Bird's-eye View of the Theory of Relativity
'Heartfelt thanks for your letter and the pamphlet about Einstein which for me is a small masterpiece of its kind.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
Christopher Morley : Inward Ho!
'Thank you for your little book of innermost thoughts.[...] And you have proved your excellent humanity by the manner and matter of your essays.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
William Henry Hudson : 153 Letters from W. H. Hudson
'I have been laid up for days and days and your volume of H[udson]'s letters was the most welcome alleviation to the worry and general horror of the situation. I think that your little introduction at the beginning is the most charming and touching thing that I ever remember having read. The letters themselves are of course particularly interesting.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
: The Criterion
'I am better now and hasten to thank you for the more than generous sample of the "Criterion" which is really very good and did help me through some pretty bad sleepless hours of more than one night.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Beer : Stephen Crane: A Study in American Letters with an introduction by Joseph Conrad
'Many thanks for the two copies, especially the grand format, of Crane's biography. Both sizes are very attractively got up. I very well like your fount and the spacing of the lines. I am going to drop a few lines to Mr Beer to congratulate him on his achievement. It is a live book, more so than any biography I ever read.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Christopher Ward : The Triumph of the Nut and Other Parodies
Sorry I am late in thanking you for the little book and the friendly inscription. I greatly enjoyed the parodies on those writers I have read.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Paris [pseud. Frank Trelawney Arthur Ashton-Gwatkin] : Kimono
'Have you seen Gwatkin? His novel is not bad and I can see now why it had that sale. Shall I send it to you or has he given you a copy?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Enoch Arnold Bennett : Riceyman Steps
'I am wholly delighted with your "R.[iceyman] S.[teps]. Wholly. You will give me credit for not having missed any special gems but it is the whole achievement as I went from page to page that secured my admiration. [...] I closed the book at 7 in the morning after the shortest sleepless night of my experience [...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Allan Monkhouse : A Bookman's Notes
'I read with the greatest pleasue what you say about Trollope. I made his acquaintance full thirty years ago and made up my mind about his value then, as a writer of remarkable talent for imaginative rendering of the social life of his time, with its activities and interests and incipient thoughts.[ ...] I was considerably impressed with them [The "Palliser" novels] in the early eighties when I chanced upon a novel entitled "Phineas Finn". Haven't seen them since, to tell you the truth [...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
Anthony Trollope : Phineas Finn: The Irish Member
'I read with the greatest pleasure what you say about Trollope. I made his acquaintance full thirty years ago and made up my mind about his value then, as a writer of remarkable talent for imaginative rendering of the social life of his time, with its activities and interests and incipient thoughts.[ ...] I was considerably impressed with them [The "Palliser" novels] in the early eighties when I chanced upon a novel entitled "Phineas Finn". Haven't seen them since, to tell you the truth [...]'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Allan Monkhouse :
'The play arrived yesterday and I read it in the evening (the proper time for plays) with the greatest appreciation.' [...] Some day — if you permit me — I'll send you the copy so you may write your name and mine on the flyleaf.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, playscript
Jacques Copeau : La Maison natale
'Many thanks for "La Maison natale", which you have so kindly sent me. I have just finished reading it and am greatly impressed by the simple and effective way you treat what I consider the most difficult subject in the realm of the spirit.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, playscript
Roman Dyboski : Modern Polish Literature: a course of lectures delivered in the School of Slavonic studies, King's College, University of London
'I am sorry I am so late in thanking you for the two vols of Polish Literature which I have read with the highest appreciation — and for the brochure on the religious element in Polish national life which told me many things I did not know before.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Roman Dyboski : Periods of Polish Literary History: Being the Ilchester lectures for the year 1923
'I am sorry I am so late in thanking you for the two vols of Polish Literature which I have read with the highest appreciation — and for the brochure on the religious element in Polish national life which told me many things I did not know before.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Roman Dyboski : ?The Religious Element in Polish National Life
'I am sorry I am so late in thanking you for the two vols of Polish Literature which I have read with the highest appreciation — and for the brochure on the religious element in Polish national life which told me many things I did not know before.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
Hugh Clifford : Address to the Legislative Council of Nigeria
'I had letter from Sir Hugh Clifford. He sends me six copies of his address to the Legislative Council.[...] The report is very interesting.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
: Robotnik (The Worker)
'Thank you for the magazines and books. I haven't yet dipped into the novel. I am very touched by the favourable response of the critics to the translation [of "A Set of Six"]. The article in "Robotnik" is very good and has greatly pleased me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
Richard Curle [writing as 'John Blunt'] : I Say
'Today's "J[ohn] B[lunt]" is particularly good. [...] The last three "Blunts" were remarkably good.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
David Garnett : A Man in the Zoo
'For weeks I've had a bad wrist or I would have thanked you before for the "[A] M[an] [in] the Z[oo]". D[avid] may be congratulated in pulling off this piece with great tact and subtlety.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Ford Madox Ford : Some Do Not
'As to the novel I think that between us two, if I tell you that I consider it "tout à fait chic" you will understand perfectly how much that "phrase de l'atelier" means to the initiated.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Horatio Nelson :
'Many thanks for letting me have a view of the Nelson letter which is most interesting. I appreciate very much you taking the risk of loss in order to give me that pleasure.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Letter
André Gide : Incidences
'Forgive me for not thanking you sooner for the book ["Incidences"]. It's my gouty wrist I can barely hold a pen. But I don't need to tell you that I find your pages always congenial beyond measure. In the volume you so kindly sent to me there are some pages that I know. I did not know the Prefaces. I read them with delight — and also the reflections on mythology.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Louis-Marie-Emile Roché : Temps perdu
'My gouty wrist has kept me from thanking you immediately for the volume of poems that you so kindly sent me. [...] What more can I say to give you an idea of the pleasure (complete and faultless) that the reading of your verses has given me?'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Francis McCullagh : The Bolshevik Persecution of Christianity
'My warm thanks for the inscribed copy of "Bolshevik Persecution" you have been kind enough to send me. I have read with interest this most remarkably able account of a significant episode in the long tale of religious persecution.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Forest
'I feel compunctions not having written before about "The Forest" — a piece of work to which I came with the greatest interest. [...]. Anyway its a fine thing.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: playscript
Edward Lancelot Sanderson : An Episode of Southern Seas
'As to your verses. May I keep them? Of course now you say you will not finish the poem — and it may be true — now.[...] But its charm and music are for me. I have read it more than once.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Henry Norman : The Peoples and Politics of the Far East:Travels and Studies in the British, French, Spanish and Portuguese Colonies, Siberia, China, Japan, Korea, Siam and Malaya
'Even H. Norman corroborates me out of his short experience. See his "Far East".'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Millar : Books: A Guide to Good Reading
'Thanks for the copy of "Good Reading". It's a charming little book.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy : Strife
'I simply had to tell you having been impressed by seeing for the first time in my life a work of imagination acting upon an average sensibility with the personal, mysterious and irresistable power of oratory[...]. I will keep the MS until tomorrow.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Ivan Turgenev : A Lear of the Steppes and Other Stories
'In the vol entitled "Lear of the Steppes" only the first story is really worth reading. The other two ["Acia" and "Faust"] Turg[enev] wrote in French I believe first and they are not good specimens of his art.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
James Johnston Abraham : A Surgeon's Log: Being Impressions of the Far East
'Many thanks for the copy of your book which I have read with the greatest of interest and pleasure.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Violet Hunt : The House of Many Mirrors
'Infinite thanks for the honour and for the book. The copy having reached me two days ago I delayed writing until I had read those pages you have been so good as to dedicate to me.[...] Altogether a treat as mere reader [...].
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edmund Candler : The General Plan
'That's first rate stuff. I have read all but two of the stories, which'll have their turn this afternoon and I shall take up your copy on Monday myself and deliver it to Pinker with my own hands.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
David Morton : ?Old Ships
'I have this moment received your very kind letter with the enclosure of verse for which I hasten to send you my warm thanks. The verse is very genuine and has appealed to me. My compliments to David Morton for having captured this musing mood so charmingly and with such a felicity of expression and images.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Manuscript: Unknown
Juliet M. Soskice (Hueffer) : Memoirs from Childhood: Reminiscences of an Artist's Grand-daughter
'I ought to have thanked you before for Mrs Soskice's book. I remember it had a good press when it first appeared. It certainly has a quality but it is very much like the one-time Juliet.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
François-Marie Arouet Voltaire : Candide
'It is years since I have read "Candide" of course in French. I must tell you I have been immensely pleased by the particular quality of this translation.'
[Hence follow five lines of further praise for the translation.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Stendhal [pseud. i.e. Marie-Henri Beyle] : Vie de Napoléon
'Throughout his career Conrad was haunted by the idea of writing a Napoleonic novel, for which he did a prodigious amount of background reading.[...] However it was not until June 1920 that he eventually started to write "Suspense", and early in 1921 he spent two months in Corsica to saturate himself in Napoleonic atmosphere, revive memories of harbours and sailors and do further background reading, as the list of books borrowed from the Ajaccio library, recorded by Jean-Aubry, indicates.' [see note 118, p.316]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Gaspard Gourgaud : Journal de Ste. Hélène 1815-1818
'Throughout his career Conrad was haunted by the idea of writing a Napoleonic novel, for which he did a prodigious amount of background reading.[...] However it was not until June 1920 that he eventually started to write "Suspense", and early in 1921 he spent two months in Corsica to saturate himself in Napoleonic atmosphere, revive memories of harbours and sailors and do further background reading, as the list of books borrowed from the Ajaccio library, recorded by Jean-Aubry, indicates.' [see note 118, p.316]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Marcellin Pellet : Napoléon à l'île d'Elbe
'Throughout his career Conrad was haunted by the idea of writing a Napoleonic novel, for which he did a prodigious amount of background reading.[...] However it was not until June 1920 that he eventually started to write "Suspense", and early in 1921 he spent two months in Corsica to saturate himself in Napoleonic atmosphere, revive memories of harbours and sailors and do further background reading, as the list of books borrowed from the Ajaccio library, recorded by Jean-Aubry, indicates.' [see note 118, p.316]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Paul Gruyer : Napoléon, roi de l' île d'Elbe
'Throughout his career Conrad was haunted by the idea of writing a Napoleonic novel, for which he did a prodigious amount of background reading.[...] However it was not until June 1920 that he eventually started to write "Suspense", and early in 1921 he spent two months in Corsica to saturate himself in Napoleonic atmosphere, revive memories of harbours and sailors and do further background reading, as the list of books borrowed from the Ajaccio library, recorded by Jean-Aubry, indicates.' [see note 118, p.316]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Jean Rapp : Mémoires écrits par lui-même
'Throughout his career Conrad was haunted by the idea of writing a Napoleonic novel, for which he did a prodigious amount of background reading.[...] However it was not until June 1920 that he eventually started to write "Suspense", and early in 1921 he spent two months in Corsica to saturate himself in Napoleonic atmosphere, revive memories of harbours and sailors and do further background reading, as the list of books borrowed from the Ajaccio library, recorded by Jean-Aubry, indicates.' [see note 118, p.316]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Léon Lanzac de Laborie : Paris sous Napoléon
'Throughout his career Conrad was haunted by the idea of writing a Napoleonic novel, for which he did a prodigious amount of background reading.[...] However it was not until June 1920 that he eventually started to write "Suspense", and early in 1921 he spent two months in Corsica to saturate himself in Napoleonic atmosphere, revive memories of harbours and sailors and do further background reading, as the list of books borrowed from the Ajaccio library, recorded by Jean-Aubry, indicates.' [see note 118, p.316]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
George Bourne [pseud. of George Sturt] : The Ascending Effort
'It my be that I failed to understand "The Ascending Effort", but I did not mean to treat Bourne disrespectfully. [But] you will admit that Bourne's writing in its slightly grotesque heaviness made it very difficult to read the whole book in a spirit of impartiality[...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Edward Lear : Nonsense Songs and Stories
'When I was a bit older he read to me from Edward Lear's "Nonsense Songs and Stories". "Mr Yongy Bongy Bo", "The Owl and the Pussy Cat" and "The Old Man from the Kingdom of Tess", were favorites, but he enjoyed reading all of them.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Alfred Russel Wallace : The Malay Archipelago The Land of the Orang-Utan and the Bird of Paradise
'At other times he would tell me about the Malay Archipelago and the Malays and show me pictures in A. R. Wallace's book about that part of the world.
[...]
He would read to me about far away places, explaining how the natives built their houses on poles driven into the river beds of eastern rivers.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
: Boy's Own Annual
'I am pretty sure that J[oseph] C[onrad] read it [the bound Christmas annual of "Boy's Own Paper"] after I had gone to bed because I found little spills of cigarette ash between the pages.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book, Serial / periodical
: La Vie Parisienne
'He enjoyed stories that were really funny but had no time for anything that was indecent though he was not a prude and often bought "La vie parisienne" and, for light reading in English, "Punch".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper, Serial / periodical
: Punch
'He enjoyed stories that were really funny but had no time for anything that was indecent though he was not a prude and often bought "La vie parisienne" and, for light reading in English, "Punch".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Serial / periodical
Lewis Carroll [pseud.] : Alice's Adventures in Wonderland AND Through the Looking Glass
'He admired Edward Lear and would spend whole evenings reading "The Nonsense Songs and Stories" and he was also very fond of the Lewis Carroll books. The verses in these seemed to have a particular attraction for him and he would read them through aloud several times.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
:
'He would say he bought books to read, not to stare at their backs on a shelf while they collected dust over the years. He liked books to be well bound but it was their contents that mattered and he never kept a book of which he did not approve — there was no room for "bosh" in his bookcases. He was a fast reader, not a skimmer reading bits here and there, but a perspicacious reader who obtained the greatest satisfaction from a good story well written.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
William Wymark Jacobs :
'At the foot of the bed was an oak "library table" [...]. There were several piles of books on it, W. W. Jacobs for light reading, de Maupassant, Flaubert, Galsworthy, Cunninghame Graham, various periodicals, and a book, which has always been a mystery to me, "Out of the Hurly Burly" by Max Adler. In the window stood an arm chair of cherry wood, lacquered black, on which my father often sat to read for half an hour or so before "turning in".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Max Adeler pseud. i.e Charles Heber Clark : Out of the Hurly Burly: or Life in an Odd Corner
'At the foot of the bed was an oak "library table" [...]. There were several piles of books on it, W. W. Jacobs for light reading, de Maupassant, Flaubert, Galsworthy, Cunninghame Graham, various periodicals, and a book, which has always been a mystery to me, "Out of the Hurly Burly" by Max Adler. In the window stood an arm chair of cherry wood, lacquered black, on which my father often sat to read for half an hour or so before "turning in".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Guy De Maupassant :
'At the foot of the bed was an oak "library table" [...]. There were several piles of books on it, W. W. Jacobs for light reading, de Maupassant, Flaubert, Galsworthy, Cunninghame Graham, various periodicals, and a book, which has always been a mystery to me, "Out of the Hurly Burly" by Max Ad[e]ler. In the window stood an arm chair of cherry wood, lacquered black, on which my father often sat to read for half an hour or so before "turning in".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Gustave Flaubert :
'At the foot of the bed was an oak "library table" [...]. There were several piles of books on it, W. W. Jacobs for light reading, de Maupassant, Flaubert, Galsworthy, Cunninghame Graham, various periodicals, and a book, which has always been a mystery to me, "Out of the Hurly Burly" by Max Ad[e]ler. In the window stood an arm chair of cherry wood, lacquered black, on which my father often sat to read for half an hour or so before "turning in".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
John Galsworthy :
'At the foot of the bed was an oak "library table" [...]. There were several piles of books on it, W. W. Jacobs for light reading, de Maupassant, Flaubert, Galsworthy, Cunninghame Graham, various periodicals, and a book, which has always been a mystery to me, "Out of the Hurly Burly" by Max Ad[e]ler. In the window stood an arm chair of cherry wood, lacquered black, on which my father often sat to read for half an hour or so before "turning in".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham :
'At the foot of the bed was an oak "library table" [...]. There were several piles of books on it, W. W. Jacobs for light reading, de Maupassant, Flaubert, Galsworthy, Cunninghame Graham, various periodicals, and a book, which has always been a mystery to me, "Out of the Hurly Burly" by Max Ad[e]ler. In the window stood an arm chair of cherry wood, lacquered black, on which my father often sat to read for half an hour or so before "turning in".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
:
' Most mornings he spent reading the papers until about half past ten, then answered any letters that had come [...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Newspaper
José Raul Capablanca : My Chess Career or Chess Fundamentals
'[...] two or three times a week after dinner we got out the chessmen and board and spent a couple of hours playing through the games in Capablanca's book. We played every game in the book, J[oseph] C[onrad] reading the moves, stopping where Capablanca had made a comment, so we could write down our own observations.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
:
'If my father saw my mother, brother or myself reading a book he would cruise around and pounce on it if we put it down when we went out of the room. When we returned the book had vanished and could not be found; most mysterious until we realised what was happening. A day or to later the book reappeared in exactly the same place from which it had vanished, and open at exactly the same page.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
:
'The night before we left [Montpellier]was one of the worst I have ever spent. Joseph Conrad was still handicapped by having his right hand in bandages, the gout had twisted his wrist and left it very weak and painful [...]. I was glad when my husband left me to finish the packing and retired to another room to read. But I was busy all night.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad
:
'At another time he insisted that the gardener should remove all the plants from the tall stage in the glass house, that adjoined the drawing room. Then he had been wont to appear at the door clad only in a yellow and blue striped bath-robe, a wet parti-coloured bath towel wound around his head, and his feet encased in a big pair of Moorish slippers. In this garb he would mount to the top of the stage, right under the glass roof, and armed with a book ad a supply of cigarettes, take a sun-bath.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad Print: Book
: The Terrific Register
'Dickens ... recalled that as a schoolboy he used to buy the Terrific Register, "making myself unspeakably miserable, and frightening my very wits out of my head, for the small charge of a penny weekly; which, considering that there was an illustration to every number in which there was always a pool of blood, and at least one body, was cheap."'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Dickens Print: Serial / periodical
:
'Once or twice I left the safety of the trench and went out alone, down the hill towards Sailly-le-Sec ... I told myself that I might obtain some useful information ... But I saw no-one and it was frightening ... I stopped going out on these adventures. I talked to my signallers instead, I read my book. I reckoned I could read a book a day at the O.P. [observation post], the kind of book I took with me, I did not feel able to read any other sort.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Patrick James Campbell Print: Book
:
'Three o'clock. I was trying to read my book, but I did not take in what I was reading. Instead of words on the page, I saw Germans, Germans coming over the crest, lines of Germans advancing down the hill, single Germans crouching behind their derelict huts.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Patrick James Campbell Print: Book
:
'"Read that," [Major Cecil] said, when he came to where I was standing. It was an envelope, an ordinary envelope, addressed in Cherry's handwriting to the O.C. A Battery. It was only orders for the day, but when I opened the envelope I saw there was only a single sheet inside, instead of the usual sheaf of papers. I opened it and read: "Hostilities will cease from 11.00 hours today, November 11th." "What does it mean?" I asked him. "The War's over," he said.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Patrick James Campbell Print: Orders for the day.
:
[Campbell is describing entering a German dugout captured after a successful offensive] 'Their home was very like one of ours, maps and pictures stuck on the walls, shelves cut out of the earth, a sheaf of orders on the hook, newspapers on the table, a half-written letter, a pair of spectacles. I looked at their books, but I could not tell whether they were like ours, whether they were novels or not.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Patrick James Campbell Print: Book
Alexander Smith : "Barbara"
'The tent flaps were laced over, the rain had ceased, the guns were silent and Jimmy Harding lay motionless. I ate slowly and dully, staring at my candle. I took my Palgrave from the valise head; it opened at "Barbara" and I read quite coldly and critically until I came to the lines
In vain, in vain, in vain
You will never come again.
There droops upon the dreary hills a mournful fringe
of rain
then with a great gulp I knocked my candle out and buried my face in the valise.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Edwin Stephen Campion Vaughan Print: Book
John A. Carlyle : Review of Sir Walter Scott's 'Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft, II'
'[I] read your Demonology and a Paper on St J. Long, the only thing by you in that [al]most quite despicable Magazine.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
John A. Carlyle : 'Some passages from the Diary of the late Mr St John Long'
'[I] read your Demonology and a Paper on St J. Long, the only thing by you in that [al]most quite despicable Magazine.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Serial / periodical
anon : Arden of Faversham
'A scene was then read from The Lamentable Tragedy of Arden of Faversham T. C. Elliot taking the part of Arden[.] S A Reynolds was Franklin & Geo Burrow Michael.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus Reynolds
:
'We are to make roads for the next few days. Out occasionally on work parties. Those officers not on duty all stayed in bed (valises!) and so did the men. We ate, slept, read in our valises. It was so cold outside. We had no fires, absolutely nothing, yet I really believed we enjoyed ourselves. There was practically no shelling.'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Lindsay Mackay
Ben Jonson : Epicoene, or the Silent Woman
There followed an amusing passage from Ben Jonsons Silent Woman with C I Evans as Morose Geo Burrow as Mute & R H Robson as Truewit.
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles I. Evans
Robert Browning : The Letters of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett
'Dined with 'A' Company. Read the Browning Love Letters at night, in bed. Disappointed, though not displeased. Felt I could have written a better love letter myself in spite of my tender years - and lack of experience.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Lindsay Mackay Print: Book
Robert Browning : The Letters of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett
'Church parade. Cricket against Royal Scots. Did rather well. Won by 1 run. Reading the Browning Love letters in my spare time.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Lindsay Mackay Print: Book
Gene Stratton-Porter : Michael O'Halloran: A Novel
'Out training signallers and observers. The former very efficient, the latter the very reverse. We are to move on the 21st. Heard that my school (Hillhead H.S.) are sending out 10,000 cigarettes to the battalion. Very decent indeed! Finished "Micky O'Halloran" by Gene Stratton Porter.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Lindsay Mackay Print: Book
Gilbert Frankau :
'I've read so many descriptions in newspapers of the ruin and desolation caused in this war. Famous literary men have tried their powers of description and All (with the possible exception of Gilbert Frankau) have failed to convey the repulsiveness and awfulness of the scene. The Ecole was one of these places - That's all!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Lindsay Mackay Print: Unknown
Robert Browning : The Letters of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett
'Sunday 12th. August. Church parade. New minister. Rather enjoyed the sermon. Easy afternoon. Finished Vol. 1 of the Browning Letters - rather a feat for Active Service!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Lindsay Mackay Print: Book
James Shirley : 'Death the Leveller'
'16th. October. Thrown out at Shorncliffe, above Folkestone. Very stormy day with heavy seas running. Informed that the boat would not cross today, so took an exceedingly good lunch. After lunch we were informed that the boat would sail at 2.30 p.m. Left then, tremendous rolling and pitching. Everybody sick. I remember well standing at the rail with a general on my left hand and a major of the R.A.F. on my right, and talking to the deep with them. I felt like quoting "Death the Leveller" to them, substituting "seasickness" for "death". There was some humour in the situation. Boulogne. Put up at the Meurice and went to bed after tea.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Lindsay Mackay Print: Unknown
: [telegrams, letters, and reports]
'Bn. moved into Left sector. Macleod came back to "details" for a rest, and I went in as a/adjutant. Weather wet and cold. More "Strafes". Spent a very busy three days until night of 2nd/3rd. Nov. when we were relieved. During these three days in the line the number of letters, telegrams and reports received or sent out by me was no less than 451! I counted them! War! Eugh!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Lindsay Mackay Print: BookManuscript: Letter, Sheet
Robert Browning : The Letters of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett
'Meant to go to church, but couldn't find it, so had a fine lazy day instead. Read Browning.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Lindsay Mackay Print: BookManuscript: Letter, Sheet
Robert Browning : The Letters of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett
'Finished the Browning Letters - one of the biggest feats of the war! It has taken a tremendous effort of will on my part to get through them. Felt that if I had been in love I could have written better letters than those!!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Lindsay Mackay Print: Book
Herbert George Wells : Ann Veronica
'Saw most exciting smash of an aeroplane against the buildings and tents of the 13th. Squadron R.F.C. Machine turned turtle and nose dived. Pilot unhurt. Am doing a fair amount of reading. Enjoying "Ann Veronica" by H.G.Wells.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Lindsay Mackay Print: BookManuscript: Letter, Sheet
Edward Verrall Lucas : Mr. Ingleside
'Sunday 17th. Am pretty sure I will get back to the Battalion soon. Went to St. Pol, had lunch, bought some books. Stopped a staff car, and got back to Aubigny for tea. Shifted into a fine comfortable hut with a fire. Finished "Mr Ingleside".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Lindsay Mackay Print: BookManuscript: Letter, Sheet
Henry Jones : ?Browning as a Philosophical and Religious Teacher
'April 1st. 1918. We came out of the line at night. Back to Arras. H.Q. in cellars in the Hotel de Ville, or Town Hall. Poor Arras! It is in a worse condition than ever before. All our new erections, Y.M.C.A., huts, transport lines, and canteens and officers club are no more. I salvaged a copy of Jones' "Life of R. Browning" from the wreckage of the Y.M.C.A. Library. Our quarters are damp, and they smell. There are also rats, and the place is dark. Some of the Tommies had had a good time. There has been a bit of looting of such wine cellars and estaminets as previous bombardments had left.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Lindsay Mackay Print: BookManuscript: Letter, Sheet
: ['some novels']
'Tried stout for lunch. At 10 p.m. had stout and strawberries and cream given me (after it was dark) by two of the sisters. God bless them! "P.U.O." seems rather a good illness. (Pyrexia of unknown origin, an army classification). There are 12,000 cases of it just now in the First Army. Very cheery, but terribly weak in the back. Read some novels. McDougall of the lst/8th. is in the bed next to mine. R.K.Drummond of the Camerons is in the bed opposite. Hospital crowded out.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Lindsay Mackay Print: BookManuscript: Letter, Sheet
: Soldier Poets: Songs of the Fighting Men
'Grouped into platoons. Lectures. Finished "Soldier Poets".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Lindsay Mackay Print: BookManuscript: Letter, Sheet
William Shakespeare : The Two Noble Kinsmen
'F. E. Pollard gave a short introduction to the play of The Two Noble Kinsmen and in the ensuing reading took the part of Arcite Thos C Elliott taking Palamon and Mrs Evans and Miss Brain taking respectively the character of Emilia and her maid.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard
Shakespeare and Fletcher : The Two Noble Kinsmen
F. E. Pollard gave a short introduction to the play of The Two Noble Kinsmen and in the ensuing reading took the part of Arcite Thos C Elliott taking Palamon and Mrs Evans and Miss Brain taking respectively the character of Emilia and her maid
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Katharine S. Evans Print: Book
Nicholas Udall : Ralph Roister Doister
The evening concluded with a reading from Udalls Ralph Royster Doyster when C. E. Stansfield was Doyster H.R. Smith Merrygreek and E B Smith Custance
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Print: Book
Nicholas Udall : Ralph Roister Doister
The evening concluded with a reading from Udalls Ralph Royster Doyster when C. E. Stansfield was Doyster H.R. Smith Merrygreek and E B Smith Custance
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas C. Elliott Print: Book
William Shakespeare : The Tempest
'A meeting held at School House 4/12/28 T. C. Elliott in the chair
1 Minutes of the last read and approved
[...]
4 The Most Part of the Tempest was then read the Play being cast as follows.
Alonso King of Naples Mrs Stansfield.
Sebastian, his brother Miss Brain.
Prsopero [sic], the right Duke of Milan Mr Stansfield.
Antonio, his brother, usurping Duke of Milan Mr Elliott.
Ferdinand, son to King of Naples Mr Reynolds.
Gonzalo, honest old Counsellor Mr Rawlings.
Adrian, a Lord Mrs Pollard
Caliban, a savage and deformed slave Mr Pollard.
Trinculo, a Jester Mr Smith.
Stephano, a Drunken Butler Mr Robson
Miranda, daughter to Prospero Miss Bowman Smith
Ariel, an airy Spirit Miss Wallis
Mrs Rawlings read the stage directions
Mrs [or Mr.?] Robson sang some of Ariel’s songs.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas C. Elliott
William Shakespeare : The Tempest
'A meeting held at School House 4/12/28 T. C. Elliott in the chair
1 Minutes of the last read and approved
[...]
4 The Most Part of the Tempest was then read the Play being cast as follows.
Alonso King of Naples Mrs Stansfield.
Sebastian, his brother Miss Brain.
Prsopero [sic], the right Duke of Milan Mr Stansfield.
Antonio, his brother, usurping Duke of Milan Mr Elliott.
Ferdinand, son to King of Naples Mr Reynolds.
Gonzalo, honest old Counsellor Mr Rawlings.
Adrian, a Lord Mrs Pollard
Caliban, a savage and deformed slave Mr Pollard.
Trinculo, a Jester Mr Smith.
Stephano, a Drunken Butler Mr Robson
Miranda, daughter to Prospero Miss Bowman Smith
Ariel, an airy Spirit Miss Wallis
Mrs Rawlings read the stage directions
Mrs [or Mr.?] Robson sang some of Ariel’s songs.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield
William Shakespeare : The Tempest
'A meeting held at School House 4/12/28 T. C. Elliott in the chair
1 Minutes of the last read and approved
[...]
4 The Most Part of the Tempest was then read the Play being cast as follows.
Alonso King of Naples Mrs Stansfield.
Sebastian, his brother Miss Brain.
Prsopero [sic], the right Duke of Milan Mr Stansfield.
Antonio, his brother, usurping Duke of Milan Mr Elliott.
Ferdinand, son to King of Naples Mr Reynolds.
Gonzalo, honest old Counsellor Mr Rawlings.
Adrian, a Lord Mrs Pollard
Caliban, a savage and deformed slave Mr Pollard.
Trinculo, a Jester Mr Smith.
Stephano, a Drunken Butler Mr Robson
Miranda, daughter to Prospero Miss Bowman Smith
Ariel, an airy Spirit Miss Wallis
Mrs Rawlings read the stage directions
Mrs [or Mr.?] Robson sang some of Ariel’s songs.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds
William Shakespeare : The Tempest
'A meeting held at School House 4/12/28 T. C. Elliott in the chair
1 Minutes of the last read and approved
[...]
4 The Most Part of the Tempest was then read the Play being cast as follows.
Alonso King of Naples Mrs Stansfield.
Sebastian, his brother Miss Brain.
Prsopero [sic], the right Duke of Milan Mr Stansfield.
Antonio, his brother, usurping Duke of Milan Mr Elliott.
Ferdinand, son to King of Naples Mr Reynolds.
Gonzalo, honest old Counsellor Mr Rawlings.
Adrian, a Lord Mrs Pollard
Caliban, a savage and deformed slave Mr Pollard.
Trinculo, a Jester Mr Smith.
Stephano, a Drunken Butler Mr Robson
Miranda, daughter to Prospero Miss Bowman Smith
Ariel, an airy Spirit Miss Wallis
Mrs Rawlings read the stage directions
Mrs [or Mr.?] Robson sang some of Ariel’s songs.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis
Plato : ‘Allegory of the Cave’ from Book 7 of The Republic
'A Meeting held at Whinfell 21/1/29 Alfred Rawlings in the chair
1. Minutes of last time read and approved
[...]
4. The Subject of Plato was then taken F. E. Pollard explained briefly the subject and manner of "The Republic" following which Alfred and Janet Rawlings read one of the earlier dialogues. H. B. Lawson then gave us a most fascinatingly interesting account of Plato's life and work.
After supper Chas E. Stansfield read from Book 7 of the "Republic" "The Cave" this reading being illustrated by a diagram kindly made and explained by F. E. Pollard. F. E. Pollard then outlined for us the main thoughts of Platos [sic] Philosophy Ideas the true reality[.] The evening concluded by T. C. Elliott reading the affecting account of Socrates death in the Phaedo. Thus came to an end a most interesting evening.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Print: Book
Francis Pollard : Plato’s Philosophy: Ideas the true reality
'A Meeting held at Whinfell 21/1/29 Alfred Rawlings in the chair
1. Minutes of last time read and approved
[...]
4. The Subject of Plato was then taken F. E. Pollard explained briefly the subject and manner of "The Republic" following which Alfred and Janet Rawlings read one of the earlier dialogues. H. B. Lawson then gave us a most fascinatingly interesting account of Plato's life and work.
After supper Chas E. Stansfield read from Book 7 of the "Republic" "The Cave" this reading being illustrated by a diagram kindly made and explained by F. E. Pollard. F. E. Pollard then outlined for us the main thoughts of Platos [sic] Philosophy Ideas the true reality[.] The evening concluded by T. C. Elliott reading the affecting account of Socrates death in the Phaedo. Thus came to an end a most interesting evening.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Manuscript: Unknown
Plato : Phaedo [The account of Socrates' death]
'A Meeting held at Whinfell 21/1/29 Alfred Rawlings in the chair
1. Minutes of last time read and approved
[...]
4. The Subject of Plato was then taken F. E. Pollard explained briefly the subject and manner of "The Republic" following which Alfred and Janet Rawlings read one of the earlier dialogues. H. B. Lawson then gave us a most fascinatingly interesting account of Plato's life and work.
After supper Chas E. Stansfield read from Book 7 of the "Republic" "The Cave" this reading being illustrated by a diagram kindly made and explained by F. E. Pollard. F. E. Pollard then outlined for us the main thoughts of Platos [sic] Philosophy Ideas the true reality[.] The evening concluded by T. C. Elliott reading the affecting account of Socrates death in the Phaedo. Thus came to an end a most interesting evening.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas C. Elliot Print: Book
Thomas C. Elliott : [An estimate of Vitor Hugo's verse and his position in French literature]
'A Meeting held at Oakdene 20/2/1929 S. A. Reynolds in the chair
1. Minutes of last Meeting read and approved
[...]
4. The Subject of the evening Victor Hugo was then taken[.] Howard R Smith gave a brief sketch of his life[.] Thos C. Elliott gave some estimate of Hugos verse & his position in French literature following this up by reading in French "Boaz" & Waterloo. after supper Mis Brain read from Les Miserables which was followed by some general discussion on Hugos work. R. H. Robson read from Toilers of the sea & H. B. Lawson read from Ninety three'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas C. Elliott Manuscript: Unknown
Victor Hugo : Booz endormi, from La légende des siècles
'A Meeting held at Oakdene 20/2/1929 S. A. Reynolds in the chair
1. Minutes of last Meeting read and approved
[...]
4. The Subject of the evening Victor Hugo was then taken[.] Howard R Smith gave a brief sketch of his life[.] Thos C. Elliott gave some estimate of Hugos verse & his position in French literature following this up by reading in French "Boaz" & Waterloo. after supper Mis Brain read from Les Miserables which was followed by some general discussion on Hugos work. R. H. Robson read from Toilers of the sea & H. B. Lawson read from Ninety three'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas C. Elliott Print: Book
Victor Hugo : L’Expiation (section on Waterloo)
'A Meeting held at Oakdene 20/2/1929 S. A. Reynolds in the chair
1. Minutes of last Meeting read and approved
[...]
4. The Subject of the evening Victor Hugo was then taken[.] Howard R Smith gave a brief sketch of his life[.] Thos C. Elliott gave some estimate of Hugos verse & his position in French literature following this up by reading in French "Boaz" & Waterloo. after supper Mis Brain read from Les Miserables which was followed by some general discussion on Hugos work. R. H. Robson read from Toilers of the sea & H. B. Lawson read from Ninety three'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas C. Elliott Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Henry IV Part 1 (Act II scene I: the men in buckram)
'A Meeting held at Grove House May 3rd H. B. Lawson in the chair
Min 1. Minutes of last Read and approved
[...]
[Min] 4 The Subject of the evening "Humour" was then introduced by H. B. Lawson who fascinated us by his thoughtful attempts to define his subject[.] An interesting discussion followed in which the disputants backed their opinions by literary allusion and we were led to wonder if Humour flowed from F E Pollards heart & wit from R H Robsons head.
After Supper the Club settled down to enjoy the following selections chosen to represent English Humour in literature down the
Ages[:]
Prologue of Chaucers Canterbury Tales The Prioress & Wife of Bath read by Howard R. Smith
Shakespeares Henry IV The Men in Buckram read by R. H Robson Fallstaff
[ditto] S. A. Reynolds Poins
[ditto] C. E. Stansfield Prince Hall [sic]
[ditto] Geo Burrow Gadshill
Jane Austin Pride & Prejudice Mr. Collins proposes
[ditto] Mrs Robson
Charles Dickens David Copperfield Mrs Micawber on her husbands career[?] Geo Burrow
Charles Lamb A Letter Alfred Rawlings
Lewis Carrols Alice in Wonderland The Lobster Quadrill Mary Reynolds
Jerome K. Jerome Three Men in a Boat Uncle Podger hangs a picture F. E. Pollard
Hilaire Belloc Cautionary Tales "George" recited by Howard R. Smith'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Print: Book
William Shakespeare : Henry IV Part 1 (Act II scene I: the men in buckram)
'A Meeting held at Grove House May 3rd H. B. Lawson in the chair
Min 1. Minutes of last Read and approved
[...]
[Min] 4 The Subject of the evening "Humour" was then introduced by H. B. Lawson who fascinated us by his thoughtful attempts to define his subject[.] An interesting discussion followed in which the disputants backed their opinions by literary allusion and we were led to wonder if Humour flowed from F E Pollards heart & wit from R H Robsons head.
After Supper the Club settled down to enjoy the following selections chosen to represent English Humour in literature down the
Ages[:]
Prologue of Chaucers Canterbury Tales The Prioress & Wife of Bath read by Howard R. Smith
Shakespeares Henry IV The Men in Buckram read by R. H Robson Fallstaff
[ditto] S. A. Reynolds Poins
[ditto] C. E. Stansfield Prince Hall [sic]
[ditto] Geo Burrow Gadshill
Jane Austin Pride & Prejudice Mr. Collins proposes
[ditto] Mrs Robson
Charles Dickens David Copperfield Mrs Micawber on her husbands career[?] Geo Burrow
Charles Lamb A Letter Alfred Rawlings
Lewis Carrols Alice in Wonderland The Lobster Quadrill Mary Reynolds
Jerome K. Jerome Three Men in a Boat Uncle Podger hangs a picture F. E. Pollard
Hilaire Belloc Cautionary Tales "George" recited by Howard R. Smith'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Print: Book
Jerome K. Jerome : Three Men in a Boat
'A Meeting held at Grove House May 3rd H. B. Lawson in the chair
Min 1. Minutes of last Read and approved
[...]
[Min] 4 The Subject of the evening "Humour" was then introduced by H. B. Lawson who fascinated us by his thoughtful attempts to define his subject[.] An interesting discussion followed in which the disputants backed their opinions by literary allusion and we were led to wonder if Humour flowed from F E Pollards heart & wit from R H Robsons head.
After Supper the Club settled down to enjoy the following selections chosen to represent English Humour in literature down the
Ages[:]
Prologue of Chaucers Canterbury Tales The Prioress & Wife of Bath read by Howard R. Smith
Shakespeares Henry IV The Men in Buckram read by R. H Robson Fallstaff
[ditto] S. A. Reynolds Poins
[ditto] C. E. Stansfield Prince Hall [sic]
[ditto] Geo Burrow Gadshill
Jane Austin Pride & Prejudice Mr. Collins proposes
[ditto] Mrs Robson
Charles Dickens David Copperfield Mrs Micawber on her husbands career[?] Geo Burrow
Charles Lamb A Letter Alfred Rawlings
Lewis Carrols Alice in Wonderland The Lobster Quadrill Mary Reynolds
Jerome K. Jerome Three Men in a Boat Uncle Podger hangs a picture F. E. Pollard
Hilaire Belloc Cautionary Tales "George" recited by Howard R. Smith'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard
Robert Graves :
'Robert Graves lent me his manuscript poems to read: some very bad, violent and repulsive. A few full of promise and real beauty. He oughtn't to publish yet.'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Siegfried Sassoon
Francis Pollard : [A survey of modern American literature]
'A Meeting held at Broomfield June 6 1929
Geo H Burrow in the chair
Min 1. Minutes of last time read and approved
[...]
5 The Subject of the evening Modern American Literature was then taken F. E. Pollard introducing us to a number of Authors in a short general Survey. Geo Burrows then read us several short examples in Verse[.]
Rosamund Wallis read two passages from "the Bridge of St Louis Rey" by Thornton Wilder[.]
Thos C. Elliott read an essay on "War" by George Santiana[.]
Chas E Stansfield read a poem "Renaissance by E. St Vincent Millay[.]
R. H. Robson gave us two readings from Sinclair Lewis’s Babbit'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Manuscript: Unknown
Thornton Wilder : The Bridge of San Luis Rey
'A Meeting held at Broomfield June 6 1929
Geo H Burrow in the chair
Min 1. Minutes of last time read and approved
[...]
5 The Subject of the evening Modern American Literature was then taken F. E. Pollard introducing us to a number of Authors in a short general Survey. Geo Burrows then read us several short examples in Verse[.]
Rosamund Wallis read two passages from "the Bridge of St Louis Rey" by Thornton Wilder[.]
Thos C. Elliott read an essay on "War" by George Santiana[.]
Chas E Stansfield read a poem "Renaissance by E. St Vincent Millay[.]
R. H. Robson gave us two readings from Sinclair Lewis’s Babbit'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
George Santayana : [An essay on war]
'A Meeting held at Broomfield June 6 1929
Geo H Burrow in the chair
Min 1. Minutes of last time read and approved
[...]
5 The Subject of the evening Modern American Literature was then taken F. E. Pollard introducing us to a number of Authors in a short general Survey. Geo Burrows then read us several short examples in Verse[.]
Rosamund Wallis read two passages from "the Bridge of St Louis Rey" by Thornton Wilder[.]
Thos C. Elliott read an essay on "War" by George Santiana[.]
Chas E Stansfield read a poem "Renaissance by E. St Vincent Millay[.]
R. H. Robson gave us two readings from Sinclair Lewis’s Babbit'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas C. Elliott
Edna St. Vincent Millay : Renascence and Other Poems
'A Meeting held at Broomfield June 6 1929
Geo H Burrow in the chair
Min 1. Minutes of last time read and approved
[...]
5 The Subject of the evening Modern American Literature was then taken F. E. Pollard introducing us to a number of Authors in a short general Survey. Geo Burrows then read us several short examples in Verse[.]
Rosamund Wallis read two passages from "the Bridge of St Louis Rey" by Thornton Wilder[.]
Thos C. Elliott read an essay on "War" by George Santiana[.]
Chas E Stansfield read a poem "Renaissance by E. St Vincent Millay[.]
R. H. Robson gave us two readings from Sinclair Lewis’s Babbit'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield
Charles E. Stansfield : [essay on a Swiss holiday]
'A Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue 25th September 1929 C. E Stansfield in the chair
Min 1. Minutes of last time read and approved
2 Mrs T C Elliott was wellcomed to the club in a felicitous speech by the chairman
3 The Secretary read a letter of resignation of Membership from Muriel Bowman Smith he was directed unanimously to ask her to reconsider the matter.
[...]
7 Holiday Essays were read R H Robson a family holiday at Mort[?] Geo Burrow The Jamboree & thoughts thereon C. E. Stansfield on a Swiss Holiday whilst H M Wallis chatted on some aspects of Bordighera.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Gilbert Murray : [Introduction to his translation of Euripides’ Alcestis]
'A Meeting held at 30 Northcourt Avenue 19/10/29 Miss E. C. Stevens in the chair
1. Minutes of last time read and approved
[...]
5 F E Pollard then introduced "The Alcestis" of Euripides by reading from Gilbert Murray's
introduction of his translation of the play, Which was read in parts after refreshments the
parts being taken as follows
Apollo S.A. Reynolds
Thanatos C. I. Evans
Elders C. E Stansfield & Miss Brain
Choros T. C. Elliott
Handmaid Mrs Pollard
Admetus F. E. Pollard
Alcestis Mrs Elliott
Little Boy Mrs Pollard
Heracles H. R. Smith
Phaeres [sic] Geo Burrow
Servant S. A. Reynolds'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
Euripides : Alcestis
'A Meeting held at 30 Northcourt Avenue 19/10/29 Miss E. C. Stevens in the chair
1. Minutes of last time read and approved
[...]
5 F E Pollard then introduced "The Alcestis" of Euripides by reading from Gilbert Murray's
introduction of his translation of the play, Which was read in parts after refreshments the
parts being taken as follows
Apollo S.A. Reynolds
Thanatos C. I. Evans
Elders C. E Stansfield & Miss Brain
Choros T. C. Elliott
Handmaid Mrs Pollard
Admetus F. E. Pollard
Alcestis Mrs Elliott
Little Boy Mrs Pollard
Heracles H. R. Smith
Phaeres [sic] Geo Burrow
Servant S. A. Reynolds'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Roof
Meeting held at Broomfield June 3rd 1930
G. Burrow in the chair
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
7. John Galsworthys “The Roof” was then read in parts
Gustave C.E. Stanfield
Hon R Fanning R. H. Robson
Major Moultenay H. M. Wallis
Baker H. R. Smith
Brice T. C. Elliott
Mr Beeton S. A. Reynolds
Mrs Beeton E. B. Smith
H. Lennox Geo Burrow
Evelyn Lennox Celia Burrow
Diana D. Brain
Brye J. Rawlings
A Nurse R. Wallis
A Young Man F. E. Pollard
A Young Woman Mrs Pollard
Froba Mrs Robson
Two Pompiers Thomas C. Elliott
Miss Stevens read the stage directions
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas C. Elliott Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Roof
Meeting held at Broomfield June 3rd 1930
G. Burrow in the chair
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
7. John Galsworthys “The Roof” was then read in parts
Gustave C.E. Stanfield
Hon R Fanning R. H. Robson
Major Moultenay H. M. Wallis
Baker H. R. Smith
Brice T. C. Elliott
Mr Beeton S. A. Reynolds
Mrs Beeton E. B. Smith
H. Lennox Geo Burrow
Evelyn Lennox Celia Burrow
Diana D. Brain
Brye J. Rawlings
A Nurse R. Wallis
A Young Man F. E. Pollard
A Young Woman Mrs Pollard
Froba Mrs Robson
Two Pompiers Thomas C. Elliott
Miss Stevens read the stage directions
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Roof
Meeting held at Broomfield June 3rd 1930
G. Burrow in the chair
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
7. John Galsworthys “The Roof” was then read in parts
Gustave C.E. Stanfield
Hon R Fanning R. H. Robson
Major Moultenay H. M. Wallis
Baker H. R. Smith
Brice T. C. Elliott
Mr Beeton S. A. Reynolds
Mrs Beeton E. B. Smith
H. Lennox Geo Burrow
Evelyn Lennox Celia Burrow
Diana D. Brain
Brye J. Rawlings
A Nurse R. Wallis
A Young Man F. E. Pollard
A Young Woman Mrs Pollard
Froba Mrs Robson
Two Pompiers Thomas C. Elliott
Miss Stevens read the stage directions
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The Roof
Meeting held at Broomfield June 3rd 1930
G. Burrow in the chair
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
7. John Galsworthys “The Roof” was then read in parts
Gustave C.E. Stanfield
Hon R Fanning R. H. Robson
Major Moultenay H. M. Wallis
Baker H. R. Smith
Brice T. C. Elliott
Mr Beeton S. A. Reynolds
Mrs Beeton E. B. Smith
H. Lennox Geo Burrow
Evelyn Lennox Celia Burrow
Diana D. Brain
Brye J. Rawlings
A Nurse R. Wallis
A Young Man F. E. Pollard
A Young Woman Mrs Pollard
Froba Mrs Robson
Two Pompiers Thomas C. Elliott
Miss Stevens read the stage directions
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis Pollard Print: Book
John Masefield : Philip the King
Meeting held at Ashton Lodge July 10th 1930
H. M. Wallis in the chair
Min 1. Minutes of last meeting approved
[...]
5 The subject of John Masefield was then taken
Geo Burrow gave some account of his life
Mrs Burrow read 2 poems "Beauty" & "Posted Missing"
H. M. Wallis read from the novel Sard Harker a thrilling account of an escape from a bog.
Violet Clough read from "Midsummer Night".
After refreshments "Phillip the King" was read in parts & much enjoyed the parts being taken as
opposite.
King Phillip C. B. Castle
His Daughter the Infanta Mrs Castle
Various Ghosts Mrs Pollard
The Captain H.R. Smith
De Leyva S.A. Reynolds
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds
Robert Story : The Poetical Works Of Robert Story
'Dear Sir,—I have received your beautiful volume, probably the finest bit of typography that ever came before me; and have looked over it with interest and pleasure—certainly with hearty good will to the amiable and worthy brother-man who sketches out in that manner his pilgrimage through this confused world, alongside me. A certain rustic vigour of life, breezy freshness, as of the Cheviot hills; a kindly healthiness of soul breathes every where out of the book. No one that reads it, I should think, but will feel himself better for its influences. I can honestly wish success to it; and to its author, peace and comfort for the days and years that remain. With many thanks and regards, I remain, yours sincerely. T. CARLYLE.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Carlyle Print: Book
Robert Southey : [extracts from the "Epics" published in the "Monthly Review"]
'When Southey becomes as modest as his predecessor Milton, and publishes his Epics in duodecimo, I will read 'em, - a Guinea a book is somewhat exorbitant, nor have I the opportunity of borrowing the Work. The extracts from it in the Monthly Review, and the short passages in your Watchman seem to me much superior to any thing in his partnership account with Lovell.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb Print: Serial / periodical, Extracts from book in periodical.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge : Religious Musings
'Your poems I shall procure forthwith. There were noble lines in what you inserted in one of your Numbers from Religious Musings, but I thought them elaborate. I am somewhat glad that you have given up that Paper - it must have been dry, unprofitable, and of "dissonant mood" to your disposition.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles Lamb Print: Serial / periodical, Extracts from poems in periodical.
Osbert or Sacheverell Sitwell :
'Meeting held at 70, Northcourt Avenue: 2. VI. 31 Charles E. Stansfield in the chair 1. Minutes of last approved [...] 7. The subject of the Sitwells was introduced by George Burrow who read spicy biographical extracts from Who's Who about the father Sir George Reresby, the sister Edith, and the brothers Osbert and Sacheverell. [...] Relieved by this happy if unexpected dénouement we settled ourselves in renewed confidence to listen to readings from the poetry of Edith. Alfred Rawlings read us parts of Sleeping Beauty & Celia Burrow the story of Perrine. Then for the work of Osbert and Sacheverell. H. M. Wallis gave us an amusing & tantalising paper entitled "Southern Baroque Art". This was followed by further reading from Mary Pollard, Alfred Rawlings, Charles Stansfield, & George Burrow.'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield
Frederic Soulie : La Lionne
'From the toshie Soulie I have unearthed another flawed jewel of energy and drunken Genius: - La Lionne ...'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Frederic Soulie : La Comtesse de Monrion
'From the toshie Soulie I have unearthed another flawed jewel of energy and drunken Genius: - La Lionne, followed by La Comtesse de Monrion.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Frederic Soulie : Le Fils de la Folle
'From the toshie Soulie I have unearthed another flawed jewel of energy and drunken Genius: - La Lionne, followed by La Comtesse de Monrion... I have also read a play by him: Le Fils de la Folle.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Book
Francis E. Pollard : [on the spirit of cricket]
'Meeting held at Fairlight: 9 Denmark Rd. 18th April 1932.
Francis Pollard in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
br/>[...]
4. F. E. Pollard then spoke on the spirit of Cricket, telling some good anecdotes to illustrate its fun and its art, both for those who play & those who frequently see it.[...]
5. Readings were then given by Victor Alexander from Nyren, by Howard Smith from Francis Thompson, & by R. H. Robson from de Delincourt's "The Cricket Match".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Manuscript: Unknown
Molière [pseud.] : The Misanthrope
Meeting held at Eynsham, Shinfield Rd, 31.5.32.
George Burrow in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last approved
[...]
6. Victor Alexander then gave an outline of the career of Molière, & a sketch of the life of the XVIIth Century in France.
[...]
7. There followed a reading of the Misanthrope - abridged - in translation. The parts were taken as follows:
Philinte Charles Stansfield
Alceste Frank Pollard
Oronte George Burrow
Célimène Rosamund Wallis
Basque Sylvanus Reynolds
Eliante Mary S. W. Pollard
Clitandre Edgar Castle
Acaste Henry M. Wallis
A Guard Victor Alexander
Arsinoë [Arsinoé] Mary E. Robson
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Print: Book
Molière [pseud.] : The Misanthrope
Meeting held at Eynsham, Shinfield Rd, 31.5.32.
George Burrow in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last approved
[...]
6. Victor Alexander then gave an outline of the career of Molière, & a sketch of the life of the XVIIth Century in France.
[...]
7. There followed a reading of the Misanthrope - abridged - in translation. The parts were taken as follows:
Philinte Charles Stansfield
Alceste Frank Pollard
Oronte George Burrow
Célimène Rosamund Wallis
Basque Sylvanus Reynolds
Eliante Mary S. W. Pollard
Clitandre Edgar Castle
Acaste Henry M. Wallis
A Guard Victor Alexander
Arsinoë [Arsinoé] Mary E. Robson
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Print: Book
Molière [pseud.] : The Misanthrope
Meeting held at Eynsham, Shinfield Rd, 31.5.32.
George Burrow in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last approved
[...]
6. Victor Alexander then gave an outline of the career of Molière, & a sketch of the life of the XVIIth Century in France.
[...]
7. There followed a reading of the Misanthrope - abridged - in translation. The parts were taken as follows:
Philinte Charles Stansfield
Alceste Frank Pollard
Oronte George Burrow
Célimène Rosamund Wallis
Basque Sylvanus Reynolds
Eliante Mary S. W. Pollard
Clitandre Edgar Castle
Acaste Henry M. Wallis
A Guard Victor Alexander
Arsinoë [Arsinoé] Mary E. Robson
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
Molière [pseud.] : The Misanthrope
Meeting held at Eynsham, Shinfield Rd, 31.5.32.
George Burrow in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last approved
[...]
6. Victor Alexander then gave an outline of the career of Molière, & a sketch of the life of the XVIIth Century in France.
[...]
7. There followed a reading of the Misanthrope - abridged - in translation. The parts were taken as follows:
Philinte Charles Stansfield
Alceste Frank Pollard
Oronte George Burrow
Célimène Rosamund Wallis
Basque Sylvanus Reynolds
Eliante Mary S. W. Pollard
Clitandre Edgar Castle
Acaste Henry M. Wallis
A Guard Victor Alexander
Arsinoë [Arsinoé] Mary E. Robson
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Print: Book
Charles E. Stansfield : [a paper on Goethe]
Meeting held at Reckitt House, Leighton Park: 22.6.32
Reginald H. Robson in the Chair.
1. Minutes of the last read. It was felt that Minute 6 needed some amplification, & Charles Stansfield was asked to do this. His more than kind amplification is appended.
[...]
8. After adjournment for supper, the Goethe evening was begun by Mary E Robson. She sang the song "Knowst thou the land". The music is by Beethoven. In this and her other songs Mary Robson was kindly accompanied by Caroline Pollard.
9. A Reading from Goethe was next given by Mary S. W. Pollard.
10. Reginald H. Robson read a paper on the life of Goethe. If there were any who had thought of Goethe exclusively as a poet, they must have been amazed at his vesitality. Philosopher, poet, statesman, scientist, he seems to have been "everything by turns and nothing long", except indeed a lover [...].
11. We had been much intrigued with Mrs Robson's description of the Sorrows of Werther, especially when our friend warned us that those who came under the spell of this book usually commited suicide after reading it. We felt accordingly grateful to Mrs. Robson who had read it on our behalf, and flirted with death for our sakes, and not a little apprehensive when Janet Rawlings read us an extract from it. All passed off well, however. [...]
12. George Burrow read a song from Goethe's Gefunden.
13. Mary Robson sang "My peace is o'er" from Faust.
14. A Reading from the same play was given by Elisabeth & Victor Alexander
15. Another song "Little wild rose, wild rose red." was sung by Mary Robson.
16. Finally Charles E. Stansfield gave us his paper on Goethe. He referred to the lack of the political sense in the German people of those days, & showed Goethe as quite content to acquiesce in the paternal government of his small state. He described the influence of Herde[,] Klopstock, Lessing, Shakespeare, &, quaintly enough, of Goldsmith on Goethe. In speaking of the poet's scientific interests he told us of his discovery of the intermaxillary bone & of Goethe's ceaseless efforts to acquire truth.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Francis E. Pollard : [an account of the life of Walter Scott]
Meeting held at Ashton Lodge, Kendrick Rd., 13.x.32.
Henry M. Wallis in the chair
1. Minutes of last read & approved.
[...]
5. Francis E. Pollard then gave us an account of the life of Scott, interspersed with racy anecdotes. He gave us a lively picture of Scott's romantic outlook & of his keen historical interests.
6. Alfred Rawlings, who is endeared to us among other reasons as the stormy petrel of the Club, next launched an attack upon Scott as a poet, decrying his imperfections and slovenliness.
7. Henry M. Wallis then entertained us with the later work of Scott. Speaking as one wizard of another he almost succeeed in making us believe that he had been Scott's contemporary, & under his spell we caught something of the dazzling popularity of Scott's writings throughout the whole of Europe, and in particular of the cult for the Highlands and the Highlanders which sprang into being from his pen.
8. Towards the end of the evening we heard three readings, the first from Ivanhoe by Charles Stansfield who used the supper scenne in which Friar Tuch entertains the unknown knight, the second from the Heart of Midlothian by Frank Pollard in which Jeannie Deans pleads for her sister's life, & the third from Old Mortality by Rosamund Wallis describing the interrogation and torture inflicted upon the Covenanters.
All three readings held us enthralled, & all three papers aroused the maximum of discussion which a benevolent Chairman and a lenient hostess could allow. The time sped on beyond our usual hours, and as we took our leave we were still talking Scott.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Manuscript: Unknown
Walter Scott : Ivanhoe
Meeting held at Ashton Lodge, Kendrick Rd., 13.x.32.
Henry M. Wallis in the chair
1. Minutes of last read & approved.
[...]
5. Francis E. Pollard then gave us an account of the life of Scott, interspersed with racy anecdotes. He gave us a lively picture of Scott's romantic outlook & of his keen historical interests.
6. Alfred Rawlings, who is endeared to us among other reasons as the stormy petrel of the Club, next launched an attack upon Scott as a poet, decrying his imperfections and slovenliness.
7. Henry M. Wallis then entertained us with the later work of Scott. Speaking as one wizard of another he almost succeeed in making us believe that he had been Scott's contemporary, & under his spell we caught something of the dazzling popularity of Scott's writings throughout the whole of Europe, and in particular of the cult for the Highlands and the Highlanders which sprang into being from his pen.
8. Towards the end of the evening we heard three readings, the first from Ivanhoe by Charles Stansfield who used the supper scenne in which Friar Tuch entertains the unknown knight, the second from the Heart of Midlothian by Frank Pollard in which Jeannie Deans pleads for her sister's life, & the third from Old Mortality by Rosamund Wallis describing the interrogation and torture inflicted upon the Covenanters.
All three readings held us enthralled, & all three papers aroused the maximum of discussion which a benevolent Chairman and a lenient hostess could allow. The time sped on beyond our usual hours, and as we took our leave we were still talking Scott.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Print: Book
Walter Scott : The Heart of Midlothian
Meeting held at Ashton Lodge, Kendrick Rd., 13.x.32.
Henry M. Wallis in the chair
1. Minutes of last read & approved.
[...]
5. Francis E. Pollard then gave us an account of the life of Scott, interspersed with racy anecdotes. He gave us a lively picture of Scott's romantic outlook & of his keen historical interests.
6. Alfred Rawlings, who is endeared to us among other reasons as the stormy petrel of the Club, next launched an attack upon Scott as a poet, decrying his imperfections and slovenliness.
7. Henry M. Wallis then entertained us with the later work of Scott. Speaking as one wizard of another he almost succeeed in making us believe that he had been Scott's contemporary, & under his spell we caught something of the dazzling popularity of Scott's writings throughout the whole of Europe, and in particular of the cult for the Highlands and the Highlanders which sprang into being from his pen.
8. Towards the end of the evening we heard three readings, the first from Ivanhoe by Charles Stansfield who used the supper scenne in which Friar Tuch entertains the unknown knight, the second from the Heart of Midlothian by Frank Pollard in which Jeannie Deans pleads for her sister's life, & the third from Old Mortality by Rosamund Wallis describing the interrogation and torture inflicted upon the Covenanters.
All three readings held us enthralled, & all three papers aroused the maximum of discussion which a benevolent Chairman and a lenient hostess could allow. The time sped on beyond our usual hours, and as we took our leave we were still talking Scott.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Print: Book
Walter Scott : Old Mortality
Meeting held at Ashton Lodge, Kendrick Rd., 13.x.32.
Henry M. Wallis in the chair
1. Minutes of last read & approved.
[...]
5. Francis E. Pollard then gave us an account of the life of Scott, interspersed with racy anecdotes. He gave us a lively picture of Scott's romantic outlook & of his keen historical interests.
6. Alfred Rawlings, who is endeared to us among other reasons as the stormy petrel of the Club, next launched an attack upon Scott as a poet, decrying his imperfections and slovenliness.
7. Henry M. Wallis then entertained us with the later work of Scott. Speaking as one wizard of another he almost succeeed in making us believe that he had been Scott's contemporary, & under his spell we caught something of the dazzling popularity of Scott's writings throughout the whole of Europe, and in particular of the cult for the Highlands and the Highlanders which sprang into being from his pen.
8. Towards the end of the evening we heard three readings, the first from Ivanhoe by Charles Stansfield who used the supper scenne in which Friar Tuch entertains the unknown knight, the second from the Heart of Midlothian by Frank Pollard in which Jeannie Deans pleads for her sister's life, & the third from Old Mortality by Rosamund Wallis describing the interrogation and torture inflicted upon the Covenanters.
All three readings held us enthralled, & all three papers aroused the maximum of discussion which a benevolent Chairman and a lenient hostess could allow. The time sped on beyond our usual hours, and as we took our leave we were still talking Scott.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
Henry M. Wallis : [Of a medium, a photograph, a Twentieth Century Officer & a suit of medieval armour]
Meeting held at Fairlight, Denmark Rd.: 21.iii.33
Francis E. Pollard in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved.
5. Eight anonymous essays were then read. In some of these the subject treated or the style of the author made recognition comparatively easy, but others were provocative of much ingenious speculation. A paper on English Justice proved to be the most discussed during the interval. Rival tipsters gave in confidence the names of Mrs. Stansfield & Robert Pollard as the author, one of them purporting to recognize - or coming perilously close to so doing - Mrs. Stansfield’s opinion of her fellow magistrates, while the other detected just that ingenious combination of Fascism and Bolshevism that Robert Pollard would enjoy putting up for the Club’s mystification. Further conflicting theories attributed the authorship to Henry Marriage Wallis or Howard Smith, & this last proved correct[....]
Another essay which stirred debate told of a medium, a photograph, a Twentieth Century Officer & a suit of medieval armour. It was told with that precision of detail that marks either the experienced writer of fiction or the worshipper of truth. And as if to darken counsel there was an open allusion to Bordighera. Suspicious though we were, & in spite of every appearance of our being right, we adhered to the view that the author must be H. M. Wallis.
Time & space do not allow adequate record of all the papers, but it must be mentioned that three of the eight came from the Rawlings family: a thoughtful essay by Alfred Rawlings needed a second reading if it were to be seriously discussed, some interesting reminiscences by Helen Rawlings made very good hearing, & Moroccan memories by Janet helped to make a most varied programme.
Other essays were "Safety First" by Charles E. Stansfield, and "The English - are they modest? " by Edgar Castle, both of which added some humorous touches to the evening.
A list of essayists, & their readers, follows.
Mrs Castle read a paper by Alfred Rawlings
Janet Rawlings read a paper by Helen Rawlings
Charles Stansfield read a paper by Henry M. Wallis
Reginald Robson read a paper by Howard Smith
George Burrow read a paper by Reginald Robson
Alfred Rawlings read a paper by Edgar Castle
Howard Smith read a paper by Janet Rawlings
Mrs Pollard read a paper by Charles E. Stansfield.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Thomas Hughes : Tom Brown's Schooldays
Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue 28/4/1933
C. E. Stansfield in the chair
1 Minutes of last read and approved
2 For the Next Meeting's subject "The Jew in Literature" was chosen with Geo Burrow H. R. & E. B. Smith as committee
[...]
4 The evening's subject of Berkshire in Literature was then opened up by Charles E. Stansfield reading from Tom Browns School days a description of the Vale of the White Horse[.] He carried us into a quietude of time & space where a great lover of the Vale tells of the great open downs & the vale to the north of them.
Dorothy Brain told us something of Old Berkshire Ballads surprising us with their number & variety & read an amusing Ballad about a lad who died of eating custard, & the Lay of the Hunted Pig.
C. E. Stansfield read an introduction to "Summer is a Cumen In"which was then played and sung on the Gramophone.
H. R. Smith read a description of "Reading a Hundred Years Ago" from "Some Worthies of Reading"
F. E. Pollard introduced Mary Russell Mitford to the Club giving a short account of her life and Work quoting with approval a description of her as "A prose Crabbe in the Sun"
M. S. W. Pollard read "The Gypsy" from "Our Village"
Geo Burrows gave us a short Reading from Mathew Arnolds "Scholar Gypsy" and a longer one from "Thyrsis"[.] During this the Stansfield "Mackie" put in a striking piece of synchronization.
E. B. Castle read an interesting account of the Bucklebury Bowl Turner from H. V. Mortons "In Search of England".
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Print: Book
Charles E. Stansfield : [an introduction to 'Sumer Is Icumen In']
Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue 28/4/1933
C. E. Stansfield in the chair
1 Minutes of last read and approved
2 For the Next Meeting's subject "The Jew in Literature" was chosen with Geo Burrow H. R. & E. B. Smith as committee
[...]
4 The evening's subject of Berkshire in Literature was then opened up by Charles E. Stansfield reading from Tom Browns School days a description of the Vale of the White Horse[.] He carried us into a quietude of time & space where a great lover of the Vale tells of the great open downs & the vale to the north of them.
Dorothy Brain told us something of Old Berkshire Ballads surprising us with their number & variety & read an amusing Ballad about a lad who died of eating custard, & the Lay of the Hunted Pig.
C. E. Stansfield read an introduction to "Summer is a Cumen In"which was then played and sung on the Gramophone.
H. R. Smith read a description of "Reading a Hundred Years Ago" from "Some Worthies of Reading"
F. E. Pollard introduced Mary Russell Mitford to the Club giving a short account of her life and Work quoting with approval a description of her as "A prose Crabbe in the Sun"
M. S. W. Pollard read "The Gypsy" from "Our Village"
Geo Burrows gave us a short Reading from Mathew Arnolds "Scholar Gypsy" and a longer one from "Thyrsis"[.] During this the Stansfield "Mackie" put in a striking piece of synchronization.
E. B. Castle read an interesting account of the Bucklebury Bowl Turner from H. V. Mortons "In Search of England".
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Francis E. Pollard : [a short account of the life and work of Mary Russell Mitford]
Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue 28/4/1933
C. E. Stansfield in the chair
1 Minutes of last read and approved
2 For the Next Meeting's subject "The Jew in Literature" was chosen with Geo Burrow H. R. & E. B. Smith as committee
[...]
4 The evening's subject of Berkshire in Literature was then opened up by Charles E. Stansfield reading from Tom Browns School days a description of the Vale of the White Horse[.] He carried us into a quietude of time & space where a great lover of the Vale tells of the great open downs & the vale to the north of them.
Dorothy Brain told us something of Old Berkshire Ballads surprising us with their number & variety & read an amusing Ballad about a lad who died of eating custard, & the Lay of the Hunted Pig.
C. E. Stansfield read an introduction to "Summer is a Cumen In"which was then played and sung on the Gramophone.
H. R. Smith read a description of "Reading a Hundred Years Ago" from "Some Worthies of Reading"
F. E. Pollard introduced Mary Russell Mitford to the Club giving a short account of her life and Work quoting with approval a description of her as "A prose Crabbe in the Sun"
M. S. W. Pollard read "The Gypsy" from "Our Village"
Geo Burrows gave us a short Reading from Mathew Arnolds "Scholar Gypsy" and a longer one from "Thyrsis"[.] During this the Stansfield "Mackie" put in a striking piece of synchronization.
E. B. Castle read an interesting account of the Bucklebury Bowl Turner from H. V. Mortons "In Search of England".
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Manuscript: Unknown
Howard Smith : Newcomers to Reading
Meeting held at Oakdene, Northcourt Av, 20.3.34.
Sylvanus A. Reynolds in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved, in the teeth of one dissident.
[...]
5. We then proceeded to the anonymous essays and members felt on excellent terms with themselves at the prospect of hearing some attractive reading and of eluding or inflicting a good hoax or two.
The first essay opened discreetly without title on the theme of “Newcomers to Reading”, going on to a description of the neighbourhood, its beauties its quaint place names and historical associations. […]
6. Next came a paper on “Uniforms”. The writer was considered by one or two to show the observation of the masculine mind and the style of the feminine. […]
7. Then came a letter to "My dear Twelve" written with the unmistakeable touch of the practised writer. […]
8. We listened, too, with equal interest to a paper called “Canaries”, telling us something of the progress and perambulations of our latest migrant members. Moreover two or three of our number were able to follow their doings with particular appreciation, having mad much the same trip themselves. […]
9. All of us were a good deal non plussed by “Hors d’Oeuvres”, an essay not inappropriately named, for it contained a perplexing mixture of fare, and certainly stimulated our appetite. […]
10. Hardly less difficult was “Glastonbury”. Many of us had visited it, and so were able to follow closely the author’s points. But few of us knew enough of its history and legend to be sure whether or no our one professional historian had set his wits before us. So we gave up reasoning and just guessed. […]
11. Finally we heard “Spoonbill”. It was a noteworthy paper, combining the love of the naturalist for the birds he watches with the craft of the writer in the language he uses. […]
12. Here is the complete list. —
“Newcomers to Reading” by H. R. Smith, read by F. E. Pollard
“Uniforms” by Janet Rawlings, read by Elizabeth Alexander
“My dear Twelve” by H. M. Wallis, read by S. A. Reynolds
“Canaries” by C. E. Stansfield, read by Dorothy Brain
“Hors d’Oeuvres” by Dorothy Brain, read by R. H. Robson
“Glastonbury” by Mrs Goadby, read by H. R. Smith
“The Spoonbill” by W. Russell Brain, read by Mrs. Robson
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Manuscript: Unknown
Henry Marriage Wallis : My dear Twelve
Meeting held at Oakdene, Northcourt Av, 20.3.34.
Sylvanus A. Reynolds in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved, in the teeth of one dissident.
[...]
5. We then proceeded to the anonymous essays and members felt on excellent terms with themselves at the prospect of hearing some attractive reading and of eluding or inflicting a good hoax or two.
The first essay opened discreetly without title on the theme of “Newcomers to Reading”, going on to a description of the neighbourhood, its beauties its quaint place names and historical associations. […]
6. Next came a paper on “Uniforms”. The writer was considered by one or two to show the observation of the masculine mind and the style of the feminine. […]
7. Then came a letter to "My dear Twelve" written with the unmistakeable touch of the practised writer. […]
8. We listened, too, with equal interest to a paper called “Canaries”, telling us something of the progress and perambulations of our latest migrant members. Moreover two or three of our number were able to follow their doings with particular appreciation, having mad much the same trip themselves. […]
9. All of us were a good deal non plussed by “Hors d’Oeuvres”, an essay not inappropriately named, for it contained a perplexing mixture of fare, and certainly stimulated our appetite. […]
10. Hardly less difficult was “Glastonbury”. Many of us had visited it, and so were able to follow closely the author’s points. But few of us knew enough of its history and legend to be sure whether or no our one professional historian had set his wits before us. So we gave up reasoning and just guessed. […]
11. Finally we heard “Spoonbill”. It was a noteworthy paper, combining the love of the naturalist for the birds he watches with the craft of the writer in the language he uses. […]
12. Here is the complete list. —
“Newcomers to Reading” by H. R. Smith, read by F. E. Pollard
“Uniforms” by Janet Rawlings, read by Elizabeth Alexander
“My dear Twelve” by H. M. Wallis, read by S. A. Reynolds
“Canaries” by C. E. Stansfield, read by Dorothy Brain
“Hors d’Oeuvres” by Dorothy Brain, read by R. H. Robson
“Glastonbury” by Mrs Goadby, read by H. R. Smith
“The Spoonbill” by W. Russell Brain, read by Mrs. Robson
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Manuscript: Unknown
William Wordsworth : Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802
'Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue: 18. 6. 35.
Charles E. Stansfield in the Chair
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
2. The Secretary then read a letter from Marjorie C. Cole, expressing her interest in the Book Club and offering us a book “Gone Rambling” by Cecil Roberts which she had recently read with enjoyment. [...]
[...]
6. The large subject of London was then opened by Howard Smith. He spoke of the extraordinary insistence of the divergent views as its origin, leaning to the opinion that it owed its beginnings to to a variety of causes.
[...]
7. Extracts from Defoe’s Journal of the Great Plague were then read by Victor Alexander.
[...]
8. From Defoe we turned to Pepys, and Reginald Robson described the Great Fire.
[...]
9. We next enjoyed a delightful picture of old London which Edith Goadby gave us, making the acquaintance of Gabriel Bardon the locksmith, his pretty daughter Dolly and Simon the apprentice. It was all too short, but at least we left them happily seated before their jolly round of beef, their Yorkshire cake and quaintly shaped jug of ale.
10. A further scene was depicted for us by Ethel Stevens, old Crosby Hall, Chelsea Hospital, Cheyne walk as it used to be, and Carlyle’s house, where he entertained Tennyson in the kitchen. We were introduced to John Stuart Mill and his great concern over the loss of his fiend’s manuscript of the French Revolution, and we took glimpses at William de Morgan + Sir Thomas More.
11. Finally Charles Stansfield read us Wordsworth’s Sonnet composed on Westminster Bridge, and Henry Marriage Wallis quoted happily ten lines from William Morris.'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield
: [review of "Inland Voyage" in the "New York Critic"]
'A capital review of Inland Voyage in the New York Critic for June 2nd.'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Louis Stevenson Print: Serial / periodical
Ann Bridge : Illyrian Spring
Meeting held at School House, L. P. : 13.9.35
Francis E. Pollard in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
2. Account of the Excursion, contributed by R. H. Robson, read and approved.
[...]
7. We then listened to a number of extracts from books read during the summer. Rosamund Wallis gave us some descriptive passages from Illyrian Spring by Ann Bridge, dealing with the Dalmation [sic] coast, and a happy scene with a monk and marketwomen in a bus.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
H. A. L. Fisher : History of Europe
Meeting held at School House, L. P. : 13.9.35
Francis E. Pollard in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
2. Account of the Excursion, contributed by R. H. Robson, read and approved.
[...]
7. We then listened to a number of extracts from books read during the summer.
[...]
8. F. E. Pollard followed with an analysis of Dante and his philosophy from H. A. L. Fisher’s History of Europe. There was a rather arresting comparison between the journeyings of Christian in the Pilgrim’s Progress + Dante’s Voyage of the Soul. Dante was portrayed as an aristocratic mystic and statesman, and the Roman Catholic Church appeared rather unexpectedly as a great mystical democracy owing to the melancholy relegation of several Pope to Hell.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Print: Book
Herbert George Wells : The Wife of Sir Eric Harman
'C. [David Lloyd George] is in very good spirits after a week-end rest. Yesterday I went down to W.H. [Walton Heath] & spent the afternoon with him, & we had a jolly time. We have both been reading Wells' last book The Wife of Sir Isaac Harman and C. thinks it is his most brilliant work. Wells has modified his views considerably, though, since he wrote Anne Veronica!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Stevenson Print: Book
Herbert George Wells : Anne Veronica
'C. [David Lloyd George] is in very good spirits after a week-end rest. Yesterday I went down to W.H. [Walton Heath] & spent the afternoon with him, & we had a jolly time. We have both been reading Wells' last book The Wife of Sir Isaac Harman and C. thinks it is his most brilliant work. Wells has modified his views considerably, though, since he wrote Anne Veronica!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Stevenson Print: Book
George Meredith : The Egoist
'Am reading Meredith's Egoist. C. [David Lloyd George] said he was afraid it would lessen my love for him, as he throws such a clear light on the male character. C. says that Meredith has just such an insight on character as the physician has on your body when he puts the electric light arrangement on his forehead. C says too that Meredith was the first to conceive the revolt of woman -- the revolt against the accepted relations of husband and wife, that is to say.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Frances Stevenson Print: Book
Jane Austen : Sense and Sensibility
Meeting held at 30 Northcourt Avenue: 21.4.37.
Ethel C. Stevens in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved
[...]
6. V. W. Alexander read a paper on Jane Austen, half biographical sketch & half an appreciation of her style.
7. F. E. Pollard quoted from Lucy Harrison’s Literary Papers some telling and illuminating remarks, particularly about Fanny Price in Mansfield Park
8. Readings were then given
from Northanger Abbey by Celia Burrows
from Persuasion by Rosamund Wallis
from Sense and Sensibility by Francis & Mary Pollard
from Love and Friendship by Elizabeth Alexander
from Pride and Prejudice by Victor Alexander
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Print: Book
Lucy Harrison : A Lover of Books: The Life and Literary Papers of Lucy Harrison
Meeting held at 30 Northcourt Avenue: 21.4.37.
Ethel C. Stevens in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved
[...]
6. V. W. Alexander read a paper on Jane Austen, half biographical sketch & half an appreciation of her style.
7. F. E. Pollard quoted from Lucy Harrison’s Literary Papers some telling and illuminating remarks, particularly about Fanny Price in Mansfield Park
8. Readings were then given
from Northanger Abbey by Celia Burrows
from Persuasion by Rosamund Wallis
from Sense and Sensibility by Francis & Mary Pollard
from Love and Friendship by Elizabeth Alexander
from Pride and Prejudice by Victor Alexander
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Print: Book
Charles E. Stansfield : [a biographical sketch of Percy Bysshe Shelley with an estimate of his views and character]
Meeting held at School House, L.P. :- 28. v. 37.
C. E. Stanfield in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved
[...]
4. Charles Stansfield then read a biographical sketch of Shelley, followed by an estimate of Shelley’s views and character.
5. Readings were then given by the following
Hymn to Intellectual Beauty by Mary Pollard
Prometheus Unbound by Reginald Robson
Ode to the West Wind by Elizabeth Alexander
Adonaïs by Victor Alexander.
These were all discussed; and a further short reading, from William Watson’s poetry, was given by Alfred Rawlings.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
William Shakespeare : Macbeth
Meeting held at Ashton Lodge :- 3. 7. 37.
Henry Marriage Wallis in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved
[...]
7. The Meeting then gave its attention to Witches.
H. M Wallis led off with a paper on Witchcraft and readings were given from the following
books:- MacBeth – The Witch Scene[?] by Janet Rawlings, Dorothy Brain, & Dorothea Taylor
with F. E. Pollard & V. W. Alexander as Banquo & MacBeth
Samuel – The Witch of Endor scene by Mary Robson
Westward Ho (Lucy), by Dorothy Brain
Trials for Witchcraft, by Howard Smith
Precious Bane, by Rosamund Wallis
Between all these items there was considerable discussion. Members were able to vie with one another in tale of mystery and eerie happenings, and if all the conversation was not strictly relevant at least the interest did not flag.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Print: Book
Mary Webb : Precious Bane
Meeting held at Ashton Lodge :- 3. 7. 37.
Henry Marriage Wallis in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved
[...]
7. The Meeting then gave its attention to Witches.
H. M Wallis led off with a paper on Witchcraft and readings were given from the following
books:- MacBeth – The Witch Scene[?] by Janet Rawlings, Dorothy Brain, & Dorothea Taylor
with F. E. Pollard & V. W. Alexander as Banquo & MacBeth
Samuel – The Witch of Endor scene by Mary Robson
Westward Ho (Lucy), by Dorothy Brain
Trials for Witchcraft, by Howard Smith
Precious Bane, by Rosamund Wallis
Between all these items there was considerable discussion. Members were able to vie with one another in tale of mystery and eerie happenings, and if all the conversation was not strictly relevant at least the interest did not flag.
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis
J. M. Barrie : My Lady Nicotine
Meeting held at Hillsborough :- 14. 9. 37.
Reginald H. Robson in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved
2. Charles Stansfield then introduced the momentous question of the evening. Was the Book Club to end its existence? He had felt for some time that it was moribund. [...]
He referred to E. B. Castle who shared his concern and to a letter which he believed had been
written to the Secretary by E. B. Castle.
3. The Secretary then read this; it supported the opinions expressed by C. E. Stansfield.
4. The subject was then discussed informally.
[...]
9. We then turned to the work of Barrie. Howard Smith gave us a chat – he would not call it a paper – on the plays he had seen.
[...]
A considerable part of “What every woman knows” was then read in which a number of people
took part.
Charles Stansfield appropriately gave a reading from My Lady Nicotine.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Print: Book
William Fryer Harvey : August Heat
'Meeting held at Whinfell, Upper Redlands Rd. 23.10.’37
Alfred Rawlings in the Chair
1. The Secretary asked permission to reserve the reading of some of the minutes until after the literary part of the programme had been taken, as these minutes would bear directly upon the discussion which would necessarily follow as to the future of the Club. This permission was given and the other minutes were then read and approved.
2. Victor Alexander then gave a brief account of the career of William Fryer Harvey, followed by an appreciation and review of “We were Seven” which he had previously written for the Bootham Magazine.
3. Helen Rawlings read several of Harvey’s poems from the volume “Laughter and Ghosts[”].
4. Elizabeth T. Alexander read a chapter from “Caprimulgus”.
5. Frank Pollard read “August Heat” from Midnight House.
6. Janet Rawlings read “Patience” from Quaker Byways.
7. Charles E. Stansfield read two more poems from “Laughter and Ghosts”
8. Howard R. Smith read “The Tortoise” from Midnight House.
9. The Secretary then read the minutes referring to last time’s discussion on the Club’s future, and also two letters of resignation. These were from Edgar and Mignon Castle and from Dorothy Brain.
10. Discussion then followed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Print: Book
William Fryer Harvey : Laughter and Ghosts
'Meeting held at Whinfell, Upper Redlands Rd. 23.10.’37
Alfred Rawlings in the Chair
1. The Secretary asked permission to reserve the reading of some of the minutes until after the literary part of the programme had been taken, as these minutes would bear directly upon the discussion which would necessarily follow as to the future of the Club. This permission was given and the other minutes were then read and approved.
2. Victor Alexander then gave a brief account of the career of William Fryer Harvey, followed by an appreciation and review of “We were Seven” which he had previously written for the Bootham Magazine.
3. Helen Rawlings read several of Harvey’s poems from the volume “Laughter and Ghosts[”].
4. Elizabeth T. Alexander read a chapter from “Caprimulgus”.
5. Frank Pollard read “August Heat” from Midnight House.
6. Janet Rawlings read “Patience” from Quaker Byways.
7. Charles E. Stansfield read two more poems from “Laughter and Ghosts”
8. Howard R. Smith read “The Tortoise” from Midnight House.
9. The Secretary then read the minutes referring to last time’s discussion on the Club’s future, and also two letters of resignation. These were from Edgar and Mignon Castle and from Dorothy Brain.
10. Discussion then followed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Print: Book
Laurence Housman : Victoria Regina
'Meeting held 219 King’s Road: 27. 11. 37.
L. Dorothea Taylor in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
2. A number of scenes from Victoria Regina were then read. The young Queen’s part was read by Rosamund Wallis who abdicated later in favour of Celia Burrow. The Duchess of Kent was read by Ethel Stevens, and Francis Pollard was Prince Albert. Other members took subsidiary parts.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
Laurence Housman : Victoria Regina
'Meeting held 219 King’s Road: 27. 11. 37.
L. Dorothea Taylor in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
2. A number of scenes from Victoria Regina were then read. The young Queen’s part was read by Rosamund Wallis who abdicated later in favour of Celia Burrow. The Duchess of Kent was read by Ethel Stevens, and Francis Pollard was Prince Albert. Other members took subsidiary parts.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Print: Book
John Galsworthy : The White Monkey
Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue: 14. 12. 37
[...]
6. The evening was completed by the reading of extracts from the works of various authors who
had recently been awarded the Nobel prize for Literature. In the interests of truth it should
perhaps be mentioned that the reading from French and Russian authors were given from English
translations.
R. H. Robson read from Dodsworth by Sinclair S. Lewis
Mary S. W. Pollard [read from] The Village [by] Ivan Bunin
L. Dorothea Taylor [read from] All God’s Chillun Got Wings [by] Eugene E. O'Neill
H. R. Smith [read from] Les Thibault by Roger M. du Gard
S. A Reynolds [read from] White Monkey [by] J. Galsworthy
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Print: Book
Charles E. Stansfield : [A detailed biographical sketch of Æ (AE, or George William Russell)]
Meeting held at St. Margaret’s, Shinfield Road: 20. 1. 38.
F. E. Pollard in the chair
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
6. C. E. Stansfield opened the proceedings on Æ [A-E ligature, the name adopted by George William Russell] by a detailed biographical sketch of some length, in the course of which we gained some idea of the contradictions and complexities of A. E.’s character. [...] An interesting personal touch was added to the sketch by F. E. Pollard who had been present at one of Æ’s “salon” receptions.
7. Extracts from A. E’s prose were then read by Mary S. W. Pollard on “Gandhi,” and by F. E. Pollard on “The one dimensional mind”.
8. Finally F. E. Pollard and V. W. Alexander read three of A.E.’s poems.
9. By this time most of us were more than ready for a little lighter matter, and we thoroughly appreciated some delightful touches from The Tinker’s Wedding by Synge which Rosamund Wallis gave with evident relish.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
Æ [pseud.] : The one dimensional mind
Meeting held at St. Margaret’s, Shinfield Road: 20. 1. 38.
F. E. Pollard in the chair
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
6. C. E. Stansfield opened the proceedings on Æ [A-E ligature, the name adopted by George William Russell] by a detailed biographical sketch of some length, in the course of which we gained some idea of the contradictions and complexities of A. E.’s character. [...] An interesting personal touch was added to the sketch by F. E. Pollard who had been present at one of Æ’s “salon” receptions.
7. Extracts from A. E’s prose were then read by Mary S. W. Pollard on “Gandhi,” and by F. E. Pollard on “The one dimensional mind”.
8. Finally F. E. Pollard and V. W. Alexander read three of A.E.’s poems.
9. By this time most of us were more than ready for a little lighter matter, and we thoroughly appreciated some delightful touches from The Tinker’s Wedding by Synge which Rosamund Wallis gave with evident relish.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Print: Book
Æ [pseud.] : [One or more unidentified poems]
Meeting held at St. Margaret’s, Shinfield Road: 20. 1. 38.
F. E. Pollard in the chair
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
6. C. E. Stansfield opened the proceedings on Æ [A-E ligature, the name adopted by George William Russell] by a detailed biographical sketch of some length, in the course of which we gained some idea of the contradictions and complexities of A. E.’s character. [...] An interesting personal touch was added to the sketch by F. E. Pollard who had been present at one of Æ’s “salon” receptions.
7. Extracts from A. E’s prose were then read by Mary S. W. Pollard on “Gandhi,” and by F. E. Pollard on “The one dimensional mind”.
8. Finally F. E. Pollard and V. W. Alexander read three of A.E.’s poems.
9. By this time most of us were more than ready for a little lighter matter, and we thoroughly appreciated some delightful touches from The Tinker’s Wedding by Synge which Rosamund Wallis gave with evident relish.
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard
J. M. Synge : The Tinker’s Wedding
Meeting held at St. Margaret’s, Shinfield Road: 20. 1. 38.
F. E. Pollard in the chair
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
6. C. E. Stansfield opened the proceedings on Æ [A-E ligature, the name adopted by George William Russell] by a detailed biographical sketch of some length, in the course of which we gained some idea of the contradictions and complexities of A. E.’s character. [...] An interesting personal touch was added to the sketch by F. E. Pollard who had been present at one of Æ’s “salon” receptions.
7. Extracts from A. E’s prose were then read by Mary S. W. Pollard on “Gandhi,” and by F. E. Pollard on “The one dimensional mind”.
8. Finally F. E. Pollard and V. W. Alexander read three of A.E.’s poems.
9. By this time most of us were more than ready for a little lighter matter, and we thoroughly appreciated some delightful touches from The Tinker’s Wedding by Synge which Rosamund Wallis gave with evident relish.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Print: Book
A. W. Lawrence : Lawrence by his Friends
February 15th was the date chosen for the next time and the subject “Books that people have been reading”
Meeting held at Oakdene: Northcourt Av.–15.2.38 Sylvanus A. Reynolds in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
4. The first reading came from Reginald Robson who gave us an amusing extract from “Beasts & Superbeasts” by H. H. Munro
5. Mary S. Stansfield read from “Lawrence by his Friends” some interesting impressions contributed by some of these friends to a book edited by Lawrence’s brother. One passage by a man who knew Lawrence as a fellow aircraftman gave us a picture of him as a thoroughly likeable and popular hero, admired for his prowess as a motorcyclist.
6. Howard L. Sikes then read from Africa View by Julian Huxley. The passage concerned the respective advantages of Indirect and Direct Rule[...]. This reading produced considerable discussion on the same questions, and spread over on to the attitude of the French and the British toward their African dependant peoples, and members found something to ask or to say about almost every corner of Africa[...].
7. Elizabeth T. Alexander followed with an entertaining reading from Halliday Sutherland’s “A time to keep”. We shall carry in our minds for some time the dramatic appearance of Red William in his nightshirt urging the ladies in evening dress to run for their lives.
8. Roger Moore gave us some excellent fun in his reading from Benjamin Robert Haydon’s Autobiography, and we made some discoveries about Charles Lamb and Wordsworth too.
9. F. E. Pollard, greatly daring, then read from the “Comments of Bagshott” [sic] some shrewd remarks about the male and female of the human species[...].
10. H. R. Smith completed the programme with some well chosen paragraphs from “Those English” by Carl [i.e. Curt] von Stutterheim.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary S. Stansfield Print: Book
John A. Spender : The Comments of Bagshot
February 15th was the date chosen for the next time and the subject “Books that people have been reading”
Meeting held at Oakdene: Northcourt Av.–15.2.38 Sylvanus A. Reynolds in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
4. The first reading came from Reginald Robson who gave us an amusing extract from “Beasts & Superbeasts” by H. H. Munro
5. Mary S. Stansfield read from “Lawrence by his Friends” some interesting impressions contributed by some of these friends to a book edited by Lawrence’s brother. One passage by a man who knew Lawrence as a fellow aircraftman gave us a picture of him as a thoroughly likeable and popular hero, admired for his prowess as a motorcyclist.
6. Howard L. Sikes then read from Africa View by Julian Huxley. The passage concerned the respective advantages of Indirect and Direct Rule[...]. This reading produced considerable discussion on the same questions, and spread over on to the attitude of the French and the British toward their African dependant peoples, and members found something to ask or to say about almost every corner of Africa[...].
7. Elizabeth T. Alexander followed with an entertaining reading from Halliday Sutherland’s “A time to keep”. We shall carry in our minds for some time the dramatic appearance of Red William in his nightshirt urging the ladies in evening dress to run for their lives.
8. Roger Moore gave us some excellent fun in his reading from Benjamin Robert Haydon’s Autobiography, and we made some discoveries about Charles Lamb and Wordsworth too.
9. F. E. Pollard, greatly daring, then read from the “Comments of Bagshott” [sic] some shrewd remarks about the male and female of the human species[...].
10. H. R. Smith completed the programme with some well chosen paragraphs from “Those English” by Carl [i.e. Curt] von Stutterheim.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Print: Book
John A. Spender : The Comments of Bagshot
February 15th was the date chosen for the next time and the subject “Books that people have been reading”
Meeting held at Oakdene: Northcourt Av.–15.2.38 Sylvanus A. Reynolds in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
4. The first reading came from Reginald Robson who gave us an amusing extract from “Beasts & Superbeasts” by H. H. Munro
5. Mary S. Stansfield read from “Lawrence by his Friends” some interesting impressions contributed by some of these friends to a book edited by Lawrence’s brother. One passage by a man who knew Lawrence as a fellow aircraftman gave us a picture of him as a thoroughly likeable and popular hero, admired for his prowess as a motorcyclist.
6. Howard L. Sikes then read from Africa View by Julian Huxley. The passage concerned the respective advantages of Indirect and Direct Rule[...]. This reading produced considerable discussion on the same questions, and spread over on to the attitude of the French and the British toward their African dependant peoples, and members found something to ask or to say about almost every corner of Africa[...].
7. Elizabeth T. Alexander followed with an entertaining reading from Halliday Sutherland’s “A time to keep”. We shall carry in our minds for some time the dramatic appearance of Red William in his nightshirt urging the ladies in evening dress to run for their lives.
8. Roger Moore gave us some excellent fun in his reading from Benjamin Robert Haydon’s Autobiography, and we made some discoveries about Charles Lamb and Wordsworth too.
9. F. E. Pollard, greatly daring, then read from the “Comments of Bagshott” [sic] some shrewd remarks about the male and female of the human species[...].
10. H. R. Smith completed the programme with some well chosen paragraphs from “Those English” by Carl [i.e. Curt] von Stutterheim.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Print: Book
Kurt Von Stutterheim : Those English!
February 15th was the date chosen for the next time and the subject “Books that people have been reading”
Meeting held at Oakdene: Northcourt Av.–15.2.38 Sylvanus A. Reynolds in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
4. The first reading came from Reginald Robson who gave us an amusing extract from “Beasts & Superbeasts” by H. H. Munro
5. Mary S. Stansfield read from “Lawrence by his Friends” some interesting impressions contributed by some of these friends to a book edited by Lawrence’s brother. One passage by a man who knew Lawrence as a fellow aircraftman gave us a picture of him as a thoroughly likeable and popular hero, admired for his prowess as a motorcyclist.
6. Howard L. Sikes then read from Africa View by Julian Huxley. The passage concerned the respective advantages of Indirect and Direct Rule[...]. This reading produced considerable discussion on the same questions, and spread over on to the attitude of the French and the British toward their African dependant peoples, and members found something to ask or to say about almost every corner of Africa[...].
7. Elizabeth T. Alexander followed with an entertaining reading from Halliday Sutherland’s “A time to keep”. We shall carry in our minds for some time the dramatic appearance of Red William in his nightshirt urging the ladies in evening dress to run for their lives.
8. Roger Moore gave us some excellent fun in his reading from Benjamin Robert Haydon’s Autobiography, and we made some discoveries about Charles Lamb and Wordsworth too.
9. F. E. Pollard, greatly daring, then read from the “Comments of Bagshott” [sic] some shrewd remarks about the male and female of the human species[...].
10. H. R. Smith completed the programme with some well chosen paragraphs from “Those English” by Carl [i.e. Curt] von Stutterheim.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Print: Book
Kurt Von Stutterheim : Those English!
February 15th was the date chosen for the next time and the subject “Books that people have been reading”
Meeting held at Oakdene: Northcourt Av.–15.2.38 Sylvanus A. Reynolds in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
4. The first reading came from Reginald Robson who gave us an amusing extract from “Beasts & Superbeasts” by H. H. Munro
5. Mary S. Stansfield read from “Lawrence by his Friends” some interesting impressions contributed by some of these friends to a book edited by Lawrence’s brother. One passage by a man who knew Lawrence as a fellow aircraftman gave us a picture of him as a thoroughly likeable and popular hero, admired for his prowess as a motorcyclist.
6. Howard L. Sikes then read from Africa View by Julian Huxley. The passage concerned the respective advantages of Indirect and Direct Rule[...]. This reading produced considerable discussion on the same questions, and spread over on to the attitude of the French and the British toward their African dependant peoples, and members found something to ask or to say about almost every corner of Africa[...].
7. Elizabeth T. Alexander followed with an entertaining reading from Halliday Sutherland’s “A time to keep”. We shall carry in our minds for some time the dramatic appearance of Red William in his nightshirt urging the ladies in evening dress to run for their lives.
8. Roger Moore gave us some excellent fun in his reading from Benjamin Robert Haydon’s Autobiography, and we made some discoveries about Charles Lamb and Wordsworth too.
9. F. E. Pollard, greatly daring, then read from the “Comments of Bagshott” [sic] some shrewd remarks about the male and female of the human species[...].
10. H. R. Smith completed the programme with some well chosen paragraphs from “Those English” by Carl [i.e. Curt] von Stutterheim.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Print: Book
George A. Birmingham : Spanish Gold
Meeting held at Ashton Lodge: 14.3.38.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
[...]
4. Readings from Irish Literature were then given as follows:-
C. E. Stansfield from G. A. Birmingham’s “Spanish Gold”;
H. R. Smith from a story about an illicit still;
Mary Robson from the preface of Bernard Shaw’s “John Bull’s Other Island;”
Rosamund Wallis[;]
Victor Alexander from Ross and Somerville’s “An Irish R.M.”[;]
Elsie Sikes from ? some Irish Bulls
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Print: Book
George A. Birmingham : Spanish Gold
Meeting held at Ashton Lodge: 14.3.38.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
[...]
4. Readings from Irish Literature were then given as follows:-
C. E. Stansfield from G. A. Birmingham’s “Spanish Gold”;
H. R. Smith from a story about an illicit still;
Mary Robson from the preface of Bernard Shaw’s “John Bull’s Other Island;”
Rosamund Wallis[;]
Victor Alexander from Ross and Somerville’s “An Irish R.M.”[;]
Elsie Sikes from ? some Irish Bulls
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Print: Book
unknown : [a specimen of Irish literature]
Meeting held at Ashton Lodge: 14.3.38.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
[...]
4. Readings from Irish Literature were then given as follows:-
C. E. Stansfield from G. A. Birmingham’s “Spanish Gold”;
H. R. Smith from a story about an illicit still;
Mary Robson from the preface of Bernard Shaw’s “John Bull’s Other Island;”
Rosamund Wallis[;]
Victor Alexander from Ross and Somerville’s “An Irish R.M.”[;]
Elsie Sikes from ? some Irish Bulls
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis
unknown : [Irish Bulls]
Meeting held at Ashton Lodge: 14.3.38.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
[...]
4. Readings from Irish Literature were then given as follows:-
C. E. Stansfield from G. A. Birmingham’s “Spanish Gold”;
H. R. Smith from a story about an illicit still;
Mary Robson from the preface of Bernard Shaw’s “John Bull’s Other Island;”
Rosamund Wallis[;]
Victor Alexander from Ross and Somerville’s “An Irish R.M.”[;]
Elsie Sikes from ? some Irish Bulls
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Elsie Sikes
: Saturday Review
'Here I sit reading the Saturday Review, New Statesman etc and feeling rather humpy.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Siegfried Sassoon Print: Serial / periodical
Thomas Hardy : The Return of the Native
'I keep reading Tess and The Return of the Native -- they fit in admirably with my thoughts.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Siegfried Sassoon Print: Book
Robert Curzon : Visits to Monasteries in the Lavant
'Another sharp frost and thick fog this morning. Reading Curzon's Monasteries in the Lavant which Meiklejohn sent me at Christmas. More amusing than Eothen, but Doughty's Arabia Deserta spoils one for every other book of that sort.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Siegfried Sassoon Print: Book
Frederic Harrison : Theophano: The Crusade of the Tenth Century
'After a stormy passage I find myself once more at Alexandria and Sheyk Obeyd. During the voyage I read Frederick [sic] Harrison's novel which he has just published, a strange mixture of historic fact of the most interesting kind, and melodrama of the most conventional. The romantic episodes will not, I think, redound to Harrison's philosophic fame, for it is naively unreal, but these take up but a few pages, and might as well have been omitted altogether, while the historic background is vigorous and well told, only, as in every historical novel, the parts that are true ought to be printed in sober type, the parts untrue in red.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Wilfrid Scawen Blunt Print: Book
Wilfrid Scawen Blunt : The Shame of the Nineteenth Century: A Letter Addressed to the "Times"
'With Cockerell to Parkstone to see Alfred Russel Wallace, the Grand Old Man of Science ... He complimented me on my pamphlet, "The Shame of the XIXth Century" and expressed strong views on the pauperization of India. There was a number of the paper "Light" lying on his table, and I asked him if he still adhered to his belief in spiritualism, and he said very postively that he had not receded from it in the smallest degree.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Alfred Russel Wallace
: Light
'With Cockerell to Parkstone to see Alfred Russel Wallace, the Grand Old Man of Science ... He complimented me on my pamphlet, "The Shame of the XIXth Century" and expressed strong views on the pauperization of India. There was a number of the paper "Light" lying on his table, and I asked him if he still adhered to his belief in spiritualism, and he said very postively that he had not receded from it in the smallest degree.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Alfred Russel Wallace Print: Serial / periodical
Ralph Milbanke : Astarte: A Fragment of Truth Concerning Lord Byron
'Lunched with Ralph [Milbanke]. He has decided at last to publish the great Byron secret, and has drawn up the case against Byron and Mrs. Leigh in the form of a book called "Astarte." This is very ably done, but to my mind is marred by an introduction violently attacking Murray, the publisher, with whom he has quarrelled over Murray's recent edition of Byron's Works. I shall endeavour to get him to modify this; indeed, I think the whole thing might without much injustice to Lady Byron's memory be let to sleep. It is an ugly story, however told.''
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Wilfrid Scawen Blunt Manuscript: Unknown
:
'It is really remarkable how oblivious we are to what is going on overseas. There is very little in the papers about the British Army, even if we had time to read them, and, anyway, we are too self-centred and interested in our job to worry much about the War.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Douglas Herbert Bell Print: Newspaper
:
'Back to the front line, taking over a stretch of our own, which shows the Staff trusts us ... Some papers came by post - just what I want here.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Douglas Herbert Bell Print: Newspaper
:
'Made a very successful raisin rice pudding over a charcoal brazier. This is War; a straw-strewn barn, heaps of periodicals, a glowing brazier, puddings, and plenty.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Douglas Herbert Bell Print: Serial / periodical
: [Address by the Bishop of London at Guildhall, 1914]
'A mail arrived after dusk. Someone sent me the Bishop's address at the Guildhall, and I read it out to those around, at their request.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Douglas Herbert Bell Print: Unknown
:
'There is a Brigade Order out about the show on the 19th. In it we read that it was supposed to pin German troops to this front to prevent them from fighting the Russians. On the other hand, the official communique (known as Comic Cuts) dismisses the whole thing in two lines. Can't help thinking Comic Cuts has a better sense of values.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Douglas Herbert Bell Print: Unknown
: [Army Communique]
'There is a Brigade Order out about the show on the 19th. In it we read that it was supposed to pin German troops to this front to prevent them from fighting the Russians. On the other hand, the official communique (known as Comic Cuts) dismisses the whole thing in two lines. Can't help thinking Comic Cuts has a better sense of values.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Douglas Herbert Bell Print: Serial / periodical
Rudyard Kipling :
'Talking of slang, the Tommies' name for England is "Blighty". This puzzled me for a bit, till I remembered one of Kipling's stories in which [italics]"Belait"[end italics] occurs as a Hindustanee word for Europe. I suppose they brought it from India.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Douglas Herbert Bell Print: Book
George William Russell : "Shadows and Lights"
'I have just come across these lines by A. E., which I like, because the stars are your only companions on sentry duty in the trenches; and they seem filled with majesty and peace, as does the sunrise too [quotes stanza five of A. E.'s poem "Shadows and Lights"].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Douglas Herbert Bell Print: Unknown
:
'Glorious day, warm sun. It is funny to sit here quietly chatting and reading with a peaceful view behind over field and wood, when if you move two feet you are as good as dead. A pied wagtail keeps running about in front, heedless of the cracking bullets.'
UnknownCentury: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Douglas Herbert Bell
Henry Jones : Browning as a Philosophical and Religious Teacher
'This last week many little amenities have softened our lot; after a fornight's detention we had the good fortune to have our grand-motherly sergeant as chief of the guard. In our recent tour of the home counties under his superintendence we had established a certain authority over him by reason of his dependence upon us for remembering his documents, catching trains, and most principally, not losing ourselves! Thanks to this moral ascendancy, we were able to raid our kits and get almost anything we wanted — toilet things and books were the greatest desiderata — and since then I have been enjoying Browning as a Philosophical and Religious Teacher. I hope to finish this and then do Sartor again, so as to take Browning's and Carlyle's philosophies of life with me to think over during the Scrubs [detention] months.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Corder Pettifor Catchpool Print: Book
Thomas Carlyle : Sartor Resartus
'This last week many little amenities have softened our lot; after a fornight's detention we had the good fortune to have our grand-motherly sergeant as chief of the guard. In our recent tour of the home counties under his superintendence we had established a certain authority over him by reason of his dependence upon us for remembering his documents, catching trains, and most principally, not losing ourselves! Thanks to this moral ascendancy, we were able to raid our kits and get almost anything we wanted — toilet things and books were the greatest desiderata — and since then I have been enjoying Browning as a Philosophical and Religious Teacher. I hope to finish this and then do Sartor again, so as to take Browning's and Carlyle's philosophies of life with me to think over during the Scrubs [detention] months.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Corder Pettifor Catchpool Print: Book
: The Fellowship Hymn-Book
'The sergeant of the guard one day asked me to lend him a book to read. I said I was afraid I'd nothing he'd care for, but I'd look. This was my Detention Cell Library: Fellowship Hymn Book and Weymouth; Rauschenbusch Christianity and the Social Crisis; The Meaning of Prayer, The Manhood of the Master, and Prayers for Students (S.C.M.); Otto's and Hugo's German grammars; Luther's Testament, and Goethe's Faust!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Corder Pettifor Catchpool Print: Book
Richard Weymouth : The Naval, Military and Village Hymn Book
'The sergeant of the guard one day asked me to lend him a book to read. I said I was afraid I'd nothing he'd care for, but I'd look. This was my Detention Cell Library: Fellowship Hymn Book and Weymouth; Rauschenbusch Christianity and the Social Crisis; The Meaning of Prayer, The Manhood of the Master, and Prayers for Students (S.C.M.); Otto's and Hugo's German grammars; Luther's Testament, and Goethe's Faust!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Corder Pettifor Catchpool Print: Book
Walther Rauschenbusch : Christianity and the Social Crisis
'The sergeant of the guard one day asked me to lend him a book to read. I said I was afraid I'd nothing he'd care for, but I'd look. This was my Detention Cell Library: Fellowship Hymn Book and Weymouth; Rauschenbusch Christianity and the Social Crisis; The Meaning of Prayer, The Manhood of the Master, and Prayers for Students (S.C.M.); Otto's and Hugo's German grammars; Luther's Testament, and Goethe's Faust!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Corder Pettifor Catchpool Print: Book
Harry Emerson Fosdick : The Meaning of Prayer
'The sergeant of the guard one day asked me to lend him a book to read. I said I was afraid I'd nothing he'd care for, but I'd look. This was my Detention Cell Library: Fellowship Hymn Book and Weymouth; Rauschenbusch Christianity and the Social Crisis; The Meaning of Prayer, The Manhood of the Master, and Prayers for Students (S.C.M.); Otto's and Hugo's German grammars; Luther's Testament, and Goethe's Faust!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Corder Pettifor Catchpool Print: Book
Harry Emerson Fosdick : The Manhood of the Master
'The sergeant of the guard one day asked me to lend him a book to read. I said I was afraid I'd nothing he'd care for, but I'd look. This was my Detention Cell Library: Fellowship Hymn Book and Weymouth; Rauschenbusch Christianity and the Social Crisis; The Meaning of Prayer, The Manhood of the Master, and Prayers for Students (S.C.M.); Otto's and Hugo's German grammars; Luther's Testament, and Goethe's Faust!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Corder Pettifor Catchpool Print: Book
Student Christian Movement : A Book of Prayers for Students
'The sergeant of the guard one day asked me to lend him a book to read. I said I was afraid I'd nothing he'd care for, but I'd look. This was my Detention Cell Library: Fellowship Hymn Book and Weymouth; Rauschenbusch Christianity and the Social Crisis; The Meaning of Prayer, The Manhood of the Master, and Prayers for Students (S.C.M.); Otto's and Hugo's German grammars; Luther's Testament, and Goethe's Faust!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Corder Pettifor Catchpool Print: Book
Emil Otto : ?An Elementary German Grammar
'The sergeant of the guard one day asked me to lend him a book to read. I said I was afraid I'd nothing he'd care for, but I'd look. This was my Detention Cell Library: Fellowship Hymn Book and Weymouth; Rauschenbusch Christianity and the Social Crisis; The Meaning of Prayer, The Manhood of the Master, and Prayers for Students (S.C.M.); Otto's and Hugo's German grammars; Luther's Testament, and Goethe's Faust!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Corder Pettifor Catchpool Print: Book
Charles Hugo : ?German Grammar Simplified
'The sergeant of the guard one day asked me to lend him a book to read. I said I was afraid I'd nothing he'd care for, but I'd look. This was my Detention Cell Library: Fellowship Hymn Book and Weymouth; Rauschenbusch Christianity and the Social Crisis; The Meaning of Prayer, The Manhood of the Master, and Prayers for Students (S.C.M.); Otto's and Hugo's German grammars; Luther's Testament, and Goethe's Faust!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Corder Pettifor Catchpool Print: Book
: The New Testament
'The sergeant of the guard one day asked me to lend him a book to read. I said I was afraid I'd nothing he'd care for, but I'd look. This was my Detention Cell Library: Fellowship Hymn Book and Weymouth; Rauschenbusch Christianity and the Social Crisis; The Meaning of Prayer, The Manhood of the Master, and Prayers for Students (S.C.M.); Otto's and Hugo's German grammars; Luther's Testament, and Goethe's Faust!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Corder Pettifor Catchpool Print: Book
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : Faust
'The sergeant of the guard one day asked me to lend him a book to read. I said I was afraid I'd nothing he'd care for, but I'd look. This was my Detention Cell Library: Fellowship Hymn Book and Weymouth; Rauschenbusch Christianity and the Social Crisis; The Meaning of Prayer, The Manhood of the Master, and Prayers for Students (S.C.M.); Otto's and Hugo's German grammars; Luther's Testament, and Goethe's Faust!'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Corder Pettifor Catchpool Print: Book
: La Vie Parisienne
'My difficulties were much increased because none of the Turks could speak English. To get over this handicap, I tried to recollect some French, that admirable language so widely understood, if not spoken, throughout the Middle East. In the absence of language primers or serious books, I was assisted by being able to borrow some rather salty French novels and some old copies of [italics] La Vie Parisienne [end italics].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: William Collis Spackman Print: Serial / periodical
: "salty French novels"
'My difficulties were much increased because none of the Turks could speak English. To get over this handicap, I tried to recollect some French, that admirable language so widely understood, if not spoken, throughout the Middle East. In the absence of language primers or serious books, I was assisted by being able to borrow some rather salty French novels and some old copies of [italics] La Vie Parisienne [end italics].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: William Collis Spackman Print: Book
Robert Browning : "The Wanderers"
'... as we drifted gaily down the sparkling river [Tigris] in perfect autumnal weather, I thought of Browning's [italics] Wanderers [end italics] .... For on my kelek I had my [italics] Book of Verses [end italics], my Loaf of Bread and even my Jug of Wine and I only lacked some visionary "Thou" beside me.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: William Collis Spackman Print: Book
: [POW camp publication]
'Each day there is a "Budget" published, the work of the more literary and energetic of our members, chiefly consisting of the various "officials" taken from the German papers, with leading articles on any special bits of news. There is also a monthly production with short stories and illustrations which is wonderfully good. The summer number is just out, and there is a hit at me under "Things We Want to Know": whether "Joy Riding in an aeroplane over imperfectly known country is not an overrated amusement?"'
