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the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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unknown : 'life' of David Wilkie

Benjamin Robert Haydon to Elizabeth Barrett, 28 April 1843: 'I have been sadly shocked at Reading Wilkie[']s life, -- to think that for 20 years of our earliest Friendship when daily I used to read to him my journal of my thoughts -- & he used to speak of the danger of all personal remarks in [a] journal [...] It [i.e. Haydon's] was only a journal of conclusions on Art, & Poetry which have been the foundation of my lectures -- I am shocked that I never knew [italics]he[ed italics] kept a journal of nothing but remarks on his Friends their weaknesses & follies'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Benjamin Robert Haydon      Print: Book

  

Benjamin Robert Haydon : journal

Benjamin Robert Haydon to Elizabeth Barrett, 28 April 1843: 'I have been sadly shocked at Reading Wilkie[']s life, -- to think that for 20 years of our earliest Friendship when daily I used to read to him my journal of my thoughts -- & he used to speak of the danger of all personal remarks in [a] journal [...] It [i.e. Haydon's] was only a journal of conclusions on Art, & Poetry which have been the foundation of my lectures -- I am shocked that I never knew [italics]he[ed italics] kept a journal of nothing but remarks on his Friends their weaknesses & follies'.

Century: 1700-1799 / 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Benjamin Robert Haydon      Manuscript: Unknown

  

 : notice of death of David Wilkie (on 1 June 1841)

Benjamin Robert Haydon to Elizabeth Barrett, 17 May 1843: '[David Wilkie] was amiable & affectionate -- and when I read [of] his Death, (I was at Dover) I felt as if a string was pulled out, -- I dreamt all night I was at Jerusalem -- & visiting with him the Tombs of the Kings'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Benjamin Robert Haydon      Print: Newspaper

  

Giorgio Vasari : Delle vite de piu eccelenti pittori, scultori, ed archittetori

Benjamin Robert Haydon to Elizabeth Barrett, 6 June 1843: 'I read Vasari, all day -- yesterday[.] Why are Vasari's Lives so popular [--] why have they gone through so many Editions? -- because what is anecdotical & human is not sacrificed for the sake of the abstract & professional [...] The fact the Michael Angelo was liable to head aches -- is a Comfort! and when I read he had the cramp! -- my dear, I rise an inch taller as I walk'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Benjamin Robert Haydon      Print: Book

  

George Gordon, Lord Byron : unknown

Benjamin Robert Haydon to Elizabeth Barrett, 18 June 1843: 'My dear Child is varying but no cough -- What a dear sweet girl! [...] We go to Harrow today to see Byrons Tombstone [i.e. his favourite spot in the local churchyard] & autograph -- & to amuse her, as she reads him with such interest.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Mordwinoff Haydon      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: Mary Hayward      Print: Book

  

Mary Hayward : [paper on 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: Mary Hayward      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Mary Hayward : [paper on life of Lewis Carroll]

'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: Mary Hayward      Manuscript: Unknown

  

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: Mary Hayward      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:      Print: Book

  

Herbert George Wells : [novels]

'The meeting then considered the work of H.G. Wells. The chief item of interest was undoubtedly a paper by Henry M. Wallis upon Wells's romances but a better title would be 'A Critique of the Wells Method in Story-writing'. This was certainly one of the ablest papers which H.M.W. has contributed to the Book Club in recent years and gave rise to interesting discussion. R.H. Robson read one of the short stories to illustrate this side of Wells's literary works. Mrs Smith read a paper upon Mankind in the Making and Mary Hayward dealt with the novels, showing by extracts his views upon the English middle class, marriage, social life & religion.'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Hayward      Print: Book

  

Herbert George Wells : [extracts from novels]

'The meeting then considered the work of H.G. Wells. The chief item of interest was undoubtedly a paper by Henry M. Wallis upon Wells's romances but a better title would be 'A Critique of the Wells Method in Story-writing'. This was certainly one of the ablest papers which H.M.W. has contributed to the Book Club in recent years and gave rise to interesting discussion. R.H. Robson read one of the short stories to illustrate this side of Wells's literary works. Mrs Smith read a paper upon Mankind in the Making and Mary Hayward dealt with the novels, showing by extracts his views upon the English middle class, marriage, social life & religion.'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Hayward      Print: Book

  

George Gordon Lord Byron : Parisina

John Murray to Byron (c. January 1816): 'I enclose Ward's note after reading the "Siege of Corinth." I lent him "Parisina" also, and he called yesterday to express his mind at your hesitation about their merits [...] I lent Parisina to Mr. Hay (Mr. Wilmots friend) last night, and I enclose his note. I send the proof [...] I will send a revise of "Corinth" to-night or to-morrow.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group:      Manuscript: Unknown

  

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

  

Mary Hayward : [paper on the sub-conscious]

'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: Mary Hayward      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Richard Jefferies : Story of my Heart, The

'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: Mary Hayward      Print: Book

  

Mary Hayward : [paper on 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: Mary Hayward      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Leslie Stephen : [account of climbing the Zinal Rothorn]

'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: Mary Hayward      Print: Book

 

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