Listings for Reader:
Charles Stansfield
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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: 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: Charles Stansfield 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
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: Charles Stansfield 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
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
: 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
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
: [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
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
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
: [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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
: [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
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
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
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
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
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
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 :
'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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 : 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
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
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
