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

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Smith

 

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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

  

William Shakespeare : 

'[Mary Smith] found emancipation in Shakespeare, Dryden, Goldsmith and other standard male authors, whom she extolled for their universality: "These authors wrote from their hearts for humanity, and I could follow them fully and with delight, though but a child. They awakened my young nature, and I found for the first time that my pondering heart was akin to that of the whole human race. And when I read the famous essays of Steele and Addison, I could realize much of their truth and beauty of expression... Pope's stanzas, which I read at school as an eight year- old child, showed me how far I felt and shared the sentiment that he wrote, when he says, Thus let me live unseen, unknown Thus unlamented let me die; Steal from the world and not a stone Tell where I lie".'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Smith      Print: Book

  

John Dryden : 

'[Mary Smith] found emancipation in Shakespeare, Dryden, Goldsmith and other standard male authors, whom she extolled for their universality: "These authors wrote from their hearts for humanity, and I could follow them fully and with delight, though but a child. They awakened my young nature, and I found for the first time that my pondering heart was akin to that of the whole human race. And when I read the famous essays of Steele and Addison, I could realize much of their truth an beauty of expression... Pope's stanzas, which I read at school as an eight year old child, showed me how far I felt and shared the sentiment that he wrote, when he says, Thus let me live unseen, unknown Thus unlamented let me die; Steal from the world and not a stone Tell where I lie".'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Smith      Print: Book

  

Oliver Goldsmith : 

'[Mary Smith] found emancipation in Shakespeare, Dryden, Goldsmith and other standard male authors, whom she extolled for their universality: "These authors wrote from their hearts for humanity, and I could follow them fully and with delight, though but a child. They awakened my young nature, and I found for the first time that my pondering heart was akin to that of the whole human race. And when I read the famous essays of Steele and Addison, I could realize much of their truth and beauty of expression... Pope's stanzas, which I read at school as an eight year old child, showed me how far I felt and shared the sentiment that he wrote, when he says, Thus let me live unseen, unknown Thus unlamented let me die; Steal from the world and not a stone Tell where I lie".'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Smith      Print: Book

  

Joseph Addison : 

'[Mary Smith] found emancipation in Shakespeare, Dryden, Goldsmith and other standard male authors, whom she extolled for their universality: "These authors wrote from their hearts for humanity, and I could follow them fully and with delight, though but a child. They awakened my young nature, and I found for the first time that my pondering heart was akin to that of the whole human race. And when I read the famous essays of Steele and Addison, I could realize much of their truth an beauty of expression... Pope's stanzas, which I read at school as an eight year old child, showed me how far I felt and shared the sentiment that he wrote, when he says, Thus let me live unseen, unknown Thus unlamented let me die; Steal from the world and not a stone Tell where I lie".'

Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Smith      Print: Book

  

Richard Steele : 

'[Mary Smith] found emancipation in Shakespeare, Dryden, Goldsmith and other standard male authors, whom she extolled for their universality: "These authors wrote from their hearts for humanity, and I could follow them fully and with delight, though but a child. They awakened my young nature, and I found for the first time that my pondering heart was akin to that of the whole human race. And when I read the famous essays of Steele and Addison, I could realize much of their truth and beauty of expression... Pope's stanzas, which I read at school as an eight year old child, showed me how far I felt and shared the sentiment that he wrote, when he says, Thus let me live unseen, unknown Thus unlamented let me die; Steal from the world and not a stone Tell where I lie".'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Smith      Print: Book

  

Alexander Pope : 'Ode on Solitude'

'[Mary Smith] found emancipation in Shakespeare, Dryden, Goldsmith and other standard male authors, whom she extolled for their universality: "These authors wrote from their hearts for humanity, and I could follow them fully and with delight, though but a child. They awakened my young nature, and I found for the first time that my pondering heart was akin to that of the whole human race. And when I read the famous essays of Steele and Addison, I could realize much of their truth an beauty of expression... Pope's stanzas, which I read at school as an eight year old child, showed me how far I felt and shared the sentiment that he wrote, when he says, Thus let me live unseen, unknown Thus unlamented let me die; Steal from the world and not a stone Tell where I lie".'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Smith      Print: Book

  

George Payne : Elements of Mental and Moral Science

'by age twenty [Mary Smith] had read and understood George Payne's Elements of Mental and Moral Science, Thomas Brown's Moral Philosophy, and Richard Whateley's Logic. But two authors in paticular offered magnificent revelations. First there was Emerson on Nature; and later, as a governess for a Scotby leatherworks owner, she discovered Thomas Carlyle: "Emerson and he henceforth became my two great masters of thought for the rest of my life. Carlyle's gospel of Work and exposure of Shams, and his universal onslaught on the nothings and appearances of society, gave strength and life to my vague but true enthusiasm. They proved a new Bible of blessedness to my eager soul, as they did thousands beside, who had become weary of much of the vapid literature of the time".'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Smith      Print: Book

  

Thomas Brown : Moral Philosophy

'by age twenty [Mary Smith] had read and understood George Payne's Elements of Mental and Moral Science, Thomas Brown's Moral Philosophy, and Richard Whateley's Logic. But two authors in paticular offered magnificent revelations. First there was Emerson on Nature; and later, as a governess for a Scotby leatherworks owner, she discovered Thomas Carlyle: "Emerson and he henceforth became my two great masters of thought for the rest of my life. Carlyle's gospel of Work and exposure of Shams, and his universal onslaught on the nothings and appearances of society, gave strength and life to my vague but true enthusiasm. They proved a new Bible of blessedness to my eager soul, as they did thousands beside, who had become weary of much of the vapid literature of the time".'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Smith      Print: Book

  

Richard Whateley : Logic

'by age twenty [Mary Smith] had read and understood George Payne's Elements of Mental and Moral Science, Thomas Brown's Moral Philosophy, and Richard Whateley's Logic. But two authors in paticular offered magnificent revelations. First there was Emerson on Nature; and later, as a governess for a Scotby leatherworks owner, she discovered Thomas Carlyle: "Emerson and he henceforth became my two great masters of thought for the rest of my life. Carlyle's gospel of Work and exposure of Shams, and his universal onslaught on the nothings and appearances of society, gave strength and life to my vague but true enthusiasm. They proved a new Bible of blessedness to my eager soul, as they did thousands beside, who had become weary of much of the vapid literature of the time".'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Smith      Print: Book

  

Ralph Waldo Emerson : 

'by age twenty [Mary Smith] had read and understood George Payne's Elements of Mental and Moral Science, Thomas Brown's Moral Philosophy, and Richard Whateley's Logic. But two authors in paticular offered magnificent revelations. First there was Emerson on Nature; and later, as a governess for a Scotby leatherworks owner, she discovered Thomas Carlyle: "Emerson and he henceforth became my two great masters of thought for the rest of my life. Carlyle's gospel of Work and exposure of Shams, and his universal onslaught on the nothings and appearances of society, gave strength and life to my vague but true enthusiasm. They proved a new Bible of blessedness to my eager soul, as they did thousands beside, who had become weary of much of the vapid literature of the time".'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Smith      Print: Book

  

Thomas Carlyle : 

'by age twenty [Mary Smith] had read and understood George Payne's Elements of Mental and Moral Science, Thomas Brown's Moral Philosophy, and Richard Whateley's Logic. But two authors in paticular offered magnificent revelations. First there was Emerson on Nature; and later, as a governess for a Scotby leatherworks owner, she discovered Thomas Carlyle: "Emerson and he henceforth became my two great masters of thought for the rest of my life. Carlyle's gospel of Work and exposure of Shams, and his universal onslaught on the nothings and appearances of society, gave strength and life to my vague but true enthusiasm. They proved a new Bible of blessedness to my eager soul, as they did thousands beside, who had become weary of much of the vapid literature of the time".'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Smith      Print: Book

  

Johann Gottlieb Fichte : 

'like the great man [Carlyle] himself, [Mary Smith] studied Fichte, Schiller and Goethe'.

Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Smith      Print: Book

  

Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller : 

'like the great man [Carlyle] himself, [Mary Smith] studied Fichte, Schiller and Goethe'.

Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Smith      Print: Book

  

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe : 

'like the great man [Carlyle] himself, [Mary Smith] studied Fichte, Schiller and Goethe'.

Century: 1800-1849 / 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Smith      Print: Book

  

 : Temple of Reason

Witness statement in trial for publishing a blasphemous and seditious libel: William Smith: "I saw [the prisoner] serving in the shop and bought this book of him... I read part of the pamphlet as I went along the streets..."

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: William Smith      

  

Alfred Lord Tennyson : 'Break, break, break'

'[Through the Women's Co-operative Guild, Deborah Smith] began reading poetry and, at age fifty one, discovered her own spiritual longings in Tennyson: Break, break, break on thy cold grey stones, oh sea, Oh would that my tongue could utter The thoughts that arise in me!'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Deborah Smith      Print: Book

  

Charlotte Bronte : Jane Eyre

George Smith, A Memoir (London, 1902): 'The MS. of "Jane Eyre" was read by Mr Wiliams ... he brought it to me on a Saturday, and said that he would like me to read it ... after breakfast on Sunday morning I took the MS. of "Jane Eyre" to my little study, and began to read it. The story quickly took me captive. Before twelve o'clock my horse came to the door, but I could not put the book down ... Presently the servant came to tell me that luncheon was ready; I asked him to being me a sandwich and a glass of wine, and still went on with "Jane Eyre" ... before I went to bed that night I had finsihed reading the manuscript.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: George Murray Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Mark Twain : [unknown]

'The father of Labour politician T. Dan Smith, a Wallsend miner, was facinated by travel books, Twain's Innocents Abroad, Chaliapin, Caruso, and European affairs. But hardly anyone in their neighbourhood ever ventured outside it'.

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

  

[unknown] : [travel books]

'The father of Labour politician T. Dan Smith, a Wallsend miner, was facinated by travel books, Twain's Innocents Abroad, Chaliapin, Caruso, and European affairs. But hardly anyone in their neighbourhood ever ventured outside it'.

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

  

Lyell : Vestiges of Creation

"In order to read Lyell's controversial Vestiges of Creation when it first came to the house [of the Nonconformist minister in whose family she worked as companion and help], [Mary Smith] had to sit up through the night whilst the family were asleep."

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Smith      Print: Book

  

 : Votes for Women

"A conversion narrative precisely illustrating ... [the] effects of reading in action is told by Margaret Smith, who sceptically bought a copy of Votes for Women around 1909, took it home, and read it straight through: ' ... When I had finished reading that paper I ... realized that I had been a Feminist all my life without knowing it'."

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Smith      Print: Serial / periodical

  

[unknown] : [novels]

'As Cornish carpenter George Smith had little access to libraries, he "read every sort of book that came in my way" - novels, history, biblical criticism. He particularly liked mathematics because it was slow reading: "A treatise on algebra or geometry, which cost but a very few shillings, afforded me matter for close study for a year".'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: George Smith      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [history]

'As Cornish carpenter George Smith had little access to libraries, he "read every sort of book that came in my way" - novels, history, biblical criticism. He particularly liked mathematics because it was slow reading: "A treatise on algebra or geometry, which cost but a very few shillings, afforded me matter for close study for a year".'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: George Smith      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [biblical criticism]

'As Cornish carpenter George Smith had little access to libraries, he "read every sort of book that came in my way" - novels, history, biblical criticism. He particularly liked mathematics because it was slow reading: "A treatise on algebra or geometry, which cost but a very few shillings, afforded me matter for close study for a year".'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: George Smith      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [treatises on algebra and geometry]

'As Cornish carpenter George Smith had little access to libraries, he "read every sort of book that came in my way" - novels, history, biblical criticism. He particularly liked mathematics because it was slow reading: "A treatise on algebra or geometry, which cost but a very few shillings, afforded me matter for close study for a year".'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: George Smith      Print: Book

  

Arnold Bennett : Riceyman Steps

'While she was on board the yacht in August, the proofs of "Riceyman Steps" arrived; She read them tucked up under rugs in the deck house on a "wild grey day", and they made her weep.'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Pauline Smith      Print: Book, proofs

  

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

  

[n/a] : Bible

'Then we met in-doors for supper, with the home-made loaf and the cambray cheese; and then came the old family Bible and the worn-out ... prayer-book, and the ... voice of my good old dad, as he read deliberately the psalms and the prayer as in the days when I lay in my mother's lap while she soothed little Ned to silence in her arms.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group:      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : [prayer book]

'Then we met in-doors for supper, with the home-made loaf and the cambray cheese; and then came the old family Bible and the worn-out ... prayer-book, and the ... voice of my good old dad, as he read deliberately the psalms and the prayer as in the days when I lay in my mother's lap while she soother little Ned to silence in her arms.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group:      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

  

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: Mary Smith      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

  

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

  

 : 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

  

Miguel de Cervantes : Don Quixotte

To Miss Hunt, April 7, 1794 'At present I am puzzling at Persian and Arabic, and I mean to begin Hebrew. I get on at least with Spanish, for I have been able to meet with only one book since I read Don Quixotte, which was the "History of the Incas" by Garcillaso de la Vega. I was very pleased with it, though it is very long and in some parts tedious.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Garcilaso de la Vega : History of the Incas

To Miss Hunt, April 7, 1794 'At present I am puzzling at Persian and Arabic, and I mean to begin Hebrew. I get on at least with Spanish, for I have been able to meet with only one book since I read Don Quixotte, which was the "History of the Incas" by Garcillaso de la Vega. I was very pleased with it, though it is very long and in some parts tedious.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Feyjoo : Theatro critico universale

To Miss Hunt, Bath Sept 27, 1794 'I have the great store of Spanish lately; the "Teatro Critico Universale" by Feyjoo, a very clever work in 14 volumes; and I am now reading post-haste [italics] Mariana's "History of Spain", of which I have only read half, but am determined to finish it before I go. It is not so interesting as some other histories, but one must know it.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Juan de Mariana : History of Spain

To Miss Hunt, Bath Sept 27, 1794 'I have the great store of Spanish lately; the "Teatro Critico Universale" by Feyjoo, a very clever work in 14 volumes; and I am now reading post-haste [italics] Mariana's "History of Spain", of which I have only read half, but am determined to finish it before I go. It is not so interesting as some other histories, but one must know it.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Thomas James Mathias : The Pursuits of Literature

To Lady Isabella King, Bath March 8th 1798 'Have you read "The Pursuits of Literature"? It is a satirical poem. I dislike satire in general, but this appears to me one of the cleverest books I ever met with, and indeed this is the general opinion respecting it... I have read Robinson on the "Illuminati". It is said by people wel-informed on the subject to be a true representation.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

John Robinson : Illuminati

To Lady Isabella King, Bath March 8th 1798 'Have you read "The Pursuits of Literature"? It is a satirical poem. I dislike satire in general, but this appears to me one of the cleverest books I ever met with, and indeed this is the general opinion respecting it... I have read Robinson on the "Illuminati". It is said by people wel-informed on the subject to be a true representation.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Marcus Tullius Cicero : Tuscular Disputations

To Miss Hunt Shirley, July 28, 1795 'I must tell you that I cannot help being quite reconciled to Cicero... If you have not yet met with it, only read, as a sample, the first book of his "Tuscular disputations", "de contemrenda morte", and I think you will agree with me, that with the addition of Christianity to confirm his supposition, and rectify a few mistakes in them, and the knowledge of the true state of the universe, no doctrine can be more perfect than his; and that half the modern books on the subject might have been spared, had the writers of them, before they began, read this dialogue.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Edward Hyde Clarendon : History of the Rebellion and civil wars in England

To Miss Hunt Shirley, July 28, 1795 'I have just finished Clarendon's "History of the rebellion", which Miss Bowdler long ago desired me to read. It is extremely interesting and instructive.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Thomas Gisbourne : An enquiry into the duties of men in the higher and middle classes of society in Great Britain

To Miss Hunt Shirley, July 28, 1795 'We have read Mr Gisborne's book aloud ["On the duties of Man"] and all the party was extremely pleased with it.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Conyeds Middleton : History of the life of Marcus Tullius Cicero

To Miss Hunt, December 12 1792 'The "Lusiad" I never read. It was Middleton's "Life of Cicero" that I meant. I was not tired with its length because the chief of its contents were new to me. I have lately undertaken Smollet's "History of England", but must leave it in the middle.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Tobias George Smolett : History of England

To Miss Hunt, December 12 1792 'The "Lusiad" I never read. It was Middleton's "Life of Cicero" that I meant. I was not tired with its length because the chief of its contents were new to me. I have lately undertaken Smollet's "History of England", but must leave it in the middle.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Ossian : [poems]

To Miss Hunt, July 7, 1792 'At present I am engaged in an argument with my dear Miss Bowdlen concerning Ossian. I support him against all other poets. You may easily guess who will say all I can for Ossian, for I really love [italics] his poems beyond all others. Milton must stand alone; but surely Ossian is in some respects [italics] superior to Homer.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Homer : [poetry]

To Miss Hunt, July 7, 1792 'At present I am engaged in an argument with my dear Miss Bowdlen concerning Ossian. I support him against all other poets. You may easily guess who will say all I can for Ossian, for I really love [italics] his poems beyond all others. Milton must stand alone; but surely Ossian is in some respects [italics] superior to Homer.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

John Milton : [poems]

To Miss Hunt, July 7, 1792 'At present I am engaged in an argument with my dear Miss Bowdlen concerning Ossian. I support him against all other poets. You may easily guess who will say all I can for Ossian, for I really love [italics] his poems beyond all others. Milton must stand alone; but surely Ossian is in some respects [italics] superior to Homer.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Ossian : hymns

To Miss Hunt, July 7, 1792 'Can you find anything equal to his [Ossian's] descriptions of nature; his address to the Sun in Carthos, that to the Moon in Darthula, and the last hymn? Surely in the joy of grief and in night scenes there is nothing equal to him. I would rather read the description of one of his ghosts than of all Homer's gods. One of my greatest reasons for admiring him is that his heroes are so good [italics].'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

William Shakespeare : [works]

'At other times we studied Shakespeare, Milton and some other English poets as well as some of the Italians. We took long walks and often drew from nature. We read with great attention the whole of the New Testament, Secker's lectures on the Catechism and several other books on the same important subjects.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

John Milton : [poems]

'At other times we studied Shakespeare, Milton and some other English poets as well as some of the Italians. We took long walks and often drew from nature. We read with great attention the whole of the New Testament, Secker's lectures on the Catechism and several other books on the same important subjects.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

[various English poets] : [poems]

'At other times we studied Shakespeare, Milton and some other English poets as well as some of the Italians. We took long walks and often drew from nature. We read with great attention the whole of the New Testament, Secker's lectures on the Catechism and several other books on the same important subjects.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Thomas Secker : Lectures on Catechism

'At other times we studied Shakespeare, Milton and some other English poets as well as some of the Italians. We took long walks and often drew from nature. We read with great attention the whole of the New Testament, Secker's lectures on the Catechism and several other books on the same important subjects.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : New Testament

'At other times we studied Shakespeare, Milton and some other English poets as well as some of the Italians. We took long walks and often drew from nature. We read with great attention the whole of the New Testament, Secker's lectures on the Catechism and several other books on the same important subjects.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

[unknown] : Den golden spiegel

To Miss Hunt, St Winifred's Dale, August 18 1793 'I admire the German you sent me extremely. I have read none since you left me, except two books of Dr Randolph's "Den Golden Spiegel", which is an imitation of an Eastern tale, by way of making dissertations upon government. It is entertaining and there is an account of a happy valley, that makes one long to live in it. The other book is Wiessen's Poems (Lyrische Gedischte) some of which are very pretty.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Wiessen : Lyrische Gedischte

To Miss Hunt, St Winifred's Dale, August 18 1793 'I admire the German you sent me extremely. I have read none since you left me, except two books of Dr Randolph's "Den Golden Spiegel", which is an imitation of an Eastern tale, by way of making dissertations upon government. It is entertaining and there is an account of a happy valley, that makes one long to live in it. The other book is Wiessen's Poems (Lyrische Gedischte) some of which are very pretty.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Kliest : [unknown]

To Miss Hunt, April 7 1794 'I am very rich in German books right now for Dr Randolph, who has a great many, has given me his entire library, to take whatever I like. I have got your friend "Kliest", which I think delightful; Hallen's poems; and Zimmerman's "Einsamkert", which pleases me more that [sic] almost any book I ever read... There are some ideas in Zimmerman's upon a future state very like your book [Essay on the happiness of the life to come].'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Hallen : [poems]

To Miss Hunt, April 7 1794 'I am very rich in German books right now for Dr Randolph, who has a great many, has given me his entire library, to take whatever I like. I have got your friend Kliest, which I think delightful; Hallen's poems; and Zimmerman's "Einsamkert", which pleases me more that [sic] almost any book I ever read... There are some ideas in Zimmerman's upon a future state very like your book [Essay on the happiness of the life to come].'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Zimmerman : Einsamkert

To Miss Hunt, April 7 1794 'I am very rich in German books right now for Dr Randolph, who has a great many, has given me his entire library, to take whatever I like. I have got your friend Kliest, which I think delightful; Hallen's poems; and Zimmerman's "Einsamkert", which pleases me more that [sic] almost any book I ever read... There are some ideas in Zimmerman's upon a future state very like your book [Essay on the happiness of the life to come].'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Hunt : Essay on the happiness of the life to come

To Miss Hunt, April 7 1794 'I am very rich in German books right now for Dr Randolph, who has a great many, has given me his entire library, to take whatever I like. I have got your friend Kliest, which I think delightful; Hallen's poems; and Zimmerman's "Einsamkert", which pleases me more that [sic] almost any book I ever read... There are some ideas in Zimmerman's upon a future state very like your book [Essay on the happiness of the life to come].'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

George Dodd : Curiosities of Industry

In the BL copy: Written in margin of "Paper: Its Applications and its Novelties" p16 'In 1853 the sum of #4000 was at last paid to Mr Archer for his process -- and stamps are now supplied in that manner both Postage & Receipts -- 1854' Also in margin of "Glass and its manufacture" annotation to first line of page 9 'Thames Plate Glass comp - founded 1835-36' Also in margin of 'The Chemistry of manufactures" p.2 "#25 per ton" relating to output of copper from Swansea.

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group:      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'.

Unknown
Century: 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

  

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

  

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

  

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 account of the treatment of Louis 16th; it is well written'. [words in <> obliterated by water]

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith      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

  

[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

  

Mary Russell Mitford : Blanch of Castile and other poems

'The story of "Blanch", when the poem becomes fashionable, will be dramatized... I cannot help thinking it would make a good drama. The story is busy and pathetic. For the two small poems I thank you much. That to Lord Redesdale is most striking to me, and it is a just tribute to feeling where one would least expect it.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: J.P. Smith      Manuscript: Sheet

  

Samuel Johnson : Thoughts On the Late Transactions Respecting Falkland's Islands

'Adam Smith, Sir [-] informed me, was no admirer of the Rambler or the Idler, but was pleased with the pamphlet respecting the Falkland Islands, as it displayed in such forcible language, the madness of modern wars. Of Swift, he made frequent and honourable mention, and regarded him, both in style and sentiment, as a pattern of correctness. He often quoted some of the short poetical addresses to Stella, and was particularly pleased with the couplet, Say Stella, - feel you no content, Reflecting on a life well-spent? Smith had an invincible dislike to blank verse, Milton's only excepted. "they do well", said he, "to call it blank, for blank it is". Beattie's Minstrel he would not allow to be called a poem; for he said it had no plan, beginning or end. He did not much admire Allan Ramsay's "Gentle Shepherd", but preferred the "Pastor Fido", of which he spoke with rapture'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Adam Smith      

  

Jonathan Swift : [poems to Stella]

'Adam Smith, Sir [-] informed me, was no admirer of the Rambler or the Idler, but was pleased with the pamphlet respecting the Falkland Islands, as it displayed in such forcible language, the madness of modern wars. Of Swift, he made frequent and honourable mention, and regarded him, both in style and sentiment, as a pattern of correctness. He often quoted some of the short poetical addresses to Stella, and was particularly pleased with the couplet, Say Stella, - feel you no content, Reflecting on a life well-spent? Smith had an invincible dislike to blank verse, Milton's only excepted. "they do well", said he, "to call it blank, for blank it is". Beattie's Minstrel he would not allow to be called a poem; for he said it had no plan, beginning or end. He did not much admire Allan Ramsay's "Gentle Shepherd", but preferred the "Pastor Fido", of which he spoke with rapture'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Adam Smith      Print: Book

  

John Milton : [poems]

'Adam Smith, Sir [-] informed me, was no admirer of the Rambler or the Idler, but was pleased with the pamphlet respecting the Falkland Islands, as it displayed in such forcible language, the madness of modern wars. Of Swift, he made frequent and honourable mention, and regarded him, both in style and sentiment, as a pattern of correctness. He often quoted some of the short poetical addresses to Stella, and was particularly pleased with the couplet, Say Stella, - feel you no content, Reflecting on a life well-spent? Smith had an invincible dislike to blank verse, Milton's only excepted. "they do well", said he, "to call it blank, for blank it is". Beattie's Minstrel he would not allow to be called a poem; for he said it had no plan, beginning or end. He did not much admire Allan Ramsay's "Gentle Shepherd", but preferred the "Pastor Fido", of which he spoke with rapture'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Adam Smith      Print: Book

  

James Beattie : 'Minstrel, The'

'Adam Smith, Sir [-] informed me, was no admirer of the Rambler or the Idler, but was pleased with the pamphlet respecting the Falkland Islands, as it displayed in such forcible language, the madness of modern wars. Of Swift, he made frequent and honourable mention, and regarded him, both in style and sentiment, as a pattern of correctness. He often quoted some of the short poetical addresses to Stella, and was particularly pleased with the couplet, Say Stella, - feel you no content, Reflecting on a life well-spent? Smith had an invincible dislike to blank verse, Milton's only excepted. "they do well", said he, "to call it blank, for blank it is". Beattie's Minstrel he would not allow to be called a poem; for he said it had no plan, beginning or end. He did not much admire Allan Ramsay's "Gentle Shepherd", but preferred the "Pastor Fido", of which he spoke with rapture'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Adam Smith      Print: Book

  

Allan Ramsay : Gentle Shepherd, The

'Adam Smith, Sir [-] informed me, was no admirer of the Rambler or the Idler, but was pleased with the pamphlet respecting the Falkland Islands, as it displayed in such forcible language, the madness of modern wars. Of Swift, he made frequent and honourable mention, and regarded him, both in style and sentiment, as a pattern of correctness. He often quoted some of the short poetical addresses to Stella, and was particularly pleased with the couplet, Say Stella, - feel you no content, Reflecting on a life well-spent? Smith had an invincible dislike to blank verse, Milton's only excepted. "they do well", said he, "to call it blank, for blank it is". Beattie's Minstrel he would not allow to be called a poem; for he said it had no plan, beginning or end. He did not much admire Allan Ramsay's "Gentle Shepherd", but preferred the "Pastor Fido", of which he spoke with rapture'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Adam Smith      Print: Book

  

Giovanni Battista Guarini : Il Pastor Fido

'Adam Smith, Sir [-] informed me, was no admirer of the Rambler or the Idler, but was pleased with the pamphlet respecting the Falkland Islands, as it displayed in such forcible language, the madness of modern wars. Of Swift, he made frequent and honourable mention, and regarded him, both in style and sentiment, as a pattern of correctness. He often quoted some of the short poetical addresses to Stella, and was particularly pleased with the couplet, Say Stella, - feel you no content, Reflecting on a life well-spent? Smith had an invincible dislike to blank verse, Milton's only excepted. "they do well", said he, "to call it blank, for blank it is". Beattie's Minstrel he would not allow to be called a poem; for he said it had no plan, beginning or end. He did not much admire Allan Ramsay's "Gentle Shepherd", but preferred the "Pastor Fido", of which he spoke with rapture'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Adam Smith      Print: Book

  

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: Oliver Goldsmith      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: Oliver Goldsmith      Print: Unknown

  

Frederic Harrison : Meaning of History, The

'Mr Edminson then read a paper on Mrs Besant's autobiography. Some discussion folowed. Mr Morland gave a summary of Fairbairn's Christ in Modern Theology which also excited some remark. Mrs W.H. Smith also commented on some of the points in F. Harrison's Meaning of History in which she was joined by other members'.

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Ann Smith      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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

[n/a] : [newspaper]

Witness statement in trial for theft: Edward Smith: 'On the 17th of June I was at the Feathers public-house, in Oxford-street, between two and three o'clock—I had a box containing the property stated—I put it on a ledge in the window, above my head—the prisoner was there, with his brother and another—I was reading the newspaper, and then looked for my box—all the parties were gone, and my box too'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Edward Smith      Print: Newspaper

  

[n/a] : Weekly Dispatch

Witness statement in trial for theft: Dennis Power: 'Q. Do you ever read the "Weekly Dispatch" newspaper? A. I do not think any thing of it—I do read it occasionally—I read the account in it of my own affair before the commissioners, and a more gross falsehood was never published—I wrote to the editor of the "Dispatch," and was about to enter an action against him.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Edward Smith      Print: Newspaper

  

 : 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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

Elizabeth Ann Smith : [paper on Life of Edward Fitzgerald]

'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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Robert Browning : 'May and Death'

'A programme of the works of Robert Browning arranged by the committee appointed at the previous meeting was then entered up [?] Mrs Stansfield read a paper on some characteristics of the poet. Mr Goadby read Garden Fancies & Master Hugues Of Saxe-Gotha. Mrs Rawlings read Evelyn Hope. Mr Edminson Phedippides Mrs Smith May & Death & Prospice A Rawlings One Word More.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

Robert Browning : 'Prospice'

'A programme of the works of Robert Browning arranged by the committee appointed at the previous meeting was then entered up [?] Mrs Stansfield read a paper on some characteristics of the poet. Mr Goadby read Garden Fancies & Master Hugues Of Saxe-Gotha. Mrs Rawlings read Evelyn Hope. Mr Edminson Phedippides Mrs Smith May & Death & Prospice A Rawlings One Word More.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

William Henry Smith : [Paper on Ruskin]

'Mr W. H. Smith then read a paper on the life of John Ruskin'.

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: William Henry Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Elizabeth Ann Smith : [paper on Burns as song writer]

'Three papers were devoted to aspects of Burns & his works. Mrs Goadby read a biographical sketch. Mrs Smith read a paper prepared conjointly with Mrs [?]on Burns as songwriter & Fred Edminson one devoted to Burns's personality. [various songs were performed] Mrs Stansfield read To a Mouse & To a Mountain Daisy Mrs Rawlings the Cotter's Saturday Night.'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Robert Burns : 

'Three papers were devoted to aspects of Burns & his works. Mrs Goadby read a biographical sketch. Mrs Smith read a paper prepared conjointly with Mrs [?]on Burns as songwriter & Fred Edminson one devoted to Burns's personality. [various songs were performed] Mrs Stansfield read To a Mouse & To a Mountain Daisy Mrs Rawlings the Cotter's Saturday Night.'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

Howard R. Smith : [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: Howard R. Smith      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: Howard R Smith      Print: Book

  

Leo Tolstoy : Resurrection, The

'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: Howard Smith      Print: Book

  

Elizabeth Ann Smith : [a biography of Keats]

'Mrs Smith then read an interesting biography of Keats which was followed by a reading of "I stood tiptoe upon a little hill" by Helen Rawlings. Howard R. Smith read from Endymion & Mrs Ridges the Ode to a Nightingale. Alfred Rawlings read a paper upon the poetry of Keats & Mrs Edminson some of the sonnets & H.M. Wallis a portion of "Isabella".'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

John Keats : Endymion

'Mrs Smith then read an interesting biography of Keats which was followed by a reading of "I stood tiptoe upon a little hill" by Helen Rawlings. Howard R. Smith read from Endymion & Mrs Ridges the Ode to a Nightingale. Alfred Rawlings read a paper upon the poetry of Keats & Mrs Edminson some of the sonnets & H.M. Wallis a portion of "Isabella".'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Howard R Smith : [paper on the House of Lords]

'Howard R. Smith then read a paper on the history of the House of Lords which was followed by considerablee discussion. Mr Binns then followed with an exhaustive paper which was much appreciated & which also led to free expression of opinion'.

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard R. Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Howard R Smith : [paper on life of RL Stevenson]

'An excellent programme illustrative of R.L. Stevenson's work was then proceeded with. A biographical paper was read by H. R. Smith & a critical appreciation of the works by J. Ridges & selections by several members.'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard R Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Percy Bysshe Shelley : 

'Mr Smith read a paper on Shelley & Mrs Ridges selections from a paper by Dr Scott on the poet's literary characteristics while other members read selections from his works'.

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: William Smith      Print: Book

  

William Smith : [paper on Shelley]

'Mr Smith read a paper on Shelley & Mrs Ridges selections from a paper by Dr Scott on the poet's literary characteristics while other members read selections from his works'.

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: William Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

 : 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: Howard Smith      Print: Serial / periodical

  

George Borrow : Bible in Spain, The

'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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

George Borrow : Romany Rye, The

'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: Howard Smith      Print: Book

  

 : [either an English ballad or text about ballads]

'The subject of the evening - 'English Ballads' - was then discussed in two papers, by F.J. Edminson & H.M. Wallis, and illustrated by readings recitations & songs. Recitations were given by Rosamund Wallis & Mrs Ridges. Readings by H.M. Wallis, Mrs Smith & Mrs Edminson'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

Howard Smith : [Paper on William Pett Ridge]

'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: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

William Pett Ridge : 

'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: Howard Smith      Print: Book

  

Howard Smith : [paper on Subliminal Consciousness]

'The subject of Occultism was introduced in a general & comprehensive way [by] C. Stansfield. H.R. Smith read a paper on Subliminal Consciousness & W.S Rowntree on Evidence of continued existence after corporeal death.'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

 : [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: Howard Smith      Print: Book

  

Dante Alighieri : La Vita Nuova

'W.S. Rowntree read a paper on Dante & Florence [,] H.R. Smith explained the Vita Nuova from which Mrs W.H. Smith & Mrs Edminson read selections'.

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith      Print: Book

  

Dante Alighieri : La Vita Nuova

'W.S. Rowntree read a paper on Dante & Florence [,] H.R. Smith explained the Vita Nuova from which Mrs W.H. Smith & Mrs Edminson read selections'.

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard R. Smith      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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Howard R. Smith : [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: Howard R. Smith      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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      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: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

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: Howard Smith      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: Howard Smith      Print: Book

  

Elizabeth Ann Smith : [Paper on A.R. Wallace's psychical writings]

'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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Alfred Russel Wallace : [psychical writings]

'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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      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: Howard Smith      Print: Book

  

William Makepeace Thackeray : Vanity Fair

'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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

William Makepeace Thackeray : Henry Esmond

'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: Howard Smith      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: Howard Smith      Print: 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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      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'.

Unknown
Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Ann Smith      

  

George Gissing : New Grub Street

'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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Elizabeth Ann Smith : [paper on child study]

'Child- Study then claimed our attention. Three papers (or contributions) were given first of all by Mrs Smith, Mr Evans & Mr Stansfield so as to give the remaining time to discussion. Mrs Smith in reading the opening paper quoted part of an extremely interesting article from 'The Spectator' - dealing with the child's mind & what the problems were about which the young members of society thought. [the discussion on the subject and Unwin's own opinions are then given at length]

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

 : Spectator, The

'Child- Study then claimed our attention. Three papers (or contributions) were given first of all by Mrs Smith, Mr Evans & Mr Stansfield so as to give the remaining time to discussion. Mrs Smith in reading the opening paper quoted part of an extremely interesting article from 'The Spectator' - dealing with the child's mind & what the problems were about which the young members of society thought. [the discussion on the subject and Unwin's own opinions are then given at length]

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Elizabeth Ann Smith : [paper on 'Mankind in the Making' by Wells]

'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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Herbert George Wells : Mankind in the Making

'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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

Robert Louis Stevenson : 'Christmas at Sea'

'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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

Robert Louis Stevenson : 'Tropic Rain'

'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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

Robert Louis Stevenson : 'Vagabond'

'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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

Elizabeth Ann Smith : [paper on the spirit world]

'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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Elizabeth Ann Smith : [paper on the mind and its training]

'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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

[a member of the XII Book Club] : [paper on Blackwood's 'The Garden of Survival']

'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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Algernon Blackwood : Garden of Survival, 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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

Jean Froissart : Chronicles

'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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

Rudyard Kipling : 'How the Camel got his Hump'

'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: William Henry Smith      Print: Book

  

Howard R. Smith : 'Etaples & the Air raids'

'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: Howard R. Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Robert Browning : 'In a gondola'

'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: Muriel Bowman-Smith      Print: 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: Howard R. Smith      Manuscript: Sheet, copy from book, taken by Miss Cole

  

Howard R. Smith : [paper on Bunyan's life]

'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: Howard R. Smith      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

  

Maurice Hewlett : Forest Lovers, 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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Maurice Hewlett : Forest Lovers, 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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Thomas de Quincey : 

'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: Muriel Bowman-Smith      Print: Book

  

Howard R. Smith : [essay on Pepys]

'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: Howard R. Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

 : Bonnie House of Airlie, The

'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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Unknown

  

Howard R. Smith : [paper on Boswell]

'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: Howard R. Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

L.P. Jacks : 'Farmer Jeremy and his Ways'

'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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Ernest E. Unwin : [Minutes of XII Book Club]

'The Minutes of the last meeting were read & signed'

Century:      Reader/Listener/Group: Howard R. Smith      Manuscript: book

  

Howard R. Smith : [Minutes of XII Book Club]

'The Minutes of the last meeting were read & approved'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard R. Smith      Manuscript: book

  

Howard R. Smith : [Minutes of XII Book Club]

'The Minutes of last meeting were read & agreed'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard R. Smith      Manuscript: book

  

Henry Marriage Wallis : [parody of 'We are Seven']

'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: Howard R. Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

John Masefield : 'Reynard the Fox'

'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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Arthur Quiller-Couch : Mayor of Troy, The

'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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

George Sand : Consuelo

'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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Sabine Baring-Gould : Vicar of Morwenstow, The

'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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Sabine Baring-Gould : 

'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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

Anthony Trollope : Prime Minister, 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: Howard R. Smith      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: Elizabeth Ann Smith      Print: Book

  

Llewelyn Powys : Ebony and Ivory

'The Secretary reported that he had found "Ebony & Ivory" to be an unsuitable book to go round the club & had procured The Incredible Journey (the book to secure next higherst votes) in its place.'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Mark Twain : Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

'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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Mark Twain : Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc

'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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

William de Morgan : Somehow Good

'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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Edith Smith : [financial statement of XII Book Club]

'The Financial Statement was read & approved'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard R. Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Hugh Walpole : 

'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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Elizabeth Gaskell : Mary Barton

'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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Henry Marriage Wallis : "The Price of his Soul"

'After refreshment Geo Burrow told us of Meinholt's [sic] book "The Amber Witch" & of witchcraft & Howard R. Smith read a story written by H.M. Wallis who was unable to be present entitled "The Price of his Soul" dealing with sin eating in Wales'.

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard R. Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Howard R. Smith : [paper on "Rates and taxes"]

'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: Howard R. Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield : [letter to his son]

'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: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Edith Smith : [treasurer's report of XII Book Club]

'The treasurers report showing a balance in hand of 19/- was read'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Edith Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Howard R. Smith : [Minutes of XII Book Club]

'After supper the Secretary read the Minutes of the last Meeting'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard R. Smith      Manuscript: book

  

Howard R. Smith : [Minutes of XII Book Club]

'The Minutes of last Meeting were read & approved'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard R. Smith      Manuscript: book

  

Edith Smith : [financial statement of XII Book Club]

'The financial statement was read showing a balance in hand of 11/ 3 1/2'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Edith Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Thomas Hardy : Mayor of Casterbridge, The

'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: Muriel Bowman Smith      Print: Book

  

Jonathan Swift : Journal to Stella

'Geo Burrow then read portions of Thackeray's essay on Swift. H. R. Smith read several short extracts from the Journal to Stella. After supper Miss D. Brain read several passages from Gulliver's travels & T. C. Elliott read from the Drapers Letters & explained them Alfred Rawlings read from the Tale of a Tub'.

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard R. Smith      Print: Book

  

Howard Smith : [Minutes of the meeting of the XII Book Club held 23 March 1928]

A Meeting held at Mark Ash Tuesday May 8th 1928 C. J. Evans in the Chair 1 Minutes of last approved

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Notebook

  

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: Edith B. Smith      Print: Book

  

Howard Smith : [Minutes of the meeting held 8 May 1928]

A Meeting held at 30 Northcourt Avenue [Oct 19/28]

Miss E. C. Stevens in the chair

1. Minutes of last Meeting approved
[This apparently refers both to the minutes of the meeting held 8 May 1928, which were signed off by the chair of the current meeting on 19 October, and to the minutes/report of the picnic meeting held on 12 June 1928, which are also signed off by Miss Stevens.]

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Notebook

  

Howard Smith : [Minutes/report of the picnic meeting held 12 Jun 1928]

A Meeting held at 30 Northcourt Avenue [Oct 19/28]

Miss E. C. Stevens in the chair

1. Minutes of last Meeting approved
[This apparently refers both to the minutes of the meeting held 8 May 1928, which were signed off by the chair of the current meeting on 19 October, and to the minutes/report of the picnic meeting held on 12 June 1928, which are also signed off by Miss Stevens.]

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Notebook

  

Howard Smith : [Minutes of the meeting of the XII Book Club held 13 November 1928]

'A Meeting held at 9 Denmark Rd 13/11/1928 F. E. Pollard in the chair

1. Minutes of last read and approved


[...]

8[.] Essays were read (1) Alfred Rawlings on Beauty (2) R H Robson on The Abolition of the House of Commons'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Notebook

  

Howard Smith : [Minutes/report of the meeting held 13 November 1928]

'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: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Unknown, Notebook

  

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.'

Unknown
Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith      

  

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.'

Unknown
Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Muriel Bowman-Smith      

  

Howard Smith : [Minutes of the meeting held 4 Dec 1928]

'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: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Notebook

  

Howard Smith : [Minutes of the meeting of the XII Book Club held 21 Jan 1929]

'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: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Notebook

  

Howard Smith : [A brief sketch of Victor Hugo's life]

'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: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Howard Smith : [Minutes of the meeting of the XII Book Club held 26 Feb 1929]

'A. Meeting held at Frensham 19/3/1929 H. R. Smith in the chair

Min 1 Minutes of last read and approved

Min 2 The date of the next Meeting was fixed for Friday May 3rd at Grove House by kind invitation of Mrs Lawson[.] Mr H. B. Lawson was added to the committee

Min 3 Three short Plays of John Galsworthy were then read in parts. The first was "Hall Marked" not a great success as it depends so much on exit. [illegible word similar to ‘cutranas’] glances & backs. After supper Came "The Little Man" which was much enjoyed and finally Punch & Go which also gave much pleasure.'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Notebook

  

Howard Smith : [Minutes of the meeting of the XII Book Club held 19 Mar 1929]

'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: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Notebook

  

Geoffrey Chaucer : Canterbury Tales (General Prologue)

'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'

Unknown
Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith      

  

Geoffrey Chaucer : The Prioress's Tale, from The Canterbury Tales

'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: Howard Smith      

  

Geoffrey Chaucer : The Wife of Bath's Tale, from The Canterbury Tales

'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: Howard Smith      

  

Hilaire Belloc : Cautionary Tales for Children

'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'

Unknown
Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith      

  

Howard Smith : [Minutes of XII Book Club meeting, 3 May 1929]

'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: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Notebook

  

Howard Smith : [Minutes of XII Book Club meeting, 6 June 1929]

'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: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Notebook

  

Muriel Bowman-Smith : [letter of resignation from the XII Book Club]

'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: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Letter

  

Howard Smith : [Minutes of the meeting of the XII Book Club held 25 Sep 1929]

'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: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Notebook

  

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: Howard Smith      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: Edith B. Smith      Print: Book

  

Howard Smith : Minutes of the meeting of the XII Book Club held 3 June 1930

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: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Notebook

  

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

Unknown
Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith      

  

Francis Thompson : ?"At Lords"

'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: Howard Smith      Print: Book

  

Janet Rawlings : [Moroccan memories]

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: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

John J. Cooper : Some Worthies of Reading

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: Howard Smith      Print: Book

  

Edith Goadby : Glastonbury

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: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Howard Smith : [An account of the life of William Morris]

Meeting held at 9 Denmark Road, 20 IV. 1934

F. E. Pollard in the chair

1. Minutes of last read & approved with one correction, in the absence of the secretary.


[...]

4. Howard R. Smith told us of Morris’s life. The meeting gasped with unanimity and amazement to learn that he (Morris i.e.) had read all the Waverley novels by the age of seven; we gathered that the background of his life had been a blend of Epping Forest & shares in a coppermine, and that his appearance accounted for his lifelong nickname of Topsy. Of his friendships, his labours to restore beauty to Victorian homes, to prevent vandals from restoring cathedrals & other ancient monuments, his Kelmscott Press, his poems & prose romances, his turning to Socialism as the only way to a society in which men would find happiness in sound and beautiful work – of all these things and many more which made up his extraordinarily full and fruitful life, it is impossible to make a summary.

5. Mary S. W. Pollard read a short extract from Percy Corder’s life of Robert Spence Watson telling of a visit of Wm Morris to Bensham Grove. Members afterwards inspected his signature in the Visitors’ book.

6. Ethel C. Stevens read an interesting account of Kelmscott Manor, revealing other sides of this vigorous and many sided personality.

7. R. H. Robson gathered together the artistic & socialist aspects of Morris’s work, emphasised the greatness of the man, & read extracts from MacKail’s Biography. It was clear that Morris would wish to cancel out the last four hundred years & start again on different lines. Time was wanting to reveal all the varieties of opinion that this might have elicited, & we parted in united awe at the mans capacity for work, & his important contributions to our life & ideals.

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Howard Smith : [A paper on the early history of London]

'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.'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith      Manuscript: Unknown

  

 : Trials for Witchcraft

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.

Unknown
Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith      

  

William Fryer Harvey : The Tortoise

'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: Howard Smith      Print: Book

  

Roger Martin du Gard : Les Thibault

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: Howard Smith      Print: Book

  

 : [a story about an illicit still]

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

Unknown
Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith      

 

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