Listings for Reader:
Sydney Smith
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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
Basil Hall : Travels in North America 1827-8
'I am reading Hall's book, but will read it through before I say a word about it, for I find my opinion changes so much between the first and third volume of a book'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Basil Hall : Travels in North America 1827-8
'Have you read Hall's America? If you have, I hope you dislike it as much as I do. It is amusing but very unjust and unfair. It will make his fortune at the Admiralty. Then he temporizes about the Slave Trade; with which no man should ever hold parley, but speak of it with abhorrence, as the greatest of all human abominations'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
T.H. Lister : Epicharis
'I do not like your Tragedy; there is little interest in it; no material fault but the absence of anything very good. I am not the less obliged to you for sending it. You will hate me for giving you my true opinion, but you have asked me to do so and in such matters I never deceive'.
UnknownCentury: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith
William Francis Patrick Napier : History of the Peninsular War
'I quite agree about Napier's book. I did not think that any man would venture to write so true, bold and honest a book; it gave me a high idea of his understanding, and makes me very anxious about his [italics]caractere[end italics].'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
John Galt : Laurie Todd or the Settlers in the Woods
'Read "Laurie Todd" by Galt. It is excellent; no surprising events, or very striking characters, but the humorous and entertaining parts of common life, brought forward in a tenour of probable circumstances. Read Raffles's Life. A virtuous, active, high-minded man; placed at last where he ought to be: a round man, in a round hole'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Lady Raffles : [memoir of her husband Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles]
'Read "Laurie Todd" by Galt. It is excellent; no surprising events, or very striking characters, but the humorous and entertaining parts of common life, brought forward in a tenour of probable circumstances. Read Raffles's Life. A virtuous, active, high-minded man; placed at last where he ought to be: a round man, in a round hole'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Thomas Moore : Life of Byron
'Have you read Moore? I come in, I see, for a little notice once or twice. I find the Peer and Poet (and I knew it only yesterday) has dedicated a stanza or two to me in Don Juan'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
James Justinian Morier : Zohrab the Hostage
'We have read "Zohrab the Hostage" with the greatest pleasure. If you have not read it, pray do. I was so pleased with it that I could not help writing a letter of congratulation and collaudation to Morier, the author, who, by the bye, is an excellent man'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
(ed.) Lady Dacre : Recollections of a Chaperon
'I am always glad when a clever book has been written; not only because it pleases me, but because it is a new triumph for Brains. I have had very great pleasure in reading the stories; it is very difficult to say what they are made of, but they are very agreeable, and I beg for more. There is only one I dislike, it is too inocent for me - and yet I consider myself a very innocent person. I never read any stories which had so much the manners and conversation of real life; all aim at it, none have ever succeeded so well. I always write to everybody who publishes a book that gives me pleasure - so excuse me and believe me, dear Lady Dacre, ever sincerely yours...'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Thomas Hamilton : Men and Manners in America
'Read Hamilton';s "America", it is quite excellent'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Robert James Mackintosh : Memoirs of the Life of the Right Honourable Sir James Mackintosh
'I think you will like Sir James Mackintosh's Life; it is full of his own thoughts upon men, books and events, and I derived from it the greatest pleasure. He makes most honourable mention of your mother, whom I only know by one of her productions, - enough to secure my admiration'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Antoine Beauvilliers : L'Art de Cuisiner
'I have been reading aloud Beauvilliers book of Cookery. I find as I suspected that garlic is power; not in its despotic shape but exercised with the geatest discretion'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Frances Milton Trollope : Tremordyn Cliff
'I am very desirous to read Mrs Trollope's Paris and the Parisians; her Tremordyn Cliff I read with considerable pleasure. She must be an amorous Old Dame; all these matters she describes with the most juvenile warmth and impetuosity'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Washington Irving : Astoria
'I have read "Astoria" with great pleasure; it is a book to put in your library, as an entertaining, well written - [italics]very[end italics] well written - account of savage life, on a most extensive scale'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Thomas Babington Macaulay : [writings on Indian Courts and Education]
'Get, and read, Macaulay's Papers upon the Indian courts and Indian Education. They are admirable for their talent and their honesty. We see why he was hated in India, and how honourable to him that hatred is'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Nicholas Nickleby
'Nickleby is very good. I stood out against Mr Dickens as long as I could, but he has conquered me'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Serial / periodical
Henry Harpur Spry : Modern India
'Read Spry's account of India - and believe if you can (I do) that within 150 mles of Calcutta there is a nation of Cannibals living in trees. It is an amusing Book.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
William, Baron Stowell Scott : [reports of cases in the Admiralty Court]
'I am very deep in Lord Stowell's "Reports", and if it were wartime I should officiate as Judge of the Admiralty Court. It was a fine business to make a public law for all nations, or to confirm one; and it is rather singular that so sly a rogue should have done it so honestly'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Unknown
(ed.) Mary Berry : [letters of Mme. du Deffand to Horace Walpole]
'I am reading again Madame du Deffand. God forbid I should be as much in love with anybody (yourself excepted) as the poor woman was with Horace Walpole!'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
M. Guizot : 'Washington: par M. Guizot'
'I read Guizot's Washington in the Summer; nothing can be better, more succinct more judicious, more true more just; but I think I have done with reviewing'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
[Mrs] Crowe : Susan Hopley
'I have read Susan Hopley - the incidents are improbable but the Book took me on - and I kept reading it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Philip Doddridge : The Family Expositor
I console myself with Doddridge's Expositor and "The Scholar Armed", to say nothing of a very popular book called "The Dissenter tripped up".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
[anon] : The Scholar Armed
I console myself with Doddridge's Expositor and "The Scholar Armed", to say nothing of a very popular book called "The Dissenter tripped up".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith
[unknown] : The Dissenter Tripped Up
I console myself with Doddridge's Expositor and "The Scholar Armed", to say nothing of a very popular book called "The Dissenter tripped up".'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith
Mountstuart Elphinstone : History of India
'Pray Read the first Vol of Elphinstone's India - the News from China gives me the greatest pleasure. I am for bombarding all the exclusive Asiatics who shut up the Earth and will not let me walk civilly and quietly through it, doing no harm, and paying for all I want'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Charles Napier : An account of the war in Portugal between Don Pedro and Don Miguel
'You should read Napier's two little volumes of the war in Portugal. He is an heroic fellow, equal to anything in Plutarch; and moreover a long-headed, clever hero, who takes good aim before he fires'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
unknown : A Life in the Forest
'Read "A Life in the Forest", skipping nimbly; but there is much of good in it'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Thomas Babington Macaulay : Lays of Ancient Rome
'Have you read Macaulay's Lays? they are very much liked. I have read some but I abor all Grecian and Roman subjects'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Honore de Balzac : Pere Goriot
'Did you ever read Pere Goriot by Balzac or La Messe de L'Athee they are very good and perfectly readable for ladies and clergymen'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Honore de Balzac : La Messe de l'Athee
'Did you ever read Pere Goriot by Balzac or La Messe de L'Athee they are very good and perfectly readable for ladies and clergymen'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Charles Dickens : Martin Chuzzlewit
'You have been so used to these sort of impertinences, that I believe you will exuse me for saying how very much I am pleased with the first number of your new work. Pecksniff and his daughters, and Pinch, are admirable, - quite first rate painting, such as no-one but yourself can execute. I did not like your genealogy of the Chuzzlewits, and I must wait a little to see how Martin turns out; I am impatient for the next number'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Serial / periodical
Leonard Horner : Memoirs and Correspondence of Francis Horner, M.P.
'I hope you like Horner's "Life". It succeeds extremely well here. It is full of all the exorbitant and impracticable views so natural to young men at Edinburgh; but there is great order, great love of knowledge, high principle and feelings, which ought to grow and trive in superior minds'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Theobald Mathew : Arabiniana, or Remains of Mr Serjeant Arabin
'Tell William Murray, with my kindest regards, to get for you, when he comes to town, a book called "Arabiniana, or Remains of Mr Serjeant Arabin", - very witty and humorous. It is given away - not sold, but I have in vain endeavoured to get a copy'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Harriet Martineau : Life in the Sick Room
'I have just read Miss Martineau's "Sick Room". I cannot understand it. It is so sublime, and mystical that I frequently cannot guess at her meaning; all that I can find out is that in long chronical illnesses, a patient finds sources of amusement that do not at first occurr, but which have a tendency to engage the mind, and alleviate pain; all this however I could have conjectured without the assistance of an Octavo book'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
William Ellery Channing : [sermon on War]
'I think Channing an admirable writer, so much eloquence so much sense so much command of Language; yet admirable as his Sermon on War is, I have the Vanity to think my own equally good quite as sensible quite as eloquent as full of good parables and of fine Language, and you will be more inclined to agree with me in this Comparison when I tell you that I preached in St Paul's the identical Sermon which Ld Grey so much admires. - I thought I could not write anything half so good so I preached Channing'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Unknown
[n/a] : Edinburgh Review
'Has Lord Grey read the Edinburgh Review? the article on Barrere is by Macaulay, that upon Lord St Vincent by Barrow; I thnk this latter very entertaining, but it was hardly worth while to crucify Barrere - Macauley might as well have selected Turpin'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Serial / periodical
Arthur Stanley : Life and Correspondence of Thomas Arnold
'Read Stanleys Life of Arneld, Twiss Life of Ld Eldon'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Horace Twiss : Life of Lord Chancellor Eldon
'Read Stanleys Life of Arneld, Twiss Life of Ld Eldon'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Horace Twiss : Life of Lord Chancellor Eldon
'I think I have already mentioned to you the Life of Ld Eldon by Horace Twiss. It is not badly done, and I think it would very much amuse Ld Grey as it is the history almost of his times. He seems (Lord Eldon) to have been a cunning canting old Rogue whose object was to make all the money he [could] by office at any expence of the public happiness'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
(ed.) Richard Bourke : Correspondence of Burke
'I am beginning Burke's Letters or rather have gone through one volume but it is (I mean the Volume) full of details which do not interest me and there are no signs yet of that beautiful and fruitful imagination which is the great charm of Burke; and with the politics of so remote a period I do not concern myself'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Alexander William Kinglake : Eothen, or Traces of Travel brought home from the East
'Read Travels in the East called Eothen, they are by a Mr Kinglake of Taunton a Chancery Barrister, and are written in a very lively manner; they will amuse Lord Grey who I presume is regularly read to every day'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
Daniel Owen-Madden [published anon.] : Ireland and its Rulers Since 1829
'I think "Ireland and its Leaders" worth reading and beg of you to tell me who wrote it if you happen to know, for you though you call yourself solitary live much more in the world than I do while I am in the Country'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
[n/a] : The Times
'Have you noticed the Abuse of St Pauls in the Times - I ws moved to write but kept Silence though it was pain and grief to me'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Newspaper
Frederick Marryat : The Settlers in Canada
'Read Captain Marryats Settlement in Canada'.
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Sydney Smith Print: Book
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
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'.
