Manuscript, in a single hand, of about 40 poems on various subjects dated between 1772 and 1782. The collection includes epitaphs and occasional verse, several "Charades," an epistolary poem titled "Helen, An Old Scots Tale" which is prefaced by a historical account of a certain Helen Kirkconnell in Annandale, and a two-part poem titled "The Indian Maid, A Tale, Intended for a Companion to the Harp" about a young Indian captive, "written by Mr. Macneil." The volume also contains a 4-line stanza in the hand of the author's friend, Robert Riddle , signed "R.R., 1790," as well as the 4th stanza of "Sensibility How Charming," written in the hand of Robert Burns
Description:
In English., Table of contents at end of manuscript., Note by E. H. W. Meyerstein dated 1949 on verso of flyleaf regarding the manuscript., Drawing on flyleaf: bust labeled "Ponpeo.", and Binding: full calf; gilt decoration and stamped crest with motto "Hab Shar Virtus Maturuit."
Subject (Name):
Burns, Robert, 1759-1796., Craik, Helen, 1750?-1824., and Meyerstein, Edward Harry William, 1889-1952.
Subject (Topic):
English literature, English poetry, Epitaphs, Love songs, Occasional verse, English, and Women authors
MS in several hands and Collection of verse (including original poems), letters, drawings, etc., compiled by Martha, Ann, and William Dickinson (1746-1823); mentions John Dickinson (1815-1876); accompanied by a small quantity of loose papers
Description:
Arranged and bound by John Allen Giles (1808-1884) in 1860. and Title on spine: Common Place Books of Martha. Ann. and William Dickinson.
Manuscript, in a multiple hands, of a collection of newspaper articles, prints, drawings, letters, and autobiographical text, primarily relating to Grimstone's published writing. The volume includes "my first prose [which] was the following letter inserted in the Polemical Inquirer. The Editors letter to me is on the oppposite side," numerous pieces of prose and verse which appeared in "The Ladies Monthly Museum" and "The Theatrical Inquisitor," and printed musical scores, of which she notes, "Part of my engagement with the proprietors of the Ladies Monthly museum, was to supply new words to the Irish melodies and other airs," as well as numerous business correspondence with editors and personal letters. The volume is prefaced by an introduction in which Grimstone gives an account of her recent "nervous disorder" during which she destroyed much of her writing. She declares, "My Own Scrap Book in which i mean to be as egotistical as I can and talk of nothing but myself, or what relates to myself. If I live to see the hundred and odd years, I am promised; I & this book shall like to converse together when perhaps few others will care to give me companionship. If I die early, then this book will be still a part of me remaining and speaking to those that loved me."
Description:
In English., Laid in at end: letters and scraps of paper with printed poems., Laid in at beginning: typed list of works attributed to Grimstone in the British Museum Catalogue., and Binding: half calf.
Subject (Geographic):
England and Great Britain
Subject (Name):
Grimstone, Mary Leman (Rede)
Subject (Topic):
English literature, English poetry, Letters, Music, Women authors, Women, Conduct of life, Periodicals, and Social life and customs
