Manuscript, in a single hand, in the style of The Spectator for year 1768. The volume's contents are primarily tongue-in-cheek, including a dedication to Nobody; a narrative autobiography of a flea; advice to readers; and a discussion on the art of punning. The volume also records, with primarily satirical intent, the letters sent to the editor, including one by a woman who believes herself the subject of an entry in the Spectator. Other topics include a meditation on the sufferings of Christ on the cross and a translation of an ancient Persian manuscript titled History of Abdullah. Numerous entries are dated from Kings College, Cambridge
Description:
In English., In faint ink on title page: Transcribed for the Author., Pasted on p. 1: elaborate printed border., Armorial bookplate of William Horatio Crawford, Lakelands, Cork., and Binding: full red morocco with gilt decoration. In gilt on spine over green morocco: Pumice Mundus. Paucis osendi gemit. The Speculator.
Subject (Geographic):
England.
Subject (Topic):
English wit and humor, Periodicals, and Religious literature, English
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
