3929. Robert Southey to [Thomas Frognall Dibdin], 9 December 1822

MS: Pforzheimer Collection, New York Public Library, Misc MS 3912. ALS; 1p.
Unpublished.

Keswick. 9 Dec. 1822

My dear Sir

You tempt me with a proposal

Dibdin had proposed that Southey should undertake a continuation of Thomas Warton (1728–1790; DNB), The History of English Poetry from the Close of the Eleventh to the Commencement of the Eighteenth Century (1774–1781). Southey did not take up the offer and a new edition appeared in 1824, edited by Richard Price (1790–1833; DNB), no. 2986 in the sale catalogue of Southey’s library.

which accords very well with my inclinations. Among the objections to it, the weightiest is, that I have long been preparing for a general history of English literature & manners,

⁽²⁾

This project did not result in a book. Southey’s surviving notes for it were posthumously published as ‘Collections for the History of Manners and Literature in England’, Common-Place Book, ed. John Wood Warter, 4 series (London, 1849–1850), I, pp. 439–578.

But this I think need not prevent me from treating a portion of our poetical history, upon a larger scale than can be allowed to it in my projected work. Loving Warton as I do, and owing him much as having studied in his school from my youth up, I am certainly as far disposed for the undertaking, as to be willing to hear from the Principals.

⁽³⁾

Thomas Tegg (1766–1845; DNB), publisher of popular works and abridgements of literary standards. Southey did not undertake any work for him.

To say any thing farther upon the subject would be premature at present

Believe me
Dear Sir
yours faithfully
Robert Southey.

Notes

1. Dibdin had proposed that Southey should undertake a continuation of Thomas Warton (1728–1790; DNB), The History of English Poetry from the Close of the Eleventh to the Commencement of the Eighteenth Century (1774–1781). Southey did not take up the offer and a new edition appeared in 1824, edited by Richard Price (1790–1833; DNB), no. 2986 in the sale catalogue of Southey’s library.[back]

2. This project did not result in a book. Southey’s surviving notes for it were posthumously published as ‘Collections for the History of Manners and Literature in England’, Common-Place Book, ed. John Wood Warter, 4 series (London, 1849–1850), I, pp. 439–578.[back]

3. Thomas Tegg (1766–1845; DNB), publisher of popular works and abridgements of literary standards. Southey did not undertake any work for him.[back]

The Collected Letters of Robert Southey: Part Seven

Lynda Pratt, Ian Packer