3863. Robert Southey to [John Murray] [fragment], 29 June 1822

 

Endorsement: From Robert Southey to John Murray; [Robert Southey]
MS: Beinecke Library, GEN MSS 298, Series I, Box 1, folder 23. AL; 3p.
Unpublished.

Keswick 29 June. 1822
My dear Sir

I return with the proof, the duplicate revise, which came instead of it, several weeks ago.

(1)

A proof of Southey’s History of the Peninsular War (1823–1832).

Thank you for the books. I do not wonder at Irvings success.

(2)

Murray had sent Southey a copy of Washington Irving (1783–1859), Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists. A Medley (1822).

He is a remarkably agreable writer, – & writes with a feeling & temper which ought to conciliate every reader.

With regard to Jeremy Taylor,

(3)

Jeremy Taylor (1613–1667; DNB), Bishop of Down and Connor and of Dromore 1661–1667 and a writer whom Southey greatly admired. He did not write a book on Taylor, but Reginald Heber published The Whole Works of the Right Rev. Jeremy Taylor, D.D., Lord Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore: with a Life of the Author, and a Critical Examination of his Writings (1822), no. 2782 in the sale catalogue of Southey’s library.

I hesitate for two reasons. First because it is one of those subjects by which more expectations are raised than it is easy, or perhaps possible, to fulfill: & this I am afraid from what I hear Reginald Heber will find. There is not enough known of Taylor to make his life interesting by the course of events, or any personal feeling that can be excited; & the task of delineating his intellectual character is a presumptuous one, from which the most confident writer might well shrink

You have pointed out the best course which could be taken, – that of bringing into view the great clerical character of his age. But here my second cause of hesitation applies, – I am not within reach of their works, – & should not feel myself competent to enter upon that subject unless I were to spend a week in a library of old divinity. On this subject I know enough to know where & how far I am deficient.

Blanco Whites book has found its way to me. A very good book it is, & will give me a good text.

(4)

Letters from Spain by Don Leucadio Doblado (1822). Southey did not review it for the Quarterly Review.

During my indisposition when I was unable to do any thing else, I got on with transcribing my Colloquies.

(5)

Sir Thomas More: or, Colloquies on the Progress and Prospects of Society (1829).

This is a book of which I wish to have the whole ready before it goes to press, that it may have the advantage of being seen by one or t wo persons whose comments may enable me to improve it.

[MS missing]

I inclose a note to thanks to D’Israeli.

(6)

Southey to [Isaac D’Israeli], 29 June 1822, Letter 3862.

Notes

1. A proof of Southey’s History of the Peninsular War (1823–1832).[back]
2. Murray had sent Southey a copy of Washington Irving (1783–1859), Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists. A Medley (1822).[back]
3. Jeremy Taylor (1613–1667; DNB), Bishop of Down and Connor and of Dromore 1661–1667 and a writer whom Southey greatly admired. He did not write a book on Taylor, but Reginald Heber published The Whole Works of the Right Rev. Jeremy Taylor, D.D., Lord Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore: with a Life of the Author, and a Critical Examination of his Writings (1822), no. 2782 in the sale catalogue of Southey’s library.[back]
4. Letters from Spain by Don Leucadio Doblado (1822). Southey did not review it for the Quarterly Review.[back]
5. Sir Thomas More: or, Colloquies on the Progress and Prospects of Society (1829).[back]
6. Southey to [Isaac D’Israeli], 29 June 1822, Letter 3862.[back]
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