the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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George Darley : Sylvia or the May Queen

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Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Taylor Coleridge      Print: Book

George Darley : Sylvia; or, The May Queen

Elizabeth Barrett to Mary Russell Mitford, 28 March 1840: 'I [italics]have[end italics] Sylvia or the May Queen among my books in London. Dont you remember telling me to read it, & did'n't I obey you & buy it directly? It overflows with poetry [...] but does as pastorals can scarcely choose but do, hold on to one by the skirts of one's fancy rather than by the imagination in a high sense'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Barrett      Print: Book

George Darley : Thomas a Becket

Elizabeth Barrett to Mary Russell Mitford, 3 June 1840: 'Have you given up the idea of seeing Mr Darley's book again -- It chaperons or is chaperoned by some Devonshire cream -- but I beg you to remember that the stains upon its back came to me as they go, and proceeded from neither cream nor me -- The chronicle is very clever & spirited -- picturesque & racy -- & the character of Becket appears to me developped [sic] with no ordinary power: at the same time I confess myself disappointed in the absence of tragic passion & concentration'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Barrett      Print: Book

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