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

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Samuel Lee : A Grammar of the Hebrew Language

Elizabeth Barrett to Mary Russell Mitford, 30 April 1839: 'At painful times, when composition is impossible & reading not [italics]enough[end italics], grammars & dictionaries are excellent for [italics]distraction[end italics]. Just at such a time .. when we were leaving Herefordshire .. I pinned myself down to Hebrew, took Parkhurst & Professor Lee for my familiars, & went through the Hebrew Bible form Genesis to Malachi, Syrica & all, as if I were studying for a professorship, -- & never once halting for breath. But I do hope & trust to learn no more languages. There is no mental exertion, per se so little beneficial to the mind.'

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

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