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

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Mary Augusta (Mrs Humphry) Ward : Robert Elsmere

'At this precise moment I am feeling mightily morose, owing to my having foolishly embarked on Robert Elsmere and Tom Jones this afternoon.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: John Buchan      Print: Book

Mary Augusta (Mrs Humphry) Ward : The Marriage of William Ashe

'Extremely hot even at Therapia. Back at 7 and dined at home and read the "Marriage of William Ashe".'

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Gertrude Bell      Print: Book

Mary Augusta (Mrs Humphry) Ward : A History of David Grieve

'I am longing to hear what you think of "D.[David]G.[Grieve]" I read the first volume this morning — oh! how dull it is, how dull! how full of unnecessary detail, how flatlessly and pointlessly written! I like some of the childhood scenes, though I thought them nearly all in a measure spoilt by too great length and by that absolute want of humour which is characteristic of her. And why all that foolish ghost episode that leads to nothing, and why all those useless illnesses and deaths, and why all those long stories of the birth and parentage of each character? Then the Manchester part is awfully feeble and uninteresting — no I cannot think it will catch on even with the B.P. And all written with such effort and such painstaking — that's the pity of it. I'm bound to say however that I think the English is very slipshod.'

Century: 1850-1899     Reader/Listener/Group: Gertrude Bell      Print: Book

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