Skip to content

 
 
 
 

Record Number: 24906

---

Reading Experience:

Evidence:

Robert Southey to Grosvenor Charles Bedford, c. 1-10 October 1795, 'Experience never wasted her lesson on a less fit pupil � yet Bedford my mind is considerably expanded � my opinions are better grounded & frequent self-conviction of error has taught me a sufficient degree of scepticism upon all subjects to prevent confidence. the frequent & careful study of Godwin was of essential service � I read & all but worshipped � I have since seen his fundamental error � that he theorizes for another state � not for the rule of conduct in the present � I despise the man � I can confute his principles. but all the good he has done me remains. tis a book I should one day like to read with you for our mutual improvement, � when we have been neighbours six months our opinions will accord. a bold prophecy � but it will be fulfilled.'

Century:

1700-1799

Date:

Until: 1 Oct 1795

Country:

England

Time

n/a

Place:

n/a

Type of Experience
(Reader):
 

silent aloud unknown
solitary in company unknown
single serial unknown

Type of Experience
(Listener):
 

solitary in company unknown
single serial unknown

---

Reader / Listener / Reading Group:

Reader:

Robert Southey

Age:

Adult (18-100+)

Gender:

Male

Date of Birth:

12 Aug 1774

Socio-Economic Group:

Professional / academic / merchant / farmer

Occupation:

writer

Religion:

n/a

Country of Origin:

England

Country of Experience:

England

Listeners present if any:
e.g family, servants, friends

n/a

Additional Comments:

n/a

---

Text Being Read:

Author:

William Godwin

Title:

Enquiry Concerning Political Justice

Genre:

Politics, Philosophy

Form of Text:

Print: Book

Publication Details

n/a

Provenance

borrowed (public library)

---

Source Information:

Record ID:

24906

Source - Manuscript:

Other

Information:

"The Collected Letters of Robert Southey," Romantic Circles Electronic Edition, Letter 136. http://www.rc.umd.edu/editions/southey_letters. Accessed 27 April 2009.

Additional Information:

n/a

Citation:

"The Collected Letters of Robert Southey," Romantic Circles Electronic Edition, Letter 136. http://www.rc.umd.edu/editions/southey_letters. Accessed 27 April 2009. , http://www.open.ac.uk/Arts/reading/UK/record_details.php?id=24906, accessed: 04 February 2026

---

Additional Comments:

Source eds note "Southey borrowed the first volume from the Bristol Library Society between 25�28 November 1793 and the second between 9�18 December 1793."