Handwritten Journal (1 results)

[Americana] Handwritten 1818 commonplace book. 38 handwritten pages, 6" x 4." England. While the writer of this book remains unnamed, flipping through the pages offers an intimate look into their thoughts, ideas, and reading habits. Writings in this book range from the political, "The paper money system is a system of murder as well as robbery," to the thoughtful, "An artichoke and a pineapple have the same shape, but what a difference in flavor!" to the biting, "Women have such a tedious manner of telling a story." The latter half of the book is entitled, "Memorandum," and appears to be mostly concerned with matters of business. There quotes and verses of poems that the writer found inspiring, such as an excerpt from Voltaire: "The art of instructing succeeds better than the art of lampooning, because satire dies with those who are its victims, but.virtue is immortal." Other excerpts include, "The universe appeared as a vault, wherein true comfort was entombed; and the sun himself as a lamp to show the gloomy horror of a guilty mind." "One of the Roman emperors sent to buy, the pillow of a man that was greatly in debt, yet could sleep sweetly." "Of all the tyrannies on humankind, the worst is that which persecutes the mind." "Many prose writers dislike wit, as eunuchs dislike love." "On Monday evening, Mr. Brougham is reported to have made a motion for the diminution of the influence of the crown, in a speech which the Times calls the greater parliamentary effort this __. If, instead of the greatest, the Times had called it the longest, that judicious paper would have been for once right.we have heard that the hon. member spoke for three hours & a half." Fascinating journal that offers a detailed view into everyday life two hundred years ago. Delicate pages are intact with expected tanning. Cover is loose from the book with a large stain to blank area. Otherwise, very good condition.