Cyclopaedia of English Literature Volume 2; A Selection of the Choicest Productions of English Authors, from the Earliest to the Present Time, Connected by a Critical and Biographical History (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854 Excerpt: ...In 1807 'he published a series of tales founded on the plays of Shakspeare, which he had written in conjunction with his sister, and in the following year appeared his Specimens of English Dramntic Pttett who lired ti" t the time of Snukx/jeare, a work evincing a thorough appreciation of the spirit of the old dramatists, and a fine critical taste in analysing their genius. Some of his poetical pieces were also composed about this time; but in these efforts Lamb barely indicated his powers, which were not fully displayed till the publication of his essays signed Eliii, originally printed in the London Magazine. In these his curious reading, nice observation, and poetical conceptions, found a genial and befitting field. They are all, ' says his biographer. Sergeant Talfourd, 'carefully elaborated; yet never were works written in a higher defiance to the conventional pom) of style. A sly hit, a happy pun. a humorous combination, lets the light into the intricacies of the subject, and supplies the place of ponderous sentences. Seeking his materials for the most part in the common paths of life--often in the humblest--he gives an importance to everything, and sheds a grace over all." In 1825 Lamb wai emancipated from the drudgery of his situation us clerk in the India House, retiring with a handsome pension, which enabled him to enjoy the comforts, and many of the luxuries of life. In a letter to Wordsworth, he thus describes his sensations after his release: --I came home For Ever on Tut-isdav week. The incomprehensiblcness of my condition overwhelmed me. It was like passing from life into eternity. Every year to be as long as three; that is, to have three times as much real tiiot--time that is my own--in ill I wandered about thinking I was happy, but f...