The literary character. Character of James the First

by J.c. Disraeli

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1841 edition. ...Ihave always found most pleasure in observing the nature of animals, studying their character, and writing their history.". Even with those who have acquired their celebrity, th love of literary labour is not diminished; a circumstance recorded by the younger Pliny of Livy. In a preface to one of his lost books, that historian had said that he had obtained sufficient glory by his former writings on the Roman history, and might now repose in silence; but his mind was so restless and so abhorrent of indolence, that it only felt its existence in literary exertion. In a similar situation the feeling was fully experienced by HUME. Our philosopher completed his history neither for money nor for fame, hav.ing then more than a sufiiciency of both--but chiefly to indulge a habit as a resource against indolence. These are the minds which are without hope, if they are without occupation. " This appears in one of his interesting letters first published in the Literary'Gazette, Oct. 20, 1821. Amidst the repose and silence of study, delightful to the literary character, are the soothing interruptions of the voices of those whom he loves, recalling him from his abstractions into social existence. These re-animate his languor, and moments of inspiration are caught in the emotions of affection, when a father or a friend, a wife, a daughter, or a sister, become the participators of his own tastes, the companions of his studies, and identify their happiness with his fame. A beautiful incident in the domestic life of literature is one which Morolet has revealed of MARMoNTEL. In presenting his collected works to his wife, she discovered that the author had dedicated his volumes to herself; but the dedication was not made painful to her modesty, for...

140 pages, Paperback

Published September 13, 2013