- 68
Ruskin, John.
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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Description
- Autograph manuscript, apparently unpublished, providing critical notes on a poem sent to him by his former tutor at Christ Church, Walter Lucas Brown
8 pages, 8vo, the first headed in pencil "These references are from 'David' by the Rev W.L. Brown...", undated, [watermarked 1841], some foxing, edges slightly worn, closed tears at folds (no loss)
"...Fond affection? is not this affectionate affection? The next two stanzas and indeed all the rest of the chorus are very beautiful - except the last line - the abound is insipid - and can a triumph be well won in perspective - it looks like saying that the forces could multiply triumphs already won - which would be an achievement indeed..."
"...Verses are like armies on a march - everything that they don't want is a hindrance & a weakness - though it were solid gold..."
"...I think No chorus -- under the circumstances would be so explanatory -- neither would they use adjectives. I think the cry would be short - broken - & meditative. The Lord is righteous! - 'tis a fearful choice - Famine - Humiliation - Pestilence - What will be Davids answer?..."
It is known from other letters that Walter Lucas Brown (?1778-1862) sent his literary endeavours to Ruskin for his comments. At Oxford he taught Ruskin Greek but also had an interest in aesthetic conversation that endeared him to Ruskin. They had a lasting friendship, with Ruskin saying he "was the only one of my old masters from whom I could or would receive guidance" (Tim Hilton, John Ruskin, The Later Years, 2000).
"...Fond affection? is not this affectionate affection? The next two stanzas and indeed all the rest of the chorus are very beautiful - except the last line - the abound is insipid - and can a triumph be well won in perspective - it looks like saying that the forces could multiply triumphs already won - which would be an achievement indeed..."
"...Verses are like armies on a march - everything that they don't want is a hindrance & a weakness - though it were solid gold..."
"...I think No chorus -- under the circumstances would be so explanatory -- neither would they use adjectives. I think the cry would be short - broken - & meditative. The Lord is righteous! - 'tis a fearful choice - Famine - Humiliation - Pestilence - What will be Davids answer?..."
It is known from other letters that Walter Lucas Brown (?1778-1862) sent his literary endeavours to Ruskin for his comments. At Oxford he taught Ruskin Greek but also had an interest in aesthetic conversation that endeared him to Ruskin. They had a lasting friendship, with Ruskin saying he "was the only one of my old masters from whom I could or would receive guidance" (Tim Hilton, John Ruskin, The Later Years, 2000).
Literature
There is no reference to this manuscript in The Library Edition of the Works of John Ruskin, ed. E.T. Cook & A. Wedderburn, 39 vols., (1903-1911), nor in any of the authoritative modern biographies, and no reference has been found to any publication of Brown's poem.
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Ruskin was well qualified to offer criticism on poems. When he was at Oxford he had thrown most of his literary activity into poetry and continued to do so for some years, but came to consider it a false start, for himself. He had received favourable notices in the Times ('real merit'), the Athenaeum ('from the true mint') and the Literary Gazette ('all the force and spirit of a Byron') - (E.T. Cook, The Life of Ruskin, 1912, I. pp. 89-106.)