The Strawberry Hill Set

Horace Walpole and His Circle

Biography & Memoir, Entertainment & Performing Arts
Cover of the book The Strawberry Hill Set by Brian Fothergill, Faber & Faber
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Brian Fothergill ISBN: 9780571306237
Publisher: Faber & Faber Publication: December 19, 2013
Imprint: Faber & Faber Language: English
Author: Brian Fothergill
ISBN: 9780571306237
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Publication: December 19, 2013
Imprint: Faber & Faber
Language: English

To Horace Walpole's house at Strawberry Hill, in Twickenham, came a remarkable assortment of poets and writers, artists and antiquaries, politicians and society figures. Among them were Thomas Gray, whose great 'Elegy' might never have been published without Walpole's encouragement; that 'laughter-loving dame' Kitty Clive, the greatest comic actress of her day; Lady Suffolk who entertained Walpole with stories of the days when she was George II's mistress; the epicene John Chute, whose architectural knowledge and enthusiasm helped to inspire Strawberry Hill; the gentle Berry sisters, who comforted Walpole's old age; George Selwyn, celebrated for his wit, languor, and necrophilia. 'If Mr Selwyn calls', said Mr Fox on his death-bed, 'show him up. If I'm still alive I'll be glad to see him and if I'm dead he'll be glad to see me.'

The most fascinating member of this circle was Horace Walpole himself. Son of Sir Robert, Member of Parliament for many years, author of the first Gothic romance, The Castle of Otranto, passionate collector, influential amateur of architecture and, above all, prince of English letter-writers, he emerges gradually but clearly through the eyes of his friends.

Brian Fothergill, always an accomplished biographer, perhaps found his most congenial subject in this book: the result is a work as entertaining as it is informative.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

To Horace Walpole's house at Strawberry Hill, in Twickenham, came a remarkable assortment of poets and writers, artists and antiquaries, politicians and society figures. Among them were Thomas Gray, whose great 'Elegy' might never have been published without Walpole's encouragement; that 'laughter-loving dame' Kitty Clive, the greatest comic actress of her day; Lady Suffolk who entertained Walpole with stories of the days when she was George II's mistress; the epicene John Chute, whose architectural knowledge and enthusiasm helped to inspire Strawberry Hill; the gentle Berry sisters, who comforted Walpole's old age; George Selwyn, celebrated for his wit, languor, and necrophilia. 'If Mr Selwyn calls', said Mr Fox on his death-bed, 'show him up. If I'm still alive I'll be glad to see him and if I'm dead he'll be glad to see me.'

The most fascinating member of this circle was Horace Walpole himself. Son of Sir Robert, Member of Parliament for many years, author of the first Gothic romance, The Castle of Otranto, passionate collector, influential amateur of architecture and, above all, prince of English letter-writers, he emerges gradually but clearly through the eyes of his friends.

Brian Fothergill, always an accomplished biographer, perhaps found his most congenial subject in this book: the result is a work as entertaining as it is informative.

More books from Faber & Faber

Cover of the book Jet the Rescue Dog by Brian Fothergill
Cover of the book Love in Vain by Brian Fothergill
Cover of the book Daughters of Passion by Brian Fothergill
Cover of the book Happy Like Murderers by Brian Fothergill
Cover of the book The Jewish People by Brian Fothergill
Cover of the book The Rule of the Land by Brian Fothergill
Cover of the book Britain and Joseph Chamberlain by Brian Fothergill
Cover of the book Sir William by Brian Fothergill
Cover of the book N. F. Simpson: Collected Plays by Brian Fothergill
Cover of the book The Man Who Went Down With His Ship by Brian Fothergill
Cover of the book The Girl Who Passed for Normal by Brian Fothergill
Cover of the book Selected Poems of Mick Imlah by Brian Fothergill
Cover of the book The Mediterranean Passion by Brian Fothergill
Cover of the book Kitchen Disco by Brian Fothergill
Cover of the book Venus by Brian Fothergill
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy