Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1129

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

1 volume

Preferred Citation:

Commonplace book, 1823-1826, Ms. Coll. 1129, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1823-1826 (inclusive)

Form:

Manuscripts, English -- 19th century, Drawings (visual works), Excerpts, Poems, Commonplace books, and Poetry

Abstract:

Commonplace book spanning the years from 1823 to 1826 in a neat calligraphic hand comprised of copied poems, information on science and history, and drawings in pencil and ink.

This volume was probably written by a woman named Fanny who lived in Scotland. The volume, in a neat calligraphic hand, is comprised of copied poems, information on science and history, and drawings in pencil and ink. Interspersed throughout the volume are twenty drawings in pencil of mansions, castles, and ruins in their surrounding landscape. Many are full-page drawings and most are labeled, for instance "Ruins of Craigmillar Castle." One drawing in ink is titled The Copernican solar system. Contained in the volume are poems by Anne Letitia Barbauld (1743-1825), Thomas Gray (1716-1771), and George Lyttelton (1709-1773). Items in French and Italian also appear in the volume including a French story Le leopard et l'ecureuil and a sonnet by Zappi in Italian. There are items copied from past issues of The Spectator, a daily published from 1711 to 1712. In addition to literary items are notes regarding subject in science. There are explanations of the constellations divided by northern, southern, and zodiacal and a chart for mineralogy. Historical items include a chronological history of the Scottish kings beginning in 1033, ink drawings with labels of crowns for kings, various royals, and bishops, and ink drawings of the distinction of houses. A history of the biblical world beginning with the date 4004 B.C. is recorded starting from the back of the volume. Many pencil drawings have been signed Fanny and some bear the date 1826. Written in a different hand are several pages titled "Introduction to animal productions" providing zoological classifications and some notes of specific animals. Laid in the volume is a paper lace book mark with "Lord hear my prayer" embroidered in green thread.