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The Immortal Dinner Penelope Hughes-Hallett

The Immortal Dinner By Penelope Hughes-Hallett

The Immortal Dinner by Penelope Hughes-Hallett


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Condition - Very Good
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Summary

A recounting of the famous evening of genius and laughter in literary London, 1817, when Keats, Wordsworth and Charles Lamb dined together and indulged in displays of brilliance and wit.

The Immortal Dinner Summary

The Immortal Dinner: A Famous Evening of Genius and Laughter in Literary London, 1817 by Penelope Hughes-Hallett

On December 28, 1817, the eccentric painter B. R. Haydon gave a famous dinner party in his painting room in London. He invited, among others, three of the greatest literary lights of the age: the poets John Keats and William Wordsworth and the essayist and wit Charles Lamb. Over the course of a long winter evening of delights, the guests recited poetry, indulged in high-minded conversation, and took part in ridiculous antics, with such displays of brilliance and wit that the party came to be known as the Immortal Dinner. Penelope Hughes-Hallett celebrates this unique gathering by vividly bringing to life these illustrious diners against a backdrop of social change. Literary London society was at its extraordinarily gifted best just two years after Waterloo: the Elgin Marbles controversy still raged; Mrs. Siddons performed Lady Macbeth in her drawing room to a distinguished audience; Joseph Ritchie, a young physician and would-be poet, prepared to explore the River Niger with a copy of Keats in his pocket. The Immortal Dinner offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and thoughts of this literary elite at a turning point in English society. It recaptures these rare spirits, using a great many of their own words from letters and diaries. With 75 black-and-white illustrations and 2 maps.

The Immortal Dinner Reviews

Remarkably accomplished...delicious. Economist Sheer delight. -- Charles Osborne Sunday Telegraph Wonderfully evocative...splendidly readable. -- Jonathan Bate A book of great charm...Hughes-Hallett allows us to savor all the ingredients of a very special event. -- Mark Bostridge Independent Remarkable... Hughes-Hallett transcends the gimmick and enters the realm of the profound. San Francisco Chronicle Illuminates an entire world...discursive and lively. Atlantic Monthly Interesting...many excellent illustrations. The Wall Street Journal Fascinating...has many pleasures to offer... Terrifically rich. -- Evelyn Toynton The New York Times This book is an enjoyable read and is certain to make readers with to know more about the many topics discussed. The Historian

About Penelope Hughes-Hallett

Penelope Hughes-Hallett has also written My Dear Cassandra and Home at Grasmere, and has edited Childhood: A Collins Anthology. She lives in Warwickshire, England.

Additional information

GOR003225113
9781561310715
1561310719
The Immortal Dinner: A Famous Evening of Genius and Laughter in Literary London, 1817 by Penelope Hughes-Hallett
Used - Very Good
Hardback
New Amsterdam Books
20020730
360
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - The Immortal Dinner