Selected Letters of Horace Walpole: Edited and Introduced by Stephen Clarke (Everyman's Library Classics Series)

This hardcover book of Selected Letters (Everyman's Library), authored by Horace Walpole, is a fantastic, well-made book. I must admit that I knew very little about Horace Walpole but I love history and have found that details emerge from collections of letters of a given time period that provide a feel for the time period (late 1700’s) not to mention language usage. Walpole was a very prolific writer and over 3,000 of his letters survive. The content of his letters cover a wide range of topics corresponding to his long life of literature, politics, world affairs, social life and court matters, etc. His letters offer a broad & lengthy glimpse into current affairs during his adult life time.The book is edited by Stephen Clarke who provides an introduction and background about the life of Horace Walpole (including a chronology of not only Walpole’s milestones but also current events). Clarke has organized the presentation of Walpole’s letters by topic such as correspondence with friends, mention of literary criticisms, and current events of the time, etc. Readers can cross reference the letters via an ordered (in which they appear in this book) Appendix A, displaying the dates and also the Yale edition volume & page number for Walpole letters. Appendix B sorts the letters by correspondent and then chronological date. There is also an Index which lists persons, places, & things mentioned in the letters.This Everyman’s Library hardcover book has a smallish print font (see pic & pen for reference). It also has been bound in a durable fabric hardcover with a ribbon placemarker, high quality paper, and dust jacket (see pic).

This book contains the letters chosen in the original 1926 Everyman publication, maintaining the arrangement by topic, rather than by time of composition. The editor has helpful and informative new headnotes and footnotes, including references to the 48 volumes of Walpole's correspondence in the definitive Yale University Press edition. These sparkling letters demonstrate the diversity of his interests and discuss the important historical and literary events and personalities that he encountered during his life.My only criticism is that the editor does not translate the numerous French words, phrases, or sentences for the reader.

I love history and to see a time in the past illuminated by those that lived during that time is invaluable. Walpole was an interesting man. He was erudite, but although he attended Cambridge, he dropped out and never graduated. He never married and did not leave an heir; his sexual orientation has never been clearly ascertained. He counted among his close friends both men and women.Walpole was the son of the first Prime Minister of England. As such, he was afforded a series of appointments with the government that allowed his a generous salary. His station in life allowed him to travel, and to acquaint himself with many of the celebrated figures of the day. He spent two years abroad embarking upon the so-called 'Grand Tour' and visited France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. He fell out of friendship with his traveling companion Thomas Gray, and returned to England alone.He served in Parliament for many years, was opposed to the continued British involvement in the American Revolution, claiming that Britain wished to 'enslave' America, and, upon losing that war, brought such despotic measures home to England itself. He was deeply opposed to the French Revolution and the excesses that arose with it.He is credited with writing the first Gothic novel. He was a prolific writer throughout his life; many of his writings are included in this book.It is well worth reading, for it gives a welcome look into the history of the late 18tj century, a time of great upheaval and rapid political and industrial change.

Walpole's The Castle of Otranto is one of my favorite pieces of Gothic Period literature. It is such a wonderful oddity that it set the standard and tone (if not the formula) for Gothic Period literature as a whole. Therefore, when I saw Walpole's letters were available in this lovely volume, I had to have it. I had to know more about this man who wrote this very strange book about giant helmets falling from the sky.Now, there is a great focus on Walpole's political person (which makes perfect sense given that he was an actual politician). However, there is a section on his literary pursuits (most of which remained unpublished until after his death). For me, it was grand to read that Lord Byron enjoyed Walpole's work (180). Everything else was very skimmable, but still satisfying. Besides the literary chapter, these are chapters devoted to Walpole's time with the court, his personal life, his family life, etc. It's not wildly scintillating, but if you know anything about Walpole, you are not expecting scintillating (he's not Byron ... if you want a page-burner of "selected letters," see Byron!) Nonetheless, this is a phenomenal, needed text for researchers.For lover's of the Gothic Period and the British Romantic Period, this text is a boon! Enjoy!!

This typically nice edition of Walpole's letters by Everyman's Library is only marred by very small type. There is a very helpful index alphabetically arranged by correspondents (including Benedict Arnold, which was a surprise), and other information on Walpole. There is the usual ribbon bookmark, which is such a nice touch. If giving as a gift, please consider the previously mentioned small type if your recipient has any issues with glasses.

Am loving this. Letters in full about most important aspects of not only Walpole, but the time in which he lived and the events which unfolded. Such as: handling of what would become the USA, the French Revolution, &etc.Walpole had such a lively character which comes through the letters. Straight forward, amazingly honest yet charming man. Very enjoyable.

A good introduction to Horace Walpole’s letters.

Horace Walpole's letters are always a delight and I am pleased to have this latest edition of selected letters and to enjoy his gossip about events and people in his circle.

This is a superb book both in terms of the contents and the look and feel of the thing. Walpole is engaging, witty and writes beautifully.