Title: Recollections of a literary life, or, Books, places, and people
First published: 1852
Description: Better known for her five volume portrait of English rural life, Our Village, Mary Russell Mitford (1787-1855) was one of the most prolific female writers of her day. Part critical essay, part autobiography, Recollections consists of a series of sketches on and selections from Mitford's favourite authors, stemming from her desire 'to make others relish a few favourite writers as heartily as I have relished them myself'. The collection is arranged according to Mitford's own eclectic system of categorization including 'fashionable poets', 'cavalier poets', and 'poetry that poets love'. Mitford wears her immense literary skill lightly and Recollections is masterfully written, full of lively wit and fascinating biographical detail. Published just three years before Mitford's death, it was based on earlier articles and letters. Authors included range from Chaucer to Sir Walter Scott and Mitford's friend Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Subjects: Authors, Biography, English literature, History and criticism, American literature, Books and reading, Correspondence, Correspondence, reminiscences, English Authors, Intellectual life, Authors, correspondence, English literature, history and criticism, Appreciation, American Authors, Écrivains, Biographies, Littérature anglaise, Histoire et critique
Places: English-speaking countries
People: Mary Russell Mitford (1787-1855)
Time periods: 19th century
LC classification: Microfilm 86/5880 (P) <MicRR>