John Sterling letters to the Fox family. 1840-1844
Found In:
Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library > John Sterling letters to the Fox family. 1840-1844
Description
- Title
- John Sterling letters to the Fox family. 1840-1844
- Creator
- Sterling, John, 1806-1844
- Abstract
-
Collection primarily of letters, and copies of letters, by John Sterling to members of the Fox family in the last four years before his death, mostly on social, philosophical, and religious subjects. The four letters in Sterling's hand are to Anna Maria Fox, with whom he discusses the progress of his writing; the literature of Goethe and Schiller; and his thoughts on religion, his friends, and his newly widowed state. The remaining correspondence consists of copies by Caroline Fox. A set of letters to his son Edward while Edward was at school in London instructs him on the importance of learning German and mathematics; reminisces about his own youth and young adulthood in London; and offers his thoughts on the purpose of human existence and on growing old. Several letters to Barclay Fox discuss theology, his work, his illness, and reflections on death; a small handstitched booklet titled "Hints of a Hermit to a Young Poet" contains extracts and summaries of other letters to Barclay on similar subjects; and a letter to his sister-in-law directs her to dispose of his letters and papers after his death
The collection also contains letters by other members of the Sterling family to the Foxes containing primarily social correspondence concerning Sterling; letters from Caroline Fox to friends and family about Sterling's ill heath and his death; a letter from Frederick D. Maurice describing Sterling's final days; and a copy of extracts from Barclay Fox's journal which pertain to his friendship with Sterling
- Description
-
John Sterling (1806-1844) was a writer, curate, and poet. Diagnosed with consumption, or tuberculosis, in his twenties, he resigned his position as curate of Hurstmonceaux and devoted himself to writing. His works include the historical novel Arthur Coningsby; a collection of poems; The election, a verse narrative; Strafford, a tragedy; and several short stories. His writings were very well-regarded among his contemporaries and close friends, who included Thomas Carlyle, John Stuart Mill, Alfred Tennyson, and Samuel Coleridge. In 1841, he moved with his wife Susannah and their children to Falmouth, where they became close friends with Caroline, Barclay, and Anna Maria Fox, the children of the Quaker geologist and natural philosopher Robert and Maria Fox. After his wife's death in 1843, Sterling moved to the Isle of Wight, where he died in 1844.
In English.
Typed transcripts accompany Sterling's letters to his son as well as the booklet titled "Hints of a Hermit to a Young Poet." Also included is the dealer's description of the collection. - Provenance
- Purchased from Bernard Quaritch on the James Marshall and Marie-Louise Osborn Fund, 2007.
- Extent
- 0.21 linear feet (1 box)
- Extent of Digitization
- This object has been completely digitized.
- Language
-
English
Collection Information
- Repository
- Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
- Call Number
- OSB MSS 143
- Container / Volume
- Box 1
Subjects, Formats, And Genres
- Genre
- Correspondence
- Subject (Geographic)
-
Great Britain.
Falmouth (England)
Great Britain - Subject (Name)
-
Fox, Barclay, 1817-1855.
Fox, Caroline, 1819-1871.
Fox, Anna Maria.
Fox family.
Sterling, John, 1806-1844.
Sterling family. - Subject (Topic)
-
Bereavement
Death
Social aspects
English literature
Tuberculosis
Intellectual life
Religious life and customs
Social life and customs - Subjects
-
Fox, Barclay, 1817-1855
Fox, Caroline, 1819-1871
Fox, Anna Maria
Fox family
Sterling, John, 1806-1844
Sterling family
Bereavement > Great Britain
Death > Social aspects > Great Britain
English literature > 19th century
Tuberculosis > Great Britain
Falmouth (England)
Great Britain > Intellectual life > 19th century
Great Britain > Religious life and customs > 19th century
Great Britain > Social life and customs > 19th century
Access And Usage Rights
- Access
- Public
- Rights
- The use of this image may be subject to the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) or to site license or other rights management terms and conditions. The person using the image is liable for any infringement.
- Citation
- John Sterling Letters to the Fox Family. James Marshall and Marie-Louise Osborn Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.
Identifiers
- Catalog Record
- 8593198
- Object ID (OID)
- 16684582
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