Life and Letters of George Bancroft: v. 1 & 2 in 1v (American History and Culture Series) - Hardcover

Howe, Mark De Wolfe

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0804614830 ISBN 13: 9780804614832

Publisher: Kennikat Press, 1971

Synopsis

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1908. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE FINAL YEARS 1874--1891 "for me, who am so old that it is not of much matter after I return what spot I may choose wherein to draw my mantle around me before I depart, Washington seems the most desirable place, partly for the fine public library, partly because it is not a city of business." Thus Bancroft wrote from Berlin in 1869. When he did return in 1874, and changed his residence from New York to Washington, he wrote to another correspondent: "I am sorry for many reasons to leave New York; but my wife could not have survived the climate." In the letter from which this statement is taken, occur also the words: "The true manner of living in old age is to gather a circle of friends who are devoted to the culture of truth, think with the freedom of men gifted with reason, and patient or even fond of differences of opinion. If but half a dozen of such men would but meet weekly at dinner at my house I should find instruction and delight, and beguile the infirmities of years by the perennial, never-ending enjoyment of friendship and intelligence." The pleasures of society, which he had always relished most keenly, were thus an important element in his plan of life for the years remaining. In Washington, where he established himself in a commodious house, 1623 H Street, he found a variety and stimulus of social intercourse unattainable elsewhere in America. This was supplemented by all that was most satisfying in the summer society of Newport, of which he grew increasingly fond--the Newport of "the little white hand" which Mr. Henry James has recently celebrated as the symbol of its vanished charm. Indeed it is hardly possible to regard Mr. Bancroft in this final period of his life without placing a special emphasis upon its social and domestic aspects....

Edition details

• Publisher: Kennikat Press
• Publication date: 1971
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0804614830
• ISBN 13: 9780804614832
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 669