Recollections of an Excursion to the Monasteries of Alcobaca and Batalha (Paperback)

William Beckford

ISBN 10: 0900001526 / ISBN 13: 9780900001529

Published by Open Gate Press, London, 2006

About this Item

Paperback. William Beckford was an unhappy man riddled by anxiety and dominated by the shadow of his father. But he was also a man of taste who collected pictures which are now part of our national heritage, who planned the most beautiful gardens in England and who built what Sir Kenneth Clark called "by far the most exciting building of its time" the gothic abbey at Fonthill. This is the last book Beckford published in his lifetime (in 1835), and the first edition to include his original diary made during his celebrated trip in 1794. This, and other evidence previously unpublished, show that the book was not based on a draft contemporary with that tour, but was the sudden production of an old man of 74 - an ebullient Peter Pan. Critics have afrom time to time spoken highly of it, notably Rose Macaulay who found it "almost without a rival". The editor discusses among other things Beckford's literary methods; gives the historical background; comments on some of the striking passages, such as the nightmare of the poor mad Queen of Portugal; and shows Beckford's enduring love of that country. The editor spent many years on the Beckford papers, owned by the Duke of Hamilton.From these he produced Beckford's unpublished "Journal in Portugal and Spain"; his hitherto unknown confidential letters in Italian under the title "Life at Fonthill"; and a biographical study, "England's Wealthiest Son". He also discovered the complete 1794 journal of Beckford's journey. This is the last book Beckford published in his lifetime (in 1835), and this edition includes his original diary made during his celebrated trip in 1794. This, and other evidence, show that the book was not based on a draft from the tour, but was the sudden production of an old man of 74. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780900001529

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Recollections of an Excursion to the Monasteries of Alcobaca and Batalha (Paperback)
• Publisher: Open Gate Press, London
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0900001526
• ISBN 13: 9780900001529
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Synopsis

William Beckford was an unhappy man riddled by anxiety and dominated by the shadow of his father. But he was also a man of taste who collected pictures which are now part of our national heritage, who planned the most beautiful gardens in England and who built what Sir Kenneth Clark called "by far the most exciting building of its time" the gothic abbey at Fonthill. This is the last book Beckford published in his lifetime (in 1835), and the first edition to include his original diary made during his celebrated trip in 1794. This, and other evidence previously unpublished, show that the book was not based on a draft contemporary with that tour, but was the sudden production of an old man of 74 - an ebullient Peter Pan. Critics have afrom time to time spoken highly of it, notably Rose Macaulay who found it "almost without a rival". The editor discusses among other things Beckford's literary methods; gives the historical background; comments on some of the striking passages, such as the nightmare of the poor mad Queen of Portugal; and shows Beckford's enduring love of that country. The editor spent many years on the Beckford papers, owned by the Duke of Hamilton.

From these he produced Beckford's unpublished "Journal in Portugal and Spain"; his hitherto unknown confidential letters in Italian under the title "Life at Fonthill"; and a biographical study, "England's Wealthiest Son". He also discovered the complete 1794 journal of Beckford's journey.