BIB_ID
309581
Accession number
MA 426.38
Creator
Scott, Walter, 1771-1832.
Display Date
1805 Nov. 29.
Description
1 item (4 p.) ; 25 cm
Notes
Labeled "No. 34" and "Novr 29 1805" on p. 1, possibly in the hand of J. G. Lockhart.
Letter is dated 29 Nov. 1805 by Walter Scott following his signature, but Lockhart and Grierson (v. 1) give it the date [About the end of Oct. or beginning of Nov. 1805]. Grierson (v. 12) corrects the dating to 29 November 1805.
Part of a collection of letters from Sir Walter Scott to various recipients. Items in this collection have been described individually in separate catalog records; see collection-level record for more information.
Letter is dated 29 Nov. 1805 by Walter Scott following his signature, but Lockhart and Grierson (v. 1) give it the date [About the end of Oct. or beginning of Nov. 1805]. Grierson (v. 12) corrects the dating to 29 November 1805.
Part of a collection of letters from Sir Walter Scott to various recipients. Items in this collection have been described individually in separate catalog records; see collection-level record for more information.
Summary
Defending his decision to not expurgate the works of Dryden, noting "I will not castrate John Dryden. I would as soon castrate my own father, as I believe Jupiter did of yore." Stating "I must give my author as I find him, and will not tear out the page, even to get rid of the blot, little as I like it." Citing the works of Swift, Pope, etc., the pages of which are "larded with indecency, and often of the most disgusting kind," but which nonetheless appear upon all shelves and dressing-tables, and in all boudoirs. Reporting that Dryden's indecencies pain him, but that he will not censor the poet. Mentioning other publication matters and mutual acquaintances.
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