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The Letters of the Duke of Wellington to Miss J. 1834-1851 Edited by Extracts from the Diary of the Latter   By: (1769-1852)

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In "The Letters of the Duke of Wellington to Miss J. 1834-1851," readers are presented with a fascinating collection of private correspondence that sheds light on the personal life and affections of one of Britain's most revered military leaders. Edited by Arthur Wellesley Wellington, who provides additional insight through extracts from Miss J.'s diary, this book offers an intimate glimpse into the Duke of Wellington's inner world.

Spanning over seventeen years, the letters displayed in this volume form a unique tapestry of emotions, intellect, and societal obligations. The collection begins in 1834, at a time when the Duke was already a prominent figure in British history, having garnered fame through his military triumphs. However, these letters go beyond battlefields and diplomacy, revealing the Duke's capacity for deep affection and yearning.

Through the letters, readers are introduced to an individual who, despite his esteemed position, is not immune to the ups and downs of love. The Duke's letters to Miss J. showcase a nuanced and delicate exploration of his feelings, unveiling a side of him rarely seen by the public eye. It is within this vulnerability that the Duke's humanity shines through, allowing readers a more profound understanding of the man behind the legend.

Moreover, the letters also provide a window into the societal expectations and constraints of the time. Miss J. herself is a woman of mystery, whose identity remains somewhat elusive throughout, adding a layer of intrigue to the narrative. As readers delve deeper into the correspondence, they witness the complexities of relationships within the rigidly structured society, where duty often clashed with personal desires.

The editor, Arthur Wellesley Wellington, does an exemplary job of contextualizing the letters. His well-researched footnotes and extracts from Miss J.'s diary provide essential historical context, clarifying the circumstances surrounding specific correspondences and deepening our comprehension of the emotional states conveyed. This additional material adds significant value to the letters themselves, enhancing the reader's experience and appreciation of the book as a whole.

While "The Letters of the Duke of Wellington to Miss J. 1834-1851" might not be a conventional historical account or biography, it offers something far more intimate and personal. It grants readers the privilege of peeking into the private life of a remarkable figure, illuminating his struggles, joys, and desires. For anyone interested in exploring the intersections of personal relationships and Britain's esteemed military history, this book is a captivating treasure trove of emotions and insights.

First Page:

THE LETTERS OF THE

DUKE OF WELLINGTON

TO MISS J.

1834 1851

EDITED, WITH EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF THE LATTER, BY CHRISTINE TERHUNE HERRICK

LONDON T. FISHER UNWIN 26 PATERNOSTER SQUARE

University Press: JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE, U.S.A.

Transcriber's Note: In this e text, superscripted characters are represented by being preceded by a carat, e.g., D^r and 13^th.

PREFACE.

The effort of the Editor throughout this volume has been to repress fancy rather than to exercise it. There has not been a word added to or taken from the letters of the Duke, even the occasional eccentricities of orthography and punctuation having been preserved.

The editing that was absolutely necessary to render coherent some of Miss J.'s lucubrations has been restricted to the excision of superfluous passages of Scripture that added nothing to the sense of the text, and the correction of the very erratic punctuation both of her diary and of the copies she has left of her own letters.

Miss J.'s copies of the Duke's epistles have been verified by comparison with the originals. In every case where the needful books and journals of reference were attainable, the Duke's statements in the letters of his comings and goings and occupations have been corroborated by contemporary data... Continue reading book >>




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