Peter Plymley's Letters, and selected essays By: Sydney Smith (1771-1845)
Peter Plymley's Letters, and Selected Essays by Sydney Smith is a captivating collection of writings that offers a unique perspective on religion, politics, and society in the early 19th century. Although the title may not reveal much about the content, this compilation of letters and essays written by Smith showcases his sharp wit, insightful observations, and exceptional humor, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. One of the highlights of this book is Smith's ability to tackle serious topics with a lighthearted approach. Through his letters, he addresses the contentious issue of Catholic Emancipation in Ireland during a time when religious tensions were high. Despite the gravity of the subject, Smith's writing style effortlessly weaves humor into his arguments, lacing his words with clever anecdotes and comical exaggerations. This unique blend of seriousness and humor makes his letters not only informative but also entertaining, allowing readers to engage with the content on multiple levels. Furthermore, Smith's insightful essays shed light on various aspects of society and human nature, providing readers with a broader understanding of the world during that time. His essay on Malthusianism, for instance, raises questions about population growth, scarcity, and welfare, which are still relevant in contemporary debates. Smith's ability to address complex issues in a clear and concise manner, while maintaining a witty tone, enhances the readability of his essays, making them accessible to a wide range of readers. In addition to his astute observations, Smith's letters and essays also reveal his humanitarian and progressive mindset. He displays empathy towards the marginalized and underprivileged, advocating for their fair treatment and basic rights, which was uncommon during that era. His letters on education and poverty provide compelling arguments for social reform, showcasing Smith's commitment to a more equitable society. While this collection mainly focuses on Smith's letters, it also includes a selection of his essays, ensuring a well-rounded representation of his works. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that these writings are not antiquated or irrelevant. Smith's eloquence and sharp wit remain timeless, leaving readers with plenty of food for thought, even in the 21st century. Overall, Peter Plymley's Letters, and Selected Essays is a delightful collection that presents Sydney Smith's brilliance as a writer and thinker. His ability to blend humor with serious subjects, coupled with his progressive ideas, makes this book a valuable addition to any reader's library. Whether you are interested in historical or literary works, or simply seeking an enjoyable read, Smith's letters and essays offer both entertainment and intellectual stimulation. First Page: PETER PLYMLEY'S LETTERS AND SELECTED ESSAYS Contents: Introduction Peter Plymley's Letters Historical Apology For The Irish Catholics Ireland and England Moore's Captain Rock INTRODUCTION. Sydney Smith, of the same age as Walter Scott, was born at Woodford, in Essex, in the year 1771, and he died of heart disease, aged seventy four, on the 22nd of February, 1845. His father was a clever man of wandering habits who, when he settled in England, reduced his means by buying, altering, spoiling, and then selling about nineteen different places in England. His mother was of a French family from Languedoc, that had been driven to England by the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Sydney Smith's grandfather, upon the mother's side, could speak no English, and he himself ascribed some of his gaiety to the French blood in his veins. He was one of four sons. His eldest brother Robert known as Bobus was sent to Eton, where he joined Canning, Frere, and John Smith, in writing the Eton magazine, the Microcosm; and at Cambridge Bobus afterwards was known as a fine Latin scholar. Sydney Smith went first to a school at Southampton, and then to Winchester, where he became captain of the school. Then he was sent for six months to Normandy for a last polish to his French before he went on to New College, Oxford... Continue reading book >>

Peter Plymley's Letters, and selected essays By: Sydney Smith (1771-1845)

Peter Plymley's Letters, and Selected Essays by Sydney Smith is a captivating collection of writings that offers a unique perspective on religion, politics, and society in the early 19th century. Although the title may not reveal much about the content, this compilation of letters and essays written by Smith showcases his sharp wit, insightful observations, and exceptional humor, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

One of the highlights of this book is Smith's ability to tackle serious topics with a lighthearted approach. Through his letters, he addresses the contentious issue of Catholic Emancipation in Ireland during a time when religious tensions were high. Despite the gravity of the subject, Smith's writing style effortlessly weaves humor into his arguments, lacing his words with clever anecdotes and comical exaggerations. This unique blend of seriousness and humor makes his letters not only informative but also entertaining, allowing readers to engage with the content on multiple levels.

Furthermore, Smith's insightful essays shed light on various aspects of society and human nature, providing readers with a broader understanding of the world during that time. His essay on Malthusianism, for instance, raises questions about population growth, scarcity, and welfare, which are still relevant in contemporary debates. Smith's ability to address complex issues in a clear and concise manner, while maintaining a witty tone, enhances the readability of his essays, making them accessible to a wide range of readers.

In addition to his astute observations, Smith's letters and essays also reveal his humanitarian and progressive mindset. He displays empathy towards the marginalized and underprivileged, advocating for their fair treatment and basic rights, which was uncommon during that era. His letters on education and poverty provide compelling arguments for social reform, showcasing Smith's commitment to a more equitable society.

While this collection mainly focuses on Smith's letters, it also includes a selection of his essays, ensuring a well-rounded representation of his works. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that these writings are not antiquated or irrelevant. Smith's eloquence and sharp wit remain timeless, leaving readers with plenty of food for thought, even in the 21st century.

Overall, Peter Plymley's Letters, and Selected Essays is a delightful collection that presents Sydney Smith's brilliance as a writer and thinker. His ability to blend humor with serious subjects, coupled with his progressive ideas, makes this book a valuable addition to any reader's library. Whether you are interested in historical or literary works, or simply seeking an enjoyable read, Smith's letters and essays offer both entertainment and intellectual stimulation.

First Page:

PETER PLYMLEY'S LETTERS AND SELECTED ESSAYS

Contents: Introduction Peter Plymley's Letters Historical Apology For The Irish Catholics Ireland and England Moore's Captain Rock

INTRODUCTION.

Sydney Smith, of the same age as Walter Scott, was born at Woodford, in Essex, in the year 1771, and he died of heart disease, aged seventy four, on the 22nd of February, 1845. His father was a clever man of wandering habits who, when he settled in England, reduced his means by buying, altering, spoiling, and then selling about nineteen different places in England. His mother was of a French family from Languedoc, that had been driven to England by the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Sydney Smith's grandfather, upon the mother's side, could speak no English, and he himself ascribed some of his gaiety to the French blood in his veins.

He was one of four sons. His eldest brother Robert known as Bobus was sent to Eton, where he joined Canning, Frere, and John Smith, in writing the Eton magazine, the Microcosm; and at Cambridge Bobus afterwards was known as a fine Latin scholar. Sydney Smith went first to a school at Southampton, and then to Winchester, where he became captain of the school. Then he was sent for six months to Normandy for a last polish to his French before he went on to New College, Oxford... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Essay/Short nonfiction
History
Literature

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Wikipedia – Sydney Smith
Wikipedia – Peter Plymley's Letters, and selected essays

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