The Letters of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford: A Glimpse into the World of the 18th Century

Horace Walpole, 4th Earl of Orford, was one of the most prolific letter writers of the 18th century. Over the course of his life, he wrote an estimated 4,000 letters to friends, family, and acquaintances. These letters offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of the 18th century, covering a wide range of topics from politics and society to art and literature.

The Letters of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford — Volume 3

by Horace Walpole

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1862 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	738 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Walpole was born in London in 1717 to Sir Robert Walpole, the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. He was educated at Eton and Cambridge, and after graduating he entered Parliament. However, he soon tired of politics and turned his attention to writing and collecting art. In 1747, he purchased Strawberry Hill, a Gothic Revival villa on the banks of the River Thames, which he filled with his vast collection of paintings, furniture, and other objets d'art.

Walpole was a close friend of many of the leading figures of the day, including Horace Mann, the British envoy to Florence; George Selwyn, the wit and politician; and Mary Berry, the novelist and diarist. His letters to these friends are filled with gossip about the latest scandals and intrigues, as well as his own observations on the political and social events of his time.

Walpole was a keen observer of human nature, and his letters are filled with sharp and witty portraits of the people he encountered. He was also a gifted writer, and his letters are full of vivid descriptions and amusing anecdotes. As a result, they have become a valuable source of information for historians and scholars of the 18th century.

The Letters of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford, were first published in 1798, and they have been reprinted many times since then. The most recent edition, edited by W.S. Lewis, was published in 19 Yale University Press. This edition includes over 4,000 letters, and it is the most comprehensive collection of Walpole's correspondence available.

The Letters of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford, are an essential resource for anyone interested in the 18th century. They offer a unique glimpse into the world of politics, society, art, and literature, and they are a testament to Walpole's wit, intelligence, and charm.

Examples of Walpole's Wit and Gossip

Walpole was a master of wit and gossip, and his letters are filled with amusing anecdotes and sharp observations about the people he encountered. Here are a few examples:

• "I have just heard that Lord Chesterfield has made a new will, and has left all his wit to a Mr. Dayrolles, who is his natural son."
• "Mrs. Montagu is going to publish a book of essays on various subjects. I am told that they are very good, but I have not read them, and I never will read any book that is written by a woman."
• "I have been to see the new play at Drury Lane. It is a tragedy, and it is so bad that I could not sit through it. The audience was very noisy, and there was a great deal of booing and hissing. I think that the play will soon be closed."

Walpole's Observations on Politics and Society

Walpole was a keen observer of politics and society, and his letters are filled with his observations on the events of his time. He was a supporter of the Whig Party, and he was critical of the Tory Party. He was also a supporter of the American Revolution, and he was critical of the British government's policies towards the American colonies.

Here are a few examples of Walpole's observations on politics and society:

• "I think that the Whig Party is the best party in the country. The Tories are a bunch of reactionaries who want to turn back the clock."
• "I am very critical of the British government's policies towards the American colonies. I think that the Americans are right to fight for their independence."
• "I am very concerned about the future of the country. I think that we are heading for a civil war."

Walpole's Legacy

Horace Walpole was one of the most important figures of the 18th century. He was a gifted writer, a keen observer of human nature, and a passionate collector of art. His letters are a valuable source of information for historians and scholars of the 18th century, and they are a testament to Walpole's wit, intelligence, and charm.

Walpole's legacy is still felt today. He is considered to be one of the founders of the Gothic Revival movement, and his home at Strawberry Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions in England. He is also remembered for his wit and his sharp observations on the people and events of his time.

The Letters of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford, are an essential resource for anyone interested in the 18th century. They offer a unique glimpse into the world of politics, society, art, and literature, and they are a testament to Walpole's wit, intelligence, and charm.

The Letters of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford — Volume 3

by Horace Walpole

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1862 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	738 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE