Observations made by Mrs. Percivall when in London, [1713 or 1714].

1 v. (64 pages) ; 20 cm.

English

Purchased from Myers, January 1955.

This material is available for research.

Manuscript, in a single hand, of twelve letters written during a tour of London and addressed to "dear Elvira." In the letters, the author (Mrs. Percivall or Percival?) describes the social sights of London, including parties and dinners she attends, music she hears, and nobility she sees, including a masquerade at Somerset House where her friend dresses up as an Indian princess; a dinner which the Queen gave to the Ambassador; a military show by soldiers in Hyde Park; and, at the end of the volume, a masquerade ball in which she meets "a very agreeable gentleman." In addition, "being almost smothered with the thick air of London," she and her acquaintances take a trip into the country, where they visit Hatfield and attend a concert of music hosted by Italian marquis, where "there was an eunuch who sang." Throughout, she provides detailed descriptions of paintings, furniture, silverware, food, equipages, and the dress of the nobility.

March 12, 2008

Mrs. Percivall, Observations. The Lewis Walpole Library, Yale University.

Mrs. Percivall, Observations. The Lewis Walpole Library, Yale University.

Correspondence.