Phillipps MS 17123.

Binding: Middle Hill boards. Written on spine: MSS Sir Egerton Brydges on the Poor Laws.

In English.

Manuscript, in a single hand, of a collection of 11 letters to Brydges from Montagu Pennington, in which he primarily discusses political activities and his opinions on works of literature. Many of the letters address the Poor Laws and Gilbert's Act; elsewhere, Pennington asks Brydges to send him the name of the MP who plans to bring a bill about presentments of highways; comments on the kind of speaking that makes the most impression in the House; clarifies his view of a proposed tax on landlords; and agrees with Brydges' disappointment regarding the response by the Congress of Vienna to Napoleon Bonaparte in 1813. Pennington also asks Brydges about the Lee Priory Press; discusses his opinions on writers such as Robert Southey and Sir Walter Scott; and mentions books he has recently bought as well as those he cannot afford.

Following the letters, in another hand, is list with about 600 entries titled A catalogue of the principal living authors in Gt. Britain. 1804, followed by lists of authors of voyages of travels, history, antiquities, biography, politics, law, and other subjects.

English literature > 19th century.

Poor laws > Great Britain.

Great Britain > Intellectual life > 19th century.

Great Britain > Social life and customs > 19th century.

Great Britain > Politics and government > 1800-1837.