George Smith, a Memoir
With Some Pages of Autobiography

An engaging portrait, published in 1902, of a significant Victorian publisher and man of letters.

Sidney Lee (Author), George Smith (Author), Leslie Stephen (Author)

9781108047647, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 10 May 2012

164 pages, 3 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1 cm, 0.22 kg

This 1902 book, originally intended for private circulation, is a memoir of George Smith (1824–1901), founder, proprietor and publisher of The Cornhill Magazine and later the Dictionary of National Biography. The small volume, compiled by Smith's wife, consists of a memoir of Smith by Sidney Lee, followed by four short autobiographical pieces that Smith wrote for The Cornhill. He recalls his years at the publishing house of Smith, Elder and Co.; his encounters with Charlotte Brontë, who stayed with the Smiths in London; his idea of founding a magazine; and the 'lawful pleasures' of court cases for libel. The final item is Sir Leslie Stephen's obituary of Smith, first published in The Cornhill. The book, illustrated with two portraits of Smith, and a photograph of his memorial tablet in St Paul's Cathedral, provides an engaging portrait of a significant Victorian publisher and man of letters.

A memoir of George Smith by Sidney Lee. From the Supplement to the Dictionary of National Biography
Some pages of autobiography by George Smith. From The Cornhill Magazine
In memoriam, by Sir Leslie Stephen, K.C.B.. From The Cornhill Magazine.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: c 1800 to c 1900 [DSBF]