Gents Mag 1831 part 2 p.538
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Gentleman's Magazine 1831 part 2 p.538
patience and industry by which he is supplied with them. We further think good workmanship is a better test than quantity; but both together, the most desirable thing of all. Therefore we only act justly towards our author; who has converted a colossus into a portable image, perfect notwithstanding, though in miniature, as to all its leading parts. This Volume contains the Counties of Essex, Herfordshire, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex; and is introduced by the following account of the plan of arrangement, and a little history of its progress. After mentioning his intention of annexing to the last volume an historical and descriptiove explanation of the plan on which the history of the Counties has been written, the Editor says, the arrangement was "originally suggested by Mr. ROBY, of Tamworth, under the signature of 'BYRO,' in the 'Gentleman's Magazine' for October, 1816. The plan and notices were at first but slight and imperfect, the two counties of Bedford and Berks occupying only four pages of that Miscellany; but in the progress of the series, as far as Shropshire, many improvements were effected, till the plan nearly reached its present extent. The discontinuance of the series by that gentleman in 1821, and the frequent enquiries respecting the cause of the apparent non-completion, induced the present Editor to think of compiling the remainder of the counties; and on their completion, to rewrite the whole for distinct publication." The benefit of a more extended research are multifarious and important. The following apology is unnecessary. "The merits of the plan are due to Mr. Roby: the present Editor seeks for nothing beyond the credit due to his industry; and this humble need of approbation he feels confident will not be withheld, when it is considered that considerably more than a hundred volumes - some of which, as the antiquarian and topographical reader will be aware, are of no mean bulk - must have been carefully perused to effect the abridgment of the Home Circuit alone. This may be ascertained by the 'List of Works consulted,' which is appended to each county, to enable the curious reader to extend his enquiries further with facility and pleasure." We shall conclude with observing that other Compendia of County Histories are only selections - this is an epitome and synopsis of all their more prominent features. |
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Compendia of county history for Westmorland and
Cumberland appeared in the Gentleman's Magazine
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Cumberland | ||
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