Call Number:

Ms. Codex 1833

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

1 volume

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Richard Fairbrother commonplace book, 1813-1834, Ms. Codex 1833, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1813-1834 (inclusive)

Creator:

Fairbrother, Richard

Form:

Commonplace books, Codices (bound manuscripts), Poetry, Elegies, and Excerpts

Abstract:

Volume comprising religious poems, elegies, songs, and excerpts compiled by Richard Fairbrother of Norfolk England, spanning the years from 1813 to 1834.

Born in Norfolk, England, Fairbrother attened Hoxton College outside of London. He became a dissenting minister and served for thirty-one years at the East Dereham Independent Congregational Church in Norfolk. Fairbrother married Maria Wigg in 1819 and they had at least four children.

This worn, marbled paper covered volume comprises religious poems, elegies, songs, and excerpts spanning the years from 1813 to 1834. Written on the first leaf is R. Fairbrother, Hoxton College 1813. The first few leaves of the volume appear to be notes regarding the structure of prayer and worship with instructional notes on invocation, adoration, petition, blessing, and conclusion. The remainder of the volume is comprised of excerpts of religious essays, poems, songs, and elegies chiefly dated in the early 1830s. The extracts concern life, death, children, and nature. A majority of the items have attributions. Some excerpts included are from The literary souvenir, The remembrancer, The Life of Dr. Waugh, and Dr. Beattie's lectures. Authors of some items include James Montgomery, Reginald Heber, Jane Taylor, and Miss Roscoe. Some items at the end of the volume are written with the text parallel to the spine. The volume appears to be written in two hands. "Standing orders relative to bills" is printed on the front cover. A bookseller's description is pasted on the inside front cover.