Call Number:

Ms. Codex 2171

Repository:

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

Extent:

1 volume(s)

Language:

English and French

Preferred Citation:

Critta Meers commonplace book, 1834-1850, Ms. Codex 2171, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1834-1850 (inclusive)

Creator:

Meers, Critta, active 1834 - 1850

Form:

Commonplace books and Poetry

Abstract:

This commonplace book, written by Critta Meers between 1834 and 1850, likely in Kent, England contains excerpts from poetry and prose, mostly related to love and friendships, in addition to numerous sketches. There are several poems by Meers herself.

Critta Meers lived in England, possibly in Kent, in the early and mid-19th century. She possibly had a brother named William Meers. Little else is known about Critta Meers, other than that she wrote poetry.

Gillingham Church (St. Mary Magdalene) in Gillingham, Kent, England, which is illustrated in this volume by William Meers, was originally built in the late 12th or early 13th century. Very little of the original structure remains and it "now has a late 13th Century Decorated Chancel, 15th Century Perpendicular nave, aisles and tower." (Llewelyn) It was restored by A.W. Blomfield between 1888 and 1889. The sketch in this volume was likely completed before the church's restoration.

Sources:

Llewelyn, Hugh. "Gillingham Church (St. Mary Magdalene)." https://www.flickr.com/photos/camperdown/51103158263/

This commonplace book, written by Critta Meers between 1834 and 1850, likely in Kent, England contains excerpts from poetry and prose, mostly related to love and friendships, in addition to numerous sketches. There are several poems by Meers herself.

Identified works featured in this volume include "The prospect" by John Parker Baker, 1836 (p. 3); "Friendship and love" by Goldsmith (p. 32); "True bliss" by Cowper (p. 38); "The beloved one" by Mrs. Sakwright (p. 43); and untitled poems by Moore (p. 60), Cotton (p. 62), [Lord] Byron (p. 72), and Reid of The Royals (p. 81-82, 85-96).

Critta Meers wrote several of the poems and passages in this volume, including "What makes us happy!" 1836 (p. 27); "The farewell" (p. 29); "Character of woman" (p. 33-34); "A woman's farewell" (p. 51-52); and several others that are unidentified or untitled (p. 65, 70-71, 73).

A possible brother, William Meers contributed several land and seascape sketches (p. 5, 7), a series of short, possibly humorous passages (p. 12), and a poem titled, "To my sister" (p. 68-69).

Numerous other poems are either untitled or unattributed.

In addition to William Meers' sketches, there are several color pencil drawings (p. 17, 21, 63), an 1836 sketch of a house by J.P.B. (P. 49), and printed illustrations pasted in (p. 15, 19). There is also a clipping with the poem "Bliss – my mother" by F.B.E. (p. 16).