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Buxton to Anna Gurney, promising that he would move for papers in the House of Commons on lifeguard stations and the numbers of lives saved, 15 Apr 1823

 Item
Shelfmark: MSS. Brit. Emp. s. 444 Vol. 2, pp. 53-60

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He assures her that she was mistaken in saying that despite being good at compiling facts, she could not present them in an interesting or entertaining manner. He argues that her letters and conversation were the most entertaining of anyone he knew but admits that in her studied compositions she displayed less vivacity, because she thought she should not be spontaneous in her expression then. He advises her to appeal in her writings to the imagination and emotions of the public, giving as an example Fox's reworking of the facts presented by Dr Laurence in the House of Commons into an entertaining speech that made its mark upon the listeners. He advises her to study how to present her own thoughts and feelings to the public, saying that she must tickle its fancy, and provides her with a bibliography of examples to study. (Memoir, p. 172.)

Dates

  • Creation: 15 Apr 1823

Extent

8 pages

Language of Materials

  • English

Shelfmark

MSS. Brit. Emp. s. 444 Vol. 2, pp. 53-60

Repository Details

Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository

Contact:
Weston Library
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Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom