The Immortal Dinner: A Famous Evening of Genius and Laughter in Literary London, 1817

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Penelope Hughes-Hallett

The Immortal Dinner

A Famous Evening of Genius and Laughter in Literary London, 1817

Penelope Hughes-Hallett

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English

Rowman and Littlefield
01 October 2023

History; General & world history; British & Irish history

On December 28, 1817, the eccentric painter B. R. Haydon gave a famous dinner party in his painting room in London. He invited, among others, three of the greatest literary lights of the age: the poets John Keats and William Wordsworth and the essayist and wit Charles Lamb. Over the course of a long winter evening of delights, the guests recited poetry, indulged in high-minded conversation, and took part in ridiculous antics, with such displays of brilliance and wit that the party came to be known as the Immortal Dinner. Penelope Hughes-Hallett celebrates this unique gathering by vividly bringing to life these illustrious diners against a backdrop of social change. Literary London society was at its extraordinarily gifted best just two years after Waterloo: the Elgin Marbles controversy still raged; Mrs. Siddons performed Lady Macbeth in her drawing room to a distinguished audience; Joseph Ritchie, a young physician and would-be poet, prepared to explore the River Niger with a copy of Keats in his pocket. The Immortal Dinner offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and thoughts of this literary elite at a turning point in English society. It recaptures these rare spirits, using a great many of their own words from letters and diaries. With 75 black-and-white illustrations and 2 maps.

By: Penelope Hughes-Hallett
Imprint: Rowman and Littlefield
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 30mm
Weight: 481g
ISBN: 9781493076536
ISBN 10: 1493076531
Pages: 368
Publication Date: 01 October 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Penelope Hughes-Hallett has also written My Dear Cassandra and Home at Grasmere, and has edited Childhood: A Collins Anthology. She lives in Warwickshire, England.

Reviews for The Immortal Dinner: A Famous Evening of Genius and Laughter in Literary London, 1817

Remarkably accomplished...delicious. * Economist * Sheer delight. -- Charles Osborne * Sunday Telegraph * Wonderfully evocative...splendidly readable. -- Jonathan Bate A book of great charm....Hughes-Hallett allows us to savor all the ingredients of a very special event. -- Mark Bostridge * Independent * Remarkable.... Hughes-Hallett transcends the gimmick and enters the realm of the profound. * San Francisco Chronicle * Illuminates an entire world...discursive and lively. * Atlantic Monthly * Interesting...many excellent illustrations. * The Wall Street Journal * Fascinating...has many pleasures to offer.... Terrifically rich. -- Evelyn Toynton * The New York Times * This book is an enjoyable read and is certain to make readers with to know more about the many topics discussed. * The Historian *