Letters from Henry Crabb Robinson

Description

Henry Crabb Robinson (1775-1867) was a commentator on literature, politics and intellectual life of the first half of the nineteenth century. His diary records that he met Elizabeth Jesser Reid in London in 1838. Sharing a Unitarian faith, and an enthusiasm for educational reform, they became close friends.

Robinson originally worked as a solicitor’s clerk, but inherited a legacy that allowed him to devote his time to travel in Europe, where he studied under leading Romantic philosophers in Germany. On returning to London, he practiced as a barrister and participated in the founding of University College, London. He frequently visited the Lake District, forming friendships with the poets William Wordsworth and Robert Southey, as well as with Harriet Martineau. He chronicled these and other friendships in his extensive diaries, giving an unparalleled record of literary and social life in Britain and Europe. The Henry Crabb Robinson project estimate that his papers include the names of around 6,000 associates, including John Wesley, William Hazlitt, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Madame de Staël, Charles and Mary Lamb, William Godwin, Mary Hays, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Robinson’s correspondence with Reid demonstrates their shared interest in education and reform causes, as well as Robinson’s frank admissions of fears for his health and future, which show their intimate friendship. Robinson gives his opinions on US slavery and the US Civil War, as well as European politics. He also encouraged Reid through Bedford College’s difficult early years, reminding her of his own struggles with University College, London. Some more personal letters discuss the challenges of aging.

Robinson died in 1867 – a year after Reid - aged 91, having remained sound of mind until very close to his death despite his fears.

Collection Items

BC RF/103/4/1: Letter giving an account of a journey by rail from Newcastle
Letter giving an account of a journey by rail from Newcastle, where he visited the law courts, to Carlisle, and by coach from Carlisle to Ambleside in the Lake District. Comments on civic improvements at Newcastle and tells of a walk up Loughrig…

BC RF/103/4/2: Letter giving an account of his journey from the Lake District to London via Kirkby Lonsdale, Leeds, Ilkley Wells and Matlock
Letter giving an account of his journey from the Lake District to London via Kirkby Lonsdale, Leeds, Ilkley Wells and Matlock. Discusses Dr W.E. Channing's 'Duty of the free states [of America]'

BC RF/103/4/3: Letter advising EJR not to let a coach accident make her nervous of travel
Letter advising EJR not to let a coach accident make her nervous of travel, and telling her of his visit to Paris where he saw Mary Clark, whom he advised about EJR's willingness to entertain French visitors to London.
View all 30 items