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Memorandum

To: Joseph Bryant, Associate Director, Rare Books

From: Florence M. Paisey, Librarian

Date: March 26, 2013

Subject: Acquisitions: Journal between Lord Byron and the Countess of Blessington

Florida State Universitys Department of English has recently started up the History ofText Technologies (HoTT) program. Interdisciplinary in nature, one of its strengthsinvolves book and print culture as well as textual production and transmission within thecontext of rare materials the manuscript period, the early printed book, the modernbook, serials and publishing history during the Victorian era. This is an energizing,forward-looking program directly connected with special collections.

The John MacKay Shaw Collection of Childhood in Poetry includes many rare books byEnglish poets from the 17th century to the 19th century. Within the 19th century, leadingRomantic poets such as Shelley, Byron, Blake, Keats and Tennyson are well represented.Yet, there is a deficiency in published contextual literature such as correspondence andessays. Such texts facilitate an understanding of the literary, social and trade networksthat engendered authors ideas, poetic styles and publication.

The Countess of Blessington, Marguerite Gardiner, is recognized for her contributionswithin the Victorian Poetess Tradition. However, in addition to her poetry, she edited thefashionable annual gift books, Heaths Book of Beauty and The Keepsake. The

Countess moved in early Victorian literary and artistic circles, corresponding with someof the most significant authors, artists, social and cultural personages of the era. Herextensive correspondence with Lord Byron, their discussions of poetry and social eventsare notable.

In view of the Countess distinction, social and cultural influence as well as thehistorically important documentation of Lord Byrons life, I recommend acquiring the1851 Journal of Correspondence and Conversations between Lord Byron and theCountess of Blessington. The edition most beneficial to literary, social, artistic andcultural scholars would be the extra illustrated edition meaning a collection of 149unbound prints accompanies the Journal. This particular edition, in very good

condition, is available on the ABAA book exchange for $975.00.

In addition to its literary, cultural and biographical value, I believe this journal would beexceptionally useful as a centerpiece for exhibitions of the rare, finely bound Victorianpoetry and gift books that Florida State University, special collections, already holds.Such exhibitions promote special collections and bring attention to them for scholars ofbook history as well as rare book collectors -- many of whom are currently unaware ofthe distinctive rare book collections and resources at Florida State.