Curiosities of Literature by Isaac D'Israeli

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1838. Excerpt: ... %- The castigatory observations which I made in favor of John Stow, have had due effect. Mr. D'Israeli now styles him Venerable Stowe. He remarks, in conclusion, that our annalist gave the nation their Chaucer. Poor Mr. D'Israeli! he is sure to stumble whenever he enters his favorite path, the history of our vernacular literature. Stow edited Chaucer in 1561, and furnished his louing friend Speght with Chaucerian notes, which appeared in 1597;28 but Master William CaKton gave the nation their Chaucer--half a century before John Stow was born. 29 Art. VIII.--Cervantes--Don Quijote de la Mancha a native of Barbary! Cervantes composed the most agreeable book in the Spanish language during his captivity in Barbary.--I. D'israeli.1 It is never advisable to commence an argument with an assumption; but an assumption which is readily assented to--and which the circumlocution of some lively writer compels one to adopt--may perhaps escape censure. I shall therefore assume that by the most agreeable booh in the Spanish language, we are to understand El ingenioso hidalgo D. Quijote de la Mancha. 28 Svrvay of London, 1603. 4to. p. 465. Typographical Antiquities, 1749. 4to. p. 54, etc. - C. L., i. 50. The principal biographers of Cervantes are los Senores D. Gregorio Mayans y Sisear,2 D. Vicente de los Rios,3 D. Juan Antonio Pellicer y Saforcada,4 and D. Martin Fernandez de Navarrete.5 I exelude Nicolas Antonio and Sarmiento; Antonio, on the score of his brevity6--and Sarmiento, because his work remains in Ms.7 El Senor Mayans was a learned and assiduous author;8 but he could not ascertain the birth-place of Cervantes, nor was he aware of the anecdotes of his captivity furnished by Haedo.9 El Senor Rios, an officer of artillery possessing exqui...