Author: GOLDSMITH (Oliver):
Title: The Life of Richard Nash, of Bath, Esq; Extracted from His Original Papers.
Description: London: Printed for J. Newbery..., and W. Frederick..., 1762. FIRST EDITION. 8vo, 190 x 113 mms., pp. [ii], 234 [235 - 238 adverts], C6 in cancelled state, recently rebound in quarter calf, red morocco lable, marbled boards, gilt rules across spine; an attractive copy, but lacking the portrait. "Much has been written on Goldsmith's Life, partly in terms of its historical accuracy, but more particularly in an attempt to determine its dominant tone. For some Goldsmith's criticism prevails. And yet, notwithstanding the biography's reservations regarding Nash's character, it seems reasonable to see the Life as generally appreciative of an ambiguous subject who, as Goldsmith realized, was flawed because of his humanity in a town given to temptation, and was rendered complex by the matter-of-fact approach taken by his biographer: as he explained in the preface, 'I chose to describe the man as he was' (Goldsmith, 3.289). Thus Goldsmith's account ultimately develops themes identified in more ostentatious commemorations by William Oliver and William King: Nash as innovative reformer of social conduct and as benefactor, even a man of feeling—'None felt pity more strongly, and none made greater efforts to relieve distress' (ibid., 3.333). But as an early celebrity biographer, Goldsmith also appreciated the dangers of such exposure. Consequently the lasting theme of this, still the most valuable account of Nash's personality, is sympathy for a subject who sacrificed happiness, integrity, and independence for immediate fame and popularity within a community of which he was equally master and servant" (ODNB).

Keywords: biography manners prose literature


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