Author: BUCK (Charles):
Title: Anecdotes, Religious, Moral, and Entertaining, Alphabetically Arranged, and interspersed with a Variety of Useful Observations. Second Edition.
Description: London: Printed for T. Chapman..., 1799. 12mo (in 6s), 178 x 105 mms., pp. vi [7] - 291 [292 - 294 Index, 295 - 298 adverts], bound in slightly later half calf, marbled boards, gilt spine; first two leaves after title-page detached at inner margin, F3 sprung, front board with small stain and boards rubbed, but a good copy with two family autographs on the top margin of the title-page, "J. H. Roe, Grafton House" and in a different hand, "R. Roe." Their names also appear in pencil on page 113, and there are some scattered marginal notes in pencil in what I assume to be their handwriting. Charles Buck (1771 - 1815) is best known for A Theological Dictionary, first published in 1802 and frequently reprinted. The present work was first published in early 1799, with this second edition in the same year. It was also noticed in The Monthly Review for 1799. After a few opening remarks quoting the author's aspirations, the reviewer observes, "In this diversified performance, we meet with names antient and modern, and occasionally of some persons now living. - Mr. Buck does not produce authorities for the relations he gives; nor is it always requisite: the account of the servant who robbed his master, (page 119,) and was tempted to the act by atheistical conversation he heard at his table. is (if we recollect aright), better and more accurately told in Davies's Life of Garrick.... We shall therefore only observe that, though some things might have been omitted, and some defects pointed out, we are here on the whole presented with a volume which may afford entertainment and improvement." It was reprinted frequently in the UK as well as North America in the 19th century. Reviewing a ninth edition in 1842, The Southern Quarterly Review had little but praise for the work: "We are glad to see an American edition of this interesting and useful work, and we have no doubt that it will meet with favor and encouragement, more particularly from the religious denominations in this country. There is nothing of a sectarian character, but it is, as its title declares it to be, a collection of religious, moral, and entertaining anecdotes, many of them highly beautiful and affecting, calculated to touch and warm the heart, to solace the mourner's grief, and bid the tear of sorrow depart; to cheer the depressed, and kindle the smile of pleasure upon the saddened countenance...." The first edition included a list of subscribers; ESTC locates only the copy in the BL for the first edition, and BL, National Library of Wales, University of Wales, John Rylands; and Library Company of Philadelphia for this second editionl

Keywords: instruction entertainment prose


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