Author: [GILPIN (Joshua)]:
Title: A Monument of Parental Affection for a Dear and Only Son.
Description: Wellington: Printed and Sold by F. Houlston and Son. Sold, also, By Hatchard...and Robinson..., 1808. FIRST EDITION. 12mo, 174 x 96 mms., pp. xi [xii blank], 177 [178 blank] including half-title, bound in contemporary half plum roan, dark blue boards (rubbed), gilt spine (slightly worn and rubbed), but a good to very good copy. Joshua Gilpin (1782 - 1828) was Vicar of Wrockwardine, Salop. His son, Joshua Rowley, born 30 January 1788, died aged about 18, and the work is a tribute to him. He was an admirer of Fletcher of Madeley, an Arminian Evangelical and Methodist of liberal opinions. His works included an 'improved' edition of The Pilgrim's Progress, a collection of hymns, and a memorial to his son (d. 1806) that ran to many editions. A good preacher, though with a weak voice, he drew only a small congregation. There were 80 communicants at Easter 1824. British History Online. Monument was extensively reviewed with much approval, e. g., The Eclectic Reiview for 1808, "With real reluctance we yield to a sense of propriety in assigning only a narrow space on our pages to this singularly interesting work.... To a considerable class of readers it will need no other recommendation, than our assurance, that it is one of the most affecting publications we have ever read, and that it will afford the most refined gratification to those in whom religion has added, to feelings naturally susceptible, a solemnity and tenderness peculiarly her own." OCLC locates copies of this first edition in BL, Cardiff, and the National Library of Wales only; Library Hub adds Bodleian; and there is also a copy in the Shropshire Archives. The work was frequently reprinted, first in 1811, then 1814, etc.; and it is a staple item in microform. The first edition, however, does seem to be truly rare.

Keywords: eulogy elegy prose


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