Book Description

Excerpt from Stanley, Vol. 1 of 2: Or the Recollections of a Man of the World My father was exceedingly reserved in his temper, and generally-left my conduct to my own control, and my in clinations and feelings to their natural course. Though not particularly literary in his taste. He had a fine library which contained goo'd editions of all the best classics of ancient and modern literature. This room was my favourite resort from my earliest years. The loneliness of my situation compelled me to seek some employment to divert my time, and I found abundance there. I read whatever fell in my way without much reference to sys tem or utility. I found literature the best refuge from the fatigue of thought and the yet greater fatigue of idleness. My constant devotion generated a love for reading which, after a long lapse of years, still remains in all its force. My books became my constant companions, for I found in the silent instructors that were ranged around my walls, calmer disputants and wiser counsellors than the living 'circle of acquaintance could exhibit. Making study both a business and an amusement, I drew from the same sources the topic of my toil and the light of my leisure - perceiving, with d'aguesseau, that the best re laxation was change. My most habitual delight, how ever, was in the productions of the muse; to them I turned as to a shady valley, for refreshment after every Weariness and repose from every anxiety. The effusions of the highest sort of poetry, which are Wisdom speaking in the voice of Pleasure, are the best diversion in hours of gayety, and the best solace in times of trouble. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.