There are those who say that the Reverend Sydney Smith ought to be made a saint of the Church of England. There are those who say that he jested away his chances of a mitre. There are those who simply read him and laugh. Sydney Smith was not only a humorist. He was a respected clergyman who worked steadily for Roman Catholic emancipation despite his own staunch Anglicanism. In 1802 he helped to found The Edinburgh Review, which became one of the most powerful journals in Britain. Lord Macaulay referred to him as 'The Smith of Smiths'. Jane Austen is thought to have based Henry Tilner in Northanger Abbey on him. G. K. Chesterton was another of his admirers. This book gathers together a selection of Smith's own writings together with extracts from his daughter's biography of him. Arranged thematically, the passages deal with Home and Abroad, Politics, Social Evils, Education, Religion, and Health and Happiness. As well as Sydney's renowned wit, the collection enshrines the wisdom of a man of enormous common sense and the preaching of an eloquent orator. We discover the sloth, who 'moves suspended, rests suspended, sleeps suspended, and passes his life in suspense - like a young clergyman distantly related to a bishop.' We meet the bishop who 'deserved to be preached to death by wild curates.' But most of all, we enjoy the company of a man determined that 'as long as I can possibly avoid it I will never be unhappy.' The 'amusing defender of our faith' described a friend's idea of heaven as 'eating patC de foie gras to the sound of trumpets.' His present-day admirers may disagree, finding their ideal of heaven in reading this wonderfully entertaining book. Read an Extract from the Introduction here.
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About the Author
Taylor was Rector of Little Wilbraham in Ely diocese for 15 years before becoming chaplain of St. Faith's School, Cambridge, and finally honorary assistant priest of Chesterton Parish Church.
Alan Hankinson has completed two volumes for Osprey on the American Civil War. Highly respected in his field, Alan’ s authoritative text clearly displays his passion for, and knowledge of the subject.
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The Wit of Sydney Smith,
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This review is from: Twelve Miles From a Lemon: Selected Writings and Sayings of Sydney Smith (Hardcover)
Twelve Miles From a Lemon (Selected writings and sayings of author Sydney Smith) gives real meaning to the phrase "rapier wit". Smith adds a gentle touch to wit. I purchased this book in the name of my two year old grand-daughter, Sydney Smith who is herself a little "wit". My insights as to the similarities of the Sydneys proved to be both true and delightful. Reverend Sydney Smith was a walking wit. His spontaneous sayings are treasures. The one that led me to him via Amazon was printed on a teabag: "I am glad I was not born before tea." A true Englishman! Last June my daughter and I took our Sydney to London and then to Bath. This book described Reverend Smith's life and moves to various parts of England and France. His vacation spot was Bath! His close friend was Earl Grey (for you tea-drinkers). The book is delightful, even though it plods in parts. Reverend Smith was a visionary, compassionate and intelligent. This selection of writings portrays a true feeling of his times (early 1800s), as well as insights of humor within the church. It will definitely make any Anglophile chuckle!
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Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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'Sydney Smith? And who was he?' is the more than likely response when Sydney's name is mentioned. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Edinburgh Review, Sydney Smith, Lady Holland, Church of England, Combe Florey, House of Commons, United States, Game Laws, Lady Grey, Roman Catholics, Great Western, Holland House, Bishop of Lincoln, Lady Carlisle, New South Wales, English Church, House of Lords, Lord Sidmouth, Reform Bill, Francis Jeffrey, Hesketh Pearson, Lord Grey, Protestant Dissenters, Abraham Hayward, Annie Kay New!
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Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
'Sydney Smith? And who was he?' is the more than likely response when Sydney's name is mentioned. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Edinburgh Review, Sydney Smith, Lady Holland, Church of England, Combe Florey, House of Commons, United States, Game Laws, Lady Grey, Roman Catholics, Great Western, Holland House, Bishop of Lincoln, Lady Carlisle, New South Wales, English Church, House of Lords, Lord Sidmouth, Reform Bill, Francis Jeffrey, Hesketh Pearson, Lord Grey, Protestant Dissenters, Abraham Hayward, Annie Kay New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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