Beschreibung:

Ruskin, John. AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT, APPARENTLY UNPUBLISHED, PROVIDING CRITICAL NOTES ON A POEM SENT TO HIM BY HIS FORMER TUTOR AT CHRIST CHURCH, WALTER LUCAS BROWN 8 pages, 8vo, the first headed in pencil "These references are from 'David' by the Rev W.L. Brown...", undated, [watermarked 1841], some foxing, edges slightly worn, closed tears at folds (no loss) "...Fond affection? is not this affectionate affection? The next two stanzas and indeed all the rest of the chorus are very beautiful - except the last line - the abound is insipid - and can a triumph be well won in perspective - it looks like saying that the forces could multiply triumphs already won - which would be an achievement indeed..." "...Verses are like armies on a march - everything that they don't want is a hindrance & a weakness - though it were solid gold..." "...I think No chorus -- under the circumstances would be so explanatory -- neither would they use adjectives. I think the cry would be short - broken - & meditative. The Lord is righteous! - 'tis a fearful choice - Famine - Humiliation - Pestilence - What will be Davids answer?..." It is known from other letters that Walter Lucas Brown (?1778-1862) sent his literary endeavours to Ruskin for his comments. At Oxford he taught Ruskin Greek but also had an interest in aesthetic conversation that endeared him to Ruskin. They had a lasting friendship, with Ruskin saying he "was the only one of my old masters from whom I could or would receive guidance" (Tim Hilton, John Ruskin The Later Years, 2000).