18. Mar, 2022
Two New Posts: Oddities, and Prosody.
I have added two new pages to the website in the past few days. One is titled 'Oddities', and consists simply of images that have caught my eye, whether interesting or amusing.
The other celebrates William Combe's wonderful Tour of Doctor Prosody in search of the Antique and Picturesque Through Scotland, which was published in 1821. It is a parody of Doctor Johnson's tour, his companion being not Boswell, but rather 'Doctor Factobend'. It is illustrated by a set of fine caricatures by William Read and Charles Williams. It has given me the chance to explore the concept of the Picturesque, a school of thought that was developed in particular by William Gilpin. He also took a tour to the Highlands in 1776, an account of which he published in 1789. You can read more on my page 'Picturesque & Prosody'.
Yet more delays to my book The Immeasurable Wilds, which now has a release date for the end of April. Some of you must be wondering if it will ever appear: however I have grounds for optimism this time, and will keep you posted once the final proofs have been sent off to the printer.
Meanwhile I will continue to work on this website.