'Parthenissa is now my company[,] my Brother sent it downe and I have almost read it, tis hansome Language you would know it to bee writt by a person of good Quality though you were not tolde it, but in the whole I am not very much taken with it, all the Story's have too neer a resemblance with those of Other Romances there is nothing of new or surprenant in them . . . '
Century: 1600-1699 Reader/Listener/Group: Dorothy Osborne Print: BookManuscript: Letter
[Catherine Talbot to Elizabeth Carter, 17 April 1760:]
'As you was, upon the whole, I believe, very determined to go into the country [following visit to Talbot 'on Tuesday'], I denied myself the telling you how very sorry and grieved I was to part with you. Perhaps I did wrong [...] I have learnt from the heroines of Parthenissa that these sorts of offences are never to be forgiven. Oh dear, what a precious treasure of false thoughts, and refinements, and hyperbole have you brought me in that volume. It does me a vast deal of good, for its absurdities make me laugh more than any book of intended humour could do.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Catherine Talbot Print: Book
