Memorandum

To: From: Date: Joseph Bryant, Associate Director, Rare Books Florence M. Paisey, Librarian March 26, 2013

Subject: Acquisitions: Journal between Lord Byron and the Countess of Blessington Florida State Universitys Department of English has recently started up the History of Text Technologies (HoTT) program. Interdisciplinary in nature, one of its strengths involves book and print culture as well as textual production and transmission within the context of rare materials the manuscript period, the early printed book, the modern book, serials and publishing history during the Victorian era. This is an energizing, forward-looking program directly connected with special collections. The John MacKay Shaw Collection of Childhood in Poetry includes many rare books by English poets from the 17th century to the 19th century. Within the 19th century, leading Romantic poets such as Shelley, Byron, Blake, Keats and Tennyson are well represented. Yet, there is a deficiency in published contextual literature such as correspondence and essays. Such texts facilitate an understanding of the literary, social and trade networks that engendered authors ideas, poetic styles and publication. The Countess of Blessington, Marguerite Gardiner, is recognized for her contributions within the Victorian Poetess Tradition. However, in addition to her poetry, she edited the fashionable annual gift books, Heaths Book of Beauty and The Keepsake. The Countess moved in early Victorian literary and artistic circles, corresponding with some of the most significant authors, artists, social and cultural personages of the era. Her extensive correspondence with Lord Byron, their discussions of poetry and social events are notable. In view of the Countess distinction, social and cultural influence as well as the historically important documentation of Lord Byrons life, I recommend acquiring the 1851 Journal of Correspondence and Conversations between Lord Byron and the Countess of Blessington. The edition most beneficial to literary, social, artistic and cultural scholars would be the extra illustrated edition meaning a collection of 149 unbound prints accompanies the Journal. This particular edition, in very good condition, is available on the ABAA book exchange for $975.00. In addition to its literary, cultural and biographical value, I believe this journal would be exceptionally useful as a centerpiece for exhibitions of the rare, finely bound Victorian poetry and gift books that Florida State University, special collections, already holds. Such exhibitions promote special collections and bring attention to them for scholars of book history as well as rare book collectors -- many of whom are currently unaware of the distinctive rare book collections and resources at Florida State.