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The Literary Life of the Late Thomas Pennant, Esq.

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The Literary Life of the Late Thomas Pennant, Esq. Synopsis

The humorously self-styled 'late' Thomas Pennant (1726–98) published this short autobiographical survey in 1793. A prominent Welsh naturalist and antiquary, he was known more for his energy and meticulous methodology than for original scientific genius. Yet he helped popularise natural history with beautifully illustrated works such as his History of Quadrupeds, the third edition of which is also reissued in this series. Moreover, he is credited with preserving thorough records of antiquities that were later damaged or destroyed. Samuel Johnson, who toured Scotland after Pennant, praised him as 'the best traveller I ever read'. More than a mere travelogue, Pennant's Literary Life is full of delightful vignettes - his meeting with the 'wicked wit' Voltaire, his affection for his faithful servant and illustrator Moses Griffith, and his poetic critique of certain hypocritical clergy. The appendices contain several of Pennant's shorter pieces on diverse topics, from anthropology to politics.

About This Edition

ISBN: 9781108066365
Publication date:
Author: Thomas Pennant
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Format: Paperback
Pagination: 162 pages
Series: Cambridge Library Collection - Literary Studies
Genres: Literary studies: fiction, novelists and prose writers
Literary studies: general
Life sciences: general issues