A collection of poems compiled by Stocker [manuscript], [ca.1750-1780].
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Details
Title
A collection of poems compiled by Stocker [manuscript], [ca.1750-1780].
Description
245 leaves ; 20 x 17 cm
Associated name
Scope and content
Contains some 260 poems. A few are attributed to persons of no note, none to any poet of reputation. It is probable that most of the pieces are original compositions of the compiler, who from many references to Portsmouth, and other places in its vicinity, may be supposed to have lived in that region. Persons named Stocker are several times mentioned and a Richard Stocker, perhaps the person whose autograph appears on the fly-leaf, is referred to on pp. 236-and 340-41 as the writer's son. The poet, however, calls an apothecary named Stocker a quack (p.217). Many of the poems are of purely local interest. Members of a family named Missing figure as subject, addressee, or composer of at least 12 pieces. Among the contents are a number of prologues and epilogues for plays, including Henry VIII and Othello, all written for special performances, presumably local (Tamerlane at Portsmouth, 1753), and some, at least, amateur. A Mr. Missing is named as author and speaker of two.
Note
Many poems are dated, the dates extending from 1753 to 1778. Foliation includes 4 blank leaves.
Binding information
Original vellum, lettered "VI MSS PEOTR." [sic.].
Item Details
Call number
M.a.186