Reviews for A Known Scribbler: Frances Burney on Literary Life

The average rating for A Known Scribbler: Frances Burney on Literary Life based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2013-10-03 00:00:00 Randy Rany Editing is everything in a work like this, and Justine Crump,the editor of A Known Scribbler: Frances Burney on Literary Life, proves herself capable. The juxtaposition of book reviews, journal entries and correspondence to and from Frances Burney give readers a balanced perspective on the highlights of the 18th century author's life. It serves as a telling glimpse into what it was like for a woman to publish writing in the 18th century, politics of publishing, and expectations of the 18th century reader and writer. More harrowing passages include a graphic account of a mastectomy without anesthesia to rival the worst of dystopian fiction and the tragic subtext of her memoir about her late father. I recommend this book for anyone who wishes to read any of Burney's works or wants a better glimpse into the lives of women writers in the 18th century.

Review # 2 was written on 2008-10-29 00:00:00 John Van Der Water Dylan Thomas is a biographer's dream: the Premier League pisshead who was also the most original poet of his generation. No story about him was ever going to end 'he did a crossword, had a cup of tea, and went to bed early.' Lycett takes the many threads running through Thomas' life - the debts, the drink, the cadging, the American tours, the drink - and weaves them into a literary basket packed with interest. Future biographies of more sober, saner modern poets will look rather dull by comparison.