Item Info

Accession Number: 87-0786
Physical Description: [3] pages
Material: paper
Transcription:

Tavistock House
                            Thirtieth May 1854
Dear Stone.
         I cannot stand a total absence of ventilation, and I should have liked (in an amiable and persuasive manner) to have punched Townshend's head, and opened the register stoves.    I saw the supper tables Sir, in an empty state, and was charmed with them.  Likewise I recovered myself from a swoon, occasioned by long contact with an unventilated man of a strong flavor from Copenhagen. by drinking an unknown species of celestial lemonade in that enchanted apartment.
         I will read Mr. Rippingille's paper without delay, and communicate with him thereupon.
    I am grieved to say that on Saturday I stand engaged to dine—at three weeks’ notice—with one Buckle. Not the jockey, but a man who has read every book that ever was written (and written one, I believe, that never was read) and is a perfect Gulf of information. Before exploding a mine of knowledge he has a habit of closing one eye and wrinkling up his nose, so that he seems to be perpetually taking aim at you and knocking you over with a terrific charge. Then he loads again, and takes another aim. So you are always on your back, with your legs in the air.
        How can a man be conversed with, or walked with, in the County of Middlesex when he is reviewing the Kentish Militia on the shores of Dover, or sailing, every day for three weeks, between Dover and Calais?
                                                                                                   Ever affecy.
                                                                                                                   CD.

MssDate: Thirtieth May 1854
Media Type: Letters
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes:

Register Stoves with an adjustable plate to control the emission of warm air in a room. 
The "enchanted apartment" refers to 21 Norfolk Street, Park Lane, which was Townshend's apartment. 
Edward Villiers Rippingille (an artist and magazine contributor) submission to Dickens's Household Words was rejected. See: Letter To Stone, 1 June 1854.
Henry Thomas Buckle wrote "History of Civilization in England", which Dickens owned and is said to have have been able to read in 19 languages and to converse in fluently in seven.

Recipient: Stone, Frank, 1800-1859
Provenance: Gift of Mrs. D. Jacques Benoliel, 12/6/54.

Bibliography:

Volume 7, pp. 342-343, The Letters of Charles Dickens, edited by Madeline House & Graham Storey; associate editors, W.J. Carlton…[et al.].

Country: Creation Place Note:Tavistock House
Country:England
City/Town/Township:London

Call Number: DL St71F 1854-05-30
Creator Name: Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870 - Author