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Elegy, written in a Country Churchyard, 18th December 1750. Artist: Thomas Gray
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Elegy, written in a Country Churchyard, 18th December 1750. Artist: Thomas Gray
Elegy, written in a Country Churchyard, 18th December 1750. Copy, in Grays own hand, of his Elegy, enclosed in a letter written from Cambridge to Dr Thomas Wharton. Gray writes, The stanzas which I now enclose to you have had the misfortune by Mr Walpoles fault to be made still more publick, for which they certainly were never meant; but it is too late to complain. They have been so applauded it is quite a shame to repeat it. I mean not to be modest; but I mean it is a shame for those who have said such superlative things about them that I can t repeat them. I should have been glad that you and two or three more people had liked them, which would have satisfied my ambition on this head amply. The detached signature is taken from a letter dated 9th August 1750, in the same volume. The Elegy was begun in 1742, taken up again in 1749, and completed on 12th June, 1750, when it was enclosed in a letter to Horace Walpole. It was first published on 16th February, 1751. From the third series of Facsimiles of royal, historical, literary and other autographs in the Department of Manuscripts, British Museum: Series I-V, (London, 1899)
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Media ID 14878724
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Correspondence Earl Of Earl Of Orford Facsimile Gray Horace Horace Walpole Horatio Walpole Letter Orford Poem Signature Sir Horace Walpole Thomas Gray Walpole Poetry Print Collector3
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a significant piece of literary history - an original copy of "Elegy, written in a Country Churchyard" by Thomas Gray. Dated 18th December 1750, the print features Gray's own handwriting enclosed in a letter to Dr. Thomas Wharton from Cambridge. In the accompanying letter, Gray expresses his frustration at the poem's unintended publicity due to Mr. Walpole's actions. Despite this setback, he acknowledges that the stanzas have received immense praise and admits his reluctance to repeat such superlative compliments bestowed upon them. The detached signature displayed alongside is extracted from another letter dated 9th August 1750 found within the same volume. This adds further authenticity and historical value to this remarkable artifact. Gray began composing "Elegy" in 1742 but only completed it on June 12th, 1750 when he sent it as part of a correspondence with Horace Walpole. The poem was first published on February 16th, 1751. Preserved within this print is not just an exquisite example of Gray's poetic genius but also a glimpse into his personal journey as an artist striving for recognition and validation among his peers. This image forms part of the third series of facsimiles featuring autographs from various renowned figures held in the Department of Manuscripts at the British Museum. It serves as a testament to both Gray's enduring legacy and our collective appreciation for literary treasures that transcend time.
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