Welsh Journals

CYLCHGRAWN LLYFRGELL GENEDLAETHOL CYMRU THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF WALES JOURNAL VOLUME II. Winter, 1941 NUMBER 2. LETTERS OF HESTER LYNCH PIOZZI. Thanks to the recent publication of Mr. James L. Clifford's very able biography of Hester Lynch Piozzi1 (1741-1821), we can now follow the course of her varied life from year to year, almost even from week to week. What is more, we are nearer to a complete under- standing of a complex character which attracts some as it repels others. Mrs. Piozzi's personality is still something of an enigma and her reputation a subject of controversy among her admirers and de- tractors. No amount of painstaking American scholarship or editing is ever likely to subdue the ferocity of all the English reviewers. In the face of Mr. Clifford's exhaustive study and the caustic notices of Mr. Vulliamy and Mr. Dawkins one must ask pardon for venturing to add a few more biographical and bibliographical notes which may interest Welsh readers. After all, Mrs. Piozzi was a Welshwoman who became a celebrated figure in English literary circles, whatever may be thought of her literary achievements. A number of Mrs. Piozzi's letters have been acquired from time to time by the National Library.2 Some were examined by Mr. Clifford for his biography; others have only lately come to light. They are all addressed to her Welsh friends except two to William I James L. Clifford Hester Lynch Piozzi (Mrs. Thrale). Oxford, 194.1. 2 In addition to the letters there is in the Library a photostat copy of the settlement by Mrs. Piozzi, then Mrs. Thrale, of the Salusbury estates in Flintshire, Denbigh- shire, and Caernarvonshire, 5 September, 1775.