Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1885 edition. Excerpt: ... has reached ground, encumbers him with help f The notice which you have been pleased to take of my labours, had it been early, had been kind; but it has been delayed till I am indifferent, and cannot enjoy it; till I am solitary, and cannot impart it; till I am known, and do not want it. I hope it is no very cynical asperity not to confess obligations where no benefit has been received, or to be unwilling that the public should consider me as owing that to a patron which Providence has enabled me to do for myself. "Having carried on my work thus far with so little obligation to any favourer of learning, I shall not be disappointed though I should conclude it, if less be possible, with less; for I have been long wakened from that dream of hope, in which I once boasted myself with so much exultation, my lord--your lordship's most humble, most obedient servant--Sam Johnson." The domain of literature presents many illustrations of the cruelty and crass stupidity of which inventors have been the victims. The " Song of the Shirt" by the celebrated Hood is an invention of a high order. But how was its inventor treated? Thomas Hood wrote the "Song of the Shirt" some time in 1831 or 1832. He read it over to his wife, who praised it very highly, declaring that it was the best thing he ever wrote. Overjoyed at receiving such an opinion from one of the very best of critics, he sent it, the very next day, to the editor of a leading newspaper. It was rejected as utterly and completely unsuitable. Rather crestfallen, he sent it to a second editor, who declared it would be quite improper for him to insert such a production in his paper. Almost hopeless, he sent it to a third, who emphatically rejected it. Utterly disgusted, he locked it up, hating the...
