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Author: Hippesley, R.

Biography:

HIPPESLEY, R. (fl 1775)

The only publication known to be attributed to “R. Hippesley,” Bath and It’s Environs (1775, with a very long subtitle), was handsomely produced in quarto format by society publishers in Bath and London and was dedicated to the Queen, but it was published anonymously and the attribution appears to date only from Halkett’s and Laing’s work (HL) in the mid-to-late nineteenth century. No reason is given for the attribution. The contents show not only extensive knowledge of the title subject but also an acquaintance with classical mythology, Miltonic blank verse, and contemporary literary models; but they do not project deep learning or scholarship. The printing suggests that the author was well to do. There was no second edition. There is no reliable information about the alleged author despite his distinctive name (sometimes spelled Hipsley or Hippisley in public records). He might have been the Richard Hippesley (1753-86), son of George and Elizabeth Hippesley of Chewton Mallet, Somerset, but confirmation is lacking. (ESTC; HL; ancestry.com 19 Jul. 2022; findmypast.com 19 Jul. 2022)

 

Books written (1):