About the book
William Byrd II (1674–1744) was an important figure in the history of colonial Virginia: a founder of Richmond, an active participant in Virginia politics, and the proprietor of one of the colony’s greatest plantations. But Byrd is best known today for his diaries. Considered essential documents of private life in colonial America, they offer readers an unparalleled glimpse into the world of a Virginia gentleman. This book joins Byrd’s Diary, Secret Diary, and other writings in securing his reputation as one of the most interesting men in colonial America.
Edited and presented here for the first time, Byrd’s commonplace book is a collection of moral wit and wisdom gleaned from reading and conversation. The nearly six hundred entries range in tone from hope to despair, trust to dissimulation, and reflect on issues as varied as science, religion, women, Alexander the Great, and the perils of love. A ten-part introduction presents an overview of Byrd’s life and addresses such topics as his education and habits of reading and his endeavors to understand himself sexually, temperamentally, and religiously, as well as the history and cultural function of commonplacing. Extensive annotations discuss the sources, background, and significance of the entries.
Editions of The Commonplace Book of William Byrd II of Westover
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807826126
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469615233
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469601113
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890871909
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807839119
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890871893
Read an Excerpt
William Byrd II (1674–1744) was an important figure in the history of colonial Virginia: a founder of Richmond, an active participant in Virginia politics, and the proprietor of one of the colony’s greatest plantations. But Byrd is best known today for his diaries. Considered essential documents of private life in colonial America, they offer readers an unparalleled glimpse into the world of a Virginia gentleman. This book joins Byrd’s Diary, Secret Diary, and other writings in securing his reputation as one of the most interesting men in colonial America.
Edited and presented here for the first time, Byrd’s commonplace book is a collection of moral wit and wisdom gleaned from reading and conversation. The nearly six hundred entries range in tone from hope to despair, trust to dissimulation, and reflect on issues as varied as science, religion, women, Alexander the Great, and the perils of love. A ten-part introduction presents an overview of Byrd’s life and addresses such topics as his education and habits of reading and his endeavors to understand himself sexually, temperamentally, and religiously, as well as the history and cultural function of commonplacing. Extensive annotations discuss the sources, background, and significance of the entries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Commonplace Book of William Byrd II of Westover about?
William Byrd II (1674–1744) was an important figure in the history of colonial Virginia: a founder of Richmond, an active participant in Virginia politics, and the proprietor of one of the colony’s greatest plantations. But Byrd is best known today for his diaries. Considered essential documents of private life in colonial America, they offer readers an unparalleled glimpse into the world of a Virginia gentleman. This book joins Byrd’s Diary, Secret Diary, and other writings in securing his reputation as one of the most interesting men in colonial America.
Edited and presented here for the first time, Byrd’s commonplace book is a collection of moral wit and wisdom gleaned from reading and conversation. The nearly six hundred entries range in tone from hope to despair, trust to dissimulation, and reflect on issues as varied as science, religion, women, Alexander the Great, and the perils of love. A ten-part introduction presents an overview of Byrd’s life and addresses such topics as his education and habits of reading and his endeavors to understand himself sexually, temperamentally, and religiously, as well as the history and cultural function of commonplacing. Extensive annotations discuss the sources, background, and significance of the entries.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Commonplace Book of William Byrd II of Westover?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of The Commonplace Book of William Byrd II of Westover?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807826126
How long is The Commonplace Book of William Byrd II of Westover and how many pages does it have?
The Commonplace Book of William Byrd II of Westover has 336 page(s)
Is The Commonplace Book of William Byrd II of Westover part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Commonplace Book of William Byrd II of Westover?
The University of North Carolina Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Commonplace Book of William Byrd II of Westover is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807826126) and paperback(ISBN 9781469615233) and ebook(ISBN 9781469601113) and ebook(ISBN 9798890871909) and ebook(ISBN 9780807839119) and pdf(ISBN 9798890871893)
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