Unpublished Poems by Hannah More in Osborn Shelves C.341 and Folger Ms M.A.179

Abstract

Two neglected manuscript commonplace books—one by Anne Blandford (James Marshall and Marie-Louise Osborn Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Osborn Shelves c.341), the other anonymous (Folger Shakespeare Library MS M.a.179)—contain a significant number of unpublished poems by Hannah More (1745-1833). This article explains the connection between Anne Blandford and Hannah More and argues from textual and ocular evidence that Blandford was also the compiler of the anonymous commonplace book. In so doing it establishes the authenticity of the poems ascribed to More in both manuscripts and draws further corroborative evidence of authorship from More's own correspondence. The article then offers a bio-bibliographical survey of selected poems transcribed in these two commonplace books and suggests that they enable us to establish with greater certainty and comprehensiveness than ever before the extent and variety of More's early poetical activities.