Poems and Compositions in Prose on Several Occasions
by William Munford
| Poems and Compositions in Prose on Several Occasions | |
 Title page from Poems and Compositions in Prose on Several Occasions, George Wythe Collection, Wolf Law Library, College of William & Mary. | |
| Author | William Munford |
| Published | Richmond: Printed by Samuel Pleasants, Jr. |
| Date | 1798 |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 189 |
| Desc. | 8vo. (21 cm.) |
William Munford published his collection of poems in 1798 at the age of twenty-three.[1] The work exhibits a great variety of poems including some pieces Munford wrote when he was sixteen years old.[2] The first two poems reflect Munford’s experiences both in the American Revolution and as a poor student.[3] Munford’s poems often had a political bent, in particular, "The Politician in Distress" was a thinly veiled attack on Alexander Hamilton, who Munford believed was "intent on state pollution."[4]
In addition, Munford’s collection reflects the author’s interest in the classics and includes translations from Horace and Ossian and a five act tragedy.[5] Although the work was "[d]esigned to benefit his readers, enhance his reputation, and afford economic return, it was, . . . a rather juvenile adventure into the realms of literature."[6] One poem, in particular, addressed to Miss S___n W___n of Halifax county, demonstrates the youth of the author.[7] Entitled "The Apology," it is a public explanation for his actions at a Ball, which resulted in his partner feeling forsaken by him.[8]
Nevertheless, the work hints at the literary abilities of a man who would go on to make significant contributions to both law and classical scholarship.[9]
Evidence for Inclusion in Wythe's Library
There is no concrete evidence that George Wythe owned William Munford's Poems and Compositions in Prose on Several Occasions. However, Munford, a former student of Wythe's and the man who delivered Wythe's eulogy almost certainly gave a copy of his poems to his former teacher. Munford lived with Wythe for several years and was indebted to the older man for his education.[10] The Wolf Law Library chose to recognize this relationship and purchased a copy of the first edition (1798).
Description of the Wolf Law Library's copy
Bound in quarter calf with original paper boards. Includes previous owners' signatures on the front free endpaper some of which have been struck through.
View this book in William & Mary's online catalog.
References
- ↑ Theodore S. Cox, "William Munford," in Dictionary of American Biography ed. Dumas Malone (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1962), &, pt.1:326-27.
- ↑ William Munford, Poems and Compositions in Prose on Several Occasions (Richmond: Printed by Samuel Pleasants, Jr., 1798), 5.
- ↑ Ibid.
- ↑ Ibid., 151.
- ↑ Theodore S. Cox, "William Munford," 326-27.
- ↑ Ibid., 327.
- ↑ Munford, Poems and Compositions in Prose on Several Occasions, 150.
- ↑ Ibid.
- ↑ Cox, "William Munford," 326-27.
- ↑ Cox, "William Munford."
