A LITERARY FIND.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 5 October 1927, Page 9

A LITERARY FIND.

KEATS’ DICTIONARY. TRiEAS URES OF THE AI ANTED 1. COLLECTION

Three months ago, in the collection of treasures bequeathed to the Turnbull Library Wellington, by Air. Walter G. Manteil, Mr. Johannes Andersen discovered a dictionary which had once been the property 7 of John Keats.

The inscription on the title-page oi the book, which is the dictionary ol N. Bentley, published in 1751, appeared to be: “To John Keats, from F. 8.” and Air. Andersen was hopeful that the book had been presented to the poet by Fanny Brawne, his sweetheart, which would make the find ol the first importance.

Now, however, it is clear that the initials are “8.8.,” though they are run into one another in such a way as to be confusing on first examination. Under the wrapping of the cover has been found the inscription “B. Bent Icy.” and it i.s obvious that the hook was the property of Benjamin Bentley. Keats’ friend and admirer, the man who introduced him to Dante, and. Mr. Andersen conjectures, some relative of the editor of the dictionary.

Of the authenticity oi' the volume there is no doubt, hi the catalogue of John Keats’ library, compiled by Richard Woodhou.se (who was a connection of the Manteil family) and published in Colvin’s “Life of Kents” the dictionary is listed. Inside the cover is the pasted card of Charles Brown, son of Charles Armitnge Brown the friend of Keats, who came out to Taranaki and died there. Charles Brown was a close friend of Air. Walter E. Mantel I. father of the donor of the volume, and it was evidently from him that Ihe book came to v - Wellington. Since this appears to he the only dictionary in Kents’ possession, it seems that it was used in the work of writing his poems.

The Ala ii tel I collection continues to reveal further treasures in the direction o! autographed letters. The last finds are letters of Shelley, Clough, Pulwor Lytton. and Napoieon. The work of examination is as yet incomplete.