| Description | Commonplace book, containing a collection of mainly verse, half full, dated 1824-1855. The first inscribed page contains a dedication: "To Rachel Womersley, as a token of sincere regard from her affectionate friend Sarah I. Waite, 21st of 4th Month, 1824". [21 April 1824] Written in several hands, with individual entries also dedicated "To Rachel Womersley". Entries are often signed or initialled by the friend or family member who contributed them, sometimes dated and including place of residence. One entry of poetry is accompanied by a pencil drawing of Kilcolman near Doneraile, with a caption noting that Spenser lived there when he composed "Faerie Queen" ["The Faerie Queene"] and other principal works. One entry is an extract of prose, written in different decorative scripts and lettering. The latter half of the book is empty, although does include a rough pencil drawing of a flower on one of the pages. |