John Aubrey

Full edition in modern spelling of Aubrey's racy portraits of greatfigures of 16-17c England, from Sir Walter Raleigh to John Milton. John Aubrey's racy portraits of the great figures of 17th-centuryEngland stand alongside Pepys's diary as a vivid evocation of the period. Aubrey was born in 1626, the son of a Wiltshire squire; at the age of 26 he inherited a family estate encumbered with debt, and finally went bankrupt in the 1670s. From then on he led a sociable, rootless existence at the houses of friends - from Oxford and the Middle Temple -pursuing the antiquarian studies which had always obsessed him. At his death in 1697 he left a mass of notes and manuscripts, among them the material for Brief Lives. He never managed to put even a single life into logical order; all we have are the raw materials, scribbled down -`tumultuously as they occurred to my thoughts'. With this full, modern English edition, which reproduces Aubrey's words as closely as possible, Richard Barber introduces us to Aubrey and his world, tells how the Lives came into being and enables many new readers to enjoy this eccentric masterpiece.

Miscellanies upon various subjects is a collection of writings that examines diverse topics related to historical anecdotes, superstitions, and observations about English society in the 17th century. Written in the late 1600s, it captures the intellectual curiosities and cultural beliefs of its time, revealing reflections on dreams, omens, coincidences, and peculiar natural or human phenomena. The work begins with an autobiographical introduction where the author recounts personal experiences, education, and his lifelong fascination with antiquity and folklore. Through this self-portrait, readers gain insight into the inquisitive mind that shaped the essays that follow. The subsequent writings explore the influence of superstition on everyday life, the mysterious power attributed to certain days or events, and notable historical examples of supposed prophetic occurrences. Each essay combines historical observation with elements of storytelling and speculation, illustrating the blurred boundaries between science and belief in early modern England. This collection stands as both a record of intellectual curiosity and a mirror of human fascination with the unexplained, offering readers a glimpse into a period where rational inquiry and mystic wonder coexisted.

Reproduction of the original. The publishing house Megali specialises in reproducing historical works in large print to make reading easier for people with impaired vision.

Reproduction of the original. The publishing house Megali specialises in reproducing historical works in large print to make reading easier for people with impaired vision.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1857. The publishing house Anatiposi publishes historical books as reprints. Due to their age, these books may have missing pages or inferior quality. Our aim is to preserve these books and make them available to the public so that they do not get lost.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1857. The publishing house Anatiposi publishes historical books as reprints. Due to their age, these books may have missing pages or inferior quality. Our aim is to preserve these books and make them available to the public so that they do not get lost.

Miscellanies Upon Various Subjects by John Aubrey has been regarded as significant work throughout human history, and in order to ensure that this work is never lost, we have taken steps to ensure its preservation by republishing this book in a contemporary format for both current and future generations. This entire book has been retyped, redesigned, and reformatted. Since these books are not made from scanned copies, the text is readable and clear.