Small quarto. (20cm x 16cm). A manuscript commonplace book in English consisting of poetry, comments and extracts from literary figures, including William Cowper s On a Goldfinch Starved to Death in her Cage, Pascal, occasional extracts also in French, songs, epitaphs, and so on. There is no express date given, but the paper is watermarked 1806, and it appears to be contemporaneous in its being filled out; there is a mention of Ms Walthers Masquerade in January 1807 for example, several extracts from Charlotte Smith dated 1788, and extensive poetry from Mary Derby Robinson (1758-1800). Written throughout in an attractive legible hand, partially indexed by the writer to first flyleaf, some 146 sides used, followed by three slight sketches of the head of an infant, a later juvenile sketch of several figures, a few leaves excised, then the remaining some 150 pages blank. Binding: Contemporary calf, very worn, lacks spine, stitching perished. Internally in good condition. An interesting and varied insight into the literary sensitivities of the regency period.