Between Christmas and new year of 1817 the eccentric painter, B.R. Haydon, gave a famous dinner party. His guests included three of the greatest literary stars of the age: the poets John Keats and William Wordsworth and the essayist and wit Charles Lamb. They recited poetry, took part in ridiculous antics, indulged in high-minded discussions - with such displays of brilliance that the party became known as the Immortal Dinner.
Penelope Hughes-Hallett celebrates this famous evening, setting it against a backdrop of change, reflected in the preoccupations of the illustrious diners. A compelling and sympathetic picture emerges of these rare spirits and the age which created them.
'The biographical equivalent of the world in a grain of sand...an interesting and erudite account of a wonderful evening' Peter Ackroyd, The Times
Between Christmas and New Year of 1817 the eccentric painter, B.R. Haydon, gave a famous dinner party. He invited three of the greatest literary stars of the age: the poets John Keats and William Wordsworth and the essayist and wit Charles Lamb. The guests recited poetry, took part in ridiculous antics, indulged in high-minded discussions - with such displays of brilliance that the party became known as The Immortal Dinner.
Penelope Hughes-Hallett celebrates this famous evening, setting it against a backdrop of change, reflected in the preoccupations of the illustrious diners. A compelling and sympathetic picture emerges of these rare spirits and the age which created them.
'A colourful portrait of a pivotal moment in England's cultural and social history' Observer
'An absorbing account... a fascinating re-creation of an evening and a world' BBC History Magazine
'A book of great charm... [lets] the reader feel that he is present at the memorable occasion' Independent on Sunday