John Wilson (1785-1854), the author and journalist, who usually wrote under the pseudonym ‘Christopher North’, was among the pre-eminent Scottish literary figures of his day. He is principally known as one of the founders of the right-wing Blackwood's Magazine and as a poet and literary critic, but was also Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh for over thirty years, an Advocate, orator and sportsman.
The material is of particular importance for the insight it provides into Wilson’s formative years and his relations with his family as well as his literary activities. Here are the twelve-year-old Wilson’s regular letters home to his mother and sister, Jane, from Glasgow University where he matriculated in 1798. They tell of a generally happy time spent studying and playing hard. There is also a diary for 1801, with its record of mundane activities and daily expenditure, but also a number of poems and a library list. Later, there are letters home from Magdalen College, Oxford, where Wilson studied as a gentleman commoner from 1803 to 1807.
As well as his studies, the letters record an early romantic ‘entanglement’ and youthful indiscretions such as ‘pulling a man’s nose and throwing his wig into the fire’. While at Oxford, Wilson made a number of visits to London, Wales, Dublin and the Lake District, all of which are described. His early impressions of Wordsworth are recorded, as is the decision, following his graduation, to settle in the Lake District. It was there that Wilson met Jane Penny, who was later to be his wife. Their developing relationship can be followed in the letters.
There is also a cache of twenty-four letters, 1802-1806, largely on financial matters, to Wilson from his maternal uncle, James Sym, who acted as steward of his inheritance. As a wealthy young man, Wilson was able to purchase the Elleray estate on Windermere and start married life as a gentleman of leisure, while writing and publishing collections of his poetry. This idyllic life in the Lake District came to an abrupt end in 1815, when Wilson lost his fortune due to his uncle’s mismanagement. The family moved to Edinburgh where he set about earning a living. There he read law and was admitted Advocate while continuing his literary and journalistic career. Wilson’s misfortune was posterity’s gain as the move led to his long involvement with Blackwood’s Magazine and much more.
The National Library of Scotland is very grateful to the Friends of the National Libraries for generously supporting this acquisition. We are delighted to add these letters and papers to our Manuscript and Archive Collections.