Sussex County Magazine volume 9 (1935) publishes what purports to be an
advertisement for letting Lyminster Court near Littlehampton; no date is given,
but by deduction it would be circa 1800-10. The author of the article, L T
Powell, says he found the document among his father's papers. Since it describes
the house, and gives many other details of the Littlehampton area, it's an
important source - unless it's a fake.
Why a fake? First, there's no clue as to the whereabouts of the document, or
even whether it's manuscript or printed. Secondly, the whole thing seems very
over-written for its purpose. Third, although the details don't seem to be
inaccurate as far as I can see, they are all very vague, without eg personal
names one could check up on.
But the chief reason is that something about it seems to indicate pastiche.
Though several words which I felt were anachronistic (striking, roomy, string
(of offices), modernized, catches (meaning glimpses), insulated, outfence,
lightsome, seascape) are all vouched for by the OED in earlier usage, that
doesn't preclude some pasticheur with a very good knowledge of contemporary
prose. The only expression I can't parallel in the OED (but I haven't seen the
latest edition) is 'proximate publicities'.
Does anyone with access to the volume share my misgivings? Or does anyone know a
specialist in the literature of the period I could contact who would be
qualified to judge?
I'd be very great indeed for any help.
Tim
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