 |
 |
Today I was looking at old numbers of PMLA on microfilm, and found this by accident: B. B. Gamzue, "Elizabeth and Literary Patronage," PMLA 49 (1934): 1041-49. The conclusion is pretty hard: "it is clear that the reputation of Elizabeth as a patron of letters and learning, has been derived not from her deeds, but largely from legend based upon the many adulatory dedications to her. No such reputation probably was ever more cheaply bought" (1049). No doubt there were extenuating circumstances (no money, bad year for pearls, what have you). But -- Ouch! (Or should we say, Ouches!) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- David Wilson-Okamura http://virgil.org [log in to unmask] East Carolina University Virgil reception, discussion, documents, &c -----------------------------------------------------------------------