Thank
you, Helen, for the reminder that people in the real world
still read the Sidneys—even Robert, and generously. And
thanks Anne for the suggestion to read the comments attached
to the Guardian article—good stuff for Porlock.
I
have a question for the Sidney scholars out there who (like
me) are probably familiar with the portrait of Robert
Sidney neo-stoically determined to find or make good fortune
for himself—about which Gavin Alexander has
characteristically splendid things to say. I recently ran
across another (to me) less familiar portrait of a
melancholy Robert Sidney (circa 1598). He has abandoned
his armor. In the background is a city, and in place of his
jousting spear he now holds what looks like a pilgrim’s
staff. Is that really what he has in his hands? Any
thoughts about this isolated, melancholy Sidney and what
that city might be, or what he’s really leaning on would be
much appreciated. (Scroll down to see a small image of the
painting). Best to all, Rob
From:
Sidney-Spenser Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Anne Prescott
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 9:55 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Robert Sidney in the Guardian
Wonderful. Thanks, Helen. I'm in the middle
of reading the LRB's review of Oxford's edition of his big
brother's correspondence and I gather there's one in the TLS.
The Sidneys live! Anne.
On May 20, 2013, at 6:21 AM, Vincent,
Helen wrote:
Robert Sidney makes a rare appearance
outside the groves of academe: his Sonnet 30 is Poem
of the Week in the Guardian, with commentary by
Carol Rumens, Croft’s edition in hand. She says
‘Croft's magnificent edition of The Poems of Robert
Sidney is essential reading, not only for students
of Elizabethan literature but for anyone generally
interested in poetry and poetics.’
Helen
Helen Vincent
Senior Curator
Rare Book Collections
Tel: +44 (0) 131 623 3894
Fax: +44 (0) 131 623 3888
Email: [log in to unmask]
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