عنوان

James Crossley :

TLets341032

James Crossley :

[Thesis]

Collins, Stephen Frank.

publisher, critic, collector and bibliographer: a Manchester man of letters.

Manchester Metropolitan University

2000

Ph.D.

Manchester Metropolitan University

2000

Through the life and work of James Crossley, this thesis explores the important andoften neglected significance of middle-class power and influence in the nineteenthcenturyindustrial city of Manchester. Born in the first year of the century, Crossleycan be considered a paradigm of one section of a class divided along political andsectarian lines. He was a lawyer by profession, and a 'Church and State' Tory byinclination. After successive defeats, political ambitions gave way to antiquarianand especially literary interests, which he pursued in common with an influentialnetwork of other like-minded individuals. It is principally in this area that he made asignificant contribution to the cultural maturation of the burgeoning city, andachieved the highest recognition during his lifetime.The principal topics investigated in successive chapters, through manuscript andprinted sources, are: 1) Education and early literary interests. 2) The beginnings of alifelong friendship with William Harrison Ainsworth, many of whose novelsdepended on source material provided by Crossley. Early literary journalism inBlackwood's Magazine and the Retrospective Review. 3) Legal training, theformation of the Manchester Law Association. 4) Political affairs, particularly inopposition to the Charter of Incorporation. 5) Dickens's visits, the expansion ofManchester's cultural infrastructure, including the Athenaeum Club 6) The growthand importance of publishing societies in the nineteenth century. Crossley's role inshaping and maintaining the Chetham Society. 7) The founding of the ManchesterFree Public Library, Crossley's part in the selection and purchase of the stock, andthe public recognition of this work. 8) The importance of the private collector innineteenth-century literary research. Crossley's collection (particularly of the worksof Daniel Defoe), and his influence on the work of contemporary bibliographers. 9)The Manchester man of letters, his accomplishments and status.It was concluded from this study that the life and achievements of James Crossleyprovide a valuable insight into the cultural development of Manchester in thenineteenth century.

19th century middle classes; Literary collection

Collins, Stephen Frank.

Manchester Metropolitan University

p

[Thesis]

276903

a

Y