Reid, Stuart J. A Sketch of the Life and Times of The Rev. Sydney Smith, Rector of Combe-Florey, and Canon Residentiary of St. Paul's : Based on Family Documents and the Recollections of Personal Friends. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1885. [12022]
Dark blue pebble publisher's cloth with bright gilt titles, light fraying at the spine ends and corner tips, binding is clean, tight, 8 3/4 x 6 inches. Private bookplate of Irving Goodwin Vann, pencil inscription by Florence D. Vann on the title pages. Steel-engraved portrait with tissue guard, with additional plates and text illustrations. xx, 409 clean pp. with index and publisher's catalogue. Good. Hardcover.
"I have ventured to paint the figure of Sydney Smith against the background of his times, and to describe the men with whom he mingled, and the movements in which he took pafrt. I have sought to point out the fidelity to duty in small things as well as in great, which marked every stage of his brave and busy career, and which, indeed, created the bracing atmosphere in which his entire life was spent." - Preface.
The bookplate belonged to Irving Goodwin Vann (1842-1921), lawyer; at sundry times mayor of Syracuse, NY; Justice of the New York Supreme Court; and judge of the New York Court of Appeals.
Rev. Sydney Smith (1771-1845), English clergyman, philosopher and writer, "mainly famous for his wit." A reluctant prelate, he obeyed his father in obtaining holy orders, and expressed his views in lectures and in writing. In addition to his sermons, he founded the Edinburgh Review and lectured at the Royal Institution. He was an early advocate for the abolition of slavery, the education of women, the emancipation of Roman Catholics, and for the teaching of practical subjects. He was celebrated for his intellect, humor, and wit.
