Notes and Queries, Number 65, January 25, 1851 by Various
page 82 of 128 (64%)
page 82 of 128 (64%)
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that Bunyan was the author of the _Visions of Hell_. In _Chambers' Journal_
for Sept. 7. 1833, n., it is taken for granted that he was, and the passage alluding to Hobbes is noticed. Your correspondent more justly questions the fact. A very intelligent friend of mine, who has devoted much research into the supposed origin of the _Pilgrim's Progress_, the result of which I hope ere long will appear, tells me that he is decidedly of opinion that the _Visions_ in question are not the production of the "prince of dreamers." He believes the _Visions_ first appeared as Bunyan's in a stereotyped collection or selection of his works, about 1820-8. Some time after seeing this, my friend was surprised at meeting with the following little volume, which is now before me: _The World to Come. The Glories of Heaven, and the Terrors of Hell, lively displayed under the Similitude of a Vision_. By G.L., Sunderland. Printed by R. Wetherald, for H. Creighton, 1771. 12mo. The running title, as far as p. 95., is, _The World to Come; or, Visions of Heaven_; and on that page commence the _Visions of Hell, and of the Torments of the Damned_: and here it is the author has _charitably_ placed Hobbes, with whom the colloquy alluded to by your querist occurs. I shall not occupy your papers with any remarks on the ignorance betrayed by G.L. (whoever he may be), both of the writings and character of Hobbes; but I shall be glad if I can lead to the elucidation of what yet remains a literary obscurity, and obtains the name of G.L. F.R.A. _Mythology of the Stars_ (Vol. iii., p. 23.).--G.I.C. is recommended to study the ordinary celestial globe, and to make himself familiar with its |
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