During Burke's visit to Paris in 1773 he was often present at Mme.
du Deffand's supper parties, who said that although he spoke French
with difficulty he was most agreeable; here and at other salons he
met the encyclopaedists and obtained the insight into French morals
and philosophy which, in his case, strengthened conservative
principles.

When "Clarissa Harlowe" appeared in Paris, the book created a
sensation and was more talked of there than in England. Diderot
compared Richardson, as the father of the English novel, to Homer,
father of epic poetry. In England men of letters were far less
recognised in society. Walpole remarked, "You know in England we
read their works, but seldom or never take notice of authors. We
think them sufficiently paid if their books sell, and of course
leave them in their colleges and obscurity, by which means we are
not troubled with their vanity and impatience." But Walpole overdrew
the picture, for though literature did not hold the place in London
that it did in Paris, yet wit was never more appreciated, and
learning added to the equipment of the first of the fine gentlemen
of the time. Of this unique state of society and of international
friendliness Selwyn and his friends were the products. We cannot too
clearly realise them as types which can never recur.

The secret of Selwyn's charm lies in the contrasts of his character;
his versatility and cosmopolitan sympathies attract us now as they
attracted in his lifetime men very different in habits, pursuits,
and mind.

The first Lord Holland, Horace Walpole, the Duke of Queensberry,