Saturday, May 8, 2010

Antiquariana: Victorian Views of the Bible



The delegation partook of luncheon at the conclusion of which the dusky potentate, in the course of a happy speech, freely translated by the British chaplain, the reverend Ananias Praisegod Barebones, tendered his best thanks to Masssa Walkup and emphasized the cordial relationship between Abeakute and the British Empire, stating that he treasured as one of his dearest possessions an illuminated bible, the volume of the word of God and the secret of England's greatness, graciously presented to him by the white chief woman, the great squaw Victoria, with a personal dedication from the hand of the Royal Donor.
—James Joyce, Ulysses, 1922 (but about 1904)

Consider the great historical fact that, for three centuries, this book has been woven into the life of all that is best and noblest in English history; that it has become the national epic of Britain.
—Thomas Huxley, "The School Boards: What They Can Do and What They May Do," 1870

1 comment:

  1. What a coincidence. While you’ve been gone, I’ve changed my name to William Praisegod Barebones. In fact, the entire Redden family has been persuaded to be known henceforth as the Barebones clan. It goes without saying that most of the monasteries and port towns of southern New England now lie in ruins. Your blog, however, deserves not infamy, but fame. I’m finally checking it out. Well done.

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