LONDON

PRINTED FOR WILKIE AND ROBINSON; J. WALKER, CADELL
AND DAVIES; SCATCHERD AND LETTERMAN; W. LOWNDES;
J. NUNN; LONGMAN AND CO.; C. LAW; J. CARPENTER; WHITE
AND COCHRANE; B. CROSBY AND CO.; BLACK AND CO.;
J. MURRAY; J. RICHARDSON; L. B. SEELEY; J. BOOKER; AND
GALE AND CURTIS.

1811.

AN

ACCOUNT

OF THE

LIFE AND WRITINGS

OF

MR. JAMES THOMSON.

It is commonly said, that the life of a good writer is

best read in his works; which can scarce fail to receive a peculiar tincture from his temper, manners, and habits: the distinguishing character of his mind, his ruling passion, at least, will there appear undisguised. But however just this observation may be, and although we might safely rest Mr. Thomson's fame, as a good man, as well as a man of genius, on this sole footing; yet the desire which the public always shew of being more particularly acquainted with the history of an eminent author, ought not to be disappointed; as it proceeds not from mere curiosity, but chiefly from affection and gratitude, to those by whom they have been entertained and instructed.

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