Memoir of the REV. Sydney Smith

First published in 1855 and reissued here in the second edition of that year this two-volume work celebrates the life of the author wit and clergyman Sydney Smith (17711845). A founder of the second Edinburgh Review Smith is best remembered for his entertaining observations and witticisms. The work comprises a memoir written by Smith''s daughter Saba Holland (180266) and a selection of letters edited by Sarah Austin (17931867). Together the volumes offer private insights into a man who lived much of his life in the public eye. Volume 2 includes Smith''s letters to his friends and contemporaries. Forward-thinking on issues such as women''s rights and child labour he shows himself in these letters to be a wit critic and ''champion of truth and freedom''.