In 'The Vicar of Morwenstow: Being a Life of Robert Stephen Hawker, M.A', S. Baring-Gould meticulously delves into the life and works of the fascinating figure, Reverend Robert Stephen Hawker. This biography not only sheds light on the unconventional Vicar of Morwenstow but also provides an insightful exploration of the early 19th-century rural England literary scene. Baring-Gould's engaging narrative style and attention to detail make this book a valuable resource for those interested in Victorian literature and ecclesiastical history. As an accomplished scholar and clergyman himself, S. Baring-Gould brings a unique perspective to the biography of Robert Stephen Hawker. His deep understanding of religious matters and literary nuances adds depth to the portrayal of Hawker's life and achievements. Baring-Gould's own experiences and research undoubtedly influenced his decision to explore the life of this enigmatic vicar. I highly recommend 'The Vicar of Morwenstow' to readers who appreciate in-depth biographies of significant literary and religious figures. S. Baring-Gould's thorough examination of Robert Stephen Hawker's life and legacy is a must-read for anyone interested in Victorian literature, ecclesiastical history, or the intersection of faith and creativity.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 edition. Excerpt: ... Leastwise, they couldn't du no harm," exclaimed he, pulling the handkerchief off and looking out. " They wouldn't du yer no gude, Mr. Pengelly," says the Devil. " I shu'd be more comfable in my mind, sir, if I said "em," says he. " Now, I'll tell yu what, Mr. Pengelly," says the Devil after a pause, " I'd like to deal handsome by yu. Yu've done me many a gude turn in your day. I'll let you live as long as yonder cann'1-end burns." "Thank'y kindly, sir," says Mr. Pengelly. And presently he says, for the Devil did not make signs of departing: " Would yu be so civil as just tu step into t'other room, sir? I'd take it civil. I can't pray comfably with yu here, sir." " I'll oblige yu in that too," said the Devil; and he went out to look after Mrs. Pengelly. No sooner was his back turned, than Mr. Pengelly jumped out of bed, extinguished the candle-end, clapped it in the candle-box, and put the candle-box under his bed. Presently the Devil came in, and said: " Now, Mr. Pengelly, yu're all in the dark: I see the cann'l's burnt out, so yu must come with me." "I'm not so much in the dark as yu, sir," says the sick man, " for the cannTs not burnt out, and isn't like to. He's safe in the cann'1-box. And I'll send for yu, sir, when I want yu." Mr. Pengelly is still alive; but let not the visitor to his farm ask him what he keeps in his candle-box, or, old man of seventy-eight though he is, he will jump out of his chair, and lay his stick across the shoulders of his interrogator. " They du say," said my informant, " that Mrs. Pengelly hev tried a score of times to get hold of the cann'1-end, and burn it out; but the master is tu sharp for his missus, and keeps it as tight from her as he does from the Devil." Mr. Pengelly has the credit of having been...

Reprint of the original, first published in 1876.