Lives Through letters: A Portrait of The Waller Family 1796-1856

 LivesThrough letters: A Portrait of The Waller Family 1796-1856  consists of part of a larger collection of letters bequeathed to Warwickshire County Records Office by the local Waller family. The book is offered as part of the Library reading group collections, hence this rather obscure choice of reading matter.

  

The letters are written by Anna Jarrett (née Waller) during the 1830s and 40s, describing her experiences as a wife and mother; letters (and sketches) by Lieutenant George Waller whilst he was serving in the Crimean War;  and letters to and from the  eminent oculist, Sir Jonathan Wathen Waller. He corresponded with the royal family and there is a letter in which Sir Jonathan gives an eyewitness account of the death of King George IV.

Anna had been married 14 years with no children, went to the famous Dr Jephson (of Jephson Gardens fame) and shortly thereafter produced 2 offspring – what exactly was the ‘treatment’ we we wondered ?!

This collection is well worth reading for a really vivid insight into the lives and concerns of a family through the century.  The overriding impression was how little changes over 170 years: our concerns are just the same.  God pervades all their letters, and they make you realise  how close death was in those days – a bout of childhood illness really did put a child or adult at death’s door. 

The letters are very well edited to smooth out any particularly tricky antiquated writing quirks, but are easy to read and the writers' personalities jump off the page.

Next meeting is on WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH (Note changed day!)  at 12.30 in the WBS Staff Lounge unless a pressing case is made for it to be moved elsewhere.  Email Emily at WBS if you would like a different venue, please.

Book to read:   The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion which has just come out in paperback and is available on Kindle and ebook.