TELFORD, Thomas (1757-1834). Engineer.
Telford's copy of William Shenstone's Essays on Men and Manners, 1802, 8vo, paper-covered boards, spine worn, signed on the title-page. The signature touching the top of the page. With the bookplate of The Hope Trust of Edinburgh.

Telford had a lifelong interest in literature and was a published poet. Roland Paxton in Oxford DNB says of him: 'Telford's enjoyment of the books lent to him by Miss Pasley [Miss Pasley of Craig had befriended the young Telford when an apprentice stonemason] marked the start of his lifelong love of poetry and an almost excessive admiration for literary ability. This interest led to his friendship with the Revd Archibald Alison, author of an essay Taste in 1790, whom he had met at Sudborough rectory about 1783, and who had introduced him to Thomas Campbell. Rickman introduced him to Robert Southey. All became his close friends. His earliest-known printed poetical work was an eight-verse poem in W. Ruddiman's Weekly Magazine, or Edinburgh Amusement on 5 May 1779.'
[No: 25938]