For more than two decades Gwen Staveley has been involved in the study of William Mason. In 1990 she delivered a paper to members of the Hull Women’s Literary Club; ‘My aim was to arouse, in the city of Mason’s birth, an awareness of this many faceted, fascinating and important eighteenth century figure in whom I was becoming increasingly interested the more I read of him: his literary works, his prestige among his contemporaries (including royalty), his poetry, his church music and strong views thereon – and his deep humanity -all, now largely forgotten.’
A publication followed and a second printing was later produced to support fund-raising for the restoration of the old reading room at Aston, built originally by Mason as a school for the village children. A third printing in 2007 coincided with the bicentenary of the slavery abolition bill of William Wilberforce, a great friend and frequent correspondent to whom Mason gave his fervent support.
This new revised edition is published as part of the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the Georgian Society of East Yorkshire and to promote further interest in this ‘son of Hull’.
“Thank you very much for sending us a copy of Gwen Staveley’s William Mason. We are very Glad to have it to add to our collection of biographies of those who are commemorated in the Abbey (a collection in which Mason has not figured until now). The reproduction of our image of Mason’s memorial in Poet’s Corner looks good.” Tony Trowles, Head of Abbey Collection and Librarian, Westminster Abbey.
“What an excellent book! … When I received it I sat down and read it right through and really enjoyed it … I was pleased to help in keeping alive the memory of William Mason and all his works … Please pass on my congratulations to your society on a beautiful book.” Ann Key, Secretary, Aston-cum-Aughton History Group.
ISBN 095139662-5
Copies are priced £7 including post and packing.
Price: £7.00+P&P. In stock.