By 1743 Pope was a year away from his death and suffering greatly with his health – his asthma, urinary problems and episodes of pain were causing him considerable problems. We know that he spent the summer of 1743 staying with his friends the Allens at Prior Park near Bath (see above)
But a chance discovery by an antiquarian bookseller Mr Charles Bartlett of Winchester tells us something Pope definitely did do in June 1743. At a local sale in Alton Bartlett bought a set of the six volumes of Pope’s translation of the Iliad and inside found the following inscription in the naturalist Gilbert White’s hand.
Given to me by Mr. Alexander Pope on my taking my Degree of B.A. June 30th 1743
Gilbert White (1720-1793), great observer of the environment around his home and pioneer ecologist, was at the beginning of his career as Pope’s life was beginning to draw to a close. The exact circumstances of the gift, whether it involved a meeting or a mutual friend are unknown but it is a tiny, welcome link between two great eighteenth century figures.
I also find it a touching and generous gift. His Roman Catholic origins had prevented Pope from attending university and this gift to a new graduate seems a particular kindness.
The Solitary Reader 