The Adventures of a Squirrel - supposed to be related by Himself...Anonymous (1807)
(can be read online)
Today, I explored my theories about the real author of this tale (on Twitter posts)...
Interestingly, at the end of the 1807 story in the above link, the storyteller signs as 'R.S.S.' The tale is officially recorded as Anonymous. But could this be Robert Southey (1774-1843) who wrote poetry and prose? RS lived in the Lake District + close friends with Wordsworth.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) January 22, 2018
To further the RS theory, RS recorded the children's classic, The Story of the Three Bears, the original Goldilocks story. The story was already known at Southey’s time but it was present only in the oral tradition. He could write talking animal stories. https://t.co/ikuMYccqIk— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) January 22, 2018
in a desperate moment
I ventured to creep into your pocket
to travel where you travelled
to see your life
and maybe
just maybe
find mine
The Adventures of a Squirrel, Supposed to be Related by Himself by AnonymousMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
My dear Anne, when I was upon a visit at your good mamma's, I promised to make you a present...
The story begins intimately, as if being shared in a close circle of family connections and neighbours...Perhaps the squirrel's story of cages with bells, temporary owners and mischievous boys entertained the person addressed, but somehow, over time, the narrative becomes overly light and frivolous, even somewhat pretentious. From a 21st century narrative point of view, the story fails to appeal, but, from a social history perspective, the 1807 story is quite interesting. Here are intriguing examples of attitudes and mannerisms in early 19th century, higher class England.
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