Cornish Characters and Strange Events

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

41775

Title

Cornish Characters and Strange Events

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

S. Baring-Gould chronicles the unique spirit of Cornwall, a land shaped by Celtic roots, wild coastlines, and mining history. This volume profiles lesser-known luminaries, from smugglers and sailors to inventors and eccentrics, capturing the county's originality, religious fervor, and hardy character through vivid anecdotes and historical sketches.

Summary up to 500 words

S. Baring-Gould's *Cornish Characters and Strange Events* offers a vivid exploration of the diverse inhabitants of Cornwall, distinguishing the county's unique identity from the rest of England. Baring-Gould argues that Cornwall's historical isolation fostered a remarkable originality of character, while its rugged coastline bred a hardy race of seamen and daring smugglers. The text delves into the profound psychological impact of the county's mineral wealth, noting how underground mining life often sparked intense religious enthusiasm, occasionally manifesting as fanaticism, while simultaneously producing scientific geniuses and eccentric philosophers. The narrative weaves together biographies of lesser-known luminaries rather than retelling the lives of the most famous figures. It highlights the contributions of geologist William Pengelly, humorist William R. Hicks, and inventor Henry Trengrouse, among others. Baring-Gould portrays a people who combined great religious fervor with a lack of scruple in certain pursuits, such as smuggling and wrecking. The book celebrates the variety of characters Cornish history has produced, including notable sailors like Lord Exmouth, scientists like Sir Humphry Davy, and artists like the miner's boy Opie. It also documents strange superstitions, such as the legend of a girl fed by fairies, and recounts tales of pirates, regicides, wrestlers, and naturalists. By preserving these stories, the volume serves as a companion to similar works on Devonshire, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Cornish life and the unique blend of genius, eccentricity, and daring that defined its inhabitants is not lost to time.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• History
• Legends