TENNYSON ALFRED: (1809-1892) English Poet Laureate.

TENNYSON ALFRED: (1809-1892) English Poet Laureate.
A.L.S., A Tennyson, one page, 8vo, Farringford, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, 18th April 1870, to [Rev. John Richard Vernon]. Tennyson confirms that he shall be happy to receive a copy of his correspondent's Random Truths in Common Things and adds 'If I am ever in your neighbourhood I shall be glad to call & make your acquaintance'. The poet continues 'As to the complete 'Idylls of the King' I do not keep copies by me but if you will write to Mr. Strahan & tell him from me to send you a copy I have just found one in the house here & send it'. With blank integral leaf. VGThe Reverend Prebendary John Richard Vernon (1833-1902) served various curacies (at the time of the present letter at Stogumber, Somerset, 1869-71) and was vicar of St. Audries, West Quantoxhead in Somerset from 1872 until his death. Vernon wrote a series of books, principally musings and meditations on the Christian faith inspired by country walks and the passing seasons, all of which were popular in their day, not least as suitable material for reading aloud in a Christian family on a Sunday evening. Vernon and Tennyson not only had a shared interest in literature; both were natives of Lincolnshire, the former born in Louth and the latter in Somersby.In the present letter Tennyson refers to the 'complete' Idylls of the King, however it was published as a cycle of twelve narrative poems between 1859 and 1885. The work is arguably the most famous Victorian adaptation of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.Tennyson served as Poet Laureate during much of Queen Victoria's reign and remains one of the most popular British poets.