| Description | It appears that between the years 1855 and 1858, the Friends Reading Society introduced an essay writing competition for its members in which a title was issued and members were asked to write on the subject. Entries had to be signed with a motto rather than with the author's real names. In 1855, the title of the essay was: 'An essay on the effect produced by the insular & geographical position of this country, on the character & condition of its inhabitants'. Only three essays were entered and the prize winning essays were by Geoffrey Catchpole and Charles Lean. In 1856 the topic of the essay was: 'On the state of Society in England at the time George Fox commenced his ministry 1640-50' and the prize winning essay was by John Collinson. In 1857 the topic of the essay was 'Thoughts upon government'. The prize winning essays were by Samuel Price and John Collinson. In the 1858 competition, when the subject was 'The periodical literature of this country', no entries were received. |