| Description | This book began as a series of historical rhymes composed by Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury as a young woman for her younger brothers and sisters. These works were later added to by Taylor Cadbury following her marriage to George Cadbury in 1888. In addition, Taylor Cadbury wrote some personal reminiscences of her early life leading up to her marriage which were incorporated as a postscript in the book before it was printed for private circulation in 1937. In the foreword to 'Historical Rhymes' Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury describes her own experiences of education and her work teaching her younger siblings, stating that the historical rhymes were produced to help her brothers and sisters remember significant historical dates and events. Many illustrations, including both drawings and photographs, are featured throughout the book.
The short rhymes marking dates and events in English history are printed in chronological order forming an illustrated timeline from ancient times up to 1936. A timeline of rhymes relating to the history of Switzerland and Spain are also featured.
Following these historical rhymes is a section entitled 'Postscript' in which Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury provides 'reminiscences of the earlier years' of her life in order to 'illustrate family life during the Victorian era'. Taylor Cadbury describes her parents and family before providing an overview of her childhood including notes about where the family lived and their pets. A further section focuses on Elizabeth's school days in Germany and England. The account of Taylor Cadbury's brothers and sisters which she included in this 'Postscript' is particularly notable, providing a detailed insight into the lives of her close relations which it is difficult to trace in published sources. Referring to her life after schooling, Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury describes her leisure and recreation, her involvement with the Society of Friends and her many outdoor pursuits. Her early philanthropic endeavours are also described in the book which features a detailed section relating to her voluntary work at a medical mission in Paris during 1885. The book concludes with an account of Elizabeth Taylor Cadbury's courtship and marriage with George Cadbury. |