Thomas Manning

Abstract

After their long honeymoon in the Lakes, Charles Lloyd had recently settled with his bride in Jesus Lane, Cambridge, at the lodging house of a Mr Styles. Here Lamb duly arrived to spend the first week of December, 1799.

I believe I told you I have been to see Manning.—He is a dainty chiel.—A man of great Power.—An enchanter almost.—Far beyond Coleridge or any man in power of impressing—when he gets you alone, he can act the wonders of Egypt.—Only he is Lazy & does not always put forth all his strength—; if he did, I know no man of genius at all comparable to him— Lamb to Robert Lloyd, 7 February 1801 (M i, 271)

I am glad you esteem Manning, though you see but his husk or his shrine. He discloses not, save to select worshippers, and will leave the world without any one hardly but me knowing how stupendous a creature he is. Lamb to Coleridge, 22 March 1826 (CL iii, 39)