ABSTRACT
On February 9th, 1822, Mary Shelley wrote from Pisa to her friend Maria Gisborne in London to tell her about her ‘Colony’ in Italy. One recently arrived member was ‘Trelawny – a kind of half Arab Englishman’, whom Mary Shelley described as ‘a strange web which I am endeavouring to unravel’ (Bennett, Letters, I, p. 218).
I would fain learn if generosity is united to impetuousness – Nobility of spirit to his assumption of singularity & independence – he is six feet high – raven black hair which curls thickly and shortly like a Moors dark, grey – expressive eyes – overhanging brows upturned lips & a smile which expresses good nature and kindheartedness – his shoulders are high like an Orientalist – his voice is monotonous yet emphatic & his language as he relates the events of his life energetic & simple – whether the tale be one of blood & horror or of irrisistable comedy. His company is delightful …
