Memoirs of Richard Lovell Edgeworth, Esq

Published in 1820, this memoir of an influential educationalist and inventor sheds light on eighteenth-century social and intellectual history.

Richard Lovell Edgeworth (1744–1817) was an Irish educationalist, engineer and inventor, who was connected with many leading scientists, technologists and industrialists of his day. This two-volume autobiography, first published in 1820, was completed after his death by his novelist daughter Maria, who also co-authored his Practical Education.Richard Lovell Edgeworth (1744–1817) was a noted Irish educationalist, engineer and inventor. This two-volume autobiography, begun in 1808, was published in 1820. Edgeworth had abandoned the project in 1809, having covered the period to 1781, and it was completed after his death by his eldest daughter, a successful novelist. Maria Edgeworth and her father had co-authored educational works, and the experience of helping her father run their estate during her teens had provided material for her novels. Volume 2 of these memoirs was wholly written by her, though it contains excerpts from Richard's correspondence. It recounts how, after his third marriage, the growing family returned to Ireland, and focused first on domestic and educational concerns. Richard became involved in Irish politics and the newly founded Royal Irish Academy but continued to publish essays on scientific and mechanical topics, as well as influential (though controversial) works on education.