Percy, Thomas

Thomas (1729-1811), an English poet and bishop. He was born at Bridgenorth, and was educated at Oxford. He became Bishop of Dromore, Ireland, in 1782. His most important literary work was the edition of Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, published in 1765. This is a collection of old ballads, many of which had existed up to this time only in manuscript and others printed on loose sheets. The work of Bishop Percy was done carefully and systematically. Some of the ballads and fragments he retouched or filled out, but always with taste and judgment. He discovered that the oldest among these ballads were traceable readily to the region of border warfare between England and Scotland. The influence of Bishop Percy's collection can hardly be overestimated, awakening as it did an enthusiasm for the natural and vigorous in literature as opposed to the artificial. It gave direction also to the genius of several illustrious writers, among them, Sir Walter Scott, who is believed to have obtained from these ballads the inspiration and sentiment that led to his great poems and novels.

The first time I could scrape a few shillings together--which were not common occurrences with me--I bought unto myself a copy of these beloved volumes: nor do I believe I ever read a book half so frequently, or with half the enthusiasm.--Scott, in Lockhart's Life.