Bearing up in Burslem

Friday, December 17th., Waterloo Road, Burslem.

After failing to stick to any novels, I have read "The Study of Sociology" all week.

"The Study of Sociology" was Spencer's popular account of his leading sociological doctrines. Published in 1873 it marked the emergence of Spencer as the popular philosopher of the Victorian age. It was a highly influential work in terms of the impetus it gave to the academic pursuit of the new science of sociology and it also played an important role in shaping the outlook of many thoughtful lay persons in the Victorian reading public.

http://oll.libertyfund.org/?option=com_staticxt&staticfile=show.php%3Ftitle=1335&Itemid=27

Tea at Florence's with about twelve.

S.B. came here after supper, and I slanged him for his attitude towards honest musical criticism, and for other things. Then Edward came. Then Florence. Then R., fairly full of etchings and whisky.

Marguerite better. I have kept up very well so far, but I could not stand much more of this life. I walked up through the park to Burslem Cemetery and came back down Moorland Road. I like the change of atmosphere which is apparent immediately on entering the cemetery. It is peaceful, tranquil, almost inviting! Perhaps I will go into the ground here one day. I could do worse.

Burslem Cemetery opened in 1879 and covers approximately 11.4 hectares. It contains several large monuments which are historically important to local families.

Additionally for December 17th., see 'Indian ideas' -
http://earnoldbennett.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/indian-ideas.html

He talked about the mistake of regarding India as one nation, and about the difficulties caused by religion and caste. He agreed that the partition of Bengal was a mistake. He did not say what he thought of Macdonnell's speech advising the reintegration of Bengal. 'Pretty good man, Macdonnell, isn't he?' I said. He hesitated a long time and then reluctantly said 'Yes'. He said Macdonnell was very good in India, but was not liked. He surprised me by saying that Lord Curzon had a tendency in any dispute between an Englishman and a native to take the side of the native. He - it seemed to me - condemned this as one of Lord C's gravest mistakes.