Notes and Queries, Number 220, January 14, 1854 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc.

A fascinating glimpse into the world of 19th‑century literary sleuthing, this entry from a historic notes‑and‑queries column invites listeners into a scholarly pursuit that feels like a quiet detective story. The author describes a thin, exceptionally rare volume titled Fidessa, a collection of sonnets printed in 1596, and shares transcriptions of two poems—one from the obscure work and the other from Shakespeare’s Passionate Pilgrim—highlighting an uncanny similarity that raises questions about authorship and editorial practice.

The piece then turns into a heartfelt appeal, asking fellow antiquarians, genealogists, and regional historians to help uncover the identity of the elusive poet B. Griffin. By weaving together bibliographic detail, textual comparison, and a call for collaborative research, the article captures the excitement of piecing together literary history from fragmentary clues, making it an engaging listen for anyone curious about the mysteries hidden in early modern poetry.