Stevenson's Perfect Virtues, as Exemplified by Leigh Hunt

A warm tribute to a bygone literary circle, this work celebrates the twin virtues of gentleness and cheerfulness that Robert Louis Stevenson praised and that Leigh Hunt embodied in everyday life. Through vivid recollections of Hunt’s lively gatherings, music‑filled evenings, and the infectious humor that rippled through his friends, the author paints a portrait of a man whose kindness and optimism left a lasting imprint on 19th‑century letters. The narrative also weaves in contemporary commentary, noting how Hunt’s writings are growing in rarity and esteem among collectors and scholars.

Beyond anecdote, the book examines how Hunt’s personal philosophy—marked by quiet resignation, grateful enjoyment of modest comforts, and a steadfast hope for the future—shaped his prose and his relationships with figures such as Hawthorne and Dickens. By juxtaposing glowing contemporary reviews with the occasional caricature, the author invites listeners to appreciate the enduring appeal of a gentle, patient soul navigating the “billows of time.