Notes and Queries, Number 138, June 19, 1852

A Victorian‑era “Notes and Queries” invites readers into a lively salon of literary sleuths, antiquarians, and genealogists who trade questions and discoveries across the pages. The tone is conversational yet scholarly, encouraging contributors to flag curiosities, chase obscure references, and share the thrill of uncovering forgotten details. It feels like stepping into a bustling coffee‑house where every note could spark a new line of inquiry.

In this issue the focus turns to the tangled authorship of Daniel Defoe’s pamphlet on the Septennial Bill, a contentious piece of early‑18th‑century political writing. The essay unpacks the conflicting claims of contemporary biographers, examines printed evidence, and reproduces Defoe’s own spirited defense against misattribution. Listeners will enjoy a meticulously argued exploration of how style, reputation, and partisan bias shape literary history, all presented with the courteous, inquisitive spirit that defines the journal.