Hester i Thrale Quotes

A collection of quotes by Hester i Thrale.

Hester Thrale, also known as Hester Piozzi, was a prominent 18th-century English writer and diarist. Born on January 27, 1741, in Bodvel Hall, Wales, Hester was the eldest daughter of a wealthy Welsh landowner. In 1763, she married Henry Thrale, a prominent brewer and member of Parliament, and they had 12 children together.

Hester Thrale was known for her wit, intelligence, and strong personality. She became a central figure in literary and intellectual circles, hosting gatherings at her home in Streatham, London. Thrale counted Samuel Johnson, one of the most influential writers of the time, among her close friends. Their friendship lasted for several decades, and Thrale's vivid descriptions of Johnson in her diaries provide valuable insights into his life and character.

Thrale also had a talent for writing, and she published several works during her lifetime. These included "Anecdotes of the Late Samuel Johnson" (1786), which was well-received and demonstrated her keen observations of Johnson's personality. Thrale's most famous work, "Letters to and from the Late Samuel Johnson" (1788), became a significant source for understanding Johnson's life and thoughts.

In 1784, Thrale's husband passed away. A few years later, she scandalized society by marrying Gabriel Mario Piozzi, an Italian musician 20 years her junior. She moved with him to Italy, where she spent her later years writing and enjoying the cultural life of Europe. Hester Thrale died on May 2, 1821, in Clifton, Bristol, leaving behind a rich literary legacy and a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the 18th-century intellectual elite.