Wesley-Langshaw correspondence

de Arthur William Wainwright, Don E. Saliers

For nearly fifty years (1778-1827), a fascinating correspondence was exchanged between Charles Wesley, his sons, and John Langshaw and his son. Contained in this critical edition are transcriptions of thirty-three of those letters, heretofore unpublished, the majority of which were written by Charles Wesley the hymn-writer to the elder Langshaw, then organist of the Priory and Parish Church of St. Mary, Lancaster. Reflecting Wesley's interest in the musical life of London in the late eighteenth century, these letters also illuminate the daily lives of the Wesleys and the Langshaws. Herein we are given a rare glimpse of the attitudes and affections characterizing the larger Wesley family. The six letters written by Charles Wesley, Jr., reveal two different periods of his life as a composer, organist, and as older brother to the talented Samuel. The shadow of the larger world of politics, religion, and society is also cast across these pages, including perceptions of American independence and the Methodist movement at the time.