Значение слова MAY в Литературной энциклопедии

MAY

1) THOMAS (1595-1650).-Poet and historian, _b._ in Sussex, _s._ of Sir Thomas M., of Mayfield, went to Camb., and thence to Gray's Inn, but discarded law for literature. In 1622 he produced his first comedy, _The Heir_, and also a translation of Virgil's _Georgics_. Six years later, 1627, appeared his translation of _Lucan_, which gained him the favour of Charles I. at whose command he wrote two poems, _The Reigne of King Henry II._, and _The Victorious Reigne of King Edward III._, each in 7 books. When the Civil War broke out M., to the disappointment of his friends, took the side of the Parliament, and was made Sec. to the Long Parliament, the historian of which he became, _pub._ 1647, _The History of the Parliament of England, which began Nov. 3, 1640_. This work he prefaced with a short review of the preceding reigns from that of Elizabeth. The narrative closes with the Battle of Newbury, 1643, and is characterised by fulness of information and candour. M. was also the author of several tragedies, including _Antigone_, of no great merit. 2) MAY, SIR THOMAS ERSKINE, 1ST BARON FARNBOROUGH (1815-1886).-Jurist and historian, _ed._ at Bedford School, and after holding various minor offices became in 1871 clerk to the House of Commons, retiring in 1886, when he was raised to the peerage. He had previously, 1866, been made K.C.B. He was the author of a treatise on the laws, privileges, etc., of Parliament, which, first _pub._ in 1844, reached in 1901 its tenth ed., and was translated into various languages. His _Constitutional History of England_, 1760-1860 is practically a continuation of Hallam's great work. He also wrote _Democracy in Europe_. As an historical writer M. was learned, painstaking, and impartial.

Литературная энциклопедия.