ABSTRACT
The Unitarian Henry Crabb Robinson (1775–1867) is chiefly known for his diary of extensive reading and literary contacts, which he began to keep in 1812 and continued until the end of his life. In 1795, while he was an attorney’s clerk in Colchester, he read Political Justice and became an enthusiastic disciple of Godwin’s views. Robinson met Godwin for the first time in July 1799, before he went to Germany, though their friendship did not develop until 1810, after which Robinson became a regular caller whenever he was in London. This chapter provides extracts that present a view of Godwin at different points in his career, and from a variety of angles. The extracts offer a commentary on Godwin’s profound appeal for young, liberal-minded professionals and writers of the early 1790s. They shed light on the tenacious character of Godwin’s radicalism.
