011 - The Cottage of Tim Bobbin and the Village of Milnrow

Dive into the humorous world of John Colliers Tim Bobbin, a delightful comic dialogue that showcases his unique take on the 18th-century South Lancashire dialect. Join Tummus (Thomas) as he recounts a series of comical misadventures during a trip to Rochdale, all while following an errand for his master. First published in 1746, this engaging text evolved through subsequent editions, featuring an expanded narrative, a preface where Collier critiques publishers who pirated his works, and an enriched glossary. The reading presented here is from the final version of the 1862 edition, which includes Colliers preface, dialogue, and glossary, alongside insightful accounts of his life, commentaries on his literary significance, Elijah Ridings 1860 plain English translation of Tummus and Meary, and three heartfelt poems inspired by Colliers graveside in Rochdale. (Summary by Phil Benson)