George Finlay to William M. Leake, 18 Dec 1850

Department Archive
Collection George Finlay Papers
Reference No. FIN/GF/B/07/037
Level Sub-item
Dimensions 21 x 27 cm
Dates 18 December 1850
Donor/Creator Finlay, George
Scope and Content Athens, 18 December 1850. A 10-drachma piece of old Athenian type is for sale. Is sending a cast to L as British Museum might wish to purchase. Desire to dedicate his history of period from 1204 to 1566 to L and suggests form of wording. Information on population of Greece and Ionian islands; marked lack of public works, roads, or any attempt to foster agriculture and commerce; heavy taxation. Comments on topography of Battle of Pharsala; criticism of views of Merivale. Grote's history has 'a very scholastic air but I like his Athenian politics better than those of any of his predecessors. I am afraid however that Cleon was no better than Colletti (sic)'. Comments on Turkish political situation.