HENRY V. PELTON. 21 
own time, only in a limited degree. Compared with 
other callings, the associations among authors have been 
Jess formal and less influential. There is nothing to-day 
in English or American library circles, corresponding to 
the Academys’ in Art with their diplomas. It is doubt- 
less true that the nature of their work is such that 
association could not help these to the same extent as the 
others, but it is also true and has been a more potent 
cause, that in all ages, writers have been noted for their 
quarrels, and only occasionally could their jealousy and 
sensitiveness brook any but the most formal intercourse 
with those who were rivals, and possibly, also, critics. 
But literary association is, of course, not confined to 
authors’ clubs. While it is not easy to define the word 
literary, when used as a designation for associations it 
clearly has a wide significance and includes those gather- 
ings where either the subjects considered or the interests 
which holds them together relate either to literary or to 
economic, social or political topics. 
But it is of literary associations in the concrete rather 
than in the abstract that I wish principally to speak. 
To look at the subject historically instead of critically. 
To present some facts relating to literary clubs, circles, 
and coteries of the past and present time. 
As we glance at some of these organizations we shall 
of course find that their literary character did not pre- 
clude other characteristics. Often literature held no un- 
divided sway. There was high thinking but it was not 
thought necessary there should also be plain living. 
The convivial and the literary combine frequently and 
easily. It has been said that all celebrated clubs were 
-founded on eating and drinking. Indeed the word club 
is, in its deriviation, allied to our word cleave, and in- 
cludes the meaning both to adhere and to divide, and had 
its significance in the division of the reckoning among 
the guests around the table. 
