Memoirs of Doctor Burney (Vol. 1 of 3) Arranged from his own manuscripts, from family papers, and from personal recollections by his daughter, Madame d'Arblay

"Memoirs of Doctor Burney (Vol. 1 of 3)" by Fanny Burney is a biographical account written in the early 19th century. The memoirs detail the life of Dr. Charles Burney, an eminent musician and musicologist, capturing his upbringing, achievements, and the influential people surrounding him. It combines personal narratives with historical context, reflecting on both his professional journey and the societal norms of his time. The opening of the memoir provides insight into Dr. Burney's life, beginning with his birth in Shrewsbury in 1726 and outlining his early years under the care of an old nurse in a rural village. From the start, it's evident that the author, his daughter, aims to honor her father's legacy and trace his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated figure in music. The text illustrates his character, educational pursuits, and the unique blend of trials and triumphs he faced. As the narrative unfolds, readers are introduced to key figures in his life, including his artistic influences and familial relationships, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of his contributions to music and his interactions with contemporaries like Dr. Arne and prominent literary figures. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Frances Burney, also known as Fanny Burney and later Madame d'Arblay, was an English satirical novelist, diarist and playwright. In 1786–1790 she held the post of "Keeper of the Robes" to Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, George III's queen. In 1793, aged 41, she married a French exile, General Alexandre d'Arblay. After a long writing career and wartime travels that stranded her in France for over a decade, she settled in Bath, England, where she died on 6 January 1840. The first of her four novels, Evelina (1778), was the most successful and remains her most highly regarded, followed by Cecilia (1782). Most of her stage plays were not performed in her lifetime. She wrote a memoir of her father (1832) and many letters and journals that have been gradually published since 1889, forty-nine years after her death.