The doctor, &c., vol. 1 (of 7)

"The Doctor, &c., vol. 1 (of 7)" by Robert Southey is a fictional narrative written in the early 19th century. The book introduces us to Doctor Daniel Dove, who, along with his horse Nobs and a host of other characters, embarks on whimsical adventures filled with humor and social commentary. It seems to explore themes of domestic life, the nature of authorship, and the intersection between genius and the mundane. The opening of the work sets the stage for a lively discussion among a family at dinner, where the narrator reflects on the idea that certain thoughts and events "ought to be written in a book." The conversation is interspersed with playful banter and encouragement from various characters, revealing a light yet introspective tone. The narrator grapples with inspiration amid distractions and humorous reflections on writing, leading to a restless night filled with visions of stories yet to be told. This introductory portion hints at a narrative rich in dialogue and character development, establishing a humorous yet contemplative atmosphere that invites readers into the peculiar world of Doctor Dove. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Southey was an English poet of the Romantic school, and Poet Laureate from 1813 until his death. Like the other Lake Poets, William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Southey began as a radical but became steadily more conservative as he gained respect for Britain and its institutions. Other romantics such as Byron accused him of siding with the establishment for money and status. He is remembered especially for the poem "After Blenheim" and the original version of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears".