During the time that Dr. Johnson dominated the literary conscience of England, a group of ladies who had wearied of whist and quadrille, the common amusements of fashion, used to meet at the homes of one another to discuss literary and political subjects. They were called in ridicule the "Blue Stocking Club," because Mr. Benjamin Stillingfleet, who was always present at these gatherings, wore hose of that colour. Among the members distinguished by their wit and talents were Mrs. Elizabeth Montagu, the author of an _Essay on the Genius of Shakespeare_; Mrs. Elizabeth Carter, a poetess and excellent Greek scholar; Mrs. Chapone, whose _Letters to Young Ladies_ formed the standard of conduct for young women of two generations; Miss Reynolds, the sister of Sir Joshua; and Mrs. Vesey, noted as a charming hostess. Dr. Johnson, David Garrick, Reynolds, and Burke were frequenters of this club. One may well imagine that the conversation and wit of the Blue Stockings were far too rare to be understood by the grosser minds of the mere devotees of fashion, who in consequence threw a ridicule upon them which has always adhered to the name. Hannah More, who had already become known as a playwright, visited London in 1773, and at once was welcomed by this group. In a poem called _The Bas Bleu_, dedicated to Mrs. Vesey, she thus describes the pleasure of these meetings: Enlighten'd spirits! You, who know What charms from polish'd converse flow, Speak, for you can, the pure delight When kindling sympathies unite; When correspondent tastes impart Communion sweet from heart to heart; You ne'er the cold gradations need Which vulgar souls to union lead; No dry discussion to unfold The meaning caught ere well 't is told: In taste, in learning, wit, or science, Still kindled souls demand alliance: Each in the other joys to find The image answering to his mind. The Blue Stocking Club was composed largely of Tories, so that when all Europe became restless under the influence of the French Revolution, they strongly combated the levelling doctrines of democracy. Hannah More in particular, who had been conducting schools for the very poor near Bristol, saw how the teachings of the revolutionists affected men already prone to idleness and drink. To offset these influences, she published a little book with the following title-page: "Village Politics. Addressed to all the Mechanics, Journeymen, and Labourers, in Great Britain. By Will Chip, a country Carpenter." It is not a novel in the strict sense of the word, but in simple language, easily understood, it teaches the labouring people the inconsistent attitude of France, and the strength and safety of the English constitution. It is not a deep book, but has good work-a-day common-sense, such as keeps the world jogging on, ready to endure the ills it has rather than fly to others it knows not of.