Journal of Emily Shore

Restoring segments deleted by Shore's sisters when this journal was first published 90 years ago, Gates ( Victorian Suicide: Mad Crimes and Sad Histories ) has rediscovered an unknown jewel in the rough. Shore's journal from age 11 until her death from consumption in 1839 at age 19 reflects a singular Victorian woman-child. A record of intellectual rather than emotional life, this diary shows how passion in the pursuit of knowledge can attain an almost sensual intensity. Whether writing about botany, literature, family and friends or even her impending death, Shore focuses in on a myriad of subjects, from ants to the way the moon shines over Madeira. Criticizing literature with a deft touch, she considers that Shakespeare has ``done himself injustice'' in Henry VIII. Reflecting finally on her own emotional health, she notes that she has led a happy and fulfilling life. In so doing, she makes the reader care about the observer, not just the observations, and feel that the premature death of this author of several unpublished volumes, including a history of the Jews and three novels, was a true tragedy. (Nov.)