In 1765, he applied to his friend, Dr. Franklin, then at Paris, and now Ambassador from America, to sound the literati, respecting the purchase of his types; but received for answer, "That the French, reduced by the war of 1756, were so far from pursuing schemes of taste, that they were unable to repair their public buildings, but suffered the scaffolding to rot before them."
"An History of Birmingham (1783)"
William Hutton
On this, cold day how many of the literati are shivering!
"Around The Tea-Table"
T. De Witt Talmage
"Doubtless among the most interesting and most profitable events of the institution was the annual society contest between the two societies, the literati and the Lyceum.
"The Dark Forest"
Hugh Walpole