The incidents in the life of Thomas Chatterton which are introduced into this story are gathered chiefly from Mr Masson's exhaustive essay and a biography of the poet by Mr Chatterton Dix. In these books full details may be found of the pathetic life, misdirected genius, and tragic death of the boy poet. Several citizens of Bristol, who are connected with his sad history, appear in the following tale; the other characters are wholly imaginary. Woodside
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