_The Southern Literary Messenger for December. Richmond, Va.: T. W.
White, Proprietor._ We have repeatedly called the attention of our
literary friends to this excellent periodical, now commencing the
second volume, and sustaining its deservedly acquired reputation. It
is not only the neatest in typographical execution--in whiteness of
paper and elegance of type, of any American publication of the kind,
but contains also a greater amount of useful and entertaining original
matter, both in prose and poetry--especially the latter, which, taken
_en masse_, is quite different from the namby-pamby trash that is
spreading like an epidemic over the republic of letters--choking and
smothering with its noxious weeds those gems and flowers of purer
mould, which are the offspring and inspiration of nature and of
genius. The "Sketches of the Barbary States," are written by an able
pen, and are full of valuable historical details. The lines to
"October," by _Eliza_, of Maine, possess the vein of true poetry; the
tenderness and the luxuriant imagery of some of Mrs. Hemans'. How rich
the pageantry of some of the author's thoughts when describing the
gorgeous tints of an autumnal foliage:
"And the rays of glorious sunshine there in saddening lustre fall--
'Tis the funeral pageant of a king with his gold and crimson pall."
The "Broken Heart," by Eliza, of Richmond, is a failure. She must not
attempt blank verse for common-place subjects. The verses on "Halley's
Comet" are smooth and passable. The "Reminiscences of Mexico" might as
well have been omitted. These diaries and guide books, are "stale,
flat, and unprofitable." If the writer had given us some insight into
the mysterious ruins and antiquities of Mexico--its romantic
traditions--we would have thanked him. The theme is exciting and
absorbing, and would have been new, and a glorious prize for
immortality. Mr. Poe's "Unpublished Drama" does not suit our taste.
Why eternally ring the changes on those everlasting and hackneyed
Venetian Doges and Italian Counts--latticed balconies, and
verandas--time out of mind exhausted? The "Address on Education" is
puerile, crude, and common-place. We cannot discover its "brilliant
eloquence" nor "impressive energy," spoken of in the critical notice.
The object of it was well enough. The "Wissahiccon," properly handled,
might have been wrought into a stirring historical portrait. The lines
to "Memory," are pretty. Those entitled "Macedoine," have much fire
and power. But "Lionel Granby," is a redeeming chapter worth all the
foregoing. Why not give one-third the magazine to so accomplished a
writer, so original {134} a thinker? The "Dream," is good poetry, for
blank verse, which is saying much. But the "Sketch," by A. L. Beard,
M.D. is superlatively beautiful in melody of rhythm and truth to
nature. Thus:
"The red-breast, mounted on some tow'ring tree,
Is chanting loud his merry, mirthful strain;
And the sweet lark's melodious notes of glee,
Are softly floating o'er the dewy plain.
From the broad fields which wave with golden grain,
Echoes the whistle of the timid quail;
And the loud laughter of the reaper train
Sweeps wildly by, borne on the passing gale
O'er woodland hill afar, and flowery-vested vale."
The lines to "_Mira_" are smooth and full of tender feeling. The
Critical Notices are full as they should be on American productions,
and written with uncommon spirit. The decisions are generally correct,
and we are glad to see the censures so unsparingly, but judiciously
directed against the mawkish style and matter of those ephemeral
productions with which, under the name of _chef-d'œuvres_ in novel
writing, the poor humbugged public are so unmercifully gagged and
bamboozled.
_From the Petersburg Intelligencer_.
_The Southern Literary Messenger_.--We have to acknowledge the receipt
of the first No. of the second volume of the _Southern Literary
Messenger_, published at Richmond, by T. W. WHITE, and beg to call the
attention of the public to this highly valuable and now well
established periodical. The enterprising and indefatigable proprietor,
has overcome the obstacles which have generally, hitherto, thwarted
the efforts of those who have attempted to rear up a respectable
Literary Journal in the South, and has the proud satisfaction of being
hailed as the founder of a work, which is admitted by the Press, on
every hand, to be one of the most agreeable and interesting in the
Union. He has evidently spared no expense in carrying out his design
of making the "Messenger" worthy of the reputation of the "Old
Dominion," and the number before us, is, in all respects,
unquestionably one of the most beautiful specimens of the art of
printing we have ever witnessed. So much for the mere medium, or
vehicle, by which mind is made to commune with mind. Those who would
wish to form a just estimate of the merits of this work, must look
beyond its beautiful and delicate outward garb, into the rich and
varied contents of its pages. The Editor has certainly drawn to his
aid some of the finest pens in the State; and although the real
authors are not given, yet we are convinced, that conclusively as many
of the articles "speak for themselves," if names were added, they
would lose none of their interest, from the known paternity of
distinguished writers.
We wish, heartily, that our numerous engagements would allow us to
notice more in detail the several articles which have struck us as
peculiarly meritorious. But we have no leisure for more than to call
attention to the publication, nothing doubting, that whosoever shall
open these attractive pages, will not quit them until he has fully
exhausted their sweets. The article on Mexico, at this time, will
prove very acceptable, and not less so will be the continuation of the
"Sketches of the History and Present Condition of Tripoli and the
other Barbary Powers," which, since the French have planted themselves
at Algiers, we hope may, at no distant day, be brought within the pale
of "Christendom." To the lovers of the picturesque, we recommend the
article "Wissahiccon" as a charming description of wild, romantic,
American scenery.
The Editorial criticisms are generally just.--Whilst they "nothing
extenuate," and refuse to deal out indiscriminate compliment and
unremitted praise, they yet are free from even the semblance of that
illiberal spirit which delights rather to triumph in the detection of
an error than in the generous acknowledgment and commendation of a
beauty. They embrace reviews of many new and popular works, which have
lately issued from the Press; among which is the Life of Washington,
written in Latin, and said to be a production of extraordinary merit.
In short, we earnestly advise every person of taste, who is either
desirous of amusement or instruction, to look through this last number
of the "Messenger" and judge for himself as to its merits. The graver
subjects are interspersed with beautiful scraps of poetry, and we
scarcely know which most to admire, the sparkling gem, or the solid
and useful body in which it is set.--We were especially struck with
"The Broken Heart," and often as this pathetic subject has been
touched by poets, we doubt whether a more simple, natural and
affecting version of it is to be found. Witness this extract:
"And though she shrunk not from the love of those
Who were around her, and was never found
In fretful mood--yet did they soon discover
The rosy tinge upon her youthful cheek
Concentrate all its radiance into one
Untimely spot, and her too delicate frame
Wither away beneath the false one's power."
Whilst paying this just tribute to the merits of the article above
referred to, we feel disposed to award even higher praise to
"Marcelia." We feel no hesitation in saying that this is "the gem" of
the present number. It is imbued with the real spirit of
poetry--without any false glitter or tinselled ornament, it presents
one of the most interesting pictures which fancy could portray. As we
read the description of "poor Marcelia's death-bed," we seem to hear
"Low prayers come moaning thro' the leaves,"
asking at once, pity for her sad fate and forgiveness of her crime.
"The Sonnet," at page 38, deserves more than a passing notice. The
truth and pathos of the scene represented, can scarcely fail to be
recognized by every heart that has had occasion to feel or sympathise
with the anguish of a parent deprived of one of the cherished objects
of his dearest affection.
Before closing these hasty remarks, we beg leave to press on the
attention of our readers the fact, that so much intellectual
gratification cannot be afforded for nothing. Without a liberal and
generous support from the public, such a journal cannot be sustained.
Even the late "Southern Review," with a towering reputation and
splendid abilities, was forced to close its career, solely from the
negligence of the public in offering that patronage which many would
gladly have tendered after it was too late. Patronage, then--patronage
tor the Messenger, and it will be perpetuated, as an honor to
Virginia, and a reward to its enterprising proprietor.
{135} _From the New York Courier and Enquirer_.
_Southern Literary Messenger, for December 1835_.--There is no one of
the many periodicals of our country, to the reception of which we look
forward with a greater certainty of satisfaction than to this young,
but already more than adolescent magazine. It is always above par,
always distinguishable for correct style and pure English--for
neatness and elegance--rather perhaps than vigor, or decided strength
of original thought--the absence of which quality is perhaps
sufficient to constitute a weak point, in what would otherwise be
almost faultless. In the department of criticism, however, this remark
does not apply so fully--for the notice of new works, in the Southern
Messenger, are, we have no hesitation in saying it, the boldest, the
most independent, and unflinching, of all that appears in the
periodical world. This is as it should be--over-levity towards rising
writers is a more real sin than over-sternness; and we are sorry to
say, it is a sin, into which most of our magazines are wont to fall.
This number is one of more than average power, and the critiques on
The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow--the Linwoods--and Norman Leslie we
especially recommend to notice. They are evidently all written with
equal sincerity, and force of _true_ opinion, and as such command
respect even where we differ from them in judgment. That on Dr. Bird's
new book, for instance, is too favorable; and indeed we think that
this gentleman is _always_ overrated--that on "the Linwoods" is
superlative, in truth, style, and taste; while that on Norman Leslie
is severe to a fault; inasmuch as the criticism, though we cannot deny
the truth of the greater portion of it, is paralyzed by the strong
symptoms of _personal_ hostility not to Mr. Fay only, but to all who
may be supposed to favor or admire him.
_From the National Intelligencer_.
_Southern Literary Messenger_.--This journal has, very unexpectedly,
left its Northern competitors behind in the race for fame, and assumed
all at once a pre-eminent rank among American periodicals. We have
just received the first number of the second volume, and find it
superior, in every respect, to any of the preceding ones. It contains
68 pages of closely printed matter, in double columns. Besides the 68
pages of text, it has a double cover of 8 pages, containing matters
relating to its own peculiar interests--thus avoiding the necessity of
intruding such subjects in the text. Its paper is excellent, its type
new, and its entire mechanical execution superior to that of any
Magazine with which we are acquainted. The South has thus far every
reason to be proud of the extraordinary success which has attended the
Messenger.
The first article in the present number is Chapter IX of the
_Tripolitan Sketches_, by _Mr. R. Greenhow_, of this city, a series of
papers which, of themselves, would have been sufficient to stamp the
Messenger with a character of no ordinary kind. The _Extracts from My
Mexican Journal_ are excellent papers, on a subject of untiring
interest. The _Address_ of _Lucian Minor_, on Education, is likely to
do much good, by attracting the attention of Virginians to the
important subject it discusses--the organization of District Schools.
The _Wissahiccon_ is a wishy-washy affair, and deserves no praise
whatever. _Lionel Granby, Chapter VI._, is full of fine thought,
shrewdness, and originality. The _Specimens of Love Letters_ are
curious and entertaining--but the old English Magazines are full of
similar articles, and the Messenger should have nothing to do with
them. The _MS. found in a Bottle_ is from the pen of _Edgar A. Poe_.
The _Critical Notices_ occupy more than one half of the number, and
form the fullest _Review_ in the country--embracing criticisms, at
length, of nearly every work lately published in America, besides a
great number of English publications. A compendious digest of the
principal reviews, English and American, is included. The tone of the
criticisms differs widely from puffery, and is perfectly independent.
The Poetry is, for the most part excellent. _Scenes from Politian, an
unpublished Drama_, by _Edgar A. Poe_, occupy about three pages. A
little piece signed _Eliza_ is very good; also, _A Sketch_, by _Alex.
Lacey Beard_, _Marcelia_, _Ruins_, _A Sonnet_ to an infant dying,
_Lines to Mira_, and a Translation. The covers contain compliments of
the highest order paid the Messenger by many of the first papers in
the Union. Among them we may mention the New York Courier and
Enquirer, the Portland Advertiser, the Georgetown Metropolitan, the
New England Galaxy, (all of which place the Messenger decidedly at the
head of American Magazines,) Norfolk Herald, Richmond Compiler,
Baltimore Patriot, Augusta Chronicle, and a host of others. We are
truly glad to see these flattering testimonials in behalf of Southern
literature. We wish the Messenger every possible success.
_From the Pennsylvanian_.
The December number of the Southern Literary Messenger has been
received. The contributions appear to be of an excellent kind; at
least, those from Mr. Poe and others, whose reputations attracted our
notice. The most striking feature of the number, however, is the
critical department. Eschewing all species of puffery, the Messenger
goes to work upon several of the most popular novels of the day, and
hacks and hews with a remorselessness and an evident enjoyment of the
business, which is as rare as it is amusing, in an indigenous
periodical. Of the justice of the criticisms, we have not qualified
ourselves to judge; but their severity is manifest enough; and that is
such a relief to the dull monotony of praise which rolls smooth in the
wake of every new book, that a roughness which savors of honesty and
independence is welcome.
_From the Globe_.
We have read the first number of the second volume of the Southern
Literary Messenger. It is highly spoken of, and deservedly so we
think. The continued and rapid improvement of this work justifies the
zeal with which the proprietor intends prosecuting his labors. They
will ultimately be crowned with distinguished success. That region
abounds in native talent, which, when diverted into that channel, will
reflect the same honor, upon the literature of our country, which it
has claimed for the bar, the bench, the legislative halls, and every
other pursuit to which it has been devoted.
_From the Alexandria Gazette_.
_Southern Literary Messenger_.--The December number, being the first
of the second volume of this periodical, has come to hand, and we are
prepared to welcome its appearance with cordial approbation.
No Magazine in this country or elsewhere now excels it in the beauty
of its _typography_.--It is printed in the neatest manner, with the
handsomest type, on the best paper.
We perceive a considerable improvement in the editorial department,
under which are contained several well written and judicious critical
notices of new works.
Some of the Poetry in this number is excellent--a few of the articles
only so-so.
We recommend the Messenger anew to all our readers, as a publication
worthy to be supported for the credit of the South--for its own
intrinsic merits and for the enterprising spirit of Mr. White, its
worthy proprietor.
_From the Norfolk Herald_.
_Southern Literary Messenger_.--The first number of Vol. 2 of this
Magazine has come to hand, greatly improved in outward appearance, as
well as in literary merit. No Journal of this kind in the country has
experienced so rapid, so extensive, and so unequivocal a success as
the _Southern Literary Messenger_. It is now, whether we consider the
extent of its patronage, the great beauty of its mechanical
appearance, or the lustre of the names of its regular contributors,
_the first Monthly Magazine in America_. In the variety, and more
especially in the _originality_ of its articles it has no equal; and
among other things we must not forget that the author of the _Lunar
Hoax_ is indebted to the _Hans Phaal_ of Mr. Poe (a regular
contributor to the Messenger) for the conception and in a great
measure for the execution of his discoveries. Indeed several passages
in the two are nearly identical. As regards the amount of absolute
matter contained in a number of the Messenger, we cannot be far wrong
in stating that it is equal to that of any two monthly Journals in the
country--with the exception perhaps of Littell's Museum, which is made
up altogether of selections from foreign Magazines.
The present No. (No. 1. Vol. 2,) is by far the best yet issued. In the
first place we have a continuation of the _History and present
condition of Tripoli, with some account of the other Barbary Powers_.
These sketches, from the pen of Robert Greenhow of Washington, have
acquired an extensive reputation, and the present chapter is equal to
any of the series. By the bye, the last number of Harper's Family
Library contains the "_History and present condition of the Barbary
States_," _by the Rev. Dr. Russell_. Here is surely a great similarity
in the titles--more than we can suppose to be accidental. We know that
the sketches in the Messenger commenced nine months ago. _The Extracts
from my Mexican Journal_ are highly interesting, but would be better
were they more modern. The date of the last Extract is 1827. _Minor's
Address_ on Education is one of the finest things of the kind we have
ever perused, and we should not wonder if it drew public attention to
the subject it discusses--the establishment of District Schools
throughout Virginia upon a plan similar to that in New England. _The
Wissahiccon_ is not very creditable to the Magazine--it might, however
be considered as tolerable elsewhere. _Lionel Granby_ is evidently
written by a man of genius. The present Chapter is the seventh. _The
MS. found in a Bottle_ is extracted from _The Gift_, Miss Leslie's
beautiful Annual. It is from the pen of Edgar A. Poe, "whose eccentric
genius," says {136} the Charleston Courier, "delights in the creation
of strange possibilities, and in investing the most intangible
romances in an air of perfect verisimilitude." We have heard the _MS.
found in a Bottle_, called the best of his Tales--but prefer his
_Lionizing_ and _Morella_.--The highest praise, however, and from the
very highest quarters, has been awarded to _all_ he has written. The
_Specimens of Love Letters_ in the reign of Edward IV. is an excellent
article. The Editorial department, under the modest head of Critical
Notices, embraces no less than 56 columns of liberal and well-digested
Reviews of new publications. Among these, are Notices of Dr. Bird's
last novel--Miss Sedgwick's Linwoods--Glass' Life of Washington--The
Edinburgh, London Quarterly, Westminster, and N. American Reviews--The
Crayon Miscellany--Godwin's Necromancy--Legends of a Log Cabin--Mrs.
Hale's traits of American Life--Hall's Western Sketches--Clinton
Bradshaw--and many others--not forgetting Norman Leslie, which is
utterly torn to pieces in a long and detailed Review of the most
bitter and unsparing sarcasm. These Reviews speak well for the future
prosperity of the Messenger. Let its Editor aim at making the Magazine
a vehicle for liberal and independent criticisms, and he will not fail
to receive a proper encouragement from every lover of literature.
The poetry is very excellent. October by Eliza is beautiful--and also
some lines upon the same page by the same writer. Among other things
we must particularly mention _Marcelia_--_A Sonnet_, and another
Sonnet, entitled _Ruins_, just above it. The _Lines on the Blank
Leaf_--and the _Scenes from an unpublished Drama by Edgar A. Poe_.
_From the Charlottesville Jeffersonian_.
_The Southern Literary Messenger_.--We have been favored by the
politeness of Mr. White, with the first number of the second volume of
this interesting periodical, and take pleasure in adding our mite to
the many well merited praises which his work has already received from
other journals; and we agree with Mr. White in his bright
anticipations of the future. This periodical must be sustained for the
literary credit of the Old Dominion and the honor of the South. Some
of our Northern cotemporaries have already declared it the _best_
literary periodical in America, and we deem this praise not so high as
when they say it is decidedly good. This number contains sufficient
variety to gratify diversity of taste.
The MS. found in a bottle. By Edgar A. Poe, is good,--it is original
and well told. Its wild impossibilities are pictured to the
imagination with all the detail of circumstances, which truth and the
fearful reality might be supposed to present. Whilst we do not agree
to the justness of the praise which has been bestowed upon _some_ of
Mr. Poe's pieces, we concur in the general commendation which he has
received as a writer of great originality, and one who promises well.
The prose article which most pleases us in this number, is Mr. Minor's
Address on Education. It is too valuable and upon a subject of too
much importance to the State, to be passed with this cursory notice of
the Messenger; we shall recur to the subject again and again. We
perceive that the Georgetown Metropolitan has censured the Messenger,
for publishing Mr. Garnett's Introductory Lecture on the subject of
Education, thinking it unsuitable to the Magazine. Mr. White acted
properly in disregarding such an objection. Variety is the very life
of a literary periodical, and it is never less agreeable for being
useful.
There is a pretty thought in the following lines--written on one of
the blank leaves of a book sent to a friend in England.
As he who sails afar on southern seas,
Catches rich odor on the evening breeze,
Turns to the shore whence comes the perfumed air,
And knows, though all unseen, some flower is there--
Thus when o'er ocean's wave these pages greet
Thine eye, with many a line from minstrel sweet,
Think of Virginia's clime far off and fair,
And know, though all unseen, a friend is there.--_Imogene_.
The editorial criticisms are many, and in the right vein. They are
caustic but just. The Review of Mr. Fay's novel Norman Leslie, is
amusing and will be read, though we think some passages in it are in
bad taste. The author is flayed, or to use a term more congenial with
his taste, and with the Reviewer's article--_blistered_.
Halley's Comet--1760. By Miss E. Draper. This poem gives a good
account of the great ones of our planet, at the last visit of the
_messenger_ of the spheres. The versification too is easy, and the
contrasts striking. The same pen has written before, and ought to
write again.
_From the Washington Telegraph_.
_The Southern Literary Messenger_.--In glancing our eyes over the
numerous papers which are daily laid before us, in quest of matter
appropriate to our own, they frequently light on notices of this
periodical. To such things our peculiar avocations do not often afford
us time to attend. We have only indulged our curiosity so far as to
see that they are all commendatory; and we have laid aside the papers
with nothing more than a passing sense of pleasure at praises which
indirectly redound to the honor of the honored home of our fathers. Of
late, such notices have so frequently engaged our attention, that we
at last determined, for once, to play the truant, and give an
attentive perusal to the next number. We have just laid down that for
December, 1835, after experiencing a pleasure in the perusal, for
which we feel inclined to make such poor return as we can.
In our judgment this number deserves all the praise that has been
bestowed upon the work; and this remark we particularly apply to
certain "_continued_" articles, of which we are constrained to judge
by the specimens here given. We speak of the "Tripoline Sketches," and
"Lionel Granby." If the preceding parts of these works are of equal
merit with those before us, they have not been praised too highly. We
are sorry that we cannot exactly include the "Mexican Journal" in the
same category. It is well enough.
The Address of Mr. Lucian Minor before the Institute of Education of
Hampden Sidney College, is a paper of very great merit. We confess
that we have not full faith in the efficacy of Mr. M.'s panacea for
the distempers of the State; partly because we are afraid the patient
cannot be got to take enough of it to do him good; and partly because
we are not sure it would not meet with somewhat in his stomach of what
medical men call "_incompatible substances_," which might neutralise
or decompose it, or turn it to poison. But we leave these things to
the political doctors; and are content to record our praise and thanks
for the strong sense and manly frankness displayed by Mr. M. in
calling boldly on the people to secure and deserve the blessings of
freedom by qualifying themselves for self-government.
The literary notices in this number are highly piquant and amusing. We
do not agree with the reviewer in condemning every thing under the
name of a "Review," to which that name, in its strictest sense, does
not properly apply. He who under this name gives an essay on the
subject of the article professed to be reviewed, does not break faith
with the public, because, for more than thirty years, the word has
been understood to include such essays. Now he who gives a good essay,
gives a good thing; and when he does this, still keeping within the
spirit and meaning of his engagement, we have no right, nor mind to
complain.
There is an occasional severity in some of these strictures which we
highly approve. Not that we presume to decide on the justice of the
judgments pronounced. We have not read the works; but judgment must be
followed by execution; and the critic in his own executioner. The self
sufficiency of authors cares nothing for praise. They rarely receive
so much as comes up to their own estimate of their merits. To make
them value it, they should be put in fear of censure. The number of
works reviewed in this _monthly_ periodical, shows how much the
_cacoethes scribendi_ needs to be restrained. We dare not flatter
ourselves that even half the praise bestowed is due, except according
to a very low standard of excellence. When a very high place in the
scale is awarded to a "_bad imitation_" of Walter Scott's "_worst
manner_," the scale cannot be graduated very far above "temperate."
There can be no such thing as blood heat, or fever heat, upon it.
The longest of the metrical pieces, indeed, deserves less lenient
treatment, and we shall do Mr. White a service, by defending him from
the future contributions of one whom he may not choose to offend. We
mean the author of "_The Dream_." In this, there is no one poetical
thought, at first, or second hand. The verse is smooth, for the writer
has a good ear; but the ideas are dull prose. To make the matter
worse, it is a palpable imitation; not _larcenous_, indeed; for there
is no attempt at concealment; so that it is more of the nature of a
mere trespass. But it is an undisguised imitation of _Byron_! and what
is worse, of Byron's most wonderful poem "_The Dream_!!!" It is such
an imitation as a boy would make who should paint a rose with
pokeberry-juice.
We were disappointed in a "Dramatic Extract" from the pen of Mr. Edgar
A. Poe. He had taught us to expect much, for his prose is very often
high wrought poetry; but his poetry is prose, not in thought, but in
measure. This is a defect of ear alone, which can only be corrected by
more study than the thing is worth. As he has a large interest in
_all_ the praise that we have bestowed on the Messenger, we hope he
will take this slight hint as kindly as it is meant.
_From the Richmond Religious Herald_.
_Southern Literary Messenger_.--The publication of the second volume
of this work commences with the present number for December. The work
was commenced as an experiment to test the practicability of
sustaining a literary work in the South. The experiment has been
successful. The Messenger has taken a high stand as one of the first
literary publications in our country. It has called into existence
several gifted pens. It is now established on a permanent basis, and
commences its second year with increasing prospects of success, and we
hope will yield a fair remuneration to its enterprizing and worthy
proprietor. In point of typographical execution it is unequalled by
any similar work in the United States.
_From the Boon's Lick Democrat_.
We have received the Southern Literary Messenger, published monthly at
Richmond, {137} Virginia, by Mr. Thomas W. White. It sustains well the
high character of its previous numbers--and contains much valuable and
entertaining matter. This periodical, the only successful Literary
enterprise, we believe, in which southern genius is enlisted, has
received showers of applause from all quarters--and indeed it richly
merits them all. We recommend those of our friends, who are fond of
this species of reading, to try the Messenger--they will find it
better--far better than the trash that is circulated in most of the
literary periodicals of the day.
_From the Philadelphia Saturday Evening Post_.
_The Southern Literary Messenger_.--We have been furnished with the
December number of this periodical, issued as the first number of the
second volume. In typographical appearance it is neat and beautiful,
and respecting the interesting character of its contents, it will not
suffer by a comparison with any literary publication in the country.
The leading original prose articles are, Sketches of the History and
Condition of Tripoli, Extracts from my Mexican Journal, An Address on
Education, The Wissahiccon, Lionel Granby, &c. The poetic articles are
numerous, diversified and highly creditable to the talent of the
South; and the editorial criticisms and reviews appear to be written
in a spirit of candor quite unusual for the American Press. We commend
the whole number to the attention of our literary friends, as
possessing unusual interest.
_From the Baltimore Atheneum_.
The Southern Literary Messenger, for December, which is the first
number of the second volume, has already made its appearance. We have
scarcely had time to read the title of each article in it, and to
glance hastily over one or two of them: but it appears to be not a
whit behind the other numbers which we have seen. It is pleasing to
observe that the prospects for the permanency and success of this
Magazine are very encouraging. The South can, and we are sure will
support liberally, both in contributions and subscriptions, a monthly
literary periodical, and the Messenger is, in every way, worthy of
that patronage. The number before us, and one or two others which we
have had the pleasure of seeing, strike us as not containing quite
enough of those lighter articles which relieve the mind of the reader,
and give a pleasing variety to a work of this kind. The papers are
nearly all too good, if we may be allowed to say so, of too sterling
and weighty a character. We do not mean that such should be excluded
by any means--these are the articles which give character to a
Magazine; we only mean that they should be tempered by something
lighter and more fanciful.
_From the Grand Gulf Advertiser_.
_Southern Literary Messenger_.--We are much gratified to state, that
this invaluable Southern publication, is rapidly increasing in the
good graces of our literary friends. The Messenger, has a good
circulation now, and evinces strong claims for the enlistment of a few
more subscribers. We hail the increase as an auspicious event, as it
certainly indicates a proportionate exertion of talent and industry on
the part of its publisher, to secure the support and approbation of
its numerous friends and advocates. Such a work as the Messenger,
chaste and refined, pure and exalted in its character, should receive
the liberal and unanimous support of every man south of the Potomac.
We cheerfully recommend it to all, and it shall be a pleasure to us,
to be the means of forwarding its interest. Specimen numbers can be
seen at this office, and the work ordered for those who may desire it.
_From the Georgetown Metropolitan_.
_The Southern Literary Messenger for December, 1835_.--Many
improvements have been made, in this favorite magazine which will
greatly enhance its value for the future. Among these, not the least
will be the advantage to its subscribers of an early issue: the
present number reached us in the latter days of November,--and Maine
will be served in future almost as soon as Richmond, a matter of no
small consequence to a magazine, and, of great merit in the Messenger,
as contrasted with its dilatory cotemporaries.
The present number keeps up the character of the series.
The talent and variety, of the original papers is quite as striking,
as the editorial department is decidedly better attended to than in
any other magazine of the country. We have not scant notices of two or
three volumes, which favor or accident have directed to the editor's
notice,--but a comprehensive survey, and analysis of our recent
literature.
The books are taken up in a business-like manner, as the cases on a
calendar are called over for trial; and the merits or demerits of each
are discussed with great ability, fairness, and acumen. A department
so well conducted as this, and of such essential utility, should
alone, in the general and culpable inattention of our periodicals to
it, secure for the Messenger, general support. Of the articles in the
present number, the 'Sketches of Tripoli' maintain their value--We
should like to see these papers collected in a volume: they really do
their author great credit. We won't quarrel with the poetry headed
"Mother and Child," because we like the pretty name of _Imogene_ which
is signed to it, but it is marvellously like Mrs. Hemans. _The Broken
Heart_ is blank verse of great promise, touching, alike, in subject
and execution. Rumor assigns them to an accomplished young lady of
Richmond, whose name cannot be concealed long from the public.
The "Mexican Journal" is quite as good as such journals usually are;
and the unpublished drama by Poe, though crude, has both original
thoughts, incidents, and situations.
The Address on Education has in it many forcible truths, correctly and
eloquently told. "The Dream" we skip, having already read a better
version of it in Lord Byron, and, as we said before, wish cordially
that the bottle, with that confounded manuscript, had never been
uncorked. "_Marcelia_" is fine, and the finer Macedoine our readers
will recollect in our last. We are always glad to see the full page of
payments in the Southern Literary Messenger, and have no doubt but
that, under its enterprising and industrious proprietor, it will
continue to go on prospering and to prosper.
_From the Baltimore American_.
We condemned a day or two ago the _tone_ of the notice of the North
American Review in the {138} Southern Literary Messenger for December.
This number is strong in notices of new works, and we like the
severity of some of them: there is much matter for "cutting up." But
the cutter up must do his task like a neat carver, without smearing
his own fingers. Our friend Mr. White and his editor should keep the
tone and bearing of the Messenger elevated and cavalier-like. The
higher the critic places himself, the more fatal will be his blows
downwards.
This number of the Messenger well supports its rapidly earned
reputation. Among its articles may be particularised Mr. Minor's
"Address on Education, as connected with the permanence of our
Republican Institutions," and the "scenes from Politian, an
unpublished Drama" by Edgar A. Poe.
_From the Charleston Courier_.
_The Southern Literary Messenger_.--After an interval of several
months, a species of literary interdict by the way which we did not
much relish, we are able to announce the welcome reception of the
December number of this excellent and eminently successful periodical,
commencing its second volume and the second year of its bright and
promising existence. The State of Virginia has reason to be proud of
it, as a valuable exhibition of her mental prowess--it has gathered
the stars of her intellectual firmament into close and brilliant
constellation, and with their blended light burnished her literary
fame. But while collecting into a focus the rays of Southern mind, the
Aurora Borealis of genius has been no stranger to its pages, and its
intellectual gems have been freely gathered from other portions of the
republic of letters. Among its contributors, EDGAR A. POE, equally
ripe in graphic humor and various lore, seems by common consent to
have been awarded the laurel, and in the number before us fully
sustaining the reputation of its predecessors, will be found proofs of
his distinguished merit.
_From the Richmond Whig_.
_The Literary Messenger_.--The high reputation of this periodical is
acknowledged by others besides ourselves, and much more competent
judges. The Lynchburg Virginian says:
"The Messenger, upon the whole, reflects credit upon Virginia and the
entire South. Indeed, several distinguished Northern Journals place it
at the head of periodical literature in the United States--a most
enviable distinction when we recollect the eminent names that figure
in our Monthlies, both as editors and contributors. Mr. White deserves
the thanks of the people of the South for his untiring perseverance
and industry, and we are glad to hear that he is receiving them in the
most substantial form--to wit, _paying subscribers_."
And Mr. Paulding in a letter to the proprietor says:
"P. S.--Your publication is decidedly superior to any Periodical in
the United States, and Mr. Poe as decidedly the best of all our young
writers; I don't know but I might add all our old ones, with one or
two exceptions, among which I assure you I don't include myself."
_From the New York Spirit of the Times_.
_The Southern Literary Messenger_.--This is the earliest magazine of
the month, and we are as pleased to see it as an old favorite after a
long absence, and welcome it accordingly.
Some change has taken place since last we saw it, in the editorial
department, but it affects not at all the interest of the magazine;
and we think the critical notices of this number, whether written by
the old or new editor, more elevated in their tone than previously.
There is a slight taint of pedantry about them, perhaps; and in one
instance undue severity is shown towards a clever young author: yet
they are, in the main, clever and just. But, as we have before said,
we prize a magazine for other qualities than mere deserts in
criticism; therefore turn we to the articles.
The first one is a continuation of "Sketches of the History, &c. of
Tripoli." These sketches are from an unknown hand, which has access to
original documents from which to draw his facts, and the author seems
familiar with the writings of the French historians on the subject. So
wofully ignorant are we of the history of the Barbary Powers, that we
are unable to judge of the accuracy of these sketches: but we may
safely say, that the narrative is lucid and interesting, and evinces
an intimate acquaintance with the subject; and that it has a peculiar
interest for American readers just now, as the French system of
Finance and Diplomacy are constantly illustrated in their negotiations
with the Deys. We can scarcely read with patience the narrative of the
duplicity of the French Government towards these piratical states;
with them, as with us, knavishly objecting to the allowance of a claim
because of its absoluteness, or its negotiation; and skulking from the
payment of an honest and acknowledged debt with an infinite deal of
balderdash about French honor insulted, or French dignity offended.
_French_ honor and dignity!! _Bah!_
The next prose article consists of "Extracts from my Mexican Journal."
We have been so tired of late with this subject, in the _American
Monthly_, that for the life of us we cannot screw our courage up to
the reading point.
The poetry of this number is of superior quality. This is peculiarly
the ladies' department, and of course we may not deny that they
sustain it perfectly. One little gem in this number is the "_Broken
Heart_," by a Virginia lady--of rare simplicity of thought and
purpose, and most touchingly executed. Our readers shall see it anon,
and learn somewhat further our ideas of the poetical excellence of
this capital magazine.
Mr. Edgar A. Poe, a writer of much versatility of talent has
contributed much to this number. He is a magazinist somewhat in the
style of Willis: he needs condensation of thought. But this is too
flippant criticism for us, and we will read him more. Although the
earliest out, we have not had time to complete this magazine.
_From the Norfolk Beacon_.
The first number of the second volume of the _Southern Literary
Messenger_ contains several articles of solid worth. The "Tripoli
Sketches" retain their spirit and fidelity. Mr. Minor's Address is a
patriotic and practical production. The common school system of the
state demands the public attention. No voter should let his
representatives alone, until such a system shall have been established
as will insure to the child of every honest man in the commonwealth a
thorough {139} elementary education. Mr. Minor quotes his statistics
concerning Russia from the Edinburgh Review, but he would have found a
more full examination of the Prussian system in a late number of the
Foreign Quarterly. We were pleased that Mr. Minor handsomely
recognized the services of the late Mr. Fitzhugh of Fairfax in the
cause of education. We well remember his speech on the occasion
alluded to, and know that the seeming defect in his scheme alluded to
by Mr. Minor, was in truth the result of design. It was the main
argument with which Mr. Fitzhugh met the opponents of his favorite
scheme. Were Fitzhugh now living, he would win enduring laurels in the
cause of general education in the commonwealth. The present address of
Mr. Minor has also appeared in pamphlet from the press of Mr. White,
and we have marked one or two striking passages for our columns.
"Lionel Granby" is continued, and we have a very amusing letter from
the uncle. But he has fallen into the error not uncommon, of imputing
to York Town the honor of giving birth to Bishop Beilby Porteus. The
Bishop, we believe, was born in York, but in England, and not in
Virginia. The parents of the Bishop removed from Gloucester to England
some years before his birth. Had he been born in Virginia, he would,
it is probable, have bequeathed to William and Mary some of the fat
legacies which were shared by sundry institutions in Great Britain.
The Critical Notices in the present number of the Messenger,
particularly of the North American and the British Reviews are in bad
taste. The review of Glass's Life of Washington is altogether unique.
Some of the reviews are nevertheless good, and more than outweigh
those that are bad.
One word more, and we have done with the present number. We are more
and more convinced every passing hour of the importance to the South
of an able periodical journal devoted to literary and other topics
that know no party. However well conducted a political journal may be,
it never will penetrate generally to the firesides of the South. And
it is clear that the general mind cannot be reached through such an
avenue. Now this important office literature can perform. There are,
too, many opinions which are peculiar to the South, to the whole
South, and to the South only. There should be a channel of
communication on these subjects, and such a means the Messenger, if
liberally supported by the pens of the able, and the purses of the
patriotic, may readily become. It rests with our community to make the
first movement in the cause, and we trust that our citizens will not
be found wanting, when the South--the whole South--appeals to their
liberality.
_From the Lynchburg Virginian_.
_Southern Literary Messenger_.--The 1st No. of the 2d volume of this
periodical, in its typographical department, exhibits a decided
improvement upon its predecessors, although on this score its
subscribers have never had reasonable cause of complaint. Its literary
reputation is fully maintained.
The 9th No. of the _Sketches of the Barbary States_, written by Mr.
Robert Greenhow, Jr. formerly of Richmond, and now engaged in the
Department of State, is, like the preceding Nos. highly creditable to
that gentleman, betokening research, genius and taste. His _style_ is
admirably adapted to his theme.
The continuation of _Extracts from a Mexican Journal_ are highly
interesting--containing graphic descriptions of the manners, customs,
&c. of a country, which, although on our own continent, is, to the
great mass of our people, a _terra incognita_.
The most valuable article in the December No. of the Messenger,
however, is the Address delivered by Lucian Minor, Esq. before the
Institute of Education of Hampden Sidney College, at its late
anniversary. He urges upon our Legislators, with earnestness and
eloquence, the importance of enlightening the people, by a well
digested system of primary instruction--based on the models which are
presented to us in several of our sister States, in Scotland and in
Prussia. This is a vitally important subject, and we sincerely hope it
will attract the serious attention of the Legislature, during its
present session.
"_Lionel Granby_" contributes largely to the interest of the
Messenger. We hope he will diminish the intervals of his appearance on
the stage.
Several of the poetical pieces are beautiful--others, _mediocre_.
"October," "Marcelia," "Mother and Child," may be classed among the
former; "A Sketch" among the latter. "Scenes from Politian," like the
prose productions from the same pen (Mr. Poe) evince great powers,
wasted on trifles. Why, (to adopt the catechetical style of his own
criticisms,) why does Mr. Poe throw away his strength on shafts and
columns, instead of building a temple to his fame? Can he not execute
as well as design? No one can doubt it who is conversant with his
writings. Eschew affectation, Mr. Poe. It is a blot upon genius as
well as upon beauty. "A Broken Heart" contains several tender and
pathetic passages, but is deficient as a whole. _Ex gr._:
"Friends and physicians
Exert their skill most faithfully,"
is not poetry--but plain, unsophisticated prose.
Too much space is allotted to "Critical Notices" in the December No.
of the Messenger--and several of the Notices themselves are too
dogmatical and flippant. This department of a periodical, on the plan
of the Messenger, is necessarily of restricted interest, and should
consequently be of proportionate limits, except in extraordinary
cases. It certainly should not be occupied by _reviews of Reviews_--a
dish of hash newly warmed, and served up, in all its insipidity, to an
already palled appetite. Such reviews as that of Mr. Fay's "Norman
Leslie" will be read. Men--and Women likewise--will always be
attracted in crowds to behold an infliction of the Russian knout or to
see a fellow-creature flayed alive. And Mr. Fay--who, by the way, is a
great favorite with us--fully deserves a "_blistering_" for putting
forth such a book as Norman Leslie.
The "Messenger," upon the whole, reflects credit upon Virginia and the
entire South. Indeed, several distinguished Northern journals place it
at the head of periodical literature in the U. States; a most enviable
distinction, when we recollect the eminent names that figure in our
Monthlies, both as editors and contributors. Mr. White deserves the
thanks of the people of the South for his untiring perseverance and
industry, and we are glad to {140} hear that he is receiving them in
the most substantial form--to wit, _paying subscribers_. We hope his
list will continue to augment, not only because his enterprise
deserves remuneration, but because every additional subscriber enables
him to make additional exertions to enhance the value of his agreeable
and instructive "_Messenger_."
_From the New Yorker_.
_The Southern Literary Messenger_--We have long meditated a more
extended notice of this elegant periodical, than we have hitherto
found leisure to give--not more on account of our numerous Southern
friends--with whom it must necessarily be a favorite, than of our
literature generally, to which the Messenger forms a very creditable
addition. And notwithstanding that our columns for this week are
mainly bespoken, we must not allow the current number--being the first
of a new volume--to pass from our table without a brief glance over
its contents.
"_Sketches of the History and Present Condition of Tripoli_, with some
account of the other Barbary States," is the opening paper, written by
one evidently conversant with his subject, and whose chapters are
calculated to add materially to the meager stock of popular
information hitherto possessed with regard to the history and present
condition of the Barbary powers.
"_Scraps from an Unpublished Drama, by Edgar A. Poe_," contains one or
two stirring and many beautiful passages--but we are not partial to
dramatic poetry.
Speaking of poetry, we find some that is commendable, and much that we
deem, with all deference, well nigh execrable. Of the former class is
"October."
Of the otherwise, nearly all that is intended for blank verse may
serve as a specimen. It is singular that people will continue, in the
face of good advice, to break up sober prose into unequal and most
inharmonious lines, and then attempt to pass it off for verse, which
it very remotely resembles. The following is extracted from an article
which really contains poetry.
"The story goes, that a
Neglected girl (an orphan whom the world
Frowned upon) once strayed thither, and 't was thought
Did cast her in the stream."
"_An Address on Education_," by Lucian Minor, is among the best
articles in the Messenger. It were well if such a startling exhibition
of facts, such an array Of cogent reasonings, were presented to every
influential citizen of our vast Union.
"_Extracts from my Mexican Journal_" are judicious and replete with
information. We remark that, since recent occurrences have rendered
Mexico an object of interest in this country, the observations of
tourists and men of business who have lately visited that country, are
very liberally drawn upon by our Monthlies.
"_The Wissahiccon_," and its romantic scenery, is made the subject of
enthusiastic description--by a Philadelphian, of course. Well, truth
to say, there are some enchanting spots _out of_ Philadelphia, to say
nothing of those within it. If we could only bring her self-satisfied
citizens to admit that a civilized person may while away a season in
New York, without positive privation of all quiet, cleanliness, and
comfort, why then we might in turn regard the Quaker capital as a very
tolerable, inoffensive, well-behaved city. As it is, we must think of
it, and hope that time will take the conceit out of her.
"_Lionel Granby_" is the title of a series of odd, pedantic, yet
humorous and characteristic papers, which we are tempted to consider
the best light reading in the Messenger. To an old-school Virginian,
they must be delightful.
The critical department of the Messenger is managed with great candor,
consideration and ability. We place the qualifications in this order,
not that the ability is less prominent, but because it is perhaps of
the three least enviable in a reviewer. The Editor examines with
impartiality, judges with fairness, commends with evident pleasure,
and condemns with moderation. May he live a thousand years!--or at
least to have five thousand gratified, substantial and 'available'
patrons.
_From the Baltimore Gazette_.
_The Southern Literary Messenger_.--A little more than a year has
elapsed since Mr. White commenced, in Richmond, Virginia, the
publication of a Monthly Literary Journal. At that time an experiment
of the kind, south of Mason and Dixon's line, was considered a novel
one, but the ability with which it has been conducted, and the wide
circulation it has obtained, have fully demonstrated that it required
but talent and persevering energy on the one part, and a liberal
co-operation on the other, to impart to it a reputation equal to that
enjoyed by any other of our Monthlies. We have now before us the first
number of the second volume, whose pages we find diversified with a
variety of entertaining and excellent matter. The publisher has
secured the assistance of a gentleman of eminent literary talents,
with whose aid it may fairly be inferred that the Messenger will not
only sustain but increase its already extensive and deserved
popularity. The literary notices contained in this number are written
with great ability, but in our opinion rather too great a space has
been devoted to this subject. The old adage--_ne quid nimis_--is
applicable not less to a literary undertaking than to the general
pursuits of life.
_From the Petersburg Constellation_.
_The Southern Literary Messenger_.--We have received the first number
of the second volume of Mr. White's popular and valuable Literary
Messenger. We bid it a more cordial welcome to our table, admiring in
proportion to their relative merits, the unrivalled professional skill
with which its typographical dress is adjusted, and the rich and
attractive guise which wit, genius and learning have combined to throw
over the pages of what must now be acknowledged as the first monthly
magazine in this country. The contributions, prose and poetical, are
of a high grade of excellence; and the _critiques_ are now precisely
what they should be in such a work--faithful mirrors, reflecting in
miniature the book reviewed, and exposing alike its beauties and
deformities without favor or affection. We have rarely read a review
more caustic or more called for than the _flaying_ which the new
editor of the Messenger has so judiciously given Mr. Fay's "bepuffed,
beplastered and be-_Mirrored_" novel of "Norman Leslie."