Plantagenet is a novel: and the writer's object is stated by the
critic to be pretty nearly identical with that of Mr. Timothy
Winterbottom, of whom we have spoken before--viz: to lay bare the
social evils of primogeniture. The English system of education is
detailed, and its effect upon character analyzed. The writer's design
is said not to be very well carried into execution--nevertheless the
Reviewer places him in the first line of modern political novelists,
and says there is nobody, except the author of 'The Radical,' who,
stands out as a model for him to overtake or pursue.
Article XIII.--1. "Colonization of South Australia. By R. Torrens,
Esq. F. R. S. Chairman of the Colonization Commission, for South
Australia. London: Longman, 1835."
2. "Colonization; particularly in Southern Australia; with some
remarks on Small Farms and Over-population. By Colonel Charles James
Napier, C. B.--London: T. & W. Boone, 1835."
Colonel Torrens' book is bitterly and sarcastically reviewed. It is an
octavo of more than 300 pages, with an Appendix of about 20. The first
part of the body of the work is in the form of a letter, divided into
twelve parts, and addressed "To the author of the History of the
Indian Archipelago." This portion discusses the new scheme for
colonizing South Australia. Its style is called pamphleteering and
polemical. The {61} second part is said to be "in the usual cold,
cramped, and unpopular manner of the author's politico-economical
writings." The Appendix consists of the Act of Parliament for the
formation of the Colony, of two letters signed Kangaroo, and of
another from A. B., approving of Kangaroo's opinions. Kangaroo is
thought by the Reviewer a better writer of English than his master.
Colonel Napier's book is favorably noticed. His views are in direct
opposition to those of Torrens.
Article XIV. "The Mythology of Ancient Greece and Italy. By Thomas
Keightley, Esq. 8vo. London, 1831." This is an interesting and able
paper, but has no pretensions to the name of Review. The position of
the Bacchanalians in Greek and Roman History, and their progress,
together with the dangers and impediments encountered in their course,
forms the subject of the Essay--for _it is_ an Essay, although an
admirable one.