That admirable production of Mr. Anstey's the "New Bath Guide," may
justly be considered the parent of a numerous progeny of watering place
bagatelles, each of which has some resemblance to its father, though not
one of them can boast the wit, humour, or poetical talent which so
eminently distinguishes those celebrated letters.
The youngest of this race is now presented to the Public with that
timidity which arises from conscious imperfection, devoid of the fear
which rivalry has endeavoured to excite, and persecution may seek to
perpetuate. Neither nurtured by patronage nor dandled by fashion,
neither supported by rank nor allied to literary honours, this child of
obscurity is cast on the world in a helpless, yet not hopeless state,
for the good man's smile has illumed its cradle, and it possesses that
confidence derived from purity of intention, and that humility which
disarms malice, and draws the sting of criticism.