Star.
London, England, 1830-10-25 00:00:00

WRITERS.

Original Correspondence from France, Italy, Germany, India, &c;
with Notices of sash Learned Societies as are open, either at home or
abroad—Of the Theatres—Of New Music—Works of Art in Progress
—Exhibitions, Stc. &c. &a ; and more than so columns of interesting
Anecdotes, Statistical Facts, &c. &c. &c.
_

It is thoitght necessary to announce that the Atheneum has been,
since June, in the hands of New Proprietors, and under a New Editor,
and is an attempt to establish " A Literary Paper" independent of the
great Publishers. The Proprietors are unwilling to speak of the result
of their exertions, but may, without indelicacy, refer to the
OPINIONS OF THE PUBLIC PRESS.

To the Literati, and indeed to the public generally, the appear.
ance of a paper devoted to literature, science, and the arts, con-
ducted on liberal and independent principles, and untrammelled by
any direct connexion with the book trade, has long been a most im-
portant desideratum. Entertaining, as we do, a very high opinion of
the talent and judgment by which the periodical publications, here-
tofore exclusively dedicated to such purposes, have been conducted,
it would be absurd to expect that the interests of the avowed pro-
prietors of such works should not, in a very peculiar degree, affect
the tone and spirit of their criticisms ; and it would be as vain in us
to expect impartial and unbiassed opinions from them, as it would be
hypocritical in them to affect an air of independence and indifference
to the fate of works, in which their own properties may be involved.
and, at all events, their own credit with the public at stake. We,
therefore, hail with pleasure the improved appearance of the Athe-
notun—a Journal which, whilst it is free from all such objections,
brings with it the high and powerful recommendation of genuine ta-
lent and uncompromising principle. Established solely upon grounds
of public utility, this Paper depends for public support upon the in-
tegrity by which it is characterized-4N perfect independence of all
• professional patronage," and the conscientious discharge of its cen-
sorial functions. As far as the labours of its present Conductors have
gone, we are bound to say that they have meat faithfully fulfilled
every pledge by which they claimed the patronage of the literary
world. Their critical opinions are pronounced with firmness and with
fairness; boldly, impartially, but not arrogantly, or with any haughty
assumptions of superior endowment. Their original articles are in-
variably of the most interesting nature, and their miscellaneous infor-
mation varied, instructive, and amusing."—Cheltenham Journal,
September 6.
" The Atheneum is a weekly periodical of decided merit, and dis-
tinguished for the vigour and impartiality of its tone and criticism ;
its intrinsic merits, added to the independent stand it has taken
amonpt the periodicals of the day, entitle it to extensive patronage.—
It is conducted with much ability, both as to matter and arrangement.
The republication in Monthly Parts, for the more studious reader, Is
extremely well judged."—.Globe, Oct. 1.
II The Athens= (a Journal to whose increasing utility and high
talent we are glad to have this opportunity of bearing testimony.")—
The Atlas. Sept. 19.
" We copy the following from that most most able and conscientious
London Literary Journal, the Athenaeum—a paper as remarkable for
the novelty and variety of its contests, as for the honesty of its criticisms
—a rare quality now a-days."—Glasgow Free Press, Aug. 11.
" Among the periodical literature of the day, this weekly publication
bears a high character. Its reviews are written with impartiality—Ate
original articles are the productions of men of genius."—l)evenport
Telegraph, Sept is.
" That very excellent literary periodical, the Atheniturn."—Ply-
mouth Herald, Aug. 28.

,4 The Athesisun, from which the above is extracted, is a publication
of great merit "—Coventry Mercury, Sept. S.
We copy the following (rum that very able, industrious, and ho-
nest paper, the London Athenmam, which, as yet. is too little known
in Scotland, but abounds is information nowhere else to be had."—
Glasgow Chronicle, Aug. 20.
That honest and spirited publication, the Atheneum."—Sheffield
Courant, Oct. 13.

•• We have noticed with a feeling of great satisfaction the independ-
ence by which the Atheneum is marked, and the efforts which are
made by its spirited conductors to render literary criticism something
approaching what it ought to be. It Is well known that must of the
critical journals are in the bands of the principal publishers, who are
thus enabled to put forth as independent criticism exactly what may
suit their purposes, and promote the sale of their works. It is with
reference to this fact that we regard with pleasure the publication of
a journal which is in reality what others profess to he. The Athe-
neum is undeniably independent, and unconnected with any parties
which might improperly influence its critiques en new works. Its cri.
ticism is in a liberal but truly impartial spirit, without any tenderness
towards the author, and certainly Mine towards the publisher, of any
work whatever. The review of Galt's Life of Lord Byron,' in the
last and previous number, will fully prove the justice of our praise.
We have seen as yet no review of that work informing the public, as in
reality is theme, that the work is but a poor one, malgre the puff-
ing it has had—contains false views of Lord Byron's moral and poetical
aisaracter, and is besides written in a style oftentimes exceedingly
faulty and absurd. The critique of the Atheneum mi the work is aims
and just to the public. In tile department of original and amusing
articles it will be found at least equal to any of its rivals, and we have
great pleasure in recommending it to the patronage of the literary pub-
lic."—Bury and Suffolk Herald, Sept. 22.
" It is but justice to an independent and talented Journal to say,
that we have seen, since writing the above (notice to Gales Byron) a
wanly and sensible review of Gait's work, and sonic important contri-
butions to the history of its publication, in the Athcnreuni."—Edin.
burgh Literary Journal, Sept. 11.
" A series of interesting and curious letters on Demonology and
NVitcheraft,' by Sir W. Scott, has been announced for publication.
An anticipatory review of this work appears in the last number of the
Atheneum, an ably conducted weekly journal of literature, published
,a London. From this review we select," lie. &c.--Belfast News-
Letter, Sept. 24.
" The Athenaeum, whose ability and independence have more than
pace called forth our praise."—Scuts Times, Oct. 12.
‘‘• The Athenreunt.—lt is perhaps too much to expect that Reviews,
which are tie property of booksellers who publish to a large extent,
will be unnecessarily severe on those works which their own proprie-
turd bring forward ; but It is nut too much to expect that the bonds of
decency, at least, will not be broken through, and that periodicals,
professing to act as guides to the public in their choice of books, will
at least have sufficient honesty not to give immoderate praise to that
which is, in truth, beneath all criticism. Such expectations, however
just, are far from being realized ; the system of puffing has grown to
an alarming extent, and there is scarcely a periodical extant that is not
notoriously swayed from its duty. In such a state of thing-, so inju-
rious to the cause of literature, an exception to the ride is worthy of
praise and support. We are pleased to find ail exception—we have
found it in the Athenaeum. The reviews in this work are talented,
and, as far as we have seen, unbiassed by fear or favour. The pe-
riodical itself is not the property of any great publisher, and this is the
best surety the Editor can bring forward in support of his good faith
with the reader. Prom the miscellaneous articles we select the fol-
lowing," &c.-13riAol Nlercury, Oct. lg.
" The Atheneum—This talented periodical,which is justly entitled
a • Joined of English and Foreign Literature, Science, and the Fine
Arts,' has, for some weeks past, inspired an interest amongst literary
men that reminds us of the days of Johnson, Addison, and Steele. It
irontains an ample and impartial review of the most important new
works with wb.ch the press is daily teeming, written with sound criti-
cism and correct taste, while the remarks of the reviewer are Wm-
:rated and justified by copious and well.selected extracts. The
,oetleal effusions which have lately benn introduced in its columns
4C Of the highest order ; and the diisertations on tie Mae Arts, Ori.
-mat Essays, and general information, combine to ren4et the Maer
rem a' complete compendium of Modern literature. Impressed with
14ese ideas of its superiority, we are of opinion that it presents the
,4(inges cleft& to the notice of the schollf, the geddenfan, and the
ai In of refined taste."—aleltenham Chronicle, Shpt.
The above testimonials will convey to` the reader an idea of the
,onion of the Pub* ?real generally, as nearly all the Papire in
England have either spoken favourably of, of extracted largely fruit',
the Atheneum.
Orders fur the Athensuni received by all Booksellers, Postmasters,
and Newsmen.