The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-03-01
THE AMERICAN ANTHOLOGY;

Magazine of Poetry Biography and Criticism, pub
iished Monthly, Nth splendid illustrations on Steel
WHILE nearly every country Of the old world can
wv boast Of its collected body of national Poetry
which the seal Of peoples favorable judgment has been
set and which exhibits to foreign nations in the most
striking Light the progress Of civilization and literary re-
fnement among its inhabitants while England, especial
ly proudly displays to the world corpus poetdram the
lustre OF whose immortal wreath has shed brighter glory
upon her than the most splendid triumphs which
her statesmen and her sodiery have achieved, own
country destitute Of poetic honors Appears we
say for although full collection Of the chef denwss Of
writers has been made yet there exist and occa
sionaly to be met with productions of American poets
which will bear comparison with the noblest and most
polished efforts of European genius, and which claim for
America high rank in the scale OF literary elevation
is ceded to older and in some respects more ia
vored lands.
Impressed with the correctness Of this judgment
propose issue monthly magazine which shall contain
in perfect un-1uated FORM the meritorous and
beautiful illusions Of the poets Of America, Of the past
and present time, with such Introductory, critical and
geographic notices shall be necessary under
standing of the works presented to the reader and to add
interest to the publication Those who imagine that
there exists dearh Of materials for such undertaking.
who believe that the Aonian Maids have confined their
richest ayors transatlantic brethren the exclu
sion OF native genius VIII De surprised to learn that we
already possession OF than two hundred vol
umes OF the production of American bards from about the
year 1880 to the present day Nor it from these
alone that materials may be drawn. There but few
writer's in country who pursue authorship a
ton, and whose works have been published in collected
form. Our poets especially have generally written for
their productions have to rest their illusions have
been careessy inserted in periodicals. of slight merit and
limited circulation where they unlikely to attract
notice themselves, draw attention their authors
The grass Of the field flowers of the wilderness
growing the ashes OF many OF the highly gifted who
through the wild and romantic regions Of republic
have scattered poetry in ingots bright from the mint Of
genius and glowing with the impress Of beauty and the
spirit of truth, quantities sufficient il known and
appreciated would be in other countries,
to them honorable reputation throughout the world
Such Harvey author OF Crystalline and the Fever
Dream Sands author of .Yamoyden ! Wilcox, author
of the Age Of Benevolence Robinson author of The
Savage Little. the sweet and tender poet of Christian
feeling, the amented Brainard, and many beside whose
writings almost unknown, save by their kindred
ciates and friends.
With the names Of those poets who within the last few
years have extended the reputation of American lite
nature beyond the Atlantic, Bryant Dana, Percival,
Sprague Sgourney Whittier, Willis &C. the public are
familiar and assure them that there exists, though
long forgotten and unknown. mine of poetic wealth,
rich varied and extensive which will amply repay the la
Dor of exploring it, and add undyng use TO the
which encirces the brow American genius In the pub
LEGATION now proposed shall rescue from the oblivion
to which they have long been consigned and embam in
bright and impershable form the numberlcss gems of
purest ray with which researches into the literary
tques Of our country have endowed us and
hdent that every lover Of his native land will regard
enterprise patriotic and deserving the support of the
citizens of the United States tending to elevate the
character Of that country the scale Of nations and
ser its claims TO the station to which its children entities
it, With this conviction ask the patronage OF the
munity to aid in undertaking. conscious that we
merng its support by exhibiting to the world proud
evidence that America in the giant strength of her Hercu
lean childhood destined ere long cope the arena Of
literature with those lands which for have boast-
ed their civilization and refinement and Justly exulted in
their rumphs Of their cherished the nobest field
which heaven has opened to the human intellect.
The AMERICAN ANTHOLOGY will contain complete
works of portion Of the folowingthe popular Of
poetic wTtersand OF the Others the best poems and
such ms are least generally known: