Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1849-08-30
THE EDINBURG REVIEW.

THE EDINBURG REVIEW.
The National Era has a very clever English
correspondent, from one of whose late letters we
make an extract touching the Edinburg Review
We believe the account given Of the origin of this
famous periodical is, in the main, correct II has
undergone some singular transformations and it
must be confessed, the changes have been, with
scarce an exception, for the better. 1t may not
now have the charm ofsparkling wit and trenchant
satire, once impaired 10 it by the genius Of the
reverend Joker, who, in spite of ultra Wing pol
tics, and many fling at the snug Snecures and
COSBY rookeries of the establishment, died Dean
of ST. Paul's-but it has more catholic spirit a
more disciplined talent, and higher and more gem
erous objects. There may not be now seen those
profound and brilliant dispositions upon poetry,
in which Jeffies INDUCED when reviewing the
productions of the mighty masters of English song
as they successfully appeared, during the first
quarter OF tie present century-simply because
there has been poetry produced, in these lat
Ter days, worthy of criticism. With respect to
the principles insisted upon, many of them have
not been established and would now be deemed
heretical. The Review employed wit, rdicule,
argument, quotation, illustration, ingenuity and
much unfairness to write down Coeridge, Words
worth, Souihey and others of that school-bnt
all in vain. These great poets have taken their
place and very high one-in English litera-
ture and all lived toenjoy the qualification of the
amende made in graceful palinodes by those who
had once deridedtheir theories and performances.
We grant the need of praise for magnanimity in
this recantation. The fact itself shows that the
Edlnburg Review. in common with every other
great organ in politics or literature, is influenced
by, quite as much as 1t gives shape 10, popular
opinion.
The reasons assigned for the lessened influence
of the Review probably the true ones. Doubt
less much Of the talent, which once found place
in the pages of the Edinburg, is now seen in the
daily press. The increased activity of the public
mind requires instant discussion and decision up
on great events, touching which it was formerly
content to suspend a dcfini,ive opinion, for a
month or two, until the great oraces Of party
might be heard. We doubt, however, whether
this lessons the influence of the Quarterlies and
Monthlles, so much it changes its character
and prescribes topics of less ephemeral interest.
The difference in the nature of the Subie treat
ed,now and thirty or forty years agomay be seen
at glance, by comparing the list of contents of
two numbers of the Edlnburg, separated, in
point OF time, by that interval. A number now
rarely contains more than six or seven articles
formerly there were three times that many
Oi course. there is space for fuller disquisition
now, and the topics are of more practical and en-
during interest We do not believe in any dete-
ever employed in the review-though Sidney
Smith Jeffrles and Brougham no longer are num-
bered among the contributors
by the way, Lord Brougham, in his present
access OF ultra toryism must read with some a
mazement his early artcles-and particularly the
famous one on Spanish affairs, redolent Of Jacob
insm OF the worst school, which was so near in
ducIng criminal prosecution for sedition. Like
Southey he may be no more ashamed of his dem
ocratic principles than he was of his youth-but,
II sincere in his apostacy, he must see may line
which dying he would wish to bo'
The following parody on song, in vogue at
the period, was published in 1911. The allusion
to Jeif'reS' duel with Moore, of course, reminds
one OF the cutting sarcasms of Byron in English
Bards and Scotch Reviewers
JJ YOU little Reviewer, come list with me;
But first, prihee. answer me questions three
IL long, Master J--y. to list with YOU
or I'm hungry. and wish 10 have something to do
y. First. can You rail well
II. Neatly, neatly
j. Flourish in SEMI uens
Il. Sweer, sweeIy.
j, Gut mp m author well
Il O, cohpieely
j. The answers are honest bold and free
Go on, and in time You S-d-y will be-
j. When the Authors angry and dare you to figlt
III You 90 10 the field tho yon feel in frigh2
Il. can 60. Sir, like YOU. lho I'd much rather not;
And would dine with three lolds ere I'D fight with
Scott.
j. Next you lie well?
H. Ronndly. roundy.
j. Scout Universities
IL. Spnndly sDundly.
j. Pate when you re ignorant?
r. o, profoundly.
y. The answers are honest, bold and fair
Come dip in this gall and Critic you are