The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-10-08
Iufiuonce OF the Great Reviews in Great
ing Lixernturc.

great reviews--the quarterly reviews particu-
larly-have been in modern times, and since
they first appeared, the chief creators and pro-
moters of literature. They have, both in Great
Britain and America, raised up galaxy Of
fine writers In works Of Imagination, poetry,
history, politics and philosophy. This truth
may not be seen SO readily, perhaps, by peo-
pie generally as by the literary man or the stu
dent of literary history. The influence Of the
daily journals is more generally perceived and
acknowledged. But, though the reviews have
limited circulation comparatively to that OF
the newspapers, or even to some OF the maya
zines, they are read by scholars and carefully
studied by writer's. The effect they first pro-
duce is in the closet and ON the minds Of
great thinkers. Then it extends through this
medium to the mass Of the people and through
all the channels of thought.
We refor particularly to the British and
American reviews for, while tho French, Ger
man and other European nations have initiated
these in measure, they still hold the peculiar
and high character claimed for them. In
originality, analytical power, critical acumen
and classical taste, they have stood and yet
stand pre-sminent. The Eliaburgh Rsciew
may properly be called the progenitor of them
all. The first number appeared October TO-
1902. Francis Jeffrey, Scotch judge and
famous critic and essayist, was the founder
several other prominent young wings, among
whom were Brougham, Sydney Smith and
Horner, that this review was suggested and
planned. The remarkable ability with which
it was conducted was soon perceived, and its
power felt. 1t stirred up host of able
writer's and antagonists, u fearlessly dis
sected the literary pretenslons Of the authors
of that day, and it seemed to revel almost ma
liciously in the agony Of its victims. Fit were
I2t always just it did very much to promote
literature and the finest writing by its search
ing, bold and scathing criticism. The attack
on the ''Odes and Epistles" Of Moore led to a
duel between that poet and jeffrey. From the
assault on Byron sprang his bitter response,
''EngIish Bards and Scotch Reviewers" A
like war was waged for some time against
Wordsworth, Southey and Coleridge. 1t was
the ability and criticism thus displayed that
sharpened the intellects and improved the
writings of even those authors who were
assailed. Had it not been for the EtIinburyh
Recscw these famous poets probably would
never have become 80 great. Indeed, it was
the creator chiefly OF the literature Of that day
and long afterward
The same remarks will apply to the NorM
country This appeared fifteen years later
than the Eain5uygh Reoie,o. Boston, where the
North american was published became the
seat of American literature from that time In
fact, this review had such an influence upon
the New England mind that nearly all our
American literature comes from that section
OF the country. Mr.. Tudor, its first editor,
was, like Jeffrey, an original thinker,
keen critic and an able writer. Our
school of poets, historians and other authors
sprang from and was cultivated by this
American review. just as that of Great
Britain, referred to, arose from the estab-
ishment Of Jefirey's quarterly. Longfellow.
Whittier, Poe, Bryant, Lowell, Emerson, Pres
colt, Bancroft, Claiming and Others were the
natural product OF the classic ability, criticism
sand superior style Of writing of the North
american.
More rccently--that is, about ten years
ago-another American quarterly review was
started. 1t followed the course of empire and
population and found it's proper sphere 10 New
York. A young Irishman, a fine classic
scholar and graduate of Trinity College, Dub
lin, though long a citizen of the United States
and fully imbued with American ideas, is the
presiding genius over this M tiona5 Qu0rterly
Reoieac. This gentleman is Mr.. Edward i.
the daily public press, and has now
found, undoubtedly, the vocation for which
he is well suited. His review shows that he
has talents Of the first order for the work.
His mind is stored with the Greek and Roman
classics, from which nearly all modern litera-
ture sprung, and which gives the most finished
style. Looking at the character of the Ma
tional quarterly Reotew, and at the progress
and circumstances Of the times, Mr.. Sears
may be mainly instrumental in developing in
the North and South new school of writers,
of poets, historians, novests, essayists and
critics. The war we have just passed through,
the wonderful events OF the time, and the
qnickening power of the modern agents of
civilization, cannot but develop in this country
great mental activity and intellectual culture.
We see already the dawn Of this state of
things. In journalism, as in magazine litera-
ture, and in various ways, particularly among
may probably place America in the first rank
Of literary nations. Mr.. Sears is in position
to do much in bringing this about. He is, as
was said, well qualified. The National quar-
y l.Lli Recie1n thia aactiop Of ths.