The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. I., No. 3, November, 1834Various
History
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. I., No. 3, November, 1834
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
Mr. Robinson will, it is hoped, be successful in his enterprise.
EXTRACT FROM LACON.
Nothing is so difficult as the apparent ease of a clear and flowing
style: those graces which from their presumed facility encourage all to
attempt an imitation of them, are usually the most inimitable.
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT.
The two preceding numbers of the "Messenger" having been, as far as we
can learn, favorably received by its patrons, we have endeavored in
this to keep pace with expectation, by presenting a rich variety of
original matter, and a few interesting selections. Among the most
important duties of those who have any concern in the management of
such a work--it is not the least to be watchful of an enlightened
public opinion--to profit by the suggestions of others, and even to
receive with patience well-intended rebuke. It is precisely in this
latter spirit that we have noticed in the letters of one or two
correspondents, as well as in the public prints, some animadversions
upon the editorial remarks in the last number. We have been censured,
and perhaps justly, for bestowing too much praise on the contributions
of our friends. However great the error, it was at least honestly, if
not prudently committed.
It was believed that a little commendation was not only justly due, but
might stir up generous minds to increase their efforts in behalf of an
infant and laudable enterprise. We should always prefer erring on the
side of indiscriminate praise, rather than undeserved censure. The true
path, indeed, is to avoid both extremes,--but it is much easier to
prescribe good counsel than always to follow it. We have been
admonished too by a very sensible and judicious correspondent, in whose
judgment we entertain great confidence, that we have imposed
inconvenient and impolitic restrictions upon the writers for the
"Messenger," by limiting the subject matter of their contributions. We
are told that we have circumscribed too much the field of their labors,
by objecting to such materials as are drawn from foreign character and
manners,--and we are gently reminded of an apparent inconsistency,
between our professed attachment to domestic subjects, and the
admission into our columns of copious extracts from an English novel.
We are moreover informed from the same intelligent source, that our
denunciation of all such fictions as are founded upon fairy mythology,
is not very reasonable,--inasmuch as these may imbody the conceptions
of imagination and genius--and may serve to illustrate and display
Virginia talent and literature.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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