The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. I., No. 4, December, 1834Various
History
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. I., No. 4, December, 1834
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
In noticing some of the pieces, we hope it will not be supposed that we
pass sentence of inferiority upon such as we omit to mention. Our
object is to ask the particular attention of the reader to those which
have afforded us peculiar pleasure.
It is with unalloyed satisfaction, that we continue the very able and
interesting account of "_Tripoli and the Barbary States_." The author
has thrown around authentic narrative, all the charms of romance; and
we perfectly agree with a contemporary editor in this city, that he has
reached in a very high degree the interest and dignity of the true
historic style.
The description of _Howard's Bottom_, under the head of "_Western
Scenery_," will be at once recognized as the production of a practised
and polished pen.
If the "_Hints to Students of Geology_," by an able proficient in the
science, shall serve to stimulate the languor which prevails in
Virginia on that subject, we shall be more than gratified.
In the "_March of Intellect_," by V, there is a singular mixture of the
serious and comic--of truth and caricature--which may not perhaps be
agreeable to all readers. All, however, will concede to the author,
vigor and fertility of mind,--with much of the "_copia verborum_" in
style. We should have taken the liberty to apply the pruning knife to
the luxuriant foliage of the "_Seasons_," from the same pen,--had we
not feared doing some injury to the fruit. The author has only to
cultivate his fine talents, in order to attain a high rank in the art
of composition.
There is a good deal of humor in the description of a Virginia "_Fourth
of July_,"--and we hope the writer will repeat his effort. In the local
and distinctive traits of our national manners, there is a wide field
for the pencil.
With the "_Essay on Luxury_," by B. B. B. H. we have taken some
liberties, and crave his indulgence if we have been too free. Sometimes
the finest thoughts and strongest reasoning, suffer injustice by
inattention to style.
The author of "_Eloquence_" has our earnest exhortations to press on in
the path which leads to renown. If we mistake not, he is actuated by
the noble ambition to acquire distinction.
The "_Valedictory in July 1829_," now for the first time published,
will command attention for the excellence of its precepts and doctrines
upon the all important subject of female education. No one could be
better qualified than the author, to enforce serious truths in a
graceful and agreeable manner.
We beg the reader's particular attention to the original tale of
"_Uncle Simon and the Mechanician_." The author's admirable sketches
derive additional value from the fact that they are not the mere
creations of fancy, but exact copies from nature.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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