A Publisher and His Friends - Memoir and Correspondence of John Murray; with an - Account of the Origin and Progress of the House, 1768-1843 by Samuel Smiles
page 127 of 594 (21%)
page 127 of 594 (21%)
|
"QUARTERLY"
A good understanding was now established between Mr. Murray and his editor, and the _Quarterly_ went on improving and gradually increased in circulation. Though regular in the irregularity of its publication, the subscribers seem to have become accustomed to the delay, and when it did make its appearance it was read with eagerness and avidity. The interest and variety of its contents, and the skill of the editor in the arrangement of his materials, made up for many shortcomings. Murray and Gifford were in constant communication, and it is interesting to remember that the writer of the following judicious criticism had been editor of the _Anti-Jacobin_ before he was editor of the _Quarterly_. _Mr. Gifford to John Murray_. _May_ 17, 1811. "I have seldom been more pleased and vexed at a time than with the perusal of the enclosed MS. It has wit, it has ingenuity, but both are absolutely lost in a negligence of composition which mortifies me. Why will your young friend fling away talent which might so honourably distinguish him? He might, if be chose, be the ornament of our _Review_, instead of creating in one mingled regret and admiration. It is utterly impossible to insert such a composition as the present; there are expressions which would not be borne; and if, as you say, it will be sent to Jeffrey's if I do not admit it, however I may grieve, I must |
|