Engaged in a 2nd perusal of the Pursuits of Literature and the Monthly Magazine
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: I.G. Print: Book
To Lady Isabella King, Bath March 8th 1798
'Have you read "The Pursuits of Literature"? It is a satirical poem. I dislike satire in general, but this appears to me one of the cleverest books I ever met with, and indeed this is the general opinion respecting it... I have read Robinson on the "Illuminati". It is said by people wel-informed on the subject to be a true representation.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Elizabeth Smith Print: Book
'Brought...a translation of the Greek, Latin, French and Italian quotations in the "Pursuits of Literature" which I had rather felt the want of in pursuing the work... I began with this preface but it was so dull that I gave it up after reading about a dozen pages of it. [The Pursuits] needs no apologist. It will stand with posterity on the same shelf as Juvenal, Boileau and Pope.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
'She [Mrs Montagu] is characterised in this manner in the first part of the "Pursuits of Literature"; comparing the commentators upon Shakespeare [transcribes note on Montagu's essay]. I shall perhaps be accused of want of taste in sending Campbell's "Pleasures of Hope" home unread & indeed I can give no good reason why I did so.'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
'Read the first 3 parts of the "Pursuits of Literature", of these the first I admire the most. There are people who will not allow that the author has either wit or learning, or is capable of writing good poetry. I think that wit & learning may be found in every page & that in some parts the poetry is excellent. I will give an example. Page 19. [Two pages of commentary and extracts]'
Century: 1800-1849 Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Hunter Print: Book
'Finished, with much interest, the "Pursuits of Literature"...'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Thomas Green Print: Book
Robert Southey to Charles Watkin Williams Wynn, 9 August 1797: 'I have only seen the former parts of the Pursuits of Literature. the author appeared to me to have the malevolence of Gifford without his wit. the lines on Darwin were however uncommonly good. if he has wiped me with civility he will serve the book, & the advertisement makes amends for the censure.'
Century: 1700-1799 Reader/Listener/Group: Robert Southey Print: Book
