George Robert Gleig

A History of the Reign of George III to the Battle of Waterloo George Robert Gleig

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1873 Excerpt: ... piling a supplement was entrusted to Dr. Gleig, afterwards Bishop of Brechin. The work took, under his management, a higher religious and moral tone, of which the King expressed his approval by allowing its dedication to himself. Some of the ablest writers of the age--philosophers, scholars, and men of science--contributed to that edition, which commanded a large share of public attention, and upon which the editions of the work which have subsequently appeared--and they are many--may be said to have been built up. Another important revolution in the literature of the country dates from the latter portion of this reign. Hitherto the periodicals of the day were of a very worthless kind. To the ' Spectators ' and ' Ramblers,' through which Addison, Steele, and Dr. Johnson spoke to their countrymen, there succeeded magazines filled for the most part with silly anecdotes, bad stories, and worse criticisms. A few exceptions to this general rule, certainly occurred. The 'Gentleman's Magazine' always contained, as it still contains, specimens of valuable antiquarian and other knowledge, and of the 'Annual Register,' begun under the auspices of Burke, and continued down to the present day, it is impossible, as a book of reference, to speak too highly. In 1802 a knot of clever men, comprehending among others the late Lord Brougham, Lord Jeffrey, and the Rev. Sydney Smith, projected and launched the 'Edinburgh Review,' which commanded at once the admiration and respect of the reading community. But the 'Edinburgh' was not destined to retain a monopoly of public favour. In politics and religion its tone gave offence to the Government and their supporters, and in 1808 a formidable rival made its appearance. This was the ' Quarterly Review,' of which the late Mr. John M...