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the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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Listings for Reader:  

James Hogg

 

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Walter Scott : Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, The

'I have been perusing your minstrelsy very diligently for a while past, and it being the first book I ever perused which was written by a person I had seen and conversed with, the consequence hath been to me a most sensible pleasure: for in fact it is the remarks and modern pieces that I have delighted most in, being as it were personally acquainted with many of the antient pieces formerly'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

James Grahame : Sabbath, The

'I received yours yesternight with the poem of [italics] the Sabbath [end italics], a good part of which I have already perused and have concluded that the Cameronian hath more in his head than hair'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Unknown

  

Walter Scott : Lay of the Last Minstrel, The

'I had a present of a very elegant copy of the "Lay" lately from a gentleman in Edin. to whom I was ashamed to confess that I had it not. This is g[TEAR] you a hint that the present should have [TEAR] from some other hand. I am delighted beyond measure with many of the descriptions and with none more than that of William of Deloraine but I have picked some faults which I have not now time to explain but in Stanza 3d 1.1st were the knights squires and yeomen all knights? Should it not be rather [italics] The knights were all of mettle true? [end italics] - I have not yet discovered what the terrible parade of fetching Michael Scott's black book from the tomb served or what was done with it of consequence before returned and fear it will be construed as resorted to for sake of furnishing the sublime and awefull description'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book, Unknown

  

Walter Scott : 'Glenfinlas; Or, Lord Ronald's Coronach'

'either I am grossly mistaken or there are more [italics] natural [end italics] beauties in Marmion than all your others and as long as that is admired (which it ever will be by a part) so will Marmion. You gave the truest picture of your manner of writing in the introduction to Mr Erskine that ever was given [SEAL] ever will and I am particularly partial to that epistle I think it extremely beautifull. I should like extremely well to see another poem of yours in the same stanza with Glenfinlas my first and I believe still greatest favourite'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Walter Scott : Marmion

'either I am grossly mistaken or there are more [italics] natural [end italics] beauties in Marmion than all your others and as long as that is admired (which it ever will be by a part) so will Marmion. You gave the truest picture of your manner of writing in the introduction to Mr Erskine that ever was given [SEAL] ever will and I am particularly partial to that epistle I think it extremely beautifull. I should like extremely well to see another poem of yours in the same stanza with Glenfinlas my first and I believe still greatest favourite'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Walter Scott : 'To Henry Erskine, Esq'

'either I am grossly mistaken or there are more [italics] natural [end italics] beauties in Marmion than all your others and as long as that is admired (which it ever will be by a part) so will Marmion. You gave the truest picture of your manner of writing in the introduction to Mr Erskine that ever was given [SEAL] ever will and I am particularly partial to that epistle I think it extremely beautifull. I should like extremely well to see another poem of yours in the same stanza with Glenfinlas my first and I believe still greatest favourite'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : [reviews of The Mountain Bard and The Shepherd's Guide]

'I have read several English reviews of my books at great length which are favourable in the extreme'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Janet Stuart : 'Ode to Dr Thomas Percy'

[a long anecdote about how Hogg found his correspondent Janet Stuart's book in an Edinburgh bookshop and had to pay 7/6 for a 'pamphlet' which the bookseller argued was 'a very extraordinary production'] 'I did not only read it I devoured it: the man was right; it is an [italics] extraordinary production [end italics]. I do not think a man is flattering when he tells what he thinks I think there is not a more beautiful poem in the English language of its kind. Some of my friends, though they acknowledge it contains great beauties, blame it for what they are pleased to call a [italics] mysterous [sic] obscurity [end italics], while to me who am luckily versant in ancient ballads, it is as plain as the ABC. Yet I acknowledge I should be happy to see in my Adeline's next piece a little more of the unaffected simplicity so visible in her whole character and deportment'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      

  

Robert Southey : Curse of Kehama, The

'Kehama has not got justice take a bards word who never flatters he will live for ever'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Unknown

  

Walter Scott : Bridal of Triermain, The

'[italics] The Bridal [end italics] of Triermain is published. It is quite a romance of a lady that lay enchanted 500 years &c a servile imitation of Scott and possesses some poetical merit. It will not however be regarded'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Unknown

  

John Morrison : Hoggiad, The

'A gentleman who deems himself libelled at in the Wake has sent a long poem to Edin. to be printed [italics] in quarto [end italics] which he denominates [italics] The Hoggiad [end italics] or [italics] A Supplement to the Queen's Wake [end italics] It is the most abusive thing I ever saw but has otherwise some merit'..

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Bernard Barton : 'To James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, author of The Queen's Wake. By A Gentleman of Suffolk'

'I recieved yours accompanying the beautifull complimentary verses, which are judged by the small circle of my friends to be the best that ever have appeared in our language addressed to any poet while alive. Goldie published them in the Courant the principal paper of this country as addressed to the Ettrick Shepherd by a gentleman of Suffolk. I admired the verses very much indeed for their poetical merit but much more for the spirit of enthusiasm and kindness that breathes throughout towards a friendless and un-noted Bard'.

Unknown
Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      

  

Bernard Barton : 'To James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, author of The Queen's Wake. By A Gentleman of Suffolk'

'I think the stanzas greatly improved and they are in the press as an introduction to the second edition of the [italics] wake [end italics]. There was one term which I was thinking should have been altered as it rather struck me to be bordering on the extravagant I think it was [italics] heaven-born [end italics] which I thought should only have been [italics] gifted [end italics] or something to that effect but you may trust that to me I will think of it when the proof comes to my hand'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

 : Edinburgh Review

'The Edin. and the Scottish Reviews were both published yesterday. Neither Rokeby nor the Wake is in the former. Rokeby it is certain is never to be in, but it is still reported that the Wake is. It is reviewed at great length in this number of the Scottish. It is an excellent article and said to be written by the editor. He has placed my character as a poet in a much higher point of view than any has yet ventured to place it perhaps you may think that impossible after reading the following extract out of a London Monthly publication. After giving the analysis he says, the English writer I mean "This subject, so fertile of poetic beauty the most diversified and contrasted, yields an harvest fully adequate to all that could be expected from the advantages of the field. Greater ease and spirit, a sweeter, richer, more animated and easy flow of versification, more clearness of language, more beauty of imagery, more grandeur, fervor, pathos, and occassionally more vivid and aweful sublimity, can hardly be found". [this quotation continues for two pages, forming the greater part of this letter]

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Scotish Review

'The Edin. and the Scottish Reviews were both published yesterday. Neither Rokeby nor the Wake is in the former. Rokeby it is certain is never to be in, but it is still reported that the Wake is. It is reviewed at great length in this number of the Scottish. It is an excellent article and said to be written by the editor. He has placed my character as a poet in a much higher point of view than any has yet ventured to place it perhaps you may think that impossible after reading the following extract out of a London Monthly publication. After giving the analysis he says, the English writer I mean "This subject, so fertile of poetic beauty the most diversified and contrasted, yields an harvest fully adequate to all that could be expected from the advantages of the field. Greater ease and spirit, a sweeter, richer, more animated and easy flow of versification, more clearness of language, more beauty of imagery, more grandeur, fervor, pathos, and occassionally more vivid and aweful sublimity, can hardly be found". [this quotation continues for two pages, forming the greater part of this letter]

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Monthly Magazine

'The Edin. and the Scottish Reviews were both published yesterday. Neither Rokeby nor the Wake is in the former. Rokeby it is certain is never to be in, but it is still reported that the Wake is. It is reviewed at great length in this number of the Scottish. It is an excellent article and said to be written by the editor. He has placed my character as a poet in a much higher point of view than any has yet ventured to place it perhaps you may think that impossible after reading the following extract out of a London Monthly publication. After giving the analysis he says, the English writer I mean "This subject, so fertile of poetic beauty the most diversified and contrasted, yields an harvest fully adequate to all that could be expected from the advantages of the field. Greater ease and spirit, a sweeter, richer, more animated and easy flow of versification, more clearness of language, more beauty of imagery, more grandeur, fervor, pathos, and occassionally more vivid and aweful sublimity, can hardly be found". [this quotation continues for two pages, forming the greater part of this letter]

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Scotish Review [sic]

'In the last No of the Scottish Review there is a very long and exquisite review of the [italics] Wake [end italics]. It is a good article, said to be written by the editor of that work, who has placed my poetry in a point of view where none has hitherto ventured to place it'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

William Roscoe : [pre-publication comments on Hogg's 'The Hunting of Badlewe'

'I inclose you Roscoe's and Mr. Scott's letters of criticism but besides this Scott has written the margin from beginning to end and his hints are most rational - these letters will well make up to you what is unfilled up in my sheet. I send you likewise a volume of poems by a young friend of mine of very great poetical powers. I have been greatly instrumental in bringing them forward, and subscribed for ten copies and I beg you will accept of this as a small present to the neat collection upstairs which has erst been free to me'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: presumably in MS

  

Walter Scott : [pre-publication comments and marginal notes on Hogg's 'The Hunting of Badlewe'

'I inclose you Roscoe's and Mr. Scott's letters of criticism but besides this Scott has written the margin from beginning to end and his hints are most rational - these letters will well make up to you what is unfilled up in my sheet. I send you likewise a volume of poems by a young friend of mine of very great poetical powers. I have been greatly instrumental in bringing them forward, and subscribed for ten copies and I beg you will accept of this as a small present to the neat collection upstairs which has erst been free to me'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: presumably in MS

  

Walter Paterson : Legend of Iona, The

'I inclose you Roscoe's and Mr. Scott's letters of criticism but besides this Scott has written the margin from beginning to end and his hints are most rational - these letters will well make up to you what is unfilled up in my sheet. I send you likewise a volume of poems by a young friend of mine of very great poetical powers. I have been greatly instrumental in bringing them forward, and subscribed for ten copies and I beg you will accept of this as a small present to the neat collection upstairs which has erst been free to me'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

George Gordon, Lord Byron : [juvenile poems]

'if you have no [italics] odd things [end italics] lying about you which I daresay you do not lack there are many pieces among those you published in your youth which are I deem not much known and which I think extremely beautifull if you would deign to favour us with something of either the one class or the other you can hardly conceive how much it would oblige [italics] me [end italics] in particular and turn as it were every letter of our little repository into gold'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Unknown

  

J. H. Craig : Hunting of Badlewe, The

'By the by have you read my friend Mr Crag's [sic] "Hunting of Badlewe" published by Colburne. If you have not I wish you would and tell me punctually what you think of him, and the utmost that may be anticipated of him as a poet and dramatist'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

William Tenant : Anster Fair

'Pray have you seen a poem that was published last year entitled "Anster Fair" I am vexed that it has never been noticed for their [sic] is a strength of mind and a [TEAR] originality of conception manifested in it which I n[TEAR] before witnessed - it is anonymous but I understand it is written by a poor schoolmaster in Fife you must by all means see it'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

William Tenant : Anster Fair

'There are two poems that I desire you at all events to read the one entitled "Anster Fair" the most original production that ever this country gave birth to and another thing published lately by Colbourn London called "The Hunting of Badlewe". There is hard struggling here with some kind of very sublime and metaphysical productions called "Reviews" some of them will I fear prove [italics] Ephemeral [end italics] or very short lived. Mrs Grant's 1813 has excited little or no interest here and if some exertion is not made to save it in London it is lost, yet the second book in particular certainly contains something very good'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

J.H. Craig : Hunting of Badlewe, The

'There are two poems that I desire you at all events to read the one entitled "Anster Fair" the most original production that ever this country gave birth to and another thing published lately by Colbourn London called "The Hunting of Badlewe". There is hard struggling here with some kind of very sublime and metaphysical productions called "Reviews" some of them will I fear prove [italics] Ephemeral [end italics] or very short lived. Mrs Grant's 1813 has excited little or no interest here and if some exertion is not made to save it in London it is lost, yet the second book in particular certainly contains something very good'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Anne Grant : Eighteen Hundred and Thirteen: A Poem

'There are two poems that I desire you at all events to read the one entitled "Anster Fair" the most original production that ever this country gave birth to and another thing published lately by Colbourn London called "The Hunting of Badlewe". There is hard struggling here with some kind of very sublime and metaphysical productions called "Reviews" some of them will I fear prove [italics] Ephemeral [end italics] or very short lived. Mrs Grant's 1813 has excited little or no interest here and if some exertion is not made to save it in London it is lost, yet the second book in particular certainly contains something very good'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : [review in the Edinburgh Review of Southey's 'Carmen Triumphale for the Commencement of the Year 1814']

'The attact [sic] upon you in the last Edin. Review was too palpably malevolent to produce any bad effect on the public feeling with regard to you, and it was (besides being evidently the words of a [italics] hurt person [end italics]) a very shabby article'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : [review in the Scottish Review of JH Craig's The Hunting of Badlewe]

'Badliewe [sic] has not yet made great noise but has excited a deep interest in a limited sphere. It is reviewed in both our minor reviews in the one with a good deal of asperity but they allow the author to be posessed of some kind of unaccountable fund of poetical genius. In the "Scottish" published yesterday there is a long and able review of it - the writer is quite misled likewise with regard to the author too - He blames the plot but extols the poetry some of it even above all others - says that the author is no common man and though he has great faults which it becomes him to mention the author if he continue writing his own way cannot go far wrong'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Walter Scott : Waverley; or, 'Tis Sixty Years Since

'[Scott] denies "Waverly" [sic] which it behoves him to do for a while at least; indeed I do not think he will ever acknowledge it; but with regard to the author there is not and cannot be a doubt remaining - the internal evidence is of itself sufficient - it may be practical enough to imitate either your lordship or him for a few verses but that the same turn of thought characters and expression in a word that the whole structure of mind sholud so exactly coinincide in two distinct individuals is not in nature. - By the by this seems to have brought a curious fact to light. I heard Ballantyne with my own ears attest when Waverly went first to the press which is now a long while ago that it was by the author of "The Bridal of Triermain" who in all the surmises [italics] had never yet been named [end italics] What are we to think here my Lord? However I like Waverly exceedingly and never was more diverted than by some of the pictures there of Scottish manners and I am much pleased to hear you commend it'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book, Serial / periodical

  

Walter Scott : Bridal of Triermain, The

'[Scott] denies "Waverly" [sic] which it behoves him to do for a while at least; indeed I do not think he will ever acknowledge it; but with regard to the author there is not and cannot be a doubt remaining - the internal evidence is of itself sufficient - it may be practical enough to imitate either your lordship or him for a few verses but that the same turn of thought characters and expression in a word that the whole structure of mind sholud so exactly coinincide in two distinct individuals is not in nature. - By the by this seems to have brought a curious fact to light. I heard Ballantyne with my own ears attest when Waverly went first to the press which is now a long while ago that it was by the author of "The Bridal of Triermain" who in all the surmises [italics] had never yet been named [end italics] What are we to think here my Lord? However I like Waverly exceedingly and never was more diverted than by some of the pictures there of Scottish manners and I am much pleased to hear you commend it'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book, Serial / periodical

  

George Gordon, Lord Byron : Lara

'I have had such a pleasant morning perusing Lara to day that I cannot risist [sic] the impulse of writing to you and telling you so. The last Canto of it is much the best thing you ever wrote - there are many pictures in it which the heart of man can scarcely brook. It is besides more satisfactorily and better wind up [sic] than any of your former tales and the images rather more perceptible. You are constantly improving in this Your figures from the very first were strong without parallel but in every new touch of your pencil they are better and better relieved. In the first Canto there is haply too much painting of the same and too close on that so much dwelt on in the Corsair; Yet still as it excels the rest in harmony of numbers I am disposed to give it the preference to any of them. [Hogg then advises Byron not to attempt writing drama] I have been extremely puzzled to find out who Sir Ezzelin is sometimes I have judged him to be some sea captain at others Medora's uncle or parent from whom the Corsair had stole her but I have at last pleased myself by concluding that Lord Byron does not know himself - what a wretched poet Mr Rogers is. You are truly very hardly set for great original poets in England at present when such as he must be extolled. I could not help smiling at his Jacqueline'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

George Gordon, Lord Byron : Corsair, The

'I have had such a pleasant morning perusing Lara to day that I cannot risist [sic] the impulse of writing to you and telling you so. The last Canto of it is much the best thing you ever wrote - there are many pictures in it which the heart of man can scarcely brook. It is besides more satisfactorily and better wind up [sic] than any of your former tales and the images rather more perceptible. You are constantly improving in this Your figures from the very first were strong without parallel but in every new touch of your pencil they are better and better relieved. In the first Canto there is haply too much painting of the same and too close on that so much dwelt on in the Corsair; Yet still as it excels the rest in harmony of numbers I am disposed to give it the preference to any of them [Hogg then advises Byron not to attempt writing drama] I have been extremely puzzled to find out who Sir Ezzelin is sometimes I have judged him to be some sea captain at others Medora's uncle or parent from whom the Corsair had stole her but I have at last pleased myself by concludoing thatg Lord Byron does not know himself - what a wretched poet Mr Rogers is You are truly very hardly set for great original poets in England at present when such as he must be extolled. I could not help smiling at his Jacqueline'.'I have had such a pleasant morning perusing Lara to day that I cannot risist [sic] the impulse of writing to you and telling you so. The last Canto of it is much the best thing you ever wrote - there are many pictures in it which the heart of man can scarcely brook. It is besides more satisfactorily and better wind up [sic] than any of your former tales and the images rather more perceptible. You are constantly improving in this Your figures from the very first were strong without parallel but in every new touch of your pencil they are better and better relieved. In the first Canto there is haply too much painting of the same and too close on that so much dwelt on in the Corsair; Yet still as it excels the rest in harmony of numbers I am disposed to give it the preference to any of them. [Hogg then advises Byron not to attempt writing drama] I have been extremely puzzled to find out who Sir Ezzelin is sometimes I have judged him to be some sea captain at others Medora's uncle or parent from whom the Corsair had stole her but I have at last pleased myself by concluding that Lord Byron does not know himself - what a wretched poet Mr Rogers is. You are truly very hardly set for great original poets in England at present when such as he must be extolled. I could not help smiling at his Jacqueline'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Samuel Rogers : Jacqueline

'I have had such a pleasant morning perusing Lara to day that I cannot risist [sic] the impulse of writing to you and telling you so. The last Canto of it is much the best thing you ever wrote - there are many pictures in it which the heart of man can scarcely brook. It is besides more satisfactorily and better wind up [sic] than any of your former tales and the images rather more perceptible. You are constantly improving in this Your figures from the very first were strong without parallel but in every new touch of your pencil they are better and better relieved. In the first Canto there is haply too much painting of the same and too close on that so much dwelt on in the Corsair; Yet still as it excels the rest in harmony of numbers I am disposed to give it the preference to any of them. [Hogg then advises Byron not to attempt writing drama] I have been extremely puzzled to find out who Sir Ezzelin is sometimes I have judged him to be some sea captain at others Medora's uncle or parent from whom the Corsair had stole her but I have at last pleased myself by concluding that Lord Byron does not know himself - what a wretched poet Mr Rogers is. You are truly very hardly set for great original poets in England at present when such as he must be extolled. I could not help smiling at his Jacqueline'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Robert Southey : Roderick, The Last of the Goths

'Wilson who is one of the most noble fellows in existence swore terribly about the [italics] fishing [end italics] and challenges you fairly to a trial but after a serious perusal of "Wordsworth's excursion" together and no little laughter and some parodying he has with your assistance fairly confessed to me yesterday that he now holds the [italics]school [end italics] in utter contempt Wordsworth is really a fine intelligent man and one that must ever be respected but I fear the [italics] Kraken [end italics] has peppered him for this world - with its proportion of beauties (by the by they are but thin sown) it is the most heavy and the most absurd work that I ever perused without all exception - Southey's new work will be published in Novr. I have had the peculiar privilege of perusing it from end to end. It is much the best thing that was ever produced by the [italics] pond school [end italics] I assure you my lord it is and will raise Southey much in character as a poet The story moves a little heavily for some time but it is wild tragical and the circumstances in which the parties are placed extremely interesting'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Robert Southey : Roderick, The Last of the Goths

'Roderick is safe depend upon it I venture my judgement on it very publickly that it is the first epic poem of the age - its great merit consists in the extent and boldness of the plan its perfect consistency and the ease with which it is managed - in these respects you are so far above your cotemporaries [sic] as not to admit of a comparison - I should like above all things to review it in some respectable work'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Robert Southey : Roderick, The Last of the Goths

'Wordsworth and Southey have each published a new poem price of each /2:2. Southey's is a noble work the other is a very absurd one but has many most beautiful and affecting passages - Scott is in the press - the beginning is beautiful'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

William Wordsworth : Excursion, The

'Wordsworth and Southey have each published a new poem price of each /2:2. Southey's is a noble work the other is a very absurd one but has many most beautiful and affecting passages - Scott is in the press - the beginning is beautiful'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Walter Scott : Lord of the Isles, The

'Wordsworth and Southey have each published a new poem price of each /2:2. Southey's is a noble work the other is a very absurd one but has many most beautiful and affecting passages - Scott is in the press - the beginning is beautiful'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

Robert Southey : Roderick, The Last of the Goths

'I have read Roderick over and over again and am the more and more convinced that it is the noblest Epic poem of the age I have had some correspondence and a good deal of conversation with Mr Jeffery [sic] about it who though he does not agree with me in every particular. He says it is too long and wants [italics] elasticity [end italics] and will not he fears be generally read though much may be said in its favours' [Hogg was trying to get Jeffrey to allow him to review the poem]

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book, Hogg had also read the poem in MS

  

Francis Jeffrey : [review of The Excursion in The Edinburgh Review]

'I suppose you have heard what a crushing review [Jeffrey] has given [Wordsworth]. I still found him persisting in his first asseveration that it was heavy but what was my pleasure to find he had only got to the 17 division I assured him he had the marrow of the thing to come at as yet'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book, Serial / periodical

  

Walter Scott : Lord of the Isles, The

'I have read "Ronald" with great care and much pleasure I think it is the most [italics] spirited [end italics] poem Scott ever wrote - He has availed himself of his particular forte, a kind of easy elastick rapidity which never once flags from beginning to end. It is a pity that the tale should be again butched the two females are but a clog upon it, and no one natural occurrence connected with them takes place - I likewise expected some finer bursts of feeling with regard to Scottish independence - the coaxing apology to England is below any Scot to have uttered - But these are quite subordinate matters and can never materially affect the poem and I have not a doubt, tho' the public seem to be receiving it with select caution, that it will finally succeed to the author's highest anticipation - If it do not none of his ever deserved to do so which is enough for you and me'

Century:      Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Walter Scott : Lord of the Isles, The

'I confess I was pleased with ['The Lord of the Isles'] save the plot and augured good of it but I have heard very different breathings of late and some of these from headquarters but the Scots are chagrined at the fear he has shown of giving offence to the English in his description of the final battle and they maintain that he is himself the English bard who was taken captive there and [italics] compelled [end italics] to celebrate the Scotish [sic] victory If a right strong effort is not made to support Scott at this time, Like the snow on the mountain Like the foam on the river Like the bubbles on the fountain, He is gone! and for ever.'

Century:      Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : Quarterly Review

'A friend brought me in the last "Quarterly" which I looked at tho' but slightly as yet not being able. There are by far too little variety in it though I think some of the articles good - I have always been afraid your Review would lose all character of independance [sic] by the system of one friend reviewing another but I never before thought you would suffer a poet to review himself'.

Century:      Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Quarterly Review

'I was much pleased with your last Review upon the whole which was the only No. I ever read; it is a much more amusing Review than the Edin. and I should think more engaging to common readers'.

Century:      Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Edinburgh Review [review of Scott's 'Lord of the Isles']

'"The Lord of the isles" is in [the Edinburgh Review] and seems meant as a favourable review, in my opinion however it is [italics] scarce middling [end italics] as we Scots folks say'.

Century:      Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Quarterly Review

' I have got hold of the "Quarterly" but have not yet got far on with it. The review of Gibbon is certainly a first rate article as indeed I think all your principal articles are, but O I am grieved to see such an ignorant and absurd review of Mannering so contrary to the feelings of a whole nation for I certainly never saw high and low rich and poor so unanimous about any book as that [... Hogg berates the reviewer] Scott has been the most strenuous supporter of the character of your Miscellany as excellent, and there is an indelicacy in the the [sic] whole thing that cannot be thought of'.

Century:      Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Walter Scott : Guy Mannering

' I have got hold of the "Quarterly" but have not yet got far on with it. The review of Gibbon is certainly a first rate article as indeed I think all your principal articles are, but O I am grieved to see such an ignorant and absurd review of Mannering so contrary to the feelings of a whole nation for I certainly never saw high and low rich and poor so unanimous about any book as that [... Hogg berates the reviewer] Scott has been the most strenuous supporter of the character of your Miscellany as excellent, and there is an indelicacy in the the [sic] whole thing that cannot be thought of'.

Century:      Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

William Wordsworth : Poems by William Wordsworth, including Lyrical Ballads

'I hear nothing of the literary world very interesting except that people are commending some of Lord Byron's melodies as incomparably beautiful and laughing immoderately at Mr Wordsworth's new prefaces which certainly excel all that ever was written in this world in egotism vanity and absurdity'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

George Gordon, Lord Byron : Hebrew Melodies

'The "Melodies" bear a few striking marks of the master's hand but there are some of them feeble and I think they must be Lady B's. He is not equal to Moore for [italics] melodies [end italics].'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Thomas Moore : Irish Melodies

'The "Melodies" bear a few striking marks of the master's hand but there are some of them feeble and I think they must be Lady B's. He is not equal to Moore for [italics] melodies [end italics].'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

George Gordon, Lord Byron : 'Siege of Corinth, The'

'After an absence of 9 months in Yarrow I returned here the night before last when for the first time I found a copy of your two last poems kindly sent to me by Murray, the perusal of which have so much renewed my love and admiration of you as a poet that I can no longer resist the inclination of once more writing to you'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

George Gordon, Lord Byron : 'Parisina'

'After an absence of 9 months in Yarrow I returned here the night before last when for the first time I found a copy of your two last poems kindly sent to me by Murray, the perusal of which have so much renewed my love and admiration of you as a poet that I can no longer resist the inclination of once more writing to you'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

George Gordon, Lord Byron : 'Parisina' and 'The Siege of Corinth'

'I am highly dilighted [sic] with your two last little poems. They breathe a vein of poetry which you never once touched before and there is something in "The Siege of Corinth" at least which convinces me that you have loved my own stile of poetry better than you ever acknowledged to me. Some of the people here complain of the inadequacy of the tales to the poetry I am perfectly mad at them and Mr Jeffery [sic] among the rest for such an insinuation. I look upon them both as descriptive poems descriptive of some of the finest and boldest scenes of nature and of the most powerful emotions of the human heart. Perdition to the scanty discernment that would read such poems as they would do a novel for the sake of the plot to the disgrace of the age however be it spoken in the light romantic narrative which our mutual friend Scott has made popular this is the predominant ingredient expected and to a certainty the reviewers will harp upon the shortcoming of it in your poems as a fault'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

John Wilson : City of the Plague, The

'Wilson is publishing a poem entitled "The City of the Plague". It is in the dramatic form and a perfect anomaly in literature. Wilson is a man of great genius and fancy but he is intoxicated with Wordsworth and a perfect dreamer of moons ships seas and solitudes were it not for this antihydrophobia (forgive my mangling of that long Greek word) I do not know what he might not be capable of'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

George Gordon, Lord Byron : Childe Harold's Pilgrimage (canto III)

'I have had a great treat this morning in perusing L. Byron's 3d Canto - Considered as a continuation of Child-Harold [sic] it has some incongruities and perhaps too much egoism still it is a powerful and energetic work and superior to every long poem of my noble friend's - I have had only time to read two articles of the Review which I was in a great hurry to do because I knew the authors of both and was informed of their being in Giffords hand before they were put to press, but I hope all the other articles are better'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Unknown

  

 : Quarterly Review

'I have had a great treat this morning in perusing L. Byron's 3d Canto - Considered as a continuation of Child-Harold [sic] it has some incongruities and perhaps too much egoism still it is a powerful and energetic work and superior to every long poem of my noble friend's - I have had only time to read two articles of the Review which I was in a great hurry to do because I knew the authors of both and was informed of their being in Giffords hand before they were put to press, but I hope all the other articles are better'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical, Unknown

  

Gillies : [review of Hogg's 'Dramatic Tales']

'I have had a proof of a review of my dramas by Gillies - the analysis is good but the whole of the part that refers to me as the author I dislike but an author has no right to be either satisfied or dissatisfied with a review - it is kindly meant in honest G. and I think must be admitted'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

James Hogg : 'Translation from an Ancient Chaldee Manuscript'

'I have laughed at least as heartily at the continuation of "Daniel" as you did at the original the conceit is excellent indeed I see that mine was quite an imperfect thing without some description of the forces on the other side - the third chapter however is very faulty - the characters are made too plain and the language of scripture compleatly departed from. I have remedied that in proof in great measure but alas it is out of time! - As it is it will create great interest I am certain of its popularity as well as its being blamed. "Maggy Scott" is likewise a good fancy it has no faults but one the name should not have been "Dinmont" else he should have spoken [italics] Scotish [sic, end italics]'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

 : 'Letter to the Lord High Constable, from Mr Dinmont'

'I have laughed at least as heartily at the continuation of "Daniel" as you did at the original the conceit is excellent indeed I see that mine was quite an imperfect thing without some description of the forces on the other side - the third chapter however is very faulty - the characters are made too plain and the language of scripture compleatly departed from. I have remedied that in proof in great measure but alas it is out of time! - As it is it will create great interest I am certain of its popularity as well as its being blamed. "Maggy Scott" is likewise a good fancy it has no faults but one the name should not have been "Dinmont" else he should have spoken [italics] Scotish [sic, end italics]'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodicalManuscript: Unknown

  

 : Blackwood's Edinburgh magazine

'I cannot tell you how much I think of the Magazine it is so interesting and spirited throughout it is safe'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - anonymous poem and articles

'I am much pleased by your attention in sending me such [CUT] and confess my weakness that such [CUT] and Z. to Leigh Hunt are quite delicious pray may I ask if the Indian Officer is from the same pen of masterly humour as the article on Cookery? I wish Z. had left out the allusion to primrose and Mildmay altogether all the rest is in his best genuine stile The Shepherd's dog is also very well indeed Hoy was my uncle the anecdote is quite true'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

William Laidlaw : 'Sagacity of a Shepherd's Dog'

'I am much pleased by your attention in sending me such [CUT] and confess my weakness that such [CUT] and Z. to Leigh Hunt are quite delicious pray may I ask if the Indian Officer is from the same pen of masterly humour as the article on Cookery? I wish Z. had left out the allusion to primrose and Mildmay altogether all the rest is in his best genuine stile The Shepherd's dog is also very well indeed Hoy was my uncle the anecdote is quite true'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

John Aitken : Frogs, The: A Fable

'Some of my friends think that the introduction and moral of the "Frogs" are too highly wrought and polished for the simplicity of the fable; it is however a very ingenious little thing'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      

  

George Gordon, Lord Byron : Childe Harold's Pilgrimage (canto IV)

'I have got the fourth canto to day - It is a glorious morsel!'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, including the poetic 'Notices'

'There are some very able papers in the last Magazine as usual but I do not think the selection likely to add much to its popularity The Notices however are inimitable more finished but scarce so [italics] piquant [end italics] as the former ones'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine

'This last is not near so interesting as the former, there is too much of pompous fine writing in it at least attempts at it. Such papers as that declamatory one on the state of parties are not the kind of political papers that will stand the test. Besides how absurd is it to praise Madam [sic] de Stael and attack Playfair?!!'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine

'I have read the Review and no 23 of the Magazine and never did I read any works with so much interest Though quite different messes they are both exquisite in kind a feast of fat things. No previous number of the Review has been better; no one of the Magazine has been near so good: for some months past I felt as if I suspected a falling off, but this must give it a heeze again else originality of composition has lost its value'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Quarterly Review

'I have read the Review and no 23 of the Magazine and never did I read any works with so much interest Though quite different messes they are both exquisite in kind a feast of fat things. No previous number of the Review has been better; no one of the Magazine has been near so good: for some months past I felt as if I suspected a falling off, but this must give it a heeze again else originality of composition has lost its value'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine

'I find your Mag. a great favourite in Dumfriesshire especially with the ladies. Macculloch had been trying to stir up a party against it - It is little wonder With all the cleverness and carelessness of composition (which has generally I think a good grace) I cannot help feeling that the last two numbers are too egotistical which never has a good grace But perhaps this will not be generally felt if they have not that fault they have no other I am wearying terribly for this month's one.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

anon : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - anon. political article entitled 'The Warder'

'I love the Warder as much as I detest these radicals and the general harping spirit of the Whigs Pray is my dear friend Cunninghame the author of The Cameronians Surely he must it is so like him and so graphic'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Allan Cunningham : 'Recollections No. I. - The Cameronians' [in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]

'I love the Warder as much as I detest these radicals and the general harping spirit of the Whigs Pray is my dear friend Cunninghame the author of The Cameronians Surely he must it is so like him and so graphic'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Robert Surtees : History and Antiquities of the County Palatinate of Durham, The

'I received your splendid work the other day; and have placed it in my little library, having only looked over the plates, and some references from these; and read the general history, in which I have found many things that interested me in no ordinary degree.' [Later in the same letter, after recounting a local farmer's amazement at the size of the book, Hogg calls it 'your extraordinary work, in which the labour and research truly confounds me']

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Charles Howard : Historical Anecdotes of Some of the Howard Family

'The Howard book I had read, but had not a copy of it. I have the Sonnet to Sharpe, which I admired greatly for its simplicity, and truly antique style, long ere I knew who was the author'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : [unidentified sonnet]

'The Howard book I had read, but had not a copy of it. I have the Sonnet to Sharpe, which I admired greatly for its simplicity, and truly antique style, long ere I knew who was the author'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Charles Howard : Historical Anecdotes of Some of the Howard Family

'The Howard book I had read, but had not a copy of it. I have the Sonnet to Sharpe, which I admired greatly for its simplicity, and truly antique style, long ere I knew who was the author'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Thomas McCrie : Life of Andrew Melville, The

'Melville is a terribly dull book: I do not think it will take so well as Knox'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Thomas McCrie : Life of John Knox, The

'Melville is a terribly dull book: I do not think it will take so well as Knox'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Allan Cunningham : 'Recollections of Mark Macrabin the Cameronian'

'I like some things in the last Mag. very well but there is a grievious [sic] falling off in Cunningham's Cameronian The one is a drawing from life the other a composition and not at all in keeping'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

James Laidlaw : [Letter from America to his son]

'I inclose you a very curious letter from a cousin german of my own to his son who still remains in this country. It has given me so much amusement that I thought it might be acceptable to you for publication in the Magazine. If you think it proper to give it a corner, do not alter the orthography, or the writer's singular mode of grammar in any other way than by pointing it What he says with regard to the riches and freedoms of the United States must be taken with reserve, it being well known here that he is very dissatisfied, but that he wants the son to whom he is writing and others of his family to join him. This indeed is apparent from the tenor of the letter.' [there are several pages of explanation of the letter and its writer]

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Letter

  

Allan Cunningham : 'Recollections of Mark Macrabin, the Cameronian'

'When ever I saw your Cameronians I knew the hand but I do not like your last ideal picture half so well as the one you drew from life.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

John Wilson : [ review of 'Hogg's Tales, &c.']

'Send me word directly about Wilson's success. I cannot tell you how anxious I am about. I would not even wish him to know how anxious I am about as I look on it to be a desiderratum in his literary life. It is a most friendly review and will help the sale of the tales greatly but the Magazine on the whole is not a superior one. The first article is however [italics] very good [end italics]'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : [ essay on H.H. Milman's painting 'The Fall of Jerusalem']

'Send me word directly about Wilson's success. I cannot tell you how anxious I am about. I would not even wish him to know how anxious I am about as I look on it to be a desiderratum in his literary life. It is a most friendly review and will help the sale of the tales greatly but the Magazine on the whole is not a superior one. The first article is however [italics] very good [end italics]'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

John Gibson Lockhart : 'Testimonium, A Prize Poem by James Scott, Esq.'

'I have not got all the Mag. read but think it is an exceedingly good one. I only wish the term [italics] Galloway Stott [end italics] had been left out of Scott's prize poem It is exceedingly shrewd and clever. New York I do not understand The poetry of Cunningham is perfectly beautiful'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

John Gibson Lockhart : 'Dietrich Knickernocker's History of New York'

'I have not got all the Mag. read but think it is an exceedingly good one. I only wish the term [italics] Galloway Stott [end italics] had been left out of Scott's prize poem It is exceedingly shrewd and clever. New York I do not understand The poetry of Cunningham is perfectly beautiful'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Allan Cunningham : 'Cameronian Song'

'I have not got all the Mag. read but think it is an exceedingly good one. I only wish the term [italics] Galloway Stott [end italics] had been left out of Scott's prize poem It is exceedingly shrewd and clever. New York I do not understand The poetry of Cunningham is perfectly beautiful'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Thomas Gillespie : [various pieces in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, September 1820]

'I do not rank this Maga very high but would like much to know who this new village poet is this juvenile Crab Coleridge's letter is great stuff but correspondence of the Pringles continues to be excellent'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Samuel Taylor Coleridge : 'Letter to Peter Morris, M.D. On the Sorts and Uses of Literary Praise'

'I do not rank this Maga very high but would like much to know who this new village poet is this juvenile Crab Coleridge's letter is great stuff but correspondence of the Pringles continues to be excellent'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

John Galt : 'The Ayrshire Legatees; Or, The Correspondenceof the Pringle Family. No IV'

'I do not rank this Maga very high but would like much to know who this new village poet is this juvenile Crab Coleridge's letter is great stuff but correspondence of the Pringles continues to be excellent'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

T. Brown : Art of reading and conversing on the works of the living poets of Great Britain

'I have had within these few days a curious MS. sent to me by an English gentleman a Dr T. Brown who intreats me to take a hand in editing it and I think it would take remarkably well both in schools and as a cabinet work. It is "The art of reading and conversing on the works of the living poets of Great Britain" with many most beautiful extracts [...] If close printed it would be 7/ and you might have it on your own terms. I go over it every word and will answer for the ingenuity of it but it is not really mine so cannot be in my name but I declare on honour it is a great deal more ingenious than I could have written it'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

John Galt : Annals of the Parish

'I have read the "Parish Register" with great attention. It is rather lifeless and wants character and point but I like it for its simplicity and extraordinary resemblance to truth in my estimation the first properties that any work of the same stamp can possess. It will not however sell extensively for the matter was much better calculated for a periodical work. If it had appeared piecemeal among other things it would have taken very well but as the old proverb runs "ower muckle o' ae' thing's gude for naething".'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : [traditional tales]

'I likewise received the Tales you sent me before from your friend in Edinburgh, and should have acknowledged them long ago; but a multiplicity of family and farming concerns have put literary correspondence out of my head [...] The Tales are all ingenious and bear evident marks of old tradition; but, unfortunately, I have finished my "Winter Evening Tales", and can make no use of them. In the mean time I am as much obliged to you as though I could, and if ever I think of making another collection I shall apply to you'.

Unknown
Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      

  

 : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine

'Have received the Mag. and like it exceedingly. The best for a good while'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

David Laing : [review of new edition of 'the Mountain Bard' - Edinburgh Monthly Review]

'I hope you do not estimate my mind by Davie Laing's canting and insolent review or by your friend Goldie's lies [Hogg then complains at Boyd's unwillingness to publish "The Three Perils of Man"] I neither could have expected such an insolent nor such an ignorant review from D. Laing.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : [MS volume of Jacbite material]

'I received the Mag. with the inclosures last night; a great store of amusement The former I have not got time to read but I see there are some excellent articles in it as well as true comic ones. I like "Mediocrity". The Jacobite relics are doubtless very curious but they are totally English. They appear to me to be all the work of one man and I think them Tom D'Urfys I know they are; and I think that perhaps they are in his hand writing'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

 : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine

'I received the Mag. with the inclosures last night; a great store of amusement The former I have not got time to read but I see there are some excellent articles in it as well as true comic ones. I like "Mediocrity". The Jacobite relics are doubtless very curious but they are totally English. They appear to me to be all the work of one man and I think them Tom D'Urfys I know they are; and I think that perhaps they are in his hand writing'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : [attack on Hogg's 'Memoir' in the new edition of 'The Mountain Bard' -Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]

'Well sir you have now put the crown on all the injurious abuse that I have suffered from you for these three years and a half, and that in despite of your word of honour which no miserable pretext can justify. If I have ever done ought either to you or your correspondents to deserve this it was unintentional. For my own part I would have regarded this wanton attack as I did all the rest of the ribaldry and mockery that has been so liberally vomited forth on me from your shop but there are other feelings now besides my own that I am bound to respect, and on these the blows that you inflict wound deeper and smart with more poignancy' [Hogg is referring to his wife]

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

William Clerk : 'True, but Stupid History of Tom MacFribble, The'

'The article which I inclose "The History of Tom M. Fribble" is not mine. It is written by a Mr William Clerk a teacher here who copies a good many things for me therefore the allowance for it (if published) must be mentioned by itself. It is a very ingenious allegorical tale but ill wound up at the close'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

John Wilson : Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life

'I think very highly of both the books you have sent me but far most highly of Lights and Shadows in which there is a great deal of very powerful effect purity of sentiment and fine writing but with very little of real nature as it exists in the walks of Scottish life The feelings and language of the author are those of Romance Still it is a fine and beautiful work.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

John Galt : Provost

'I think very highly of both the books you have sent me but far most highly of Lights and Shadows in which there is a great deal of very powerful effect purity of sentiment and fine writing but with very little of real nature as it exists in the walks of Scottish life The feelings and language of the author are those of Romance Still it is a fine and beautiful work.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

David Laing : [review in 'Edinburgh Monthly Review' of Hogg's 'The Mountain Bard'

'I cannot think one thing and say another to a friend or indeed to any man and it was owing to a review written by you in the Edin. Quarterly of The Mountain Bard that hindered me to call as I was wont. I thought that article illiberal from a friend and wrong view taken of the Memoir but I am so used to these rubs that I have learned the virtue of forgiveness a good deal; and hereby promise and swear that now when I have told you what I felt that article shall never be mentioned nor thought of more between the writer and me, [italics] whoever he may be [end italics].'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

John Wilson : [various items in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]

'I am indeed highly delighted with the magazine as I well may for in all my life I never saw a more original miscellany. I think the letter from THE GOTH the shrewdest and cleverest thing I ever saw but every thing is a gem though they are all of different waters. The Stott is rather too bad. It was hardly worth while tearing the guts out of the thing in such a turgid butcherlike stile. Believe me there will be some kick up about it. The critique on the [italics] jubilee [end italics] is a real good natured thing one would have thought it hardly possble to have made as much out of a trifle'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

John Wilson : Trials of Margaret Lyndsay, The

'I am delighted more than I can tell you with Margt Lindsay. It is a charming work pure, elegant, and perfect; all save two or three trivial misnomers regarding the character of Scottish peasantry [Hogg then compliments the author] The part that I like a thousand times best is what no other seems to regard namely the whole of Daniel Craig's character and its renovation. There is a charm in that which few will have the good taste to discover But it is nature; at least far closer on genuine nature than aught the author ever touched on. I dare say it was merely by accident but it shows what he can do'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

John Gibson Lockhart : Reginald Dalton

'I have read Reginald with great care and with great interest. It is a masterly work upon the whole, particularly in stile grouping and plot. In these its excellencies lie, and they are of a high class. But it strikes me that so masterly an architect might have made a far more imposing fabric on the whole. Its faults are these. A damned affectation of inserting short classical and French quotations without end and without measure which to common readers like me hurts the work materially - The work is too long for the materials two volumes would have been rather so - The plot is an excellent plot. I have seen nothing better concieved in the present age, and every thing bears upon it turning on it as a hinge. The author has prodigious merit in the conception of the plot, and therefore it is the greater pity that there is some manifest defects in the conducting of it. The final event is far too soon seen. From the moment that the Vicar tells the story of his sister-in-law's seduction it is palpable. I saw it perfectly, and my chief interest afterwards was incited by my anxiety to see how the author was going to bring it about. This is Sir W. Scott's plan, but it is not to be made a precedent of. In fact it will not do with any body but himself to let the events be seen perfectly through. However he could not have conceived such a true dramatic plot, all so perfecty in bearing; that he could not; but he could have made more of the characters and incidents; a great deal more. There is a fascination in the stile and in the abstract ideas that often delights me. The hand of a master is apparent there; and after all I think the sole failure is in the conducting of the plot, which you may depend on it will hurt the popularity of a grand work. There was great scope for pathos in it- there is not an item - several scenes of powerful impression seem just approaching - they pass over without taking due effect; and besides, the leaving out of the Christian name in the will was a misnomer unlikely enough for so much to hinge upon [Hogg critiques some further aspects of the plot].

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine; 'Noctes Ambrosianae. no. IX'

'This last is indeed a [italics] redeeming Number [end italics] even if the fallings off had been greater Nothing like it has I think appeared'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

James Hook : Percy Mallory

'Piercy Mallory is an extraordinary work. In character it is inimitable not in original design but in amazing strength of colouring. In nature and interest it is defective but I cannot tell you the half I would say about it in this line. The Maga. is excellent. no dross. But I think I am still most delighted with old Tim of them all. He is uniformly the first I read and Wrestliana is the very thing for me.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

William Maginn : 'Letters of Timothy Tickler Esq. to Eminent Literary Characters. No XII. To Christopher North, Esq.' in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine

'Piercy Mallory is an extraordinary work. In character it is inimitable not in original design but in amazing strength of colouring. In nature and interest it is defective but I cannot tell you the half I would say about it in this line. The Maga. is excellent. no dross. But I think I am still most delighted with old Tim of them all. He is uniformly the first I read and Wrestliana is the very thing for me.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

John Wilson : 'Wrestliana', in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine

'Piercy Mallory is an extraordinary work. In character it is inimitable not in original design but in amazing strength of colouring. In nature and interest it is defective but I cannot tell you the half I would say about it in this line. The Maga. is excellent. no dross. But I think I am still most delighted with old Tim of them all. He is uniformly the first I read and Wrestliana is the very thing for me.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Eliza Logan : St Johnstoun; or, John, Earl of Gowrie

'I would like well to know who is the author of ST JOHNSTON. It is rather better than ordinary. Pray does any of you know who is the editor of "The Northern Whig"? It comes hither from Belfast. Can it be Gray?'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : Northern Whig, The

'I would like well to know who is the author of ST JOHNSTON. It is rather better than ordinary. Pray does any of you know who is the editor of "The Northern Whig"? It comes hither from Belfast. Can it be Gray?'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Newspaper

  

Susan Edmonstone Ferrier : Marriage

'I should like much to address a song ode or sonnet to the authoress of Marriage &c and if I do it shall be to her as the sister of David Wilkie. Never was there such a painter as she is (if a she it be of which I have strong doubts) Sir W Scott's portraits are sometimes more strongly defined but they are not more unique and rarely or never so humourous [sic]. He can paint an individual well the hero of the story But can he paint a group like the family of the Fairbairns? No I defy him or any [italics] man [end italics] alive save David Wilkie as for [italics] women [end italics] there's no saying what [italics] they [end italics] can do when men and children are the objects. In short if the author of MARRIAGE and THE INHERITANCE be a woman I am in love with her and I authorise you to tell her so.' [the letter has a postscript: 'You have sent the two [italics] first [end italics] vols of The Inheritance and I want the [italics] third [end italics] I return one']

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Susan Edmonstone Ferrier : Inheritance, The

'I should like much to address a song ode or sonnet to the authoress of Marriage &c and if I do it shall be to her as the sister of David Wilkie. Never was there such a painter as she is (if a she it be of which I have strong doubts) Sir W Scott's portraits are sometimes more strongly defined but they are not more unique and rarely or never so humourous [sic]. He can paint an individual well the hero of the story But can he paint a group like the family of the fairbairns? No I defy him or any [italics] man [end italics] alive save David Wilkie as for [italics] women [end italics] there's no saying what [italics] they [end italics] can do when men and children are the objects. In short if the author of MARRIAGE and THE INHERITANCE be a woman I am in love with her and I authorise you to tell her so.' [the letter has a postscript: 'You have sent the two [italics] first [end italics] vols of The Inheritance and I want the [italics] third [end italics] I return one']

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : [articles concerning Hogg's poem 'Queen Hynde' in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]

'I have looked over the articles Hogg v. Campbell and Noctes and am not only not angry but highly satisfied and pleased with both. I had forgot to mention to you that I was afraid terrified for high praise in Maga because our connection considered it would have been taken for puffing a thing of all things that I detest and one I think has ought but a good effect a bitter good humoured thing like this was just what I wanted'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine

'I did not think very highly of last Maga This appears more spirited the former part of the NOCTES is very good my part abominable'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 :  [article on 'Agriculture' in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]

'It is amazing how many clever things are written about the embarrassments of the country there has one appeared in Blackwood and another in the weekly journal which I cannot but admire'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Walter Scott :  [letters in ] Edinburgh Weekly Journal

'It is amazing how many clever things are written about the embarrassments of the country there has one appeared in Blackwood and another in the weekly journal which I cannot but admire'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

John Wilson :  'Hints for the Holidays. No. III' [in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]

'I have only read the first article of Maga which is a glorious confusion a miscellany of itself the other long articles I dont like'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

R.P. Gillies : German Stories, selected from the works of Hoffmann, De la Motte-0Fouque, Pichler, Kruse, and others

'Of all the new works you have sent me I admire Gillies' stories by far the most. I have scarcely ever met with a work that pleased me better and was so truly congenial to my mind. The ease and simple elegance of the stile is exquisite. That work should certainly have a great circulation I have great faults with Mrs Johnston's work in which there is however great genius but the anachronisms are without end and the characters too much borrowed from Scott Beyond all the story is forced and confused beyond all measures. Our ladies were pleased with it beyond measure so it must have something very fascinating'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Christian Isobel Johnstone : Elizabeth de Bruce

'Of all the new works you have sent me I admire Gillies' stories by far the most. I have scarcely ever met with a work that pleased me better and was so truly congenial to my mind. The ease and simple elegance of the stile is exquisite. That work should certainly have a great circulation I have great faults with Mrs Johnston's work in which there is however great genius but the anachronisms are without end and the characters too much borrowed from Scott Beyond all the story is forced and confused beyond all measures. Our ladies were pleased with it beyond measure so it must have something very fascinating'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine

'I have recieved your's with the £5 inclosed and also the two Magas the last article of each only I have read and dread that you are too hard on Canning and his party'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Thomas Hamilton : Youth and Manhood of Cyril Thornton, The

'I have only got about half through Cyral Thornton as yet and cannot therefore be decided on its merits. But I suspect it to have one grievious fault that of introducing innumerable curous [sic] and original characters of whom you would like to be well acquainted and of whom you hear no more. I have no patience at all with this rambling and deesultory mode of running through a life, and if it do not turn out better embodied ultimately than it has done thus far I shall damn it as the work of a man of high accomplishments given to prosing and garrulity'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

More : 'Hymn to Hesperus'

'I have recieved Maga with the inclosures safe to night but have only as yet got her looked over. For one thing I percieve that Mr More's hymn to the Evening star is perfectly beautiful and I think the masterpiece of all he has yet written'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Thomas De Quincy : [articles in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]

'I hate these things of de Q-s in Maga'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

James Hogg : Shepherd's Calendar, The

'Robert has in several instances spoiled the effect of the tales at the close by winding them too abruptly up The Marvellous Doctor is quite ruined for though previously shortened one half to suit Maga that was no reason the other half should now have been withheld'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : 'Noctes Ambrosianae. No. XLII' [Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]

'I am exceedingly disgusted with the last beastly Noctes and as it is manifest that the old business of mockery and redicule [sic] is again beginning I have been earnestly advised by several of my best and dearest friends to let you hear from me in a way to which I have a great aversion'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Jacobite Minstrelsy, with notes Illustrative of the Text, and Containing Historical Details in Relation to the House of Stuart from 1640-1784

'There is a new work lately come to my hand "The Jacobite Minstrelsy of Scotland" which is the most bare-faced plagiarism that ever was attempted. It is by a Griffin & Co Glasgow Nearly one half of the songs are my own genuine copyright attained by myself at great trouble and expense'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Henry Scott Ridell : 'Ode to the Harp of Zion'

'I enclose you two poems one by Mr Riddell which I have copied and corrected a sublime and beautiful thing, its only fault being a small shade of redundancy of thought but that I cannot help. It gives great promise and I want to bring him in as my [italics]assistant [end italics] and [italics]successor [end italics]'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Thomas Pringle [ed.] : Friendship's Offering

'I have within these few minutes recieved Friendship's Offering. It is splendid and far outvies any of the foregoing numbers. I really anticipate good news of it this year.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

John Wilson : 'The Age - A Poem - in Eight Books' [Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine]

'Though Maga would have the better [sic] of something of mine it is nevertheless an excellent number. "The Age" is inimitable so is "The Currency"and indeed the whole is excellent save that our friend has rather overstrained the "wishing Gate"'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine

'I have not yet had time to read through the Twin Sisters but there is a certain stile apparent in the Fall of Nineveh &c which is always irrestible [sic] though not equal to "Stop Stop Snip" I would not wonder to see the sale of Maga extend to 50=000.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

Mr Brooks : [poem]

'I have received the foregoing little poem from a townsman of your's which I think so good I transmit it to you for insertion in the Juvenile Keepsake and hope you will oblige me by giving it a place'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Sheet

  

 : ['Literary Gossip' articles in Newcastle Magazine]

'In as far as regards Maga I consider Lockhart blameless so many others having represented me in a far more ludicrous light witness the long Noctes's in the Newcastle Magazine. Bobby Chambers' paper, and the Lit. Jour. &c &c'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Quarterly Review

'In as far as regards Maga I consider Lockhart blameless so many others having represented me in a far more ludicrous light witness the long Noctes's in the Newcastle Magazine. Bobby Chambers' paper, and the Lit. Jour. &c &c'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : [possibly] the 'Edinburgh Advertiser'

'In as far as regards Maga I consider Lockhart blameless so many others having represented me in a far more ludicrous light witness the long Noctes's in the Newcastle Magazine. Bobby Chambers' paper, and the Lit. Jour. &c &c'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Newspaper

  

Caroline Bowles Southey : 'La petite Madelaine'

'The twin Magas are excellent with the exception of "La petite Madelaine" which to me is quite despicable! To slight your old friend for such feminine frible-frable! Wilson [TEAR] poem is most splendid but I have never been able to get straight through it nor I don't think any man ever will'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Newspaper

  

John Wilson : 'Unimore. A Dream of the Highlands'

'The twin Magas are excellent with the exception of "La petite Madelaine" which to me is quite despicable! To slight your old friend for such feminine frible-frable! Wilson [TEAR] poem is most splendid but I have never been able to get straight through it nor I don't think any man ever will'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Newspaper

  

Robert Southey : [possibly] 'A true Ballad of St Antidius, the Pope, and the Devil'

'I send you two pieces which were sent me for the proposed Poetic Mirror long ago and which are not in print to my knowledge. Southey's is one of his very best'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

 : Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine

'I have recieved Maga to night and looked it over but think very poorly of it You need not send any more of them as I would not be at the pains to cut them up for the sake of their endless repetitions of political dogmas'.

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Quarterly Review

'Who the devil was it who wrote the last article of the Quarterly? He is a lad of some spirit and I must have a half mutchkin with him.'

Century: 1800-1849     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Serial / periodical

  

 : Shorter Catechism

'The schoolhouse, however, being almost at our door, I had attended it for a short time, and had the honour of standing at the head of a juvenile class, who read the Shorter Catechism and the Proverbs of Solomon'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : Bible

'Next year my parents took me home during the winter quarter, and put me to school with a lad named Ker, who was teaching the children of a neighbouring farmer. Here I advanced so far as to get into the class who read in the Bible'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : Bible [Psalms]

'All this while [between the ages of 7 and 15] I neither read nor wrote; nor had I access to any book save the Bible. I was greatly taken with our version of the Psalms of David, learned the most of them by heart, and have a great partiality for them unto this day'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Allan Ramsay : Gentle Shepherd: A Pastoral Comedy

'It was while serving here [Willenslee at the farm of Mr Laidlaw] , in the eighteenth year of my age, that I first got a perusal of "The Life and Adventures of Sir William Wallace", and "The Gentle Shepherd"; and though immoderately fond of them, yet (which you will think remarkable in one who hath since dabbled so much in verse) I could not help regretting deeply that they were not in prose, that every body might have understood them; or, I thought if they had been in the same kind of metre with the Psalms, I could have borne with them. The truth is, I made exceedingly slow progress in reading them. The little reading that I had learned I had nearly lost, and the Scottish dialect quite confounded me; so that, before I got to the end of a line, I had commonly lost the rhyme of the preceding one; and if I came to a triplet, a thing of which I had no conception, I commonly read to the foot of the page without perceiving that I had lost the rhyme altogether. I thought the author had been straitened for rhymes, and had just made a part of it do as well as he could without them. Thus, after I got through both works, I found myself much in the same predicament with the man of Eskdalemuir, who had borrowed Bailey's Dictionary from his neighbour. On returning it, the lender asked him what he thought of it. "I dinna ken man", replied he: "I have read it all through, but canna say that I understand it; it is the most confused book that ever I saw in my life!".'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Henry the Minstrel : Life and Adventures of Sir William Wallace

'It was while serving here [Willenslee at the farm of Mr Laidlaw] , in the eighteenth year of my age, that I first got a perusal of "The Life and Adventures of Sir William Wallace", and "The Gentle Shepherd"; and though immoderately fond of them, yet (which you will think remarkable in one who hath since dabbled so much in verse) I could not help regretting deeply that they were not in prose, that every body might have understood them; or, I thought if they had been in the same kind of metre with the Psalms, I could have borne with them. The truth is, I made exceedingly slow progress in reading them. The little reading that I had learned I had nearly lost, and the Scottish dialect quite confounded me; so that, before I got to the end of a line, I had commonly lost the rhyme of the preceding one; and if I came to a triplet, a thing of which I had no conception, I commonly read to the foot of the page without perceiving that I had lost the rhyme altogether. I thought the author had been straitened for rhymes, and had just made a part of it do as well as he could without them. Thus, after I got through both works, I found myself much in the same predicament with the man of Eskdalemuir, who had borrowed Bailey's Dictionary from his neighbour. On returning it, the lender asked him what he thought of it. "I dinna ken man", replied he: "I have read it all through, but canna say that I understand it; it is the most confused book that ever I saw in my life!".'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : Bible [Proverbs]

'The schoolhouse, however, being almost at our door, I had attended it for a short time, and had the honour of standing at the head of a juvenile class, who read the Shorter Catechism and the Proverbs of Solomon'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : [newspapers]

'The late Mrs Laidlaw of Willenslee took some notice of me, and frequently gave me books to read while tending the ewes; these were chiefly theological. The only one, that I remember any thing of, is "Bishop Burnet's Theory of the Conflagration of the Earth". Happy it was for me that I did not understand it! for the little of it that I did understand had nearly overturned my brain altogether. All the day I was pondering on the grand millennium, and the reign of the saints; and all the night dreaming of new heavens and a new earth - the stars in horror, and the world in flames! Mrs Laidlaw also gave me sometimes the newspapers, which I pored on with great earnestness - beginning at the date, and reading straight on, through advertisements of houses and lands, balm of Gilead, and every thing; and, after all, was often no wiser than when I began'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Newspaper

  

 : [theological books]

'The late Mrs Laidlaw of Willenslee took some notice of me, and frequently gave me books to read while tending the ewes; these were chiefly theological. The only one, that I remember any thing of, is "Bishop Burnet's Theory of the Conflagration of the Earth". Happy it was for me that I did not understand it! for the little of it that I did understand had nearly overturned my brain altogether. All the day I was pondering on the grand millennium, and the reign of the saints; and all the night dreaming of new heavens and a new earth - the stars in horror, and the world in flames! Mrs Laidlaw also gave me sometimes the newspapers, which I pored on with great earnestness - beginning at the date, and reading straight on, through advertisements of houses and lands, balm of Gilead, and every thing; and, after all, was often no wiser than when I began'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Thomas Burnet : Sacred Theory of the Earth

'The late Mrs Laidlaw of Willenslee took some notice of me, and frequently gave me books to read while tending the ewes; these were chiefly theological. The only one, that I remember any thing of, is "Bishop Burnet's Theory of the Conflagration of the Earth". Happy it was for me that I did not understand it! for the little of it that I did understand had nearly overturned my brain altogether. All the day I was pondering on the grand millennium, and the reign of the saints; and all the night dreaming of new heavens and a new earth - the stars in horror, and the world in flames! Mrs Laidlaw also gave me sometimes the newspapers, which I pored on with great earnestness - beginning at the date, and reading straight on, through advertisements of houses and lands, balm of Gilead, and every thing; and, after all, was often no wiser than when I began'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : unknown

'Mr Laidlaw having a number of valuable books, which were all open to my perusal, I about this time began to read with considerable attention; - and no sooner did I begin to read so as to understand, than, rather prematurely, I began to write.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

William Hogg : 'Urania's Tour'

'[regarding a poetry contest with his brother William, himself and another, Hogg says of William's poem] it was far superior to either of the other two in the sublimity of the ideas; but, besides being in bad measure, it was often bombastical. The title of it was "Urania's Tour"'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

James Hogg : [a pamphlet of poems]

'[on receiving the first printed copies of his poems] no sooner did the first copy come to hand, than my eyes were open to the folly of my conduct; for, on comparing it with the MS. which I had at home, I found many of the stanzas omitted, others misplaced, and typographical errors abounding in every place'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      

  

James Hogg : 'The Queen's Wake'

'I was very anxious to read it ['The Queen's Wake'] to some person of taste; but no one would either read it, or listen to my reading it, save Grieve, who assured me it would do. As I lived at Deanhaugh then, I invited Mr and Mrs Gray to drink tea, and to read a part of it with me before offering it for publication, Unluckily, however, before I had read half a page, Mrs Gray objected to a word, which Grieve approved of and defended, and some high disputes arose; other authors were appealed to, and notwithstanding my giving several very broad hints, I could not procure a hearing for another line of my new poem. Indeed, I was sorely disappointed, and told my friends so on going away; on which another day was appointed, and I took my manuscript to Buccleugh Place. Mr Gray had not got through the third page when he was told that an itinerant bard had entered the lobby, and was repeating his poetry to the boarders. Mr Gray went out and joined them, leaving me alone with a young lady, to read, or not, as we liked'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

John Wilson : Isle of Palms, and Other Poems

'On the appearance of Mr Wilson's "Isle of Palms", I was so greatly taken with many of his fanciful and visionary scenes, descriptive of bliss and woe, that it had a tendency to divest me occasionally of all worldly feelings. I reviewed this poem, as well as many others, in a Scottish Review then going on in Edinburgh'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : 

'[on a visit to his publisher, Constable] I read the backs of some books on his shelves, then spoke of my poem; but he would not deign to lift his eyes, or regard me'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Walter Scott : Old Mortality

'I suffered unjustly in the eyes of the world with regard to that tale ['The Brownie of Bodsbeck'], which was looked on as an imitation of the tale of "Old Mortality", and a counterpart to that; whereas it was written long ere the tale of "Old Mortality" was heard of, and I well remember my chagrin on finding the ground, which I thought clear, pre-occupied before I could appear publicly on it, and that by such a redoubted champion.'

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

William Wordsworth : [poems]

'I admired many of his [Wordsworth's] pieces exceedingly, though I had not then seen his ponderous "Excursion"'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Unknown

  

William Wordsworth : [poems]

'There is nothing in nature that you may not get a quotation out of Wordsworth to suit, and a quotation too that breathes the very soul of poetry. There are only three books in the world that are worth the opening in search of mottos and quotations, and all of them are alike rich. These are, the Old Testament, Shakspeare, and the poetical works of Wordsworth, and, strange to say, the "Excursion" abounds most in them'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

William Wordsworth : Excursion, The

'There is nothing in nature that you may not get a quotation out of Wordsworth to suit, and a quotation too that breathes the very soul of poetry. There are only three books in the world that are worth the opening in search of mottos and quotations, and all of them are alike rich. These are, the Old Testament, Shakspeare, and the poetical works of Wordsworth, and, strange to say, the "Excursion" abounds most in them'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

William Shakespeare : 

'There is nothing in nature that you may not get a quotation out of Wordsworth to suit, and a quotation too that breathes the very soul of poetry. There are only three books in the world that are worth the opening in search of mottos and quotations, and all of them are alike rich. These are, the Old Testament, Shakspeare, and the poetical works of Wordsworth, and, strange to say, the "Excursion" abounds most in them'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

 : Old Testament

'There is nothing in nature that you may not get a quotation out of Wordsworth to suit, and a quotation too that breathes the very soul of poetry. There are only three books in the world that are worth the opening in search of mottos and quotations, and all of them are alike rich. These are, the Old Testament, Shakspeare, and the poetical works of Wordsworth, and, strange to say, the "Excursion" abounds most in them'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

  

Allan Cunningham : 

'Young as he [Allan Cunnigham] was, I had heard of his name, although slightly, and, I think, seen one or two of his juvenile pieces. Of an elder brother of his, Thomas Mouncey, I had, previous to that, conceived a very high idea, and I always marvel how he could possibly put his poetical vein under lock and key, as he did all at once; for he certainly then bade fair to be the first of Scottish bards'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Unknown

  

Thomas Mouncey : 

'Young as he [Allan Cunningham] was, I had heard of his name, although slightly, and, I think, seen one or two of his juvenile pieces. Of an elder brother of his, Thomas Mouncey, I had, previous to that, conceived a very high idea, and I always marvel how he could possibly put his poetical vein under lock and key, as he did all at once; for he certainly then bade fair to be the first of Scottish bards'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Unknown

  

Allan Cunningham : [imitations of Ossian]

'I was astonished at the luxuriousness of his [Allan Cunningham's] fancy. it was boundless; but it was the luxury of a rich garden overrun with rampant weeds. he was likewise then a great mannerist in expression, and no man could mistake his verses for those of any other man. I remember seeing some imitations of Ossian by him, which I thought exceedingly good; and it struck me that that style of composition was peculiarly fitted for his vast and fervent imagination. When Cromek's "Nithsdale and Galloway Relics" came to my hand, I at once discerned the strains of my friend, and I cannot describe with what sensations of delight I first heard Mr Morrison read the "Mermaid of Galloway", while at every verse I kept naming the author'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Manuscript: Unknown

  

R.H. Cromek : Remains Of Nithsdale And Galloway Song

'I was astonished at the luxuriousness of his [Allan Cunningham's] fancy. it was boundless; but it was the luxury of a rich garden overrun with rampant weeds. he was likewise then a great mannerist in expression, and no man could mistake his verses for those of any other man. I remember seeing some imitations of Ossian by him, which I thought exceedingly good; and it struck me that that style of composition was peculiarly fitted for his vast and fervent imagination. When Cromek's "Nithsdale and Galloway Relics" came to my hand, I at once discerned the strains of my friend, and I cannot describe with what sensations of delight I first heard Mr Morrison read the "Mermaid of Galloway", while at every verse I kept naming the author'.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: James Hogg      Print: Book

 

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