This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter V. The beginning of the 19th century--the galaxy of poets then--anecdotes of Campbell--the lyrics of Eliza Cooke and Mackay. The most remarkable period in the history of Literature and Science, perhaps, ever known, is from the commencement of the 19th century to the present time. For though ...
Read More
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter V. The beginning of the 19th century--the galaxy of poets then--anecdotes of Campbell--the lyrics of Eliza Cooke and Mackay. The most remarkable period in the history of Literature and Science, perhaps, ever known, is from the commencement of the 19th century to the present time. For though the astonishing achievements of Science during this period have been such as to give us, ' in appearance, a strong utilitarian character; yet, it must be admitted, we think, that the progress of poetic literature has kept pace with our mechanical triumphs. The last half century is distinguished, like the Elizabethan era, for the long list of noble poets who adorned it; at the head of whom may be noticed Wordsworth, Coleridge, Southey, Byron, Keats, Shelley, Sir Walter Scott, and Campbell, who, in every diversified form, have enriched our literature with the brightest gems of Poesy. But where are now those refulgent stars that once excited our admiration and shed a blaze of glory over the poetic firmament? One by one they have disappeared from amongst us--one by one they have passed "that awful bourne none e'er repassed," and their disappearance has left a blank in the literary world that has not yet been supplied. The poems of these bards are undoubtedly of the highest order; but Wordsworth, Byron, Scott, and Campbell, in this galaxy of genius, can only be considered as lyrical writers. Many of Scott's songs are spirited compositions, which sustain their deserved popularity. The songs by Byron are few, but worthy of his genius. Those by Campbell do not comprise thirty in number, but they can scarcely be excelled for vigour and beauty. His martial songs are the most magnificent effusions in our language. They glow with heroic thoughts expressed...
Read Less
