papers, which are the production of Mr. George Brewer, were first published in the European Magazine, and entitled " Essays after the manner of Goldsmith." They were reprinted, with numerous additions, under the present title, in 1806, forming a duodecimo volume, and including thirty-four essays, and five sketches, termed Characteristics.

The lucubrations of Mr. Brewer are written with much vivacity, and abound in the delineation of character and the description of incident. His attempts at wit are not unfrequently flippant and trite; but the general tendency of his book may be pronounced useful.

79. THE INSPECTOR. The first number of this paper, written under the assumed appellation of Simon Peep, Esq. was published in June, 1807 Not having been able to procure a copy, I cannot, of course, say any thing either of its merits or demerits; but, I believe, it soon ceased to exist.

80. THE DIRECTOR. A weekly literary journal which was commenced in the year 1807, and has now reached two volumes. Each number is divided into four parts; the first containing Essays on the legitimate periodical plan, illus

trative of literature, arts, and manners; the second is entitled Bibliographiana; the third is employed on the Royal Institution and its Lectures; and the fourth is descriptive of the British Gallery of Pictures.

The Director modestly observes, that he considers himself "as a mere guide-post to direct the course of others to moral and intellectual excellence ;" and we must do him the justice to declare that he has brought forward a work of merit. The Essays, our object in introducing the work into this catalogue, convey, in a neat and perspicuous style, no small share of pleasing matter.

81. THE RUMINATOR. For this highly interesting series of moral and sentimental essays, we are indebted to Samuel Egerton Brydges, Esq.* the editor of Censura Literaria, in which miscellany, for February, 1807, the first number of the Ruminator appeared, and has since been continued monthly.

To the man of letters, to the liberal and generous-minded critic, to the genuine poet, and the enlightened antiquary, the Ruminations of our author will be truly acceptable. They breathe a lofty tone of feeling, a noble enthusiasm in behalf of literature and genius; and though, occa* Now Sir Samuel Egerton Brydges.

sionally, too indignantly querulous, they impress the reader with a high, and, I am confident, a just, opinion of the talents and virtues of their author. Very sorry am I to perceive, that the next number of the Censura Literaria will put a final period to the labours of the Ruminator, who, with the best wishes of every disciple of the Muses, has reached his seventy-second paper. I must add, that I am acquainted with no essays which display a more exquisite taste, and excite a higher relish for the productions of genius, than many of the numbers of the Ruminator.

82. THE REASONER. The first number of this paper was published in January, 1808; and in November of the same year, the lucubrations of the Reasoner attained the dignity of a volume. They form a work of some merit; but which, in general, does not rise much above mediocrity.

83. THE MODERATOR. It is only from the first two numbers of the Moderator that I am enabled to judge of its tendency and merits: these have the dates of March 15th, and March 18th, 1809, and are merely introductory; detailing an account of a Disputation on Politics, in a coffee-house, near Whitehall.

Political Moderation, an attempt to subdue

the acrimony and effervescence of party zeal, and to support the characters of public men in the eyes of the people, appear to be the objects of this production; which, as far as I can form an opinion, from the few pages before me, is written with elegance and candour.*

84. THE SPY. In the title-page these essays are announced to be written "in the Manner of the Spectator," and that they "will be chiefly directed to the Exposure of Folly; the Satirising of Absurdity; the Detection of Duplicity; and the Chastisement of Villany; by holding them up to universal Contempt and Execration. Polemics and Politics are equally excluded."

I have seen but six numbers of the Spy; the first dated April 4th, 1808; and the sixth, May 9th, 1808. It is, perhaps, premature to form an estimate of talent from so imperfect a specimen; but, I apprehend, at present it may be said, that the execution is not adequate to the intentions of the writer.

* A few periodical papers, the objects of which were too confined and professional for general readers, I have designedly omitted; such as the Templar of 1796, the Medical Spectator, &c. &c.

PART V.

ESSAY.

CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE WORK. TABLE

OF PERIODICAL

PAPERS, FROM THE YEAR

1709, TO THE YEAR 1809; BEING THE COMPLETION OF A CENTURY FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE TATLER.

IT has been my endeavour, that, in conformity

to the motto of this concluding volume, the entire work should possess 66 one harmonious whole;" such a relation and mutual connexion between its various parts, as might be productive of an uniform and well-compacted result.

With this object steadily in view, have the different portions of these Essays been constructed; so as, I trust, to afford a clear, and distinctly arranged, retrospect of Periodical Literature for the last hundred years.

To the due execution of the plan, which was intended to blend Biography, Criticism, and Historical Enquiry, it became necessary, amid pro