Text: Various, “Opinions of the Press,” Southern Literary Messenger (Richmond, VA), vol. I, no. 11, July 1835, covers

[back cover, outside:]

CRITICAL NOTICES.

Literary Messenger. — The following high praise is bestowed on the Messenger, by that man in America from whom such praise is most valuable — James K. Paulding, to our notion, is worth a regiment of Irvings and Coopers.

En passant — Mr. Paulding speaks only of the number before the last. We should like to see his judgment on an article in the last — the voyage to the Moon, by Edgar A. Poe. We see that extraordinary production ridiculed by some; but if the merits of a production may be estimated by the effect on the reader, we at least have never perused one which caused such a dizziness of sensation. There is a great deal of nonsense, trifling and bad taste before Hans Phaal quits the earth — but when he has blown up his creditors and mounted into the solitude of space, his speculations assume a true philosophical character, exhibit genius and invention, and if they shall ever be brought to the test of experiment, will, we are persuaded, be found wonderfully approximating to truth, and penetrative of the mysteries of creation. To our apprehension — uneducated, however, by the rules of art — there is much sublimity in his conceptions and his narrative. — Richmond Whig.

“NEW YORK, June 26th, 1835.

“Dear Sir: I cannot omit expressing my thanks to you for the great pleasure I have derived from the perusal of the last number of the Literary Messenger. It is completely realizing my conviction, that there is more than amply sufficient talent in Virginia to support a periodical of the first rank; and if it is not suffered to die of neglect, will most assuredly realize all my wishes and expectations. Indeed, the last number may justly challenge equality, at least, with any of its contemporaries, at home or abroad. Its articles are uniformly good, and some of them capital. The “Dissertation on the characteristic differences of the sexes,” &c. is an admirable essay, and “Lion-izing,” by Edgar A. Poe, one of the most happy traversities [[travesties]] of the coxcombical egotism of traveling scribblers I have ever seen. Other articles possess various shades of excellence, and all of them do credit to their authors. Your state may be justly proud of the Messenger. I foresee you will succeed in your honorable undertaking. Virginia now possesses a periodical in which the first talents of your state may try their strength, without any apprehension of derogating from their dignity. Allow me to congratulate you on your success, and to offer my best wishes for its increase. I am, dear sir, yours truly,

J. K. PAULDING.

To Mr. T. W. White, Richmond.”

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Southern Literary Messenger. — This periodical is assuming a high rank, and bids fair to throw some of our northern magazines into the shade. Its mechanical execution is, in every respect, equal to the best of theirs, and in literary matters we do not perceive that it is at all inferior. We have received the tenth number, and pronounce it excellent. We will endeavor to notice some of its principal articles. The Letters of a Sister are very spirited things, and evince no little talent [[missing]] and national oddities [[missing]] purity of style, [[missing]] Hans Phaal, a Tale, by Edgar A. Poe, is full of hairbreadth ‘scapes and stirring incidents, though not exactly by flood and field. It is an over long chapter in the annals of Ballooning — being no less than a true and authentic narration of a voyage made by Mynheer [column 2:] Phaal, from the city of Rotterdam to the Moon. The voyager did not return to mother earth, but remained in the satellite at the last dates. His bearer of despatches was an inhabitant of that far off region, who had politely consented to visit the authorities of Rotterdam, in that character. The thing to regret is, that there is no account appended touching the fate of the “quadrupeds,” which, by an accident while on the journey, “too soon return’d to earth.” We trust that Mr. PHAAL will not remain among the men in the moon, but will return ere long, and not forget to give an account of his “journey home.” It will doubtless be as interesting as VANDERDECKEN'S.

The poetry in the present number is generally good, but we cannot forbear citing the Daughter's Lullaby as superior — far superior to what we generally see in magazines. We notice also a portion of a Drama from the pen of a Baltimore writer already well known. It is worthy of all praise. In conclusion, we wish success to Mr. White's periodical. With somewhat more rigor in excluding trashy communications, it cannot fail to flourish. — Baltimore Patriot.

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Southern Literary Messenger. — The May No. excels its predecessors; and this is saying a great deal for its excellence. All the articles are original, and many of them diamonds of the first water.

“Dissertation on the characteristic differences between the sexes,” &c. is the most attractive essay. The subject is highly interesting, and the writer treats it in a manner corresponding with its importance. The “characteristic differences” are nicely analyzed and beautifully developed. The hidden springs of human action are opened to our view, and we see the waters of life meandering in conscious purity and quiet brilliance, or raging and foaming with all the dark impetuosity of passion The essay exhibits great research and charming originality. It is from the chaste, lucid, and powerful pen of Professor DEW, whose fine and commanding talents are too well known to need our poor commendation.

“Sketches of the History of Tripoli,” &c. These Sketches still continue very interesting. They are full of incident, and the style is chaste and flowing.

The Review of Frances Anne Butler's Journal, is more fair, candid and liberal than any of the northern criticisms we have seen. Its merits and errors are both exposed. The former receives the well merited approbation of the reviewer, and the latter meets with no more harshness than is compatible with a gentlemanly treatment of the fair authoress.

“Lion-izing, a Tale, by Edgar A. Poe.” This tale we give entire this morning. The talents of the author are fine and varied; passing from “grave to gay” with pleasing facility. His Lion-izing has all the humor, animation, and satire of Sterne's man from the promontory of Noses, and creates as much sensation in Fum-Fudge, as Riego's did in Strasburg. The reader will take hold of Mr. Thomas Smith's nose with much pleasure and satisfaction.

It is the publisher's intention to occasionally embellish the pages of the Messenger with handsome drawings and engravings, as soon as a reasonable enlargement of the subscriptions list will afford the means of doing so. Southern scenery will receive especial attention. This adornment will finish the dress of the Messenger, and we hope that a liberal and spirited patronage will quickly deck it out in full costume — Augusta (Geo.) Chronicle.

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It contains several stories of superior merit; that for instance, entitled Hans Phaal, is a capital burlesque upon the ballooning mania, which has recently driven a number of our good citizens beyond the confines of this nether world, to seek their fortunes in the unexplored aerial regions. The tale is a long one, but the sprightliness with which it is written, renders its length a recommendation. . . . — Baltimore Gazette.